Between the Western Folklife Center, Northeastern Nevada Museum, and the Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum there is something exciting happening every day between Monday, May 6 and Saturday, May 11 in Elko, Nevada. Pick up an Elko Museums Passport from one of the sites for the kids, then have fun checking out each of our three Elko area museums to win a Passport prize!
Join the Facebook Event Page to stay current on the exciting things that are happening.,
May 6, Monday: At the Western Folklife Center, take in the amazing Portraits of the Gathering exhibition in the Wiegand Gallery, watch Why the Cowboy Sings in the Black Box Theater, plus find that special something in our Mother's Day Sale. 15% off all items except consignment in Gift Shop: jewelry; wallets & purses; soaps & lotions; pottery and fine art from note card size to wall hangings, watercolor to metal; books; music and more.
While in the Gift Shop, pick up a walking tour map for our Portraits of the Gathering storefront exhibition —featuring 24 cowboy poets who took the stage in the early years of the Cowboy Poetry Gathering—then use your cell phone to scan QR codes to a full audio experience.
Photographs by Kevin Martini-Fuller
May 7, Tuesday: 1:00 pm showing or 6:00 pm showing - In celebration of the historric completion of the Transcontinental Railroad and the sesquicentennial of Elko County, the Northeastern Nevada Museum is proud to present A Trilogy: Builders of the Iron Road, a film by Min Zhou, a journalist and filmmaker based in the San Francisco Bay area. The Trilogy explores how Chinese workers were integral in building the Central Pacific Railroad, and how their descendants are proud of their many sacrifices and accomplishments in spite of discrimination. Admission is free and the movie lasts about 1.5 hours.
Still photo from A Trilogy: Builders of the Iron Road, film by Min Zhou
May 8, Wednesday:
3:00–5:00 pm, Lay Down Your Brand on the sidewalk: time to do some 'branding' chalk art at the Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum!
Photo courtesy of Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum
6:00-8:00 pm, All musicians and music lovers are welcomed to Jam On! at the Western Folklife Center, playing a mix of old-time fiddle tunes, folk songs, country tunes, ballads and more: anyone can lead a song for the group or join in on tunes introduced by others. There's often room to dance and the bar is open. Facilitated by members of Southwind and other community musicians. Admission is free to this family-friendly monthly event.
May 9, Thursday: Let's Dance! and An American Forrest dance concert. This Western Folklife Center event begins at 6:30 pm with Let’s Dance! Our experienced dance teachers will lead a class in the basics of the Two-Step so everyone can join in on the dancing later in the evening. At 7:00 pm, the main doors will open, and at 7:30 pm An American Forrest will be in concert. Join us for Forrest Van Tuyl, Margo Cilker, Cooper Trail and Ben Walden at the Western Folklife Center. The Pioneer Saloon will open for business at 6:30 pm. Click for more information.
Photo courtesy of Forrest Van Tuyl
May 10, Friday: At 6:00-9:00 pm, it’s the annual Halleck Bar Party at the Northeastern Nevada Museum! Everyone is cordially invited to the most raucous and woolly wild west affair in Elko County. Dress as your favorite silent film bandit, outlaw, or villain. Good guys and gals welcome, too! The best costume wins the evening's grand prize. Enjoy music, libations, appetizers, paella, and a silent auction with the toast of the town. Click for admission and more.
May 11, Second Saturday in Elko
9:00 – 11:00 am at the Northeastern Nevada Museum, enjoy a story in the unique museum theater and then make a magnetic gift for mom in the Halleck Bar Gallery. All children and their families will be able to explore the museum after the activity.
10:00 am, the Western Folklife Center Gift Shop and Wiegand Galley opens.
From 4:00-7:00 pm, be sure to include the Western Folklife Center and the Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum in your Peace, Love & Wine Walk in downtown Elko. Produced by the Downtown Business Association: be prepared for a great time – there's a costume contest for best hippie! Must be 21 years old with valid ID * designated driver program * $25.00 per person * all Second Saturday "Walks" begin at the Commercial Hotel.
May 12, Sunday: Happy Mother's Day!
