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Celebrate the legacy of the nation’s oldest Black rodeo at The Cowboy.Join the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for Boley Rodeo Day, a powerful celebration of rodeo history, Black cowboy culture and the enduring legacy of Boley Rodeo — recognized as the nation’s oldest Black rodeo.
Held the day before Boley Rodeo begins, this special Museum-wide event brings the spirit of Boley to Oklahoma City through historic film footage, photography, art, live demonstrations, family activities and music. Guests can explore the vital contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls to the West’s original sport while experiencing a full day of storytelling, creativity and celebration.
From a transformed Boley Main Street inside Prosperity Junction to rare 1920s footage of legendary cowboy Bill Pickett, a live painting demonstration by acclaimed artist Thomas Blackshear II and a high-energy Cowboy Concert featuring Grammy Award-winning artist Tony Williams, Boley Rodeo Day connects past and present in a one-of-a-kind celebration of rodeo, art, music and community.
Free with Museum admission or membership.
Rare film. Live art. Rodeo skills. Historic storytelling. A Cowboy Concert. Experience Boley Rodeo Day at The Cowboy.
Highlights of the Day
Walk Down Boley Main Street in Prosperity Junction
For one day only, Prosperity Junction will be transformed into Boley Main Street, bringing the story of one of Oklahoma’s most important Black towns to life inside the Museum’s turn-of-the-century Western town.
Guests can explore historic images, self-guided stops and special displays throughout Prosperity Junction, with signage and QR codes at locations including the church, school, doctor’s office, bank, mercantile, hotel and theatre. Together, these stops will help tell the story of Boley’s community, culture and deep connection to Black rodeo history.
This immersive experience invites visitors to imagine Boley at the turn of the century — a thriving town full of businesses, gathering places, families, music, faith, education and pride.
A photo exhibition in the Prosperity Junction Gallery will feature work by Garrett Augustus, Brian Edwards, Eyakem Gulilat, Leondre Lattimore, Jakian Parks, Nicol Ragland and Seth Stern.
Exhibition Unveiling: “Like Father, Like Son”
Be among the first to experience “Like Father, Like Son” by photographer Seth Stern, unveiled in the Atherton Gallery during Boley Rodeo Day.
Live Painting Demonstration with Thomas Blackshear II
Don’t miss a rare opportunity to watch acclaimed artist Thomas Blackshear II at work during a live painting demonstration in the Annie Oakley Center.
Blackshear is one of the most distinctive and celebrated artists working in Western art today. Known for his dramatic lighting, elegant compositions and powerful storytelling, he has earned national recognition across illustration, fine art and Western art. In 2024, he received the Prix de West Purchase Award at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for his oil painting “A Much Needed Break,” placing his work in the Museum’s permanent collection.
This is a chance to see a major artist’s creative process up close — from brushwork and composition to the storytelling choices that make his work so powerful.
Roping Demonstration with Danell Tipton
Experience rodeo skills up close during a roping demonstration hosted by IPRA World Champion Danell Tipton. Guests can watch the action, learn more about rodeo traditions and meet cowboys and cowgirls during autograph opportunities.
Cowboy Concert Featuring Tony Williams
End the day with a joyful, high-energy outdoor concert from Grammy Award-winning artist, singer, songwriter and producer Tony Williams.
Known professionally as The WRLDFMS Tony Williams, Williams is an Oklahoma City-born artist whose music bridges gospel, soul, R&B, hip-hop, funk and pop. He first gained national attention through his vocals on Kanye West’s multi-platinum debut album The College Dropout and has gone on to build a wide-ranging career as a solo artist, vocalist, songwriter and collaborator. His work includes featured appearances and collaborations connected to artists such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, Nas, Patti LaBelle, Rick Ross and Wale, and his career has earned him five Grammy Awards.
For Boley Rodeo Day, Williams will take the stage with a five-piece brass band, two keyboards and a 30-member choir, creating a concert experience that blends the power of live brass, the spirit of gospel and the energy of a community celebration.
Schedule of Events
10 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Boley Main Street in Prosperity Junction
Prosperity Junction
Step into a transformed Prosperity Junction and experience the story of Boley through historic imagery, self-guided stops, QR-code storytelling, artist displays and a special photo exhibition featuring Garrett Augustus, Brian Edwards, Eyakem Gulilat, Leondre Lattimore, Jakian Parks, Nicol Ragland and Seth Stern.
10:30 a.m.
Unveiling of “Like Father, Like Son” by Seth Stern
Atherton Gallery
Be among the first to view this special exhibition unveiling during Boley Rodeo Day.
12:30 – 3 p.m.
Painting Demonstration with Thomas Blackshear II
Annie Oakley Center
Watch a major Prix de West artist at work and gain insight into his creative process, storytelling and technique.
1 – 3:15 p.m.
Roping Demonstration with IPRA World Champion Danell Tipton
Arena/Gardens
Enjoy a live roping demonstration and meet cowboys and cowgirls during autograph opportunities.
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Cowboy Concert with Grammy Award-Winning Artist Tony Williams
Western States Plaza
Close out the day with a powerful outdoor performance featuring Tony Williams, a five-piece brass band, two keyboards and a 30-member choir.
Concert made possible by the Oklahoma Arts Council in partnership with Project 2020 Foundation and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
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Event Venue
1700 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City, OK, United States, Oklahoma 73111
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
