• Home
  • Calendar
  • About us
    • Our Western wordsmith officers
  • Penned by Lantern Light
    • PENNED BY LANTERN LIGht
    • Past Authors of Penned by Lantern Light
  • Poetry Contests
    • Contest at the convention
    • annual AWARD RECIPIENTS
    • AWARD CRITERIA
  • PERFORMERS
  • RECORDINGS
  • Youth
  • CONTACT us

Western Wordsmiths

  • Home
  • Calendar
  • About us
    • Our Western wordsmith officers
  • Penned by Lantern Light
    • PENNED BY LANTERN LIGht
    • Past Authors of Penned by Lantern Light
  • Poetry Contests
    • Contest at the convention
    • annual AWARD RECIPIENTS
    • AWARD CRITERIA
  • PERFORMERS
  • RECORDINGS
  • Youth
  • CONTACT us

Welcome to western wordsmiths!

A Chapter of the international western music association

WHAT THE HECK IS COWBOY POETRY?

Cowboy poetry is all about telling stories.  It all started around a campfire with the cowboys entertaining each other. They wove tales of the things they knew best - land, cattle, horses, friendship, interesting characters, hardship on the trail…  

Whether poignant or humorous, cowboy poetry tells the stories of Western lifestyle and cowboy culture. 

Today cowboy and cowgirl poets still share anecdotal poems around campfires, but also at public gatherings big and small.  Using ballad-like rhyme and meter with their verse, our poets share the spirit of the cowboy with stories from historic times to our modern way of life. 

Cowboy poetry is fun, inspiring and engaging. Anyone from youngsters to old timers can perform it, and audiences love it.  Check out the calendar of events below for Western Heritage and Cowboy Poetry events around the country.  

The world of “Western Wordsmiths” also includes authors, storytellers and songwriters.  AND It includes the fans, the folks who make up the audience.  We hope you will consider joining our group.  Just click the box below for more information.

we invite you to join us in the iwma western wordsmiths chapter!

LATEST NEWS:

  • Jeff Davidson wrote a fascinating article in Grass and Grain (an ag newsweekly for Kansas and southern Nebraska) about the origins of Memorial Day and the Power of the Poem.  It can be an inspiration to us all - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AxbERJjkg/
  • Congratulations to Micki Fuhrman! She was recently elected vice president of Western Writers of America. Her term begins at WWA'S convention (June) in St. Louis, Missouri. After serving for two years as VP, she will assume the office of president in 2028.
  • The 2nd regional contest of the 2026 Kansas Cowboy Poetry Contest will be June 6th at Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, with the State Championship coming up on July 24th at the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, KS.  https://cowboypoetrycontest.com/
  • Registration is open for the excellent Y Bar J Youth Western Music and Poetry Camps in Texas.  Go to https://ybarjcamp.com/ for more information.

eNJOY WESTERN HERITAGE & COWBOY POETRY EVENTS  AROUND THE COUNTRY!

Jun6

Kansas Cowboy Poetry - 2nd Regional Qualifying Contest

Saturday, June 6 @ 7:00PM — 9:00PM (CDT, UTC-05)Sat, Jun 6 @ 7:00PM — 9:00PM (CDT, UTC-05)

Cowboy Lodge, 234 Broadway Street , Cottonwood Falls, Kansas

Join us for an evening of Cowboy Poetry at the Cowboy Lodge in Cottonwood Falls, KS. Contestants from around the region are competing in the Humorous and Serious categories in hopes of making it to the state finals in Manhattan, KS on July 24th. Admission is free.

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Kansas Cowboy Poetry - 2nd Regional Qualifying Contest @ Cowboy Lodge on Jun 6, 7:00PM

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Jun14

Y Bar J Youth Western Music and Poetry Camp - #1

Sunday, June 14 — Friday, June 19Sun, Jun 14 — Fri, Jun 19

Burson Ranch near Channing TX, Channing, Texas

Y Bar J Youth Western Music and Poetry Camp | Connecting and empowering young music enthusiasts This camp offers youth aged 12-18 the opportunity to work on a variety of music, poetry and performance skills. They will learn from recognized professionals in the Western Entertainment industry. Students will work with vocal and instrumental instructors and receive teachings in poetry, songwriting, music theory and professionalism. The week culminates in a public concert featuring the young performers. Info and registration at https://Ybarjcamp.com .

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Y Bar J Youth Western Music and Poetry Camp - #1 @ Burson Ranch near Channing TX on Jun 14

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Jul12

Y Bar J Youth Western Music and Poetry Camp - #2

Sunday, July 12 — Thursday, July 16Sun, Jul 12 — Thu, Jul 16

Weatherford College, Weatherford, Texas

Y Bar J Youth Western Music and Poetry Camp | Connecting and empowering young music enthusiasts This camp offers youth aged 12-18 the opportunity to work on a variety of music, poetry and performance skills. They will learn from recognized professionals in the Western Entertainment industry. Students will work with vocal and instrumental instructors and receive teachings in poetry, songwriting, music theory and professionalism. The week culminates in a public concert featuring the young performers. Info and registration at https://Ybarjcamp.com .

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Y Bar J Youth Western Music and Poetry Camp - #2 @ Weatherford College on Jul 12

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Jul17

Cowboy Fest in the Pines

Friday, July 17 — Sunday, July 19Fri, Jul 17 — Sun, Jul 19

Northern Lights RV Resort, 14125 AB-652, Hamlin, Alberta Canada

This lively Wild West event is scheduled from July 17 to July 19, 2026, at the Northern Lights RV Resort. Enjoy an unforgettable weekend celebrating Western culture with live cowboy and classic country music, cowboy poetry, delicious food, and great company. There's something for everyone, with activities for all ages. Details at https://www.northernlightsrvresort.com/event-details-registration/cowboy-fest-2026

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Cowboy Fest in the Pines @ Northern Lights RV Resort on Jul 17

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Jul18

First Annual Four Corners Western Showcase

Saturday, July 18 @ 4:00PM — 8:00PM (MDT, UTC-06)Sat, Jul 18 @ 4:00PM — 8:00PM (MDT, UTC-06)

Mancos Brewing Company, 484 Hwy 160 E Frontage Rd, Mancos, Colorado

Featuring The Timberline Cowboys, Steve Jones, Lindy Simmons, Susie Knight, Lynne Lewis, Rick Randolph http://www.mancosbrewingcompany.com/

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First Annual Four Corners Western Showcase @ Mancos Brewing Company on Jul 18, 4:00PM

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Jul24

Kansas Cowboy Poetry Championship

Friday, July 24 @ 7:00PM — 9:00PM (CDT, UTC-05)Fri, Jul 24 @ 7:00PM — 9:00PM (CDT, UTC-05)

Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 South 3rd Street, Manhattan, Kansas

The night before the National Day of the Cowboy, the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, KS hosts the finals of the Kansas Cowboy Poetry Contest. Cowboy poets from around the region compete in the humorous and serious poetry categories. https://cowboypoetrycontest.com/

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Kansas Cowboy Poetry Championship @ Flint Hills Discovery Center on Jul 24, 7:00PM

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Aug6

Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Western Music Rendezvous

Thursday, August 6 — Sunday, August 9Thu, Aug 6 — Sun, Aug 9

Fergus High School, 1001 Casino Creek Drive, Lewistown, Montana

Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Western Music Rendezvous is a 4-day cultural festival, dedicated to celebrating and preserving the history, heritage and values of the cowboy lifestyle. Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Western Music Rendezvous is a 4-day cultural festival, dedicated to celebrating and preserving the history, heritage and values of the cowboy lifestyle. About 100 cowboy poets, western musicians, and artists, from all over the United States and Canada, convene to share their talents and perpetuate the traditions of the cowboy. This year Dave Stamey is the headline performer. Learn more at https://montanacowboypoetrygathering.com/

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Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Western Music Rendezvous @ Fergus High School on Aug 6

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Aug6

Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering

Thursday, August 6 — Saturday, August 8Thu, Aug 6 — Sat, Aug 8

Yavapai College, 1100 E. Sheldon Street, Prescott, Arizona

This gathering of more than 40 poets and singers each year has kept its focus on the working cowboy and livestock oriented element of our western social structure and folk history. It is respected by the cowboy poets as one of the best gatherings in the country because they have done so much to maintain the true “working cowboy” culture and heritage. Details at https://azcowboypoets.org/

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Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering @ Yavapai College on Aug 6

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Sep18

Lost N Lava Cowboy Gathering

Friday, September 18 — Saturday, September 19Fri, Sep 18 — Sat, Sep 19

Lincoln County Fairgrounds and Community Center, 201 S Beverly St, Shoshone, Idaho

The Lost N Lava Cowboy Gathering is an annual celebration of the ranching and rural West through poetry, music and stories. It's been called the down to earth festival , but it is also a darned good time! At Lost N Lava Cowboy Gathering, you can discover cowboy cultures from around the world, learn a traditional skill, dance the two-step, plan for the West's future with ranchers, meet new friends, listen to tall tales, dispel myths, build bridges and be inspired. Follow the latest details at https://www.facebook.com/LostNLava

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Lost N Lava Cowboy Gathering @ Lincoln County Fairgrounds and Community Center on Sep 18

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Sep26

Winnsboro Cowboy Music and Poetry Gathering

Saturday, September 26 — Sunday, September 27Sat, Sep 26 — Sun, Sep 27

Winnsboro Center for the Arts, 200 Market Street, Winnsboro, Texas

Experience Cowboy Culture on the Bowery in Downtown Winnsboro! A wonderful celebration of Western and Cowboy Culture features an exciting lineup of performers and fun activities. Details as they become available at https://winnsborocenterforthearts.com/cowboy_music_and_poetry_gathering/

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Winnsboro Cowboy Music and Poetry Gathering @ Winnsboro Center for the Arts on Sep 26

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Sep30

Durango Cowboy Gathering

Wednesday, September 30 — Sunday, October 4Wed, Sep 30 — Sun, Oct 4

Durango, CO

A five-day tribute to the Western way of life. Experience authentic cowboy culture in downtown Durango with award-winning poets and musicians, a grand parade (the largest non-motorized parade in the state), scenic train rides, and family-friendly events. Watch their Facebook Page for details as they become available - https://www.facebook.com/durangocowboygathering.org

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Durango Cowboy Gathering on Sep 30

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Oct16

Medicine Hat Cowboy Gathering

Friday, October 16 — Sunday, October 18Fri, Oct 16 — Sun, Oct 18

Medicine Hat, Alberta Canada

Music, poetry and more! Special guest this year is singer/songwriter, humorist and cartoonist Ben Crane. More details at https://mhcowboylife.com/

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Medicine Hat Cowboy Gathering on Oct 16

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Oct23

Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering

Friday, October 23 — Sunday, October 25Fri, Oct 23 — Sun, Oct 25

Fort Worth Stockyards, Fort Worth, Texas

Saddle up and step into authentic Western culture in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards—where the West begins! The Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering celebrates authentic Western heritage through ranching competitions, western music, cowboy poetry and traditional chuck wagon cuisine. True West Magazine has named this event "Best Cowboy Music Gathering".

https://www.redsteagallcowboygathering.com

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Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering @ Fort Worth Stockyards on Oct 23

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Nov6

Western Slope Cowboy Gathering

Friday, November 6 — Saturday, November 7Fri, Nov 6 — Sat, Nov 7

Grand Valley Event Center, 2400 Consistory Ct., Grand Junction, CO

The gathering celebrates its 11th year with a wide range of top local and national Cowboy Poets and Western Singers. The Gathering presents two days and nights of good family fun, featuring great cowboy entertainment. Details at https://westernslopecowboygathering.com/

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Western Slope Cowboy Gathering @ Grand Valley Event Center on Nov 6

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Nov11

International Western Music Association Annual Convention

Wednesday, November 11 — Sunday, November 15Wed, Nov 11 — Sun, Nov 15

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, 800 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico

What a great time! This is our annual celebration of western music and cowboy poetry. It is home of the Western Wordsmiths Cowboy Poetry Contest plus awards for Male and Female Cowboy Poets of the Year; Cowboy Poetry Book and CD of the Year. Find all the details at https://iwesternmusic.org/

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International Western Music Association Annual Convention @ Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town on Nov 11

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WESTERN WORDSMITHS IS A CHAPTER OF THE INTERNATIONAL WESTERN MUSIC ASSOCIATION.  LEARN MORE ABOUT IWMA AT https://www.iwesternmusic.org/

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