Imagine yourself sitting at a Durango bar when the cowboys (and cowgirls) come ridin' into town.

If you enjoy all things cowboy and really getting into character, then The Cowboy Poet Gathering is the event for you. Durango has a strong legacy of rural ranching, and this is why cowboy purists travel to Durango from all over the world. Consider this your golden opportunity to experience life as it was once lived on the range.

The annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering, October 4 - 7, is a super fun event with an admirable mission...to preserve and perpetuate the traditions of working ranch people in the American West.

Trail rides, train excursions, harmonica lessons, and dances are just a few of the experiences awaiting you in downtown Durango. Cowboy-related courses and fine art receptions are held at galleries, hotels, theaters, and restaurants throughout the city of Durango.

Thursday

• cowboys give special performances in area schools and other venues

• western fine art and paintings on display at Durango Arts Center

• special showing of the documentary film “Wild Horse Wild Ride”

• Riding Sidesaddle” a photography show of women with their horses

• a performance by The Legendary Ian Tyson

• “Ridin' the Rails” Cowboy Theatre

Friday

• a premiere performance by The Legendary Ian Tyson at Durango Arts Center

• Poetry and Music Shows at The Henry Strater Theater

• a traditional Western Swing Dance with happy hour and great food

Saturday

• a Cowboy Parade through downtown Durango

• “West Word Ho” Poetry Writing Workshop in the lobby of The Rochester Hotel

• Western Heritage Tribute in the Diamond Belle Saloon of The Strater Hotel

• Pioneer History Tour including Greenmount Cemetery complete with re-enactments by The Victorian Aid Society of Durango

• afternoon western literature workshop in The Rochester Hotel

• “Learn to Play the Harmonica Instantly” course by Gary Allegretto at The Strater Hotel

• art reception and exhibit at Toh-Atin Gallery

• Poetry and Music Shows at The Henry Strater Theater

• a traditional Western Swing Dance with happy hour and great food

Sunday

Start planning now to book your lodging and let Durango become your own special home on the range.

Visitors tend to fall in love with this town and relocate here. Increasingly, Durango vacationers find themselves magically drawn to the southwestern Colorado rural ranching lifestyle of horseback riding and outdoor adventures. People with a western spirit attend The Cowboy Poetry Gathering, then immediately begin looking for real estate.

Even if you're not here during cowboy gathering time, consider booking the cultural heritage vacation package and adding a horseback riding trip. Treat yourself to a wonderful stay at a local dude or guest ranch.