Dusty Vaquero Days to Return with Music, Food, and Cowboy Culture in Wyoming

Wyoming cowboy and Dusty Vaquero Days founder J.B. Zielke joins us to preview his upcoming event in Gillette and to highlight the festival’s celebration of cowboy culture through music and community events.

GILLETTE, WYOMING (RFD NEWS) — A one-of-a-kind festival is coming to Wyoming this month, as “Dusty Vaquero Days” prepares to bring a three-day grassroots celebration of the modern West to Gillette. The event features artists with direct ties to the cowboy lifestyle.

Working cowboy and award-winning author J.B. Zielke, who helped establish the festival, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to preview Dusty Vaquero Days, along with other festival activities such as food, shopping, and community events.

In his conversation with RFD News, Zielke discussed his background as an author and his book The Lost Cowboy, as well as his life journey and experiences in cowboy culture and travel.

Zielke also talked about the effort required to build and organize a multi-day festival in Gillette, Wyoming, scheduled for May 28–30, and what went into planning the event’s second year, and reflected on lessons learned from the inaugural festival and how those experiences have shaped the current year’s planning.

Finally, he highlighted the festival’s focus on showcasing artists connected to cowboy life and Western heritage. This year, festival performers will include South Dakota artist Tyler Halverson and other acts with ties to ranching and Western culture.

LEARN MORE: www.dustyvaquerodays.com

Related Stories
Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch explains the importance of timely enrollment, and how the program helps dairy producers safeguard their operations against volatile milk markets.
National FFA Annual Fund Manager Kimberly Coveney encouraged everyone watching to join the effort today and help celebrate Give FFA Day while investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Tennessee FFA officers join us in the RFD-TV Studios to showcase student leadership and inspire support for agricultural education on Give FFA Day 2026.
National FFA President Trey Myers shares the significance of Give FFA Day, its role in supporting student growth, and how communities can join the celebration to make a difference for future agricultural leaders.
The Ranger Road Fire is fully contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres. Ranchers face significant cattle and fence losses, with recovery efforts underway.
National FFA Organization CEO Scott Stump shares the importance of Give FFA Day, how contributions support students, and why today is an opportunity for everyone to help invest in the future of agriculture.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

It’s National FFA Week, and today we’re celebrating Alumni Day by highlighting some inspiring former FFA members making an impact in agriculture and beyond.
Alan Bjerga of the National Milk Producers Federation discusses the Dairy Margin Coverage program, recent improvements, and what producers need to know ahead of this week’s enrollment deadline.
William Lee Golden joined us to talk about his farming roots, his storied career with the Oak Ridge Boys, and how his new book and music continue to reflect the values that have guided him throughout his life and career.
Glyphosate and phosphorus are deemed critical to U.S. national defense, ensuring farmers’ access while signaling a shift toward regenerative agriculture. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight on the Trump Administration’s move and what it could mean for U.S. farmers moving forward.
Claire Woeppel, Central Region Vice President with the National FFA Organization, joined us to discuss Alumni Day, the lasting impact of FFA supporters, and why honoring that legacy matters during National FFA Week.
UNL Extension’s Troy Walz discusses the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, where sessions are held, how producers can get involved, and what ranchers can gain from participating in the program.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
Celebrating 16 Consecutive Seasons on RFD Network! “The Penny Gilley Show,” starring “The Sweetheart of Country Music” herself, Penny Gilley.