A Western roundup of events where you can experience the Old West.
Gold Rush Days
Wickenburg, AZ, February 16-19: Mining heritage offers gold panning, a mucking and drilling contest, a parade and rodeo.
800-942-5242 • WickenburgChamber.com
ADOPTIONS
Wild Horse and Burro Adoptions
Lufkin, TX, February 9-11: Wild horses and burros from Western states offered for adoption to folks providing long-term care.
323-667-2000 • BLM.gov
ARIZONA STATEHOOD
Arizona Centennial Best Fest
Phoenix, AZ, February 11-14: The Arizona party of the century offers statehood displays, history from Marshall Trimble and ballads sung by Dolan Ellis.
866-275-5816 • AZ100Years.org
Arizona’s Statehood Day
Prescott, AZ, February 14: The opening of a time capsule at the Elks Opera House is among the territorial capital’s statehood day activities.
928-777-1100 • PrescottArizonaCentennial.org
Arizona Mosaic
Mesa, AZ, Starts February 19: The official state historical brass brand brings you music and stories of Arizona’s journey to statehood.
480-644-6500 • MesaArtsCenter.com
ART SHOWS & EXHIBITS
Masters of the American West
Los Angeles, CA, Starts February 4: Exhibits contemporary Western art, plus opening weekend chuckwagon lunch and awards.
323-667-2000 • TheAutry.org
Romance Maker
Fort Worth, TX, Starts February 11: Shares Old West cowboys and American Indians as depicted in over 100 watercolors by Charles Russell.
817-738-1933 • CarterMuseum.org
Fechin and Gaspard in the Southwest
Orange, TX, Starts February 18: A perspective of the Southwest in the art of Nicolai Fechin and Leon Gaspard, who emigrated from Russia.
409-886-2787 • StarkMuseum.org
Southwest Indian Art Fair
Tucson, AZ, February 18-19: Southwest Indian artists share their pottery, blankets, jewelry and more, plus native food, music and dances.
520-621-6302 • StateMuseum.Arizona.edu
Trappings of Texas
Apline, TX, February 24-25: Since 1986, nation’s second-oldest trappings show offers cowboy gear and Western art at Museum of the Big Bend.
432-837-8730 • SulRoss.edu/Museum
Marin Show: Art of the Americas
San Rafael, CA, February 24-26: Worldwide collectibles show, plus lectures on the settlement of North America and native peoples clothing.
310-822-9145 • MarinShow.com
COMPETITIONS
Oklahoma Horse Fair
Duncan, OK, February 10-12: Celebrate the 10th year with a ranch horse match, the Chisholm Trail Rodeo, trade show and horse clinics.
405-226-0630 • OKHorseFair.com
World Championship Hoop Dance Contest
Phoenix, AZ, February 11-12: Top American Indian and Canadian First Nations competitors perform for World Champion title and prizes.
602-252-8848 • Heard.org
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
Scottsdale, AZ, February 16-26: More than 2,000 horses compete and perform for $1 million in prizes, plus equine seminars and vendor market.
480-515-1500 • ScottsdaleShow.com
Don E. Erickson Memorial Chariot Races
Saratoga, WY, February 18-19: Bet on your favorite teams from Wyoming and Colorado as they race two-horse pulled chariots.
307-326-8855 • SaratogaChamber.info
Winter Range
Phoenix, AZ, February 20-26: SASS’s National Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting, plus Western stage acts and period costume contest.
623-465-8683 • WinterRange.com
TRADE SHOWS
Southwest Leatherworkers Trade Show
Wickenburg, AZ, February 9-11: Leather crafts, new and vintage tools, workshops for all ages and a reception at Rancho de los Caballeros.
715-362-5393 • LeatherCraftersJournal.com
MUSIC & POETRY
Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering
Sierra Vista, AZ, February 3-5: Cowboy poetry and music by Bill Barwick, Carole Jarvis, Daughters of the Purple Sage and more.
520-459-1205 • CowboyPoets.com
Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering
Ellensburg, WA, February 16-19: Cowboy music and poetry by Dave Stamey, Brenn Hill, Carin Mari and more.
888-925-2204 • EllensburgCowboyGathering.com
Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Alpine, TX, February 24-26: Poets include Don Hedgpeth, Gail Steiger, Rod Taylor, Mary Abbott, Washtub Jerry, Biscuits O’Bryan and more.
800-561-3712 • Cowboy-Poetry.org
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Romance on the Rails
Durango, CO, February 11: Strolling musicians sing love songs during your journey to Cascade Canyon on the 1881 railroad’s train.
888-872-4607 • DurangoTrain.com
Valentine’s Dinner Train
Rusk, TX, February 12: Open a bottle of wine during a three-course, candlelight dinner on the 1881 railroad’s dinner train.
888-987-2461 • TexasStateRR.com
WILD WEST FESTIVALS
Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival
Steamboat Springs, CO, February 8-12: Ski down Lincoln Avenue while being pulled by a horse for contests such as ring and box and ski joring.
970-879-0880 • Steamboat-Chamber.com
Saddle Up!
Pigeon Forge, TN, February 23-26: Western musicians share stories in a group performance, plus cowboy poetry and chuckwagon cook-offs.
800-251-9100 • MyPigeonForge.com
Buffalo Bill Birthday Bash
Golden, CO, February 27: Observe the Wild West showman’s birthday with costumed guides for Buffalo Bill Museum exhibits and birthday cake.
303-526-0744 • BuffaloBill.org