On the wild frontier

Cheyenne, Wyo.

July 20-30: Cheyenne Frontier Days -- a sort of Rose Bowl of rodeo and Woodstock of western -- is expected to draw hundreds of thousands for the 110th edition. Daily afternoon rodeos beginning July 21. Nightly entertainment highlights include the Steve Miller Band (July 21), Martina McBride (July 22), Keith Urban (July 23), Carrie Underwood (July 27) and Larry the Cable Guy (July 29). Festivities begin July 20 with the Western Art Show, which includes a reception at the Wyoming governor’s mansion and sale of works by 68 artists.

Various locations in Cheyenne. Rodeos $11-$25. Concerts $22-$47. Art show, $145. (800) 227-6336, www.cfdrodeo.com. Art show only, (307) 778-7202.

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Portland, Ore.

July 27-30: The Oregon Brewers Festival draws 50,000 people to taste the wares of 72 breweries. Organizers claim it’s “North America’s largest gathering of independent brewers.” The Crater Lake Soda Garden offers root beer and flavored sodas for children and designated drivers. There are also industry exhibits and live musical acts.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland. Free entry; festival mug $4 (required to consume beer); beer tokens $1 each. (503) 778-5917, www.oregonbrewfest.com.

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Gilroy, Calif.

July 28-30: Lovers of the stinking rose will flock to gloriously garlicky Gilroy to celebrate their favorite bulb and eat more than 2 tons of it. There’s the Great Garlic Cook-off, Gourmet Alley, crafts, and children’s activities -- all without fear of vampires -- at the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival.

Christmas Hill Park, 7050 Miller Ave. $12, $6 seniors and ages 6-12, kids under 6 admitted free. Free parking. 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. each day. (408) 842-1625, www.gilroygarlicfestival.com.

-- Blake Hennon