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National Day of the Cowboy rides into view every fourth Saturday in July, celebrating the iconic figure who shaped the American West. This day honors their enduring legacy, from their work ethic and self-reliance to their contributions to art, music, and film. Dust off your boots, learn about their history, and embrace the spirit of the frontier.
Want to sponsor National Day of the Cowboy? Learn how
Expected National Day of the Cowboy Deals
As National Day of the Cowboy approaches, look for special events and promotions from brands deeply rooted in Western heritage. While specific 2027 deals are still to be announced, expect retailers like Wrangler and Ariat to offer discounts on apparel and footwear. Western wear boutiques, feed stores, and tack shops may host local celebrations or sales. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum often features special exhibits or online content. Look for local rodeos or cowboy poetry gatherings to offer special ticket pricing or merchandise. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as July 2027 approaches, encouraging support for the cowboy way of life.
Platform Guide for National Day of the Cowboy
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalDayOfTheCowboy. Share stories of leadership and resilience inspired by cowboy values in the workplace.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalDayOfTheCowboy. Post photos of your favorite Western landscapes, gear, or local rodeo events.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalDayOfTheCowboy. Share historical facts, famous cowboy quotes, or news about modern ranching and rodeo.
National Day of the Cowboy Hero
Bill Pickett
History of National Day of the Cowboy
It wouldn’t be too outlandish to say that the National Day of the Cowboy movement got its real start when ranchers and cowhands first started working herds in the American West before all 50 states were even formed. Roping and riding, herding cattle on horseback, living by the lariat on your saddle horn, and camping under a big, starry American sky — these things were integral to the American cowboy experience. For a long while, other countries’ perception of what Americans were like was exemplified by the ‘Marlboro Man’ image — a stoic, soft-spoken, self-reliant master of herd beasts and the wilderness.
Back in 2005, to make sure it stays that way, the organization National Day of the Cowboy (NDOC) sponsored a bill in the Wyoming House and Senate to preserve and celebrate cowboy culture and history in that state, attaching an eponymous holiday to be observed on the fourth Saturday in July. The bill passed and, since then, other states have passed NDOC in their legislatures. As of the end of July 2019, 15 states had passed the bill.
Since the beginning of NDOC’s political campaigning, they’ve raised awareness and enthusiasm for things like rodeos, cowboy history museums, and country fairs featuring roping demonstrations to make sure the cowboy image never dies. We’re in their corner, even if our only experience of the entire milieu comes from watching “Gunsmoke” and “The Rifleman.”
NDOC, the organization, shows no signs of slowing down. They operate under a corporate hierarchy, with a chairman, treasurer, and secretary at the top, all the way down to a cadre of committed volunteers at ground level. The grassroots movement is determined to pass NDOC in all 50 states and has steadily gained momentum since its start-up in 2005.
National Day of the Cowboy timeline
The first organized rodeo is held in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Glur’s Tavern opens in Columbus, Nebraska — the first of its kind west of the Mississippi River.
The Wyoming state legislature sets a precedent by being the first to ratify the NDOC bill.
Montana becomes the 15th state to pass the NDOC bill.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy
Local businesses can celebrate National Day of the Cowboy by embracing Western themes and acknowledging the contributions of cowboys. Restaurants might offer ‘Cowboy Cuisine’ specials, featuring hearty, ranch-inspired dishes. Retailers, especially those selling outdoor gear or apparel, could host themed sales or display historical cowboy artifacts. Even offices can organize a ‘Wear Your Western Best’ day, fostering team spirit and appreciation for the values of grit and independence. Partnering with local rodeos or historical societies for cross-promotion can also enhance community engagement.
National Day of the Cowboy FAQs
When is National Day of the Cowboy?
In 2026, National Day of the Cowboy falls on Saturday, July 25, celebrating the iconic figure who shaped the American frontier.
What is the origin of the National Day of the Cowboy?
The National Day of the Cowboy was first established in Wyoming in 2005 and has since been recognized by numerous states and federal resolutions. It aims to preserve the history and cultural contributions of the cowboy and cowgirl.
How many cowboys are there in the U.S. today?
While the exact number of individuals working as cowboys or cowgirls is hard to pinpoint, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported approximately 7,000 ranchers and other agricultural managers in 2022, many of whom embody the cowboy lifestyle. Millions more participate in rodeo, Western riding, or embrace cowboy culture.
Is National Day of the Cowboy a federal holiday?
No, National Day of the Cowboy is not a federal holiday, meaning government offices and most businesses remain open. However, it has received congressional recognition through resolutions, and many states formally observe the day.
National Day of the Cowboy Activities
Attend a rodeo
Even the most scholarly and urbane of Americans must admit that it’s simply fascinating to watch bull-riding and steer-roping competitions. So celebrate National Day of the Cowboy in person this year. Yee-hah!
Study cowboy culture
There are some very well-curated museums preserving the history of the American West, including the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City and The Cowboy Museum in Oakdale, California. Swing by and take a look!
Participate electronically
Do some cowboy-themed web surfing and post on the socials using the hashtag #NationalDayOfTheCowboy.
FIVE AMAZING FACTS ABOUT BULL RIDING:
“How much you got?”
Bull riding was made its own rodeo sport when 20 cowboys each chipped in $1,000 to found the Professional Bull Riders Association.
Hang on tight
A ride of eight seconds on the back of a bull qualifies the rider, with three ways to stop the clock — the rider’s free hand touching the bull, his other hand coming out of the rope, or the rider touching the ground.
Hard to handle
A bull named Red Rock was never successfully ridden for eight seconds during his stint in professional rodeo, throwing off over 300 riders in the 1980s.
Mean enough without a prod
There is a strict rule in professional bull riding that no spurs, whips, or electric shocks of any kind are to be used before, during, or after a ride.
A long history
Bull riding originated from ‘charreada’ — ranching and riding-skills contests — of Old Mexico, where the bulls were literally ridden to death.
Why We Love National Day of the Cowboy
It’s representative of American history
NDOC is meant to preserve that heroic, adventuresome ideal of the pioneer and the rancher, who carved their own slices out of unclaimed land and increased their herds, which meant financial success as well. Other countries have histories of beef ranching, but the true cowboy is a trope that is largely attached to the United States.
The Wild West is fun
In reality, the Wild West was dangerous, rough, and could be dark at times. But today, on National Day of the Cowboy, it’s okay to watch films or read about Billy the Kid, Wild Bill Hickok, and all the legends of that era.
It’s about tough and committed people
We guess the best phrase to describe those who live, work, and play within cowboy culture today is ‘true grit.’ Cowboys have it. Let’s celebrate it.
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