While country music and Western wear go in and out of style in pop culture, the rest of the world clamors for authentic Old West experiences they’ve seen in movies and come to California to witness first hand. More than just fashion, fantasy or fad–cowboy culture is an authentic element of our history and our roots. Walter Knott recognized this fact and established a Ghost Town where guests continue to watch mock gun battles, see collections of antique branding irons, barbed wire and spurs, and speak with Sad Eye Joe locked up in the hoosegow.

Throughout California there are many Old West attractions and events with October and November offering some of our favorites. Starting this weekend, the Black Cowboy Parade and Festival (left photo) takes place in Oakland on Oct. 4. There’s also Mojave Trail Days featuring former Cirque du Soleil trick roper Will Roberts (right photo). Recognized as a Gun Spinner & Hollywood Gun Coach, Roberts recently spent a couple days on set recently with AMC Western Channel. For those who love the Hollywood connection, next weekend Lone Pine Film Festival takes visitors on tours of movies sets where cowboy action thrillers featuring Hopalong Cassidy, Randolph Scott, Gene Autry, Tim Holt and Roy Rogers were filmed in the shadow of Mount Whitney.