Passport to the West

About this event

Passport to the West October 22 & 23, 2026 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Bring your students back in time with Passport to the West, an immersive outdoor learning festival that brings history and culture to life. As they roam the festival grounds (with chaperones, of course), students will step into the world of the West through working chuck wagon and artist demonstrations, and pioneer life experiences. Students will explore Indigenous heritage through a dance and culture presentation*, and visits to Nêhiyawak (Cree) and Eastern Band Cherokee encampments. The traditions and cultural influences of Mexico, alongside a meet and greet with Keith Roberts and his horse Red Mare from Atlanta Black Rodeo, return this year! The University of West Georgia Anthropology students will lead pottery making and gorget making, as well as host a touch and information station with replica Indigenous artifacts. Potshot Parker returns this year and demonstrates traditional cattle herding skills and highlights information on the Oregon Trail. Additional stops include the Bartow History Museum (pioneer life) and the Tellus Science Museum (Western landscape erosion), along with many other educational stations. This is an outdoor event with a rain plan in place. Hands-on learning continues with interactive demonstrations throughout the grounds. Registration is required. Register Here!