Saturday, July 12, 2025
Howdy everyone!
We have lots to tell you about 2026.
The biggest news is that the 2026 Gathering will be BIG: almost as big as Texas! This year (Feb. 19-21, 2026), we're presenting live music & poetry in two historic Texas towns on the same weekend.
Alpine, TX
Cowboy poetry gatherings have been happening here for 38 years -- the air is crisp, the stars are bright, and the high desert scenery goes on for miles. We'll have performers in paid and free shows performing Thurs-Sat in Alpine, plus chuckwagon breakfasts, the youth poetry contest, and more.
Bastrop, TX
We're bringing the music, poetry, and camaraderie of the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering to Bastrop, "the most historic small town in Texas," 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. We'll have performers in paid and free shows performing Thurs-Sat in Bastrop, plus chuckwagons, youth poetry, and more.
Action items:
- Event Producer Bob Saul says, "If you're planning on coming to Alpine for the Gathering in 2026, get your lodging reservations now." Alpine's Director of Tourism, Chris Ruggia, noted, "Alpine and other towns in the Big Bend region are hosting military personnel, and we're happy to have them here. They've contributed to the community in a lot of ways. However, we don't know the exact size of the deployment for the months ahead." Right now, room availability has lessened, and the hotels need to know you plan to come in February.
- Tickets will go on sale earlier than usual for members - probably in mid-August. Purchasing your tickets early will help us immensely. If our plans are forced to change, we will refund your tickets.
- If you have friends in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, the Hill Country, or anywhere within easy driving distance of Bastrop, and you haven't been able to persuade them to join you in Alpine in the past, tell them a crew of creative, musical cowboys will be in Bastrop!
All the best,
Kay and Gene Nowell
Co-Chairs
Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering
P.S. As always, we would love to have you as a member to keep the Gathering strong. Thank you!
Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering
July 2025
Board of Directors
Robert Aguirre, Bandera County
Elizabeth Baize, Fort Davis
Marian Freeland, Alpine
Bill Jones, East Tennessee
Karen Lloyd, Newport, RI
Karen McGuire, Alpine
Kay Nowell, Alpine
Gene Nowell, Alpine
Vess Quinlan, Alamosa, CO
David Richmond, Lindrith, NM
Chris Ryden, Midland, TX
Jim Street, Alpine
Patrick Sullivan, Fairfax Station, VA
Event Producer
Bob Saul, Fort Worth
Film Production and Advisors to the Board
John and Erika Moore, Durango, CO
Advisors to the Board
Robbie Burns, Alpine
Jim Goodnight, Dallas
Andy Hedges, Lubbock
Mailing address:
Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering
P.O. Box 1076
Alpine, TX 79831
Website:
https://lonestarcowboypoetry.com