Celebrating Arizona’s Last Singing Cowboy in Willcox
The high desert town of Willcox prepares for its most significant annual celebration as Rex Allen Days returns September 29th through October 2nd, 2025, honoring the legendary performer known as “Arizona’s Last Singing Cowboy.” This four-day festival transforms the agricultural community of Willcox into a vibrant celebration of western heritage, featuring a professional rodeo, carnival, live music, parade, and numerous community events that showcase the authentic spirit of rural Arizona. Rex Allen Days represents more than entertainment – it’s a hometown tribute to a beloved son who achieved international fame while never forgetting his Cochise County roots.
A Legacy of Community Service
Rex Allen’s legacy permeates every aspect of this remarkable festival, from the opening ceremonies to the closing celebrations. The event began in 1951 as a benefit for the local hospital, with Rex Allen himself returning annually to support his hometown’s growth and development. This tradition of community service continues today, with Rex Allen Days, Inc. operating as a nonprofit organization that supports youth programs, educational initiatives, and community services throughout southeastern Arizona. The festival’s enduring mission reflects the values that Rex Allen embodied throughout his career – loyalty to community, support for those in need, and celebration of the western way of life.
Spectacular High Desert Setting
The festival showcases Willcox’s remarkable location in the Sulphur Springs Valley, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Chiricahua Mountains, Dragoon Mountains, and Dos Cabezas Mountains. This stunning high desert landscape provides the perfect backdrop for western celebrations, with crisp autumn air and comfortable temperatures that make outdoor activities enjoyable throughout the four-day event. The valley’s agricultural heritage – particularly its reputation for producing exceptional apples, wine grapes, and other crops – adds agricultural authenticity to the western atmosphere.
Event Schedule and Major Attractions
The festival kicks off Thursday evening with the prestigious Cowboy Hall of Fame dinner at the Elks Lodge, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to western heritage and rural Arizona communities. This intimate gathering sets the tone for the weekend’s celebrations while recognizing the ongoing contributions of contemporary cowboys, ranchers, and agricultural leaders who continue Rex Allen’s legacy of community service.
Friday afternoon brings the opening of the carnival at Keiller Park, featuring classic midway rides, games, and food vendors that appeal to families and visitors of all ages. The carnival operates throughout the weekend, providing entertainment that complements the more traditional western activities. Evening entertainment includes live music performances that range from country and western acts to contemporary bands, ensuring diverse musical programming that appeals to multiple generations.
Saturday represents the festival’s most action-packed day, beginning with the colorful parade through historic downtown Willcox at 10:00 AM. The parade route centers on Railroad Avenue, providing spectators with excellent viewing opportunities while showcasing the town’s beautifully preserved historic architecture. Parade entries include marching bands, elaborate floats, vintage automobiles, horse-drawn wagons, and riders in period costumes representing ranching, mining, and railroad heritage.
The Rex Allen Days Rodeo takes center stage Saturday and Sunday at the Quail Drive Sports Park Arena, featuring professional competitions in all traditional rodeo events. This PRCA-sanctioned rodeo attracts top competitors from throughout the Southwest who compete for significant prize money and championship points. The intimate arena setting ensures excellent viewing for all spectators while maintaining the authentic western atmosphere that defines quality rodeo experiences.
Event Details and Information
📅 Dates: September 29 – October 2, 2025
🕒 Schedule:
- Thursday: Cowboy Hall of Fame Dinner, 6:00 PM
- Friday: Carnival and Entertainment, 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: Parade 10:00 AM, Carnival and Rodeo, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: Final Rodeo Performance and Closing Activities, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Primary Locations:
- Keiller Park: 500 N Bisbee Avenue, Willcox, AZ 85643
- Parade Route: Historic Downtown Railroad Avenue
- Rodeo: Quail Drive Sports Park Arena, 1138 N Quail Drive, Willcox, AZ 85643
💰 Admission: Various ticketing for different events
🎟️ Rodeo Tickets: Available through Rex Allen Days, Inc.
🚗 Parking: Available at all venues with shuttle service for major events
Contact Information
📞 Main Office: Rex Allen Days, Inc.
Website: Contact through Visit Willcox
Social Media: @RexFest.org (Facebook)
Rodeo Information: Rex Allen Days Rodeo & Special Events (Facebook)
Community Information: Willcox Chamber of Commerce
Rex Allen Legacy and Historical Significance
Rex Allen’s remarkable career spanned radio, records, movies, and television, making him one of the most recognizable western entertainers of the mid-20th century. Born in Willcox in 1920, Allen’s distinctive voice and authentic cowboy persona earned him starring roles in Hollywood westerns and a successful recording career that included hits like “Streets of Laredo” and “Crying in the Chapel.” His later work as narrator for Walt Disney nature films introduced his voice to new generations of Americans.
Allen’s success in Hollywood never diminished his connection to Willcox and southeastern Arizona. Throughout his career, he returned regularly to support community causes, particularly the development of Northern Cochise Community Hospital, which continues to serve the region today. His commitment to his hometown established a tradition of giving back that influences Rex Allen Days programming and community impact to this day.
The Rex Allen Arizona Cowboy Museum, located in downtown Willcox, preserves Allen’s legacy through extensive collections of memorabilia, costumes, instruments, and personal artifacts. The museum provides context for understanding both Allen’s contributions to American entertainment and his enduring connection to the land and people of southeastern Arizona. Festival visitors often combine their Rex Allen Days experience with museum visits that deepen their appreciation for the man and the region that shaped him.
Community Activities and Cultural Programming
Beyond the major scheduled events, Rex Allen Days features numerous community activities that showcase Willcox’s diverse attractions and cultural offerings. The historic downtown area comes alive with special activities, extended hours for restaurants and shops, and informal gatherings that encourage visitors to explore the community’s character and charm.
Wine tasting events highlight the Willcox wine region’s growing reputation for exceptional viticulture. Local wineries offer special tastings and tours during festival weekend, introducing visitors to award-winning wines produced in the high desert terroir of the Sulphur Springs Valley. These events provide sophisticated counterpoint to the festival’s western theme while showcasing another aspect of the region’s agricultural excellence.
Gun shows, car shows, and various hobby exhibitions provide additional attractions for visitors with specialized interests. These events reflect the diverse interests and skills of rural Arizona communities while adding depth to the overall festival experience. Many exhibitors return annually, creating informal reunions and continuing friendships that strengthen community bonds.
Apple Annie’s Orchard, a major regional attraction located just outside Willcox, offers special activities during Rex Allen Days that celebrate the area’s agricultural heritage. Visitors can experience apple picking, enjoy fresh cider and baked goods, and explore the farm’s petting zoo and country store. This agricultural tourism component provides families with educational opportunities while supporting local farming operations.
Economic Impact and Community Development
Rex Allen Days serves as Willcox’s primary economic driver, generating substantial revenue for hotels, restaurants, retail businesses, and service providers throughout Cochise County. The festival attracts visitors from Phoenix, Tucson, El Paso, and throughout the Southwest who often extend their stays to explore the region’s natural and cultural attractions.
The event’s nonprofit structure ensures that proceeds support community development initiatives, youth programs, and educational scholarships that benefit residents throughout the year. Rex Allen Days, Inc. has contributed significantly to community infrastructure, educational opportunities, and social services that enhance quality of life for all residents.
The festival also serves as a showcase for Willcox’s attractions and amenities, encouraging repeat visits and supporting the development of year-round tourism. Many first-time visitors return throughout the year to experience the area’s birding opportunities, hiking trails, historic sites, and agricultural attractions that complement the festival experience.
Planning Your Visit
Willcox’s location on Interstate 10 provides excellent access from major southwestern cities, with Phoenix approximately 2.5 hours west and Tucson 90 minutes southeast. The October timing offers ideal weather conditions, with comfortable daytime temperatures and cool evenings perfect for outdoor activities and campfires.
Lodging options range from historic hotels to modern chain accommodations, with many properties offering special packages during Rex Allen Days. RV parks and campgrounds provide additional options for visitors who prefer outdoor accommodations while enjoying the region’s exceptional stargazing opportunities.
The festival schedule allows visitors to experience different aspects of the celebration while exploring Willcox’s other attractions. The nearby Chiricahua National Monument offers world-class hiking among spectacular rock formations, while the Willcox Playa provides important bird habitat that attracts thousands of sandhill cranes and other species during fall migration.
Authentic Western Experience
This authentic celebration of Arizona’s most beloved singing cowboy offers visitors a genuine western experience that combines professional entertainment with small-town hospitality and community pride. Rex Allen Days exemplifies the values of loyalty, service, and celebration that continue to define rural Arizona communities.
