The Heart of the Gathering

The open mics at the Gathering keep cowboy poetry prevalent and pertinent, and it's all because of you! You play an essential part keeping the tradition going and growing. This year, we're opening the online signups on Jan. 1, 2027, at 9am PT. While that's still a few months away, the spots go quick, so we want to give as much heads up as possible. To learn more about signing up online, performing at the open mics, and the open mic experience, visit our updated open mic page.

Photo by Denver Crowder

Q&A: Office Manager Cleo Hansen

For a little over 25 years, Cleo Hansen has been the cornerstone of the Western Folklife Center. As Office Manager and jack-of-all-trades, she’s what keeps the WFC running day to day. If you’ve been an artist, staff, or volunteer at the Gathering, you no doubt have been embraced (literally and figuratively) by Cleo. In this Q&A, we talk to Cleo about her quarter of a century at the Western Folklife Center and what keeps her connected to our mission.

Photo by Natalie Aramendia

New Neon Coming Soon

We received notification this summer from the Nevada Commission for Cultural Centers and Historic Preservation (CCCHP) that our grant proposal was approved for the restoration of the historic "Pioneer Hotel" neon sign on the roof of the Western Folklife Center. Work should be completed sometime next spring, and we're planning to mark the occasion with a lighting ceremony. More details to come! In the meantime, learn more about our historic headquarters here.

Ranch Dog Week Round Up

The Western Folklife Center’s Third Annual Ranch Dog Week happened the first week of September on our Instagram. The photos and videos everyone sent us of their canine coworkers were so impressive, we complied them into a blog post. Without further ado, here is a recap of this year’s pack.

Photo by Jessie Veeder

Be a Part of the Story

As a nonprofit, the Western Folklife Center relies on donations and grants to keep it running. With Donor-Advised Funds—a charitable giving account that allows you to set aside money for causes you care about—giving can benefit both you and us. Thursday, Oct. 8, is DAF Day, a national day of giving, and if you have a DAF, please consider making a gift to the WFC. Your gift helps us share the poetry, music, and voices that make the West what it is while ensuring these stories are told for generations to come. We can't do it without you.

Photo by Jessica Brandi Lifland

Become a Member

Support the Western Folklife Center

by becoming a member!

Memberships are good for a full year. By joining now, you'll receive free tickets to select National Cowboy Poetry Gathering shows, a free poster for pickup at the Gathering, and a year-round discount in the Gift Shop.