2023 Wrapped: DCi’s Top Event Highlights From This Year
Have you noticed? From interior design to fashion, cowboy-inspired style has taken over almost every industry. According to National Geographic Traveller, “one of 2024’s defining cultural trends, thanks in part to the Yellowstone TV series and Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album, ‘cowboy core’ has found its way firmly into the travel market.” The meeting and events business is no exception — and in 2025, we’re expecting to see even more fringe, bolo ties, cowboy hats, and lasso-throwing.
If you’re looking to jump on the bandwagon with your next event, you’re in luck. As one of the premier event planners and destination management companies in the country, DCi has already embraced the country spirit by planning several showstopping events that tap into the charm and of-the-moment appeal of the American West. Here, our experts share a few fun and immersive ideas to incorporate into your next cowboy-themed event — and how to bring them yee-hawing to life.
1. A Neon Twist on Cowboycore
Distressed leather, cow-hide patterns, denim, and rough-hewn wood are what your mind might conjure up when you think of “cowboycore.” But why not flip the aesthetic on its head with an unexpected, fluorescent twist? Light up your event by incorporating glowing decor — think: custom neon signs, lit-up old leather saddles, and cacti that cast colorful lights on your venue’s reclaimed-wood walls. Dress your costumed greeters in neon cowboy hats, boots, bright plaid shirts, and fringe jackets. With this theme, you can turn up the volume on color by adding a kaleidoscope of tones, from fluorescent pinks to vivid oranges.
2. A Western-Themed State Fair
Transform your next event into a fully fledged state fair (just like what the DCi team orchestrated for one of our clients) — complete with a ferris wheel, carnival games and booths, and even a bespoke saloon. “Picture a bustling state fair but with a unique cowboy flair!” DCi experts suggest. You can serve up all the classics like funnel cake, corn dogs, and deep-fried candy bars, and let your attendees enjoy their treats on saddles instead of stools. As a part of the fair’s festivities, entertain guests with the warming sounds of banjos, fiddles, and accordion.
3. Stagecoach-Inspired Entertainment
As one of the largest and most well-known country music festivals in the United States, Stagecoach offers a wealth of inspiration for events. If you’re looking to lean into music and entertainment at your event, consider bringing your guests together for an evening (or several days) of celebrating everything country. Start off by creating a thoughtful lineup of musical acts, and set the stage for an immersive experience with on-theme, honky-tonk-inspired decor — wooden barrels, wagon wheels, vintage signs, and hay bales scattered around the venue.
4. Custom Western Wear Fittings
Clothing is such a big part of cowboy culture, so why not make that a focal point of your event? “Most people don’t have cowboy gear in their closet — and what better way to really experience the culture than to customize your own wearable?” DCi experts say. Organize a hat bar activation, where attendees can personalize their own cowboy hats with a variety of ribbons, bands, lace, and rhinestone rope. Plan a bespoke boot design experience, where guests can select their custom logos, embroidery, and different leather and color combinations. Alternatively, invite an embroidery specialist, who can add custom chain-stitching to bandanas live on-site.
5. Cowboy Roping Demos
The best way to encourage your guests to immerse themselves in the theme is through interactive activities — like teaching them how to swing a loop. “The art of roping takes skill and finesse, and watching a real, local cowboy demonstrate their roping techniques is as entertaining as it is impressive,” DCi experts say. After the demonstration, attendees can try their hand at a few beginner’s roping moves. Not only is it interesting to learn a new skill (especially one that’s as specialized as roping), but it’s also educational. Guests will walk away with so much insight into how wranglers do their jobs on a daily basis.
6. Cuisine of the Wild West
Food is another integral part of Western frontier life — and an effective way to transport your guests to that world. Focus on food-and-beverage offerings that give your guests a taste of rugged, off-grid living. Think: hearty chilis, whipped potatoes, smoky sauces, and tender meats cooked slowly on an open fire. Take it a step further and make the culinary experience more interactive by setting up create-your-own-spice-rub stations and hot sauce tastings. Alternatively, go all out by bringing in acclaimed pitmasters for barbecue demonstrations where they’ll get to teach your guests their tried-and-true techniques for smoking the perfect rack of ribs in their own backyard.
7. Everything-is-Bigger-in-Texas Decor
Everyone has heard of the popular saying, “Everything’s bigger in Texas.” Why not build a whole event around the state’s larger-than-life reputation? With this approach, you’ll have to go big or go home with nearly every aspect of your event — from your culinary offerings to your event design. “Think of your favorite Western staples — and make them Texas-sized,” DCi experts say. “Seven-foot-tall boots at the event entrance or a 12-foot-tall neon cowboy to greet your guests will make a memorable statement.” This theme can even extend to your transportation. Instead of shuttling guests in chauffeured vehicles, have them arrive in style on tractor rides, horses, or even a bus that’s fully decked out in decor inspired by a Wild West saloon.
8. Nature-Inspired Elements
Selecting a cowboy theme for your event doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stick with the typical paraphernalia that characterizes Western style. There are many ways to interpret the theme — and just as many ways to elevate it. Pull inspiration from the rugged beauty of the American frontier with decor that makes the most out of natural materials like reclaimed wood, leather, suede, and wrought iron. Some ideas include weaving in tumbleweed chandeliers, desert-thriving plants, textile rugs, and ranch-inspired motifs throughout. Leaning on these landscapes for visual cues also gives you the opportunity to select an earthy color palette — desert creams, cognac browns, and sage greens that will have a warm and inviting effect on your guests.
Looking to turn your event’s vision into reality? Reach out to DCi today, and let’s start visualizing and planning a wow-worthy cowboy event experience your guests won’t stop talking about for years to come.
