It’s that time of year again! As school begins and summer slows down, it’s time to mark your calendars with all of the upcoming fun fall festivities. At the top of our list is the Old West Festival. It’s become a family tradition for us. The kids still love going and can’t wait for it to start up again this year. Since it doesn’t start until September 12th, here are some photos of our past adventures. It’s hard to believe that just 15 minutes off of the 275 loop, there is a permanent old west town which is home to everything you would expect to see in Dodge City circa 1878!

My kids love everything about it. They think it’s fun to put on cowboy boots and hats at home and then arrive to get sworn in as town deputies. They enjoy the puppet and magic shows. And, of course, they always love the opportunity for a pony ride and beg for the train rides!

The sounds of the Old West Festival are hit or miss with the kids. They love the western music and old time shows. This year attendees can enjoy the sounds of the 1800’s with music from Gunpowder Creek as well as Raison d’Etre, a trio mixing traditional folk songs with a capella swing tunes and Shaker hymns.

But the old fashioned gunfight? This was not a family favorite. Well, all of my kids wanted to love it, but someone had to hold his ears. HA! The gunfights are four times daily starting at high noon. The Big Irons Rangers return with their gunfight re-enactments and trick shooting. In between shows they, and other period interpreters, will be walking the grounds to meet visitors and pose for photos.

Along with the music, Stella and Charlotte loved the “dancing kicking girls”! Who doesn’t get a “kick” out of Miss Melody Star and her Hurdy Gurdy Dancing Girls.

Themed weekends add to the experience of the Old West Festival and include Western Film Weekend Sept. 12-13; Romance Weekend Sept. 19-20; America’s Pastime Weekend Sept. 26-27; Steampunk Weekend Oct. 3-4; OctoBEERfest Weekend Oct. 10-11; and Halloween Weekend Oct. 17-18.

Old West Festival Information

Dates & Times: September 12 to October 18, 2015, Saturdays & Sundays only from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Rain or shine)

Location: 1449 Greenbush Cobb Rd. Williamsburg, Ohio 45176  (just off U.S. Rt. 32, near Greater Cincinnati)

Cost: $12 adults, $6 kids ages 6 to 12 and Kids 5 and under are FREE

Parking is FREE

This year, for the first time, any tickets purchased online in advance are discounted – this is a huge deal!

Who wants to win FREE tickets?

GIVEAWAY OVER…CONGRATS TO BRITTANY! ENJOY!

One lucky reader will receive a 4-pack of tickets!  In order to enter, leave a comment below telling me if you’ve ever been to the Old West Festival and which weekend you think looks fun to attend this year.  One winner will be selected next Wednesday, September 9th.

For more information and all the details about kids’ activities, daily shows, etc. visit the Old West Festival website or follow them on both Facebook and Twitter.

{Disclaimer: I was also given a 4-pack of tickets this year to help promote the Old West Festival.}