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 2024 Cowboy Festival
November 2-3, 2024
Click here to view the preliminary 2024 program. Check back often as the program is frequently updated.
Support the Cowboy Festival
Be a Sponsor
Help support one of the area’s great traditions by becoming a sponsor of the Cowboy Festival (formerly known as the Roundup & Open House). Your sponsorship will be acknowledged in the Empire Ranch Foundation program, in our newsletter and on our web page.
Click here to view the 2024 Cowboy Festival sponsors.
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.
Be a Festival Volunteer
More than 200 volunteers are needed during the Cowboy Festival, for a minimum four-hour shift.