The Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival, held in November, is the Foundation’s annual public event celebrating Arizona’s Western history and culture. Previously called the Roundup & Open House (2000-2017) the Festival also showcases Bureau of Land Management and Empire Ranch Foundation’s efforts to preserve the Empire Ranch for future generations. Each year more than 3,000 visitors come to the ranch to enjoy Western heritage demonstrations, arena and livestock exhibits, cowboy cooking and Western entertainment.
Plan to Join Us for the 2025 Cowboy Festival
November 1, 2025
Click here to view the 2025 preliminary program.
Join us for a Steak-Fry on Friday, October 31st from 4PM! Click here for more details and to purchase tickets.
Enjoy a 45-minute Trail Ride of Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. Click here to learn more and reserve your ride.
Support the Cowboy Festival
Donate Auction/Raffle Items
Auctions and Raffles are a significant part of the fun and help support this event. Do you have an item you’d like to donate to our auction/raffle? We’re looking for items that are western, for cowboys or cowgirls (or can be used by same), but all items from dinner to services are welcome – large and small! Don’t limit yourself to the obvious, please think outside the corral!
Here’s some ideas: authentic western apparel; artwork; tack and supplies; collectibles; gift certificates for hotel stays or golf play; restaurant gift certificates; instruments; weekend getaways; time spent with well-known artist; baskets filled with goodies; handcrafted items; books; children’s toys; vacation home for a week; professional services, tickets to an entertainment or sporting event; jewelry, edibles – the list goes on and on.
Click here to complete a donation form.
Be a Festival Volunteer
More than 200 volunteers are needed during the Cowboy Festival, for a minimum four-hour shift.
Click here to sign up to help