1–Aug. 31
Cody Night Rodeos
Cody, Wyo.
307-587-5155, website
For 76 years, Cody has rodeo’d every night. Yes. Every single night of the summer, rightfully gaining it the title of Rodeo Capitol of the World. Basically, if you find yourself in town between June 1 and August 31, look to the arena for a good time.
5–7
Red Earth Native American
Cultural Festival
Oklahoma City, Okla.
405-427-5228, website
As the largest and most respected Native American visual and performing arts festival in the world, Red Earth offers event-goers an opportunity to experience numerous American Indian cultures and traditions under one roof. Be sure to check out the world-class Deupree Cradleboard Collection in the Art Center.
Fort Sisseton Historical Festival
Lake City, S.D.
307-587-5155, website
This annual event is a frontier Rendezvous that attracts more than 15,000 visitors—quite the influx in rural South Dakota! For three days, cavalry and infantry units camp at the fort with their families and are joined by fur traders, fiddle players, dancers, and crafters, just like in the old days.
6–7
Brain Lebel’s Old West Show & Auction
Fort Worth, Texas
480-779-9378, website
Moving to the Will Rogers Memorial Center from Denver, this show features 200 dealers and vendors showcasing authentic Western merchandise, both antique and contemporary. The auction then offers 350 lots of Western arts and artifacts.
12–13
Prix de West
Oklahoma City, Okla.
405-478-2250, website
Beginning with two days of seminars on art-related topics and demonstrations, the exhibition and sale actually continue through Aug. 2. Featuring more than 300 pieces of the West’s finest sculptures and paintings that highlight landscape and wildlife, the Prix de West features phenomenal historical and contemporary works.
Lander Brew Fest
Lander, Wyo.
307-332-3892, website
Two days with more than 20 brewers and good music in beautiful Lander, Wyo. What’s not to love?
14–20
College National Finals Rodeo
Casper, Wyo.
509-529-4402, website
This is the “Rose Bowl” of rodeo for students competing in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s 11 districts. More than 400 cowboys and cowgirls make the cut to compete for the chance to be recognized as one of the best in college rodeo.
15–20
NRCHA Derby
Paso Robles, Calif.
940-488-1500, website
Four- and five-year-old horses compete in herd work, rein work, and cow work in nine different divisions from entry-level competitors to million-dollar riders in the Open. A preliminary competition narrows down the field for the clean-slate finals and be sure not to miss the $50,000 Holy Cow Performance Horse Bridle Spectacular.
19–20
Wild Bill Days
Deadwood, S.D.
800-344-8826, website
This one-of-a-kind event celebrates the Old West, but offers some wacky twists to your typical cowboy gathering. There are free concerts, gold panning demonstrations, and art auctions, but the zombie shootout and the DockDogs competitions make this a well-rounded get together.
18–27
Reno Rodeo
Reno, Nev.
775-329-3877, website
Billed as the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West,” more than 140,000 fans arrive in Reno each year for good, PRCA rodeo fun.
20
5th Annual Chris LeDoux Days
Kaycee, Wyo., website
Celebrate the legacy of rodeo champion Chris LeDoux with rodeo action, live music, and an all-around good time.
Chugwater Chili Cook-off
Chugwater, Wyo., website
Come celebrate the 30th annual Wyoming State championship chili cook-off with live music and fun for the whole family.
20–21
Plains Indian Museum Pow Wow
Cody, Wyo., website
Indian dancing, food, and crafts from the Indians of the region are featured at this event.
25–28
Cowboy Artists of America 50th Anniversary Reunion
Cartersville, Ga.
770-397-1300, website
This weekend will mark the CAA’s 50th anniversary, with the opening of three gallery exhibitions featuring past and present works from CAA members. Opportunities to get to know the artists abound with golf tournaments, book signings, lectures, and concerts.
25–July 5
Greeley Stampede
Greeley, Colo., website
Having been inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame just last year, it now goes without saying that the Greeley Independence Stampede ought to make the bucket list. Don’t miss the world-class rodeo events, art shows, nightly big-name music concerts, and more.
29–July 5
Prescott Frontier Days
Prescott, Ariz.
928-445-3103, website
Operating each Fourth of July weekend since 1888, the “World’s Oldest Rodeo” offers an adrenaline-packed good time. Also, not to miss are the parade, Cowboy Church, the art show, and the Rodeo Dance.
30–July 4
St. Paul Rodeo
St. Paul, Ore.
503-633-2011, website
The brainchild of a group of local farmers and businessmen, this rodeo has now been pleasing its fans for 80 years. An elite member of the Wrangler Million Dollar Tour, the event also offers don’t-miss events like their Trail Ride & Pancake Breakfast, as well as a BBQ Cook-off & Potato Salad Competition.
