[OCTOBER]
2–5
DURANGO COWBOY POETRY GATHERING
Durango, Colo.
970-749-2995, durangocowboygathering.org
A who’s who of cowboy poets and performers headline this celebration of the West. Make sure to catch the Cowboy Parade on Saturday at 10 a.m. on Main Street—it’s one of the largest non-motorized parades in the country.
3–26
ALL AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE CONGRESS
Columbus, Ohio
740-943-2346, oqha.com/aaqhc
Over 650,000 fans come to watch the world’s largest single-breed horse show, which receives more than 17,000 entries. With events ranging from reining to roping to versatility, along with a seven-acre trade show, Congress is a must-attend for all horse lovers.
10–12
LINCOLN COUNTY COWBOY SYMPOSIUM
Ruidoso, N.M.
575-378-4431, cowboysymposium.org
Fun for the entire family, the Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium features storytellers, historians, poets, musicians, Western dancing, craftsmen, and a kid’s rodeo. One of the event’s highlights is the World Championship Chuckwagon Competition, where cooks create mouth-watering fare for their chance to win prizes totaling $13,000
10–12
LONE PINE FILM FESTIVAL
Lone Pine, Calif.
760-876-9909, lonepinefilmfestival.org
Lone Pine—set against the Alabama Hills and the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains—has been the iconic backdrop for over 700 films, many of them Westerns. This festival celebrates the town’s cinematic heritage with classic film screenings, celebrity guests, movie set tours, a concert, a rodeo, and much more!
11–12
INDUSTRY HILLS PRO RODEO
City of Industry, Calif.
626-961-6892, industryhillsprorodeo.org
This PRCA-sanctioned charity rodeo has raised nearly $2 million for children in need in the San Gabriel Valley.
Oct. 11–Jan. 5
COWBOY CROSSINGS
Oklahoma City,Okla.
208-865-2006, nationalcowboymuseum.org
This year marks the 15th annual exhibition of the finest works produced by Traditional Cowboy Arts Association artists, and the third year the event has shared a gallery with the Cowboy Artists of America. Together, these organizations provide incredible insight—using leather, silver, bronze, oil, and rawhide—into the life of the American Cowboy.
[EDITOR’S PICK]
18–19
LLANO CHUCKWAGON COOK-OFF
Llano, Texas
325-247-5354, llanochuckwagoncookoff.com
Chuckwagon cooks use traditional methods from the 1800s to cook up delicious grub and compete for prizes in a number of categories, including meat, beans, potatoes, bread, dessert, and chuckwagon authenticity. The public meal is served at noon on Saturday.
“Chuckwagon cooking is my favorite and Texans do it best.” —Bob
Oct. 18–Jan.4
WESTERN TRAPPINGS ON THE LLANO
Llano, Texas
325-247-3026, westerntrappings.com
The 79 day event features the finest in original custom Western trappings and gear along with original Western art by internationally recognized wWestern crafters and artists. This family-friendly event is open to the public, and there is FREE.
22–26
PBR WORLD FINALS
Las Vegas, Nev.
719-242-2800, pbr.com
In a thrilling display of man versus beast, the top 35 bull riders in the world compete to be named the PBR World Champion and claim a $1 million bonus. In addition to five days of competition, there are also fan zones, autograph signings, after parties, the PBR Legends Reunion, and more.
24–26
RED STEAGALL COWBOY GATHERING
Fort Worth, Texas
888-269-8696, redsteagallcowboygathering.com
Gather in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards and celebrate authentic Texas ranching culture with a ranch rodeo, chuckwagon competition, cowboy poetry and music, a youth fiddle contest, Western dancing, the Ranch Cutting Horse Association Rodeo Finals, and (of course) performances by Red Steagall.
Oct. 29–Nov.2
HEBER VALLEY WESTERN MUSIC AND COWBOY POETRY GATHERING
Heber Valley, Utah
435-654-3666, hebervalleycowboypoetry.com/
Every fall, buckaroos from all over come together for Western entertainment, a Buckaroo fair, mountain man traders camp, dances, and horse events. The biggest names in Western cowboy entertainment perform over a four day period.
