When to Go

January

Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals. Montana's best cowboys compete in the final round of this regional competition in Great Falls. Call tel. 406/727-8900 for information. Second or third weekend in January.

International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race. Some of the top mushers in the world compete in this race around the Wind River Mountains. It's run in stages, with festive overnight stops in towns along the way. Call tel. 307/734-1163 (www.wyomingstagestop.org). Late January to early February.

February

Race to the Sky. This weeklong event is the longest continuous dog-sled race in the Lower 48. It starts in Helena and ends in Missoula. Call tel. 406/881-3647 (www.racetothesky.org) for information. Mid-February.

Winter Carnival. Novelty ski races and rodeo events take center stage during this Jackson, Wyoming, event that includes cowboy poetry readings, Dutch-oven cook-offs, and a barn dance. Call tel. 307/733-3316 (www.jacksonholechamber.com) for information. Mid-February.

Wyoming Snow Sculpting Competition. When Laramie's weather is at its frostiest, teams come from all over to make snow into art. Call tel. 307/745-7339 for information. Late February.

Wyoming State Winter Fair. They hold this one indoors in Lander, except for the chariot races. There are booths galore, music, entertainment, a livestock competition, and a big dance. Call tel. 307/332-3892 for information. Late February or early March.

March

C. M. Russell Auction of Original Art. The finest Western art auction in the country, with exhibitors and attendees from around the world. Great Falls, Montana. Call tel. 406/761-6453 for information. Mid-March.

St. Patrick's Day in Butte. This wild and woolly (and often booze-soaked) outdoor party pays homage to Butte's Irish heritage. Call tel. 406/723-3177 for more information. March 17.

April

Cowboy Songs and Range Ballads. With scholarly underpinning, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming, stages a gathering of real cowboy song and storytelling. Call tel. 307/587-4771 (www.bbhc.org) for the schedule. Early April.

May

International Wildlife Film Festival. A unique, juried film competition in Missoula, Montana, with more than 100 entries from leading wildlife filmmakers. Call tel. 406/728-9380 (www.wildlifefilms.org). Early to mid-May.

Miles City Bucking Horse Sale. A "3-day cowboy Mardi Gras," this stock sale in Miles City, Montana, features street dances, parades, barbecues, and, of course, lots of bucking broncos. Call tel. 406/234-2890 (www.buckinghorsesale.com) for information. Third weekend in May.

Elk Antler Auction. Nearly 10,000 pounds of bull-elk antlers are auctioned off in Jackson's town square. Call tel. 307/733-3316 (www.jacksonholechamber.com) for information. Third Saturday in May.

June

Plains Indian Powwow. Indian dancers from around the region compete in various dance categories, accompanied by traditional drum groups, on the Robbie Powwow Garden next to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming. Call tel. 307/587-4771 (www.bbhc.org) for information. Mid-June.

Chugwater Chili Cook-Off. Thousands of hot-food pilgrims come to Chugwater, Wyoming, to taste the spicy contenders in this contest. Call tel. 307/422-3345 (www.chugwaterchilicookoff.com) for information. Mid-June.

Lewis & Clark Festival. Commemoration of Lewis and Clark's journey in and around Great Falls, Montana, with historic reenactments, buffalo roasts, and float trips. Call tel. 406/452-5661 for information. Late June.

Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow. A celebration of American Indian tradition and culture that's followed by one of Wyoming's largest powwows and all-Indian rodeos, in Fort Washakie, Wyoming. Call tel. 307/332-9106 for information. Late June.

July

Cody Stampede. There are rodeo nights all summer in Cody, but this long weekend is the big one, and the rodeo ring excitement carries over to street dances, fireworks, and food. Call tel. 800/207-0744 (www.codystampederodeo.org) for details. July 1 to July 4.

Legend of Rawhide Reenactment. An overeager gold miner comes to an untimely end in this production of the popular Western legend in Lusk, Wyoming. Call tel. 800/445-8838 (www.legendofrawhide.com) for information. Second weekend in July.

International Climbers Festival. Speakers, music, demonstrations, and climbing at the famed Wild Iris and other rock faces in Fremont County attract rock climbers from around the world to this gathering in Lander, Wyoming. Call tel. 307/349-1561 (www.climbersfestival.org). Second weekend in July.

North American Indian Days. The Blackfeet Reservation hosts a weekend of native dancing, singing, and drumming, with crafts booths and games, in Browning, Montana. Call tel. 406/338-7276 for information. Mid-July.

Yellowstone Jazz Festival. This music camp gathers young musicians for tutelage by some big names from the jazz world, followed by a series of performances in Powell and Cody, Wyoming. Call tel. 307/587-3898 for information. Mid-July.

Grand Teton Music Festival. Fine musicians from around the world join this orchestra every summer. A varied classical repertoire includes numerous chamber concerts and some premieres in Teton Village, Wyoming. Call tel. 307/733-3050 (www.gtmf.org) for information. Mid-July to the end of August.

Cheyenne Frontier Days. One of the country's most popular rodeos, the "daddy of 'em all" entertains huge crowds for a full week in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Call tel. 800/227-6336 (www.cfdrodeo.com) for information. Last week in July.

Evel Knievel Days. Butte honors its favorite son and one-time problem child, daredevil Evel Knievel, with parades, stunt shows, and children's events. Call tel. 406/494-2825 (www.knievelweek.com) for more information. Last week in July.

August

Happy Jack Music Festival. Bluegrass and fiddles prevail over this festival of mountain music in Curt Gowdy State Park near Cheyenne, Wyoming. Call tel. 307/777-7519 (www.happyjackfestival.com) for information. Mid-August.

Sweet Pea Festival. A full-fledged arts festival in Bozeman, Montana, with fine art, musicians, and various entertainment for all ages. Call tel. 406/586-4003 for information. First full weekend in August.

Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival. A 3-day celebration of music, arts, food, and entertainment in Jackson, Wyoming. Call tel. 800/827-4433 (www.jacksonholechamber.com) for information. Mid-August.

Crow Fair. By far one of the biggest and best American Indian gatherings in the Northwest, with dancing, food, and crafts in Crow Agency, Montana. Call tel. 406/638-3700 for information. Mid-August.

Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering. A 3-day event featuring readings and entertainment from the real McCoys in Lewistown, Montana. Call tel. 406/538-8278 for information. Mid-August.

September

Nordicfest. A Scandinavian celebration in Libby, Montana, featuring a parade, a juried craft show, headliner entertainment, and an international Fjord horse show. Call tel. 800/785-6541 (www.libbynordicfest.com) for information. First weekend following Labor Day.

Western Design Conference. Western-style furniture and clothing fashions on the runway, in Cody, Wyoming. Call tel. 888/685-0574 (www.westerndesignconference.com) for more information. Third week in September.

Buffalo Bill Historical Center Art Show and Patrons Ball. With a big art sale to support the museum, and a black-tie dinner and ball, this is one of the Rockies' premier (and only) formal social events. Cody, Wyoming. For information call tel. 307/578-5002 (www.bbhc.org). Late September.

October

Hatch Fest. Unspooling over 6 days, this audiovisual arts festival in Bozeman includes film screenings, workshops, filmmaker Q&As, and live music after dark. For information, call tel. 406/586-2635 (www.hatchfest.com). Early October.

Glacier Jazz Stampede. This 3-day event brings ragtime, swing, and blues musicians to multiple venues in Kalispell. Call tel. 406/755-6088 (www.glacierjazz.com) for more information. Early October.

December

Christmas Strolls and Parades. Statewide, Montana and Wyoming. Check with local chambers of commerce for specific dates and locations.