Dancing, Music, & Events
Join us year round for concerts, dancing, music jams, workshops, and other events celebrating the expressive arts of the West.
For more details on all upcoming events, see our event calendar.
Blue Skies and Good Horses (2023), Teal Blake
The 39th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Jan. 29 - Feb. 3, 2024
The Western Folklife Center and venues around Elko, Nevada
The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is an annual celebration of the ranching and rural West. Through poetry, music, and stories, ranch people express the beauty and challenges of a life deeply connected to the earth and its bounty. Every year, thousands travel to rural Elko, Nevada, in the heart of winter, to enjoy, learn and share. It's been called the most honest and open-hearted festival in America, but it is also a darned good time and an experience you will not soon forget!
Southwind: Carolyn Steninger, Susan Lawrence and Ken Harriman.
Southwind In Concert
Every Third Wednesday, 6 - 8 pm
Pioneer Saloon at the Western Folklife Center
Free
Enjoy music, libations, and more as local favorites Southwind and friends play Celtic, western, traditional Americana, and contemporary toe-tapping’ fiddle tunes in this free monthly concert. Southwind is Carolyn Steninger, Susan Lawrence and Ken Harriman: follow them on Facebook.
Musicians jamming together.
Jam On!
Every Second Wednesday, 6 - 8 pm
Pioneer Saloon at the Western Folklife Center
Free
All musicians and spectators welcome at this free monthly jam session. Jam On! features a mix of old-time fiddle tunes, folk songs, country tunes, ballads and more. Facilitated by members of Southwind and other community musicians, you can lead a song for the group, join in on tunes introduced by others, or listen and enjoy. Bring a friend—there's room to dance and the Pioneer Saloon is open.
Dancing Couple.
Let's Dance!
Every Second and Fourth Thursday, 6 - 8:30 pm
G Three Bar Theater at the Western Folklife Center
$5 lesson
Free open dance
Let’s Dance! begins with a dance lesson from 6 - 7 pm, followed by open dancing at 7 pm. Lessons focus on a rotating variety of styles, including rodeo swing, two step, waltz, line dance, Basque dancing, and other interesting steps. Adults and teens are welcome. No experience is necessary. For more information including the week’s featured lesson style, check the Western Folklife Center Event Calendar, follow Elko Let's Dance on Facebook, or contact wfcdance@gmail.com.
