June 1–Aug. 31
CODY NITE RODEOS
Cody, Wyo.
800-207-0744, www.codynightrodeo.com
Rodeo every single night, all summer long, in beautiful Cody, Wyoming? Yes, please! That’s right, 92 days of rodeo, rain or shine.
[EDITOR’S PICK]
5–7
RED EARTH NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Oklahoma City, Okla.
405-427-5228, www.redearth.org
Admire the work and skill of 1,200 American Indian artists and dancers at Red Earth, one of the largest and most respected visual and performing arts events of its type. Purchase native beadwork, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, paintings, and traditional attire.
“The concentration of Native American heritage in Oklahoma makes this event the place to see all the best the culture has to offer.”
—Bob
6–7
LANDER BREWFEST
Lander, Wyo.
800-433-0662, www.landerbrewfest.com
Even cowboys get the brews! Wet your whistle with Stouts, Pale Ales, Amber Ales, Browns, Wheats, and Lagers from breweries across the West.
6–8
FORT SISSETON HISTORICAL FESTIVAL
Lake City, S.D.
605-448-5474, www.gfp.sd.gov
From medicine shows and period dances to a military costume ball and historical reenactments, this festival brings the frontier to life! Make sure to visit the Rendezvous camp, where you can hear tall tales, watch displays of mountaineering skills, and barter for goods.
9–14
NRCHA DERBY
Paso Robles, Calif.
940-488-1500, www.nrcha.com
Talented 4- and 5-year-olds compete in herd work, rein work, and cow work in Paso Robles, Calif., the heart of reined cow horse country. A special highlight is the $50,000 added Holy Cow Performance Horses Bridle Spectacular.
13–14
WILD BILL DAYS
Deadwood, S.D.
800-999-1876, www.deadwood.com
Celebrate Wild Bill Hickock with an Old West auction, ghost stories, shooting competitions, and free concerts along Deadwood’s historic Main Street.
13–14
PRIX DE WEST
Oklahoma City, Okla.
405-478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org
More than 300 pieces—representing the work of the finest contemporary Western artists in the nation—are featured at this prestigious, invitational art exhibit. Works range from realistic depictions of the early West to more impressionistic interpretations of contemporary issues.
13-15
DAKOTA PLAINS DEADWOOD SHOW & AUCTION
Deadwood, S.D.
605-430-0889,
This auction features everything from collectible bits and spurs to saddles and firearms to gold coins and American Indian artifacts.
15–21
COLLEGE NATIONAL FINALS RODEO
Casper, Wyo.
509-529-4402, www.cnfr.com
Cheer on the cowboys and cowgirls from your alma mater, all competing for a national title at the “Rose Bowl of College Rodeo!”
19–28
RENO RODEO
Reno, Nev.
775-329-3877, www.renorodeo.com
In addition to the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West,” attendees can also enjoy the Red Neck Truck show, team penning and sorting events, a cowdog trial, and a cattle drive.
19–29
END OF TRAIL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING
Founders Ranch, N.M.
877-411-7277, www.sassnet.com
Step back in time at the nation’s oldest and largest Cowboy Action Shooting competition and Wild West festival, where authentically dressed marksmen show off their shooting skills and compete for world championships in Cowboy Action Shooting, Wild Bunch Action Shooting, and SASS Mounted Shooting.
21
SUMMER NAVAJO RUG AUCTION
Flagstaff, Ariz.
928-774-5213, www.musnaz.org
Colorful Navajo rugs are functional, beautiful, and a great investment. At the Summer Navajo Rug Auction, more than 200 vintage and contemporary weavings will be featured, with artists and experts on hand to answer questions.
June 26–July 6
GREELEY STAMPEDE
Greeley, Colo.
970-356-7787, www.greeleystampede.org
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a carnival, one of the largest Independence Day parades in the nation, a great rodeo, and amazing country music acts! While you’re in town, drop by Greeley Hat Works, one of the oldest hatters in Colorado.
27–29
BRIAN LEBEL’S OLD WEST SHOW AND AUCTION
Denver, Colo.
480-779-9378, www.codyoldwest.com
You can find just about any type of Old West memorabilia at Brian Lebel’s Old West Show and Auction. In 2011, the auction made headlines by selling the only known original photograph of Billy the Kid, and last year, an original Lone Ranger costume crossed the block. Don’t miss discovering what this year’s treasures will be!
June 30–July 6
PRESCOTT FRONTIER DAYS
Prescott, Ariz.
800-358-1888, www.worldsoldestrodeo.com
Folks have been going to the Prescott Rodeo—the world’s oldest—since 1888. With top athletes competing for big money, and thousands filling the streets for the Fourth of July Parade, it’s easy to see why.