GIDDY-UP
San Antonio Western museum wrangles free day of cowpoke fun

The Briscoe Western Art Museum is gearing up for its National Day of the Cowboy celebration.
Beyoncé’s got them Levi’s jeans, the top three hits in the nation have a country twang, and big brass buckles are having a moment. Though it never really went out of fashion in San Antonio, it seems everyone is embracing yeehaw vibes this summer.
Still, when it comes to embracing cowboy culture, no one quite has more giddy-up than the Briscoe Western Art Museum. The downtown treasure’s annual National Day of the Cowboy celebration is ground zero for history buffs, art lovers, or anyone looking for some inspiration for their latest fit.
The free community event occurs between 10 am and 4 pm on July 27, with a hat tip to the contributions of cowgirls in Western life. Guests will enjoy live music, crafts, and chuck wagon treats while browsing the museum’s summer exhibition, Survival of the Fittest: Envisioning Wildlife and Wilderness with the Big Four, Masterworks from the Rijksmuseum Twenthe and the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
The day-long fest will highlight an array of talent keeping traditional arts alive, including rawhide braider Leland Hensley, forger and engraver Wilson Capron, cowgirl artist Mary Ross Buchholz, storyteller Antoinette Lakey, poet Don Mathis, and sculptor Jason Scull. Inclusivity remains a focus with a display of escaramuza attire and a session looking back at the life of Black cowboys.
The party also makes room for cowpokes with games and crafts like horseshoes, stick pony making, boot embroidery, and barrel racing with all supplies provided. The Barditch Hippies will play Red Dirt stompers in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden while Cake ‘n’ Que dishes out barbecue and peach cobbler. Roper Cowboy Doug is sure to be a favorite with a dazzling lasso demo.
Special appearances by Miss Rodeo Texas 2024 Ashlyn Williams, San Antonio River Walk Princess Annette Flores, and the Go Rio mascot round off the day. Preregister in advance to enjoy all the fun and bring school supplies to “stuff the boat” in support of local children.