Frequently Asked Questions

About the Gathering

We know you have questions. Some of the answers might be here. If this doesn't answer your questions, please contact us now.

Gathering Sites

  1. Where is the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering?
    In 2026, we will gather in both Alpine, Texas and in Bastrop, Texas on the same weekend (Feb. 19-21, 2026). We'll have performers in paid shows and free sessions Thurs-Sat plus chuckwagon breakfasts, the youth poetry contest, and more, in both places.

Gathering Dates

  1. When is the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering?
    The next in-person Gathering will be held February 19-21, 2026, and each year thereafter on the 3rd Thursday through Saturday of February. We also offer cowboy poetry and music on film, streamed from this website.

Gathering Tickets

  1. Is there a charge to see the cowboy poetry and music?
    Yes and no. We have paid shows, and we have free sessions.
  2. When can I buy tickets for the 2026 Gathering?
    Member ticket sales for 2026 begin in mid-August, 2025.
  3. Where do I buy tickets?
    Online or in person at the Gathering. There is a $5 surcharge on all tickets sold at the door. And tickets sell quickly, so you may want to purchase in advance.

Gathering Performers

  1. Who is performing in the 2026 Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering?
    Performers will be announced this summer. Please sign up to receive the newsletter to stay up to date as we highlight performers before the 2026 Gathering.
  2. How do I get invited to perform at the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering?
    Performers for the "Branding Crew" are mindfully chosen according to how they fit in with the Gathering as a whole. We are looking for authentic, talented poets, reciters, musicians, and songwriters that honestly portray the western traditions of our way of life. Here's our application form. Please submit your biography with contact information by April 1 to be considered for the following year's Gathering. Currently we are accepting applications for the February 2027 Gathering.
  3. I'm disappointed that my favorite performer is not performing this year. How did that happen?
    Every year we bring our attendees a "Branding Crew" that will provide memorable performances. It is a mix of old favorites and introducing new "soon-to-be favorites" that will fulfill our mission of honoring the tradition of the working cowboy/cowgirl through poetry and music. All the larger gatherings rotate performers to keep it fresh and give other artists a chance to take part. Some prior performers will be back in future gatherings.
  4. Will the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering have open mic sessions in 2026?
    Yes, we expect to. Open mic signups will be announced in our newsletter.

Gathering Format (Alpine & Bastrop, 2026)

  1. Will there be a Chuckwagon Breakfast?
    Yes, we expect that a Chuckwagon Breakfast will be served both Friday and Saturday mornings. Enjoy biscuits, sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, and coffee in the cool morning air. Buy your ticket for the breakfast when you book your tickets for the shows.
  2. Are there volunteer opportunities to help with the Gathering?
    Yes, absolutely. We need people for lots of jobs, some small and some large. Whether you want to talk to people, post on social media, or haul stuff, we can put you to work. These include: answering phone calls, audio and lighting, first aid, greeters, Mercantile assistance, membership signup, merchandise transport, miscellaneous, parking, security, merchandise sales outside sessions, welcoming attendees to sessions, driving shuttles, posting on social media, ticket sales, ticket scanning, and ushering attendees to their seats. We also need Ambassadors who will represent the Gathering in their own community. You can sign up as a volunteer online.
  3. Are pets allowed to attend?
    Our Gathering venue in Alpine is the Sul Ross State University campus. Campus pets policy is: No dogs or pets are allowed. Service animals are welcome. Service dogs are trained to do work or perform a task for persons with disabilities. Comfort and/or emotional support animals are not service animals, and are not recognized by the ADA. We are checking on the pet policy for Bastrop.
  4. Will there be a Saturday Night Dance this year?
    No, there will not be a dance after the Saturday Night Show in 2026.

Gathering Location: Alpine, 2026

  1. Where is the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Alpine?
    The February 2026 Gathering in Alpine will be headquartered on the campus of Sul Ross State University in beautiful Alpine, Texas.
  2. Tell me more about Sul Ross State University.
    Sul Ross State University enrolls about 2,000 students on its Alpine campus in the Davis Mountains. The school has a working ranch as part of its animal science programs, and SRSU is the birthplace of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. The Museum of the Big Bend is located on the Alpine SRSU campus. SRSU also has campuses in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde, offering upper-level courses leading to bachelor's and master's degrees. Here's a map of the Alpine campus with our performance venues marked.
  3. Where can I stay if I want to attend the Gathering in Alpine in 2026?
    Please see our lodging page for options.

Gathering Location: Bastrop, 2026

  1. Where is the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Bastrop?
    The February 2026 Gathering in Bastrop will be headquartered at the Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center, a few blocks from downtown Bastrop, Texas on the Colorado River.
  2. Tell me more about Bastrop.
    Called "the most historic small town in Texas," Bastrop is known for its beautiful trees and its role in the Texas cattle industry. Only 30 minutes east of the Austin airport, Bastrop is easily accessible from San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth as well.
  3. Where can I stay if I want to attend the Gathering in Bastrop in 2026?
    Please see our lodging page for options.

Our Films

  1. How many films has the Gathering produced?
    Our first two films, Keeping the Tradition Alive and The Legacy Lives On, are complete. You can rent either film for $10 (1-year rental) and watch it online.
  2. Who performs in Keeping the Tradition Alive?
    The performers in Keeping the Tradition Alive include poet Joel Nelson (filmed at his ranch in Alpine, TX); musicians Dale Burson, Randy Huston, and Rod Taylor (filmed together at Rod's ranch near Cimarron, NM, with some footage at Randy's ranch near Rociada, NM); and R.W. Hampton (filmed at his ranch near Cimarron, NM). Narration is by John Moore, known as a horse trainer and musician. The film was produced, directed, and edited by John and Erika Moore.
  3. Who performs in The Legacy Lives On?
    You'll hear poetry and music from Gail Steiger and Amy Hale, poetry by Ray Fizgerald, and music from Dave Stamey and Mikki Daniel. Narration is by John Moore, known as a horse trainer and musician. The film was produced, directed, and edited by John and Erika Moore.

Gathering History & Organization

  1. What happened to the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering?
    The widely acclaimed Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering was held in Alpine for 33 years. In February 2019, the steering committee for the TCPG announced that the 2019 event would be the final event.
  2. How many Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gatherings have been held?
    Five so far: 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. We also produced two films of cowboy poetry and music in 2021, when we were unable to gather due to pandemic restrictions. See our history for more details, including links to the schedules and performers for each year.
  3. Is the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering a non-profit organization?
    Yes! Our purpose is exclusively charitable and educational in nature, and shall be to remember, recite, sing, record, publish, illustrate, film, portray, broadcast, market, and honor narratives of the cowboy way told in poetry, song, stories, and art by those who have lived that life to those who enjoy and learn from it every day.
    We inform, engage, and mobilize all ages to take actions, raise funds, and participate in events, media, and curricula that celebrate, communicate, and promote the cowboy way of life everywhere.
    We received 501(c)(3) status retroactive to the date of our founding (July, 2019). All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
  4. Who directs the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering?
    Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering incorporated in July, 2019. As of July 2025, the board of directors is made up of Robert Aguirre, Bandera County, TX; Elizabeth Baize, Fort Davis, TX; Marian Freeland, Alpine, TX; Bill Jones, East Tennessee; Karen Lloyd, Newport, RI; Karen McGuire, Alpine, TX; Kay Nowell, Alpine, TX; Gene Nowell, Alpine, TX; Vess Quinlan, Alamosa, CO; David Richmond, Lindrith, NM; Chris Ryden, Midland, TX; Jim Street, Alpine, TX; and Patrick Sullivan, Fairfax Station, VA. Event producer: Bob Saul, Fort Worth. Film production and advisors to the board: John and Erika Moore, Dove Creek, CO. Advisors to the board: Robbie Burns, Alpine; Jim Goodnight, Dallas; Andy Hedges, Lubbock.