National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
EventAbout
The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is an annual event celebrating cowboy culture through poetry, music, and other traditional arts. Held in Elko, Nevada, it was first organized in 1985 by the Western Folklife Center. The gathering provides a platform for Western ranchers and cowboys to share their experiences and stories through poetry and music, reflecting the diversity and richness of the American West. The event features six days of performances, workshops, and exhibits, including storytelling, dancing, and folk art displays. It has grown to include diverse themes and performances, such as honoring Black cowboys and Indigenous American ranching communities. The gathering offers a unique opportunity for participants to connect with the traditions of the rural West while embracing modern expressions of cowboy culture.
