Tippin’ its hat and celebrating the legacy of the cowboy, cowgirl and vaquero, the Briscoe presents its annual National Day of the Cowboy celebration on Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The free community event, which includes free admission to the museum, features indoor and outdoor activities across the museum’s River Walk campus for cowpokes of all ages to enjoy and explore the west.

This year’s celebration will shine a spotlight on the enduring legacy of the vaquero and the vital role vaqueros played in shaping the American West. From ranching and cattle drives to the art of roping, branding and horsemanship, vaqueros helped lay the foundation for today’s cowboy traditions and culture.

Held throughout the museum and in the scenic McNutt Sculpture Garden, National Day of the Vaquero / Día
Nacional del Vaquero brings the West to life with music, art, storytelling and hands-on activities for visitors
of all ages. Guests can enjoy cowboy and vaquero traditions including lasso demonstrations, crafts, cowboy
poetry, chuckwagon treats and live Western music while celebrating the rich cultural heritage that continues
to influence Texas and the West today.

Register for free, saddle up with your family and head west for a free day of fun you won’t forget! 

📅 July 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

🎟 ️FREE Community Event

🖼️ Free Museum Admission!

One of the Briscoe’s most treasured annual events, National Day of the Cowboy highlights and preserves America’s cowboy culture and pioneer heritage. The day began in 2005 to celebrate and preserve the heritage of the American cowboy, cowgirl and vaquero in the United States. The state of Texas declared it a day of honor in 2015 and the Briscoe annually hosts a free community day marking the occasion, throwing open the doors of the museum to honor the cowgirl, cowboy and vaquero in us all.

Full Day of Fun Activities!

ARTS & CRAFTS

Stick ponies and barrel racing

Felt horseshoe toss

Lil Buckaroo corral-lassoing and bull riding

Silversmith etching (drawing on tin foil) 

Pipe cleaner Branding

& More!

Artist Demonstrations

Cowboy Poetry

San Antonio Rodeo

Story Time

Food Trucks

Games & More!

Looking to Lend a Hand?

Volunteers needed for our annual National Day of the Cowboy Community Day! We will have live performances, food, and activities throughout the day for guests to experience.