Cowboys, Vaqueros & Paniolos Unite: Free Family Fun at the Briscoe Museum

Roping with Kevin Fitzpatrick at National Day of the Cowboy. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

Saturday, July 26 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Briscoe Western Art Museum | 210 W. Market Street, San Antonio, TX
Free Admission | Free Activities | Family-Friendly Fun

Saddle up, San Antonio! The Briscoe Western Art Museum is bringing the Wild West to life for a full day of cowboy culture, family fun, and cultural celebration at its National Day of the Cowboy event on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)

This free community event honors the spirit and traditions of the American cowboy, Mexican vaquero, and Hawaiian paniolo. Held in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the celebration features a wide range of hands-on activities, artist demonstrations, music, food, and more. Plus, enjoy free museum admission all day long—including access to the special exhibition “Aloha Vaqueros,” which explores the rich connections between cowboy cultures across borders and oceans.

🐴 Family Fun at the Lil Buckaroo Corral

Kids can kick up some dust and wrangle up excitement with:

  • Stick pony barrel racing
  • Horseshoe tosses & lasso lessons
  • Bull riding & cowboy crafts (make your own spur, hat, or brand!)
  • Lei making & silversmith etching with Nā Mamo cultural group, performing live at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

🤠 Cowboy Culture Comes Alive

Explore the museum’s 14 galleries, the McNutt Sculpture Garden, and enjoy:

  • Roping demonstrations from a talented trick roper
  • Rodeo fun with local cowboys and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
  • An inside look at escaramuza attire and performances—featuring live Q&A with a local rider

🎨 Western Art in Action

See artistry in motion with live demonstrations from celebrated Western artists:

  • Wilson Capron – Silversmith & engraver
  • Leland Hensley – Rawhide braider
  • Jason Scull – Western sculptor
  • Mike Capron – Western painter

🎶 Music, Poetry & Storytelling

  • Cowboy poetry with Don Mathis – 12:30 p.m.
  • Cowboy ballads with Jesse White – 3 p.m.
  • Story time with Antoinette Lakey, featuring trailblazing cowboy Mary Fields – 1 & 1:30 p.m.

🌮 Cowboy-Approved Eats

Refuel with food truck favorites available for purchase all day:

  • Cake-N-Que
  • Hokulani Shave Ice
  • Plus, free chuck wagon cobbler samples while supplies last!

🐂 Why Celebrate?

Launched in 2005 and officially recognized in Texas since 2015, National Day of the Cowboy honors the legacy of the American cowboy, cowgirl, vaquero, and paniolo. The Briscoe’s annual celebration is a beloved tradition that preserves and highlights this rich cultural heritage.


🎟️ Admission is free, but space is limited—pre-register now to secure your spot for this unforgettable day of Western wonder.

Celebrate the cowboy way – Briscoe style!


Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

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