Cody Prepares for the 40th Annual Rendezvous Royale
Written by Andrew-Rossi on August 18, 2021
With a month to go, Cody prepares for the artistry of the 40th Annual Rendezvous Royale – the largest and most lucrative event in Cody’s “offseason.”
The opening ceremony for the 40th Annual Rendezvous Royale will be held this evening at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. It coincides with the opening of this year’s Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale Gallery, which led to the creation of one of the largest and most important events in Cody.
Tina Hoebelheinrich, Executive Director of the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce, says the Rendezvous Royale has become Cody’s biggest – and most lucrative – off-season event.
“We used to consider September the shoulder season. Not the prime season – June, July, August. But anymore, September is outpacing June. So it’s definitely a fall event leading in towards the off-season. And we pack the town. There are very few hotel rooms – if any – available at this point for that week. And there are so many exciting events for people to participate in.”
Earlier this year, U.S.A. Today recognized Cody as having the 6th Best Small-Town Arts Scene in the U.S. The national publication specifically cites the Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale as an event that adds to the artistic charm of the community.
A full schedule of events is now available on the Rendezvous Royale website.
Tuesday, Sept. 14
- Painting on the Porch at the Cody Country Art League
Wednesday, Sept. 15
- Expert Interior Decorating Tips at By Western Hands
Thursday, Sept. 16
- Lunch and a Lecture at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
- Expert Interior Decorating Tips at By Western Hands
- Peter Hassrick Public Program Series Inaugural Event at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
- Annual Art Walk on Sheridan Avenue in Downtown Cody
Friday, Sept. 17
- Colorful Canvases at Cody Country Art League
- Quick Draw and Brunch at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
- Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale & Patrons Ball at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
2020 was an odd year for the Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale. But now, everyone’s ready to get the artistic event back in full swing.
Because of the pandemic, only 40 people were allowed in the gallery for the annual sale last year. But now, no such restrictions are in place. The gallery will be at full capacity for the event.
“After last year – the blip year – where everything was different, this year is presenting a whole new set of challenges. We hope to be back in the tent (so) it will be that great Friday night Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale – art on the runway.”
Absentee voting will be permitted once again, either over the phone and online. But the full runaway will return to the gallery, what Hoebelheinrich calls “the traditional event.”
Courtesy Rendezvous Royale
Hoebelheinrich says, on average, the Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale sells nearly $1 million of art in a single evening.
“Last year was a little off. We were just under $900,000 in artwork sold. It was still a pretty significant amount.”
The opening reception for the Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale begins at 6 p.m. at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. The Live Auction and Buy-It-Now Sale exhibitions will hang in the John Bunker Sands Gallery for viewing until Friday, September 17th at 3 p.m.
From this evening until the day of the auction, the Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale gallery is open to Cody residents free of charge.
