The Durango Cowboy Gathering is an exciting, fun-filled annual event with Evening Performances, Saturday Daytime Sessions, non-motorized Cowboy Parade, Chuckwagon Breakfast, and other Special Events.

Poets and musicians from throughout the country grace our stage, performing classic and contemporary poems and songs that will bring tears to your eyes and keep you in stitches.

Schedule :

September 28, 2023

ENJOY FOUR DAYS OF POETRY AND MUSIC, EXHIBITS, RECEPTIONS, TRAIL AND TRAIN RIDES, CHUCKWAGON BREAKFAST, AND COWBOY PARADE!

POETS IN THE COMMUNITY

Special performances in schools and other venues. Contact Karren Little at 970-382-8897 or Email

6:00pm : COWBOY THEATRE - “The Stagecoach Robbery” - Western Variety Show with a Twist

Doors open at 5:00pm

Wild Horse Saloon - 601 E. Second Avenue

$15 Open Seating.

It’s a play!  It’s a variety show!

Hosted by Lindy Simmons.

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6:00pm : An Evening with Dave Stamey

The Durango Cowboy Gathering is saddened to announce that Kristyn Harris is experiencing some voice concerns and has had to cancel all of her remaining performances in August and all of her performances in September. 

This includes her performance at the Durango Cowboy Gathering. Since Kristyn and Hailey were performing as a duo, Hailey Sandoz has also canceled her performance at our Gathering.

However, we are excited to announce that Dave Stamey has agreed to perform in Kristyn and Hailey’s absence.

You won't want to miss an evening with Dave Stamey

Two Premier Performances

Tickets $45 reserved / $30 general.

Durango's VFW Hall, 1550 Main Avenue

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8:30pm : An Evening with Dave Stamey

The Durango Cowboy Gathering is saddened to announce that Kristyn Harris is experiencing some voice concerns and has had to cancel all of her remaining performances in August and all of her performances in September. 

This includes her performance at the Durango Cowboy Gathering. Since Kristyn and Hailey were performing as a duo, Hailey Sandoz has also canceled her performance at our Gathering.

However, we are excited to announce that Dave Stamey has agreed to perform in Kristyn and Hailey’s absence.

You won't want to miss an evening with Dave Stamey

Two Premier Performances

Tickets $45 reserved / $30 general.

Durango's VFW Hall, 1550 Main Avenue

Buy Tickets

September 29, 2023

ENJOY FOUR DAYS OF POETRY AND MUSIC, EXHIBITS, RECEPTIONS, TRAIL AND TRAIN RIDES, CHUCKWAGON BREAKFAST, AND COWBOY PARADE!

POETS IN THE COMMUNITY

Special performances in schools and other venues. Contact Karren Little at 970-382-8897 or Email

8:15 am : DURANGO MUSIC AND POETRY TRAIN ON THE DURANGO SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD

The train leaves 8:15 am (be there early).

Arrive in Silverton just in time for lunch at one of the local restaurants or bring your own. 

The train arrives back in Durango at 5:40 pm, just in time for the Friday evening program at the VFW at 1550 N. Main Avenue.

Make your reservations by calling 970-247-2733.

10:00am : COWBOY POET TRAILRIDE

Offered by Bears Ranch, a beautiful two-hour trial ride through the San Juan Mountains.  There’s no better way to see Colorado than from the back of a horse. 

Enjoy some classic western music and poetry along with a delicious cowboy lunch.

Space is limited.

Call 970-884-4049 or visit bearsranch.com for reservations. (Advanced Reservations Encouraged)

5:00pm : SORREL SKY GALLERY "Cowboy Lineup Revealed"

828 Main Avenue

See the Durango Cowboy Gathering's new Cowboy Lineup image and meet the cowboys and cowgirls who are featured.

TWO EVENING PERFORMANCES OF COWBOY POETRY AND MUSIC

Durango VFW ~ 1550 Main Avenue

$45 (reserved) - $35 (general admission)

6:00pm : Evening Performance of Cowboy Poetry and Music

Caitlyn Taussig       

Andy Nelson

RJ Vandygriff

Host - BJ Smith

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8:00pm : Evening Performance of Cowboy Poetry and Music

Belinda Gail  

BJ Smith             

RW Hampton

Host  - Andy Nelson

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September 30, 2023

7:30 to 10:00am : COWBOY CHUCK WAGON BREAKFAST

Corner of 5th Street and Main Avenue in downtown Durango (across from the Train Depot)

Biscuits, gravy, scrambled eggs and lots of black coffee.

$12 for adults, tickets can be purchased at the Wagon! Kids 5 and under free.

Come early for breakfast and watch the Cowboy Parade!

10:25am : WILD WEST SHOOTOUT, BEFORE THE START OF THE PARADE!

10:25am in front of the the Main Mall on Main Avenue.  Cowboys reenact a real gun battle that occurred on Main Avenue in 1906.

10:30am : COWBOY PARADE

Colorado’s largest motorless parade begins at the train depot on Main Avenue.

Contact Pam Jacobs at 1-512-517-5619 or email for details about participating in the parade.

Visit the Parade page for more information

DAYTIME SESSIONS ~ FREE!

11:00 to 3:50pm : Cowboy Poetry and Music, Storytelling and Folklore

You will find musicians and poets at the Strater Hotel, Wild Horse Saloon, the Four Leaves Winery and strolling the streets.  Concurrent sessions change every hour in each location.

Visit our Performer Page for a complete listing.  In the Open Sessions, anyone can entertain.

To sign up, call Karren Little at 970-382-8897.

Daytime session schedule

11:30am : WESTERN HERITAGE TRIBUTE

The Strater Hotel's Mahogany Grill ~ 699 Main Avenue

Join us as we gather to celebrate parade Grand Marshals Ben & Linda Nighthorse Campbell. Hosted by Sue McWilliams. Lunch menu and cash bar, free entertainment.

1:30pm : COWBOY COMEDY REVIEW

Strater Hotel Pullman room ~ 699 Main Avenue

Adults $15. Children 12 and under FREE with an adult.

The hilarious BJ Smith will be joining invited performers to entertain you with stories to tickle your funny bone and set your toes to tapping.

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3:00pm : WHIP CRACKING, GUN TWIRLING, TRICK ROPING

Wild Horse Saloon~ 601 E. 2nd Avenue

$15 Admission

Kristen Lloyd, "Krazy Ani" Midway, Utah

Kristen is an engaging Western performer and speaker, as well as an award-winning singer/ songwriter and author/illustrator who has been delighting audiences as “Krazy Ani the Train Robber” since 2010 with her gun twirling, trick roping, and whip cracking prowess.

However, her greatest joy has been performing for elementary schools and helping kids “Find their Brave” through hands-on trick roping lessons and inspiring creative activities. You'll see Krazy Ani in our Cowboy Parade and at this special show on Saturday.

4:30 : TOH-ATIN GALLERY

Toh-atin Gallery ~ 145 W 9th Street

4:30 - 5:30pm: Invited poets and musicians will perform their interpretation of this year’s limited-edition print, "Whoa Little Cowboy". Hosted by Lindy Simmons

5:30 - 7:30pm: Reception with artist Laurie Lee. Autographed prints will be available for $30

TWO EVENING PERFORMANCES OF COWBOY POETRY AND MUSIC

Durango VFW ~ 1550 Main Avenue  

$45 (reserved), $35 (general admission)

6:00pm : Evening Performance of Cowboy Poetry and Music

Belinda Gail  

BJ Smith             

RW Hampton

Host  - Andy Nelson

Buy Tickets

8:00pm : Evening Performance of Cowboy Poetry and Music

Caitlyn Taussig       

Andy Nelson

RJ Vandygriff

Host - BJ Smith

Buy Tickets

October 1, 2023

10:00am : A COWBOY AND HIS CREATOR

Durago Cowboy Church ~ 1867 Hwy 172

Inspirational poetry and music featuring invited performers.  

Potluck Lunch - bring your favorite side dish to share; meat will be provided. 

Hosted by Sam Noble

Date : September 28, 2023 - October 1, 2023

Location : Various Location in Durango, CO

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