PHOTOS: Cowboy Up Carbondale brings the Western flair in support of local students

News | Aug 23, 2025

Austin Colbert

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A couple dances during Cowboy Up Carbondale, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale. For the second time, this year's beneficiary was the Carbondale Education Foundation. The evening included dancing, food, arts and crafts for the kids, and a live auction.
*Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times*

Cowboy Up Carbondale, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, returned on Friday evening to downtown Carbondale. This year’s beneficiary was again the Carbondale Education Foundation, making them the first-ever repeat beneficiary in the event’s 16-year history.

On top of a barbecue dinner, there were arts and crafts for the kids, dancing and live music from local band Highway 82, and a live auction.

Visit cowboyupcarbondale.com for more.

Highway 82, a local band, plays during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale. For the second time, this year’s beneficiary was the Carbondale Education Foundation.

Kids enjoy the arts and crafts table during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale. For the second time, this year’s beneficiary was the Carbondale Education Foundation.

Guests enjoy dinner during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale.

A couple dances during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale.

Guests browse the auction items during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale. For the second time, this year’s beneficiary was the Carbondale Education Foundation.

A sign welcomes guests to Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale. For the second time, this year’s beneficiary was the Carbondale Education Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Beans wait for diners during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Guests enjoy dinner during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Guests browse the auction items during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale. For the second time, this year’s beneficiary was the Carbondale Education Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A boot also serves as a flower vase during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A couple dances during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Kids enjoy the arts and crafts table during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale. For the second time, this year’s beneficiary was the Carbondale Education Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Kids enjoy the arts and crafts table during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale. For the second time, this year’s beneficiary was the Carbondale Education Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Highway 82, a local band, plays during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Carly Rose, right, with Highway 82, a local band, plays during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A couple dances during Cowboy Up Carbondale, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale. For the second time, this year’s beneficiary was the Carbondale Education Foundation. The evening included dancing, food, arts and crafts for the kids, and a live auction.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Highway 82, a local band, plays during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale. For the second time, this year’s beneficiary was the Carbondale Education Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Carly Rose with Highway 82, a local band, plays during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Ribs from Slow Groovin BBQ are cut into during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Guests dance during Cowboy Up, an annual celebration of western heritage and a local fundraiser, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in downtown Carbondale.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times