The 2011 Cowboy Festival will showcase events kicking up all over Santa Clarita- even before the Festival’s arrival. The official event weekend at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio begins April 30 – May 1, but off-site attractions begin Wednesday, April 27 and continue throughout the weekend.

On Wednesday April 27, Cowboy Couture is back by popular demand. Experience a runway display of western designer fashions including modern and vintage looks, followed up by a wine reception and shopping at the Repertory East Playhouse.  Tickets for Cowboy Couture are available for $25 and $35 by calling 661-288-0000 or visit repeastplayhouse.org.

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On Thursday April 28, the Chuckwagon Dinner Show will take place at Heritage Junction in William S. Hart Park. Tickets are $40 to enjoy chuckwagon cooking demonstrations, dinner prepared by award-winning Manflo Ranch, and a presentation by world-famous stuntmen, Diamond Farnsworth and Loren Janes. All proceeds for this event benefit the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society.

To gain entry to the movie studio a day before general admission, Melody Ranch Movie Night presents a viewing of the classic film, “Stagecoach.” Enjoy an intimate Western style dinner under the stars, exclusive shopping, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience viewing the work of legendary Director John Ford’s Stagecoach. Tickets are $60 and the event will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets for the 2011 Cowboy Festival at Melody Ranch, as well as the Chuckwagon Dinner Show and Melody Ranch Movie Night can be purchased online at cowboyfestival.org or by phone at (661) 286-4021.

For more information on the 18th Annual Cowboy Festival and its preliminary events, call (661) 286-4021 or visit cowboyfestival.org.