Date
Friday
Jan
24

January 24-29

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week

Saddle up for a week of cowboy culture and poetry at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering - it's an event you won't want to miss!

Yearly Date
January 24
Type
Week

Introduction

Saddle up and get ready for a week full of cowboy poetry, music, and art during National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week! This annual celebration, which takes place in late January/early February, has been around since 1985. It was started to honor the cowboy way of life and preserve the tradition of oral storytelling through poetry. Each year, cowboys and cowgirls from all over the country come together in Elko, Nevada to share their love for this unique form of expression. So grab your boots and hat, and join in on the festivities!

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week Timeline

1800s
Origins of Cowboy Poetry
Cowboy poetry origins trace back to the late 1800s during the Western American cattle drives, where cowboys would recite poems to entertain each other.
1925
Cowboy Poetry Published
John Lomax published Cowboy Songs and Other Frontier Ballads in 1925, one of the earliest collections of cowboy songs and poems.
1985
First National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
The Western Folklife Center held the first National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada.
2000
Recognition by Congress
Congress recognizes the art form of cowboy poetry, along with the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
2017
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week
Governor Brian Sandoval declared the last week in January as National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week in Nevada.

How to Celebrate National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week

1

Attend a cowboy poetry gathering

The best way to celebrate National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week is to actually attend one! Do some research and find a gathering near you, or plan a trip to one in a different state.

2

Host a cowboy poetry night

Invite friends and family over for a night of cowboy poetry. Encourage everyone to dress in their best western attire and take turns reciting their favorite cowboy poems or songs.

3

Read cowboy poetry with your kids

Introduce your children to the art of cowboy poetry by reading some together. You can also find kid-friendly cowboy poetry books and activities to make it even more fun.

4

Attend a western-themed event

Look for local events that have a western theme, such as a rodeo, country fair, or western music concert. These events often feature cowboy poetry as well.

5

Write your own cowboy poem

Get creative and try writing your own cowboy poem. It can be a fun and personal way to celebrate National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week.

Why We Love National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week

A

It celebrates a unique art form

The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is a celebration of the rich tradition of cowboy poetry, a unique form of storytelling that has been passed down through generations. It's a chance to appreciate and honor this important part of western culture.

B

It brings people together

The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is an event that draws in people from all walks of life - not just cowboys and ranchers, but also poets, musicians, and enthusiasts from all over the world. It's a great opportunity to connect with others who share a love for cowboy poetry.

C

It's a chance to learn about cowboy culture

Attending the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering not only allows you to enjoy amazing performances, but also gives you the chance to learn more about cowboy culture and its history. You can gain insight into the lives and traditions of cowboys and gain a deeper appreciation for their way of life.

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Jan 23
Monday
2024
Jan 23
Tuesday
2025
Jan 23
Thursday
2026
Jan 23
Friday
2027
Jan 23
Saturday