Western Events for February 2017

Western roundup of events where you can experience the Old West!

ADVENTURE

Shovel Race Championships
Angel Fire, NM, February 3-4: While contestants daringly race snow shovels down a ski run, onlookers can enjoy drinks along with live music.
800-633-7463 • AngelFireResort.com

Chihuahuan Desert Bike Fest
Terlingua, TX, February 16-18: Bike riders gather for trips throughout the Big Bend region to benefit the Big Bend Trails Alliance.
888-989-6900  • Bikefest.DesertSportsTX.com

Winter Photographer’s Train
Durango, CO, February 19: Passengers riding an authentic steam train can photograph the Animas Canyon and surrounding wilderness.
888-872-4607 • DurangoTrain.com

ART SHOWS

The Artistry of the Western Paperback
Oklahoma City, OK, Feb. 3-May 14: See dynamic paperback covers for Western tales of cowboys, villains and duels published during the 1940s-50s.
405-478-2250 • NationalCowboyMuseum.org

Wigwam Festival of Fine Art
Litchfield Park, AZ, February 17-19: This art and entertainment show promotes award-winning Western and American Indian artists.
623-935-9040 • Litchfield-Park.org

Wild Spaces, Open Season: Hunting & Fishing in American Art
Omaha, NE, February 12- May 7: Visit this first major exhibit to explore American artists’ fascination with hunting, fishing and sporting life.
402-342-3300 • Joslyn.org

Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering
Ellensburg, WA, February 17-19: Celebrates traditional cowboy art, poetry and music, plus offers workshops on cowboy gear and art.
888-925-2204 • EllensburgCowboyGathering.com

Sierra County Gathering of Quilts
Truth or Consequnces, NM, February 24-25:
The colorful craft of quilting is showcased in works by quilters, vendors and local artists.
575-894-1968 • SierraCountyNewMexico.info

CULINARY FESTIVALS

Winter Wine Fest
Taos, NM, February 1-5: This on-mountain après ski party offers wines from nearly 50 wineries, plus seminars, tastings and dinners.
505-946-8506 • TaosWinterWineFest.com

Chocolate Fantasia
Silver City, NM, February 11: Explore the historic streets of Silver City while sampling gourmet chocolates at different stops around town.
MimbresArts.org

Just Deserts Eat & Ski
Red River, NM, February 25: Skiers indulge in homemade desserts and delicious concoctions placed out on a five-kilometer course.
575-754-6112 • RedRiver.org

HERITAGE FESTIVALS

Parada Del Sol Parade & Festival
Scottsdale, AZ, February 10-11: Experience Old West fun at the Hashknife Pony Express mail drop (10) and the parade and Trail’s End Festival (11).
480-990-3179 • ParadaDelSol.us

Historic Home Tour
Florence, AZ, February 11: Highlights the history and architecture of Florence homes that date back to Arizona’s territorial days.
520-868-7500 • FlorenceAZ.gov

Arizona Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace
Gold Canyon, AZ, Feb. 11- April 2: Old West time travelers take in medieval arts and crafts, jousting tournaments and an outdoor circus.
520-463-2600 • RoyalFaires.com

Charro Days
Brownsville, TX, February 23- March 5: Brownsville’s residents honor their heritage at the biggest celebration in the Rio Grande Valley.
956-542-4245 • CharroDaysFiesta.com

Deadwood Mardi Gras
Deadwood, SD, February 24-25: Celebrate Mardi Gras in the Wild West, with a weekend full of free parades, costume contests, parties and live music.
1-800-999-1876 • Deadwood.com

Buffalo Bill Birthday Bash
Denver, CO, February 25: Celebrate the Wild West showman’s birthday a day early, at this event featuring lively costumed performances.
303-534-9505 • Buckhorn.com

Free Buffalo Bill Birthday Party
Golden, CO, February 25: Celebrate Cody’s birthday with 19th-century reenactors and live bands at the Rock Rest Lodge & Restaurant.
303-975-1151 • MonarchProductions.info

Buffalo Soldier Heritage Day
San Angelo, TX, February 28: Join the
Fort Concho Buffalo Soldier Living History Unit as they honor the nation’s black troops.
325-657-4440 • FortConcho.com

HORSE SHOW

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
Scottsdale, AZ, February 16-26: About 2,000 horses compete for more than $1 million at this horse show that also features equine seminars.
480-515-1500 • ScottsdaleShow.com

MUSIC & POETRY

Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering
Sierra Vista, AZ, February 3-5: This celebration of Western heritage offers up poetry and music by featured artist Arvel Bird and others.
520-417-9776 • CowboyPoets.com

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Elko, NV, January 30- February 4: Poets and musicians recount stories, first-hand accounts and narratives passed down through the years.
888-880-5885 • WesternFolklife.org

RODEO

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
San Antonio, TX, February 9-26: Since 1950, cowboys from across the United States have come together to compete in this PRCA rodeo.
210-225-5851 • SARodeo.com

Gold Rush Days & Senior Pro Rodeo
Wickenburg, AZ, February 10-12: Honor Wickenburg’s mining and ranching origins at this pro rodeo featuring a carnival and concerts.
800-942-5242 • WickenburgChamber.com

Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic
Kearney, NE, February 18-26: Features ranch horse rodeo, competition, sale and draft horse team races.
308-627-6385 • Cattlemens.org

PBR Iron Cowboy & The American Rodeo
Arlington, TX, February 18-19: After a day of thrilling bull rides, the world’s richest one-day rodeo brings in the top 10 rodeo athletes to compete in seven events.
307-760-7099 • ATTStadium.com