On February 28, 2025, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West will celebrate a significant milestone in its 10th anniversary celebrations with the highly anticipated Western Spirit Gala. As part of the event, the Museum, in partnership with the City of Scottsdale, will present the inaugural Western Spirit Award to actor Kevin Costner. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets quickly, as availability is limited for this special evening.
“This award – an iconic lifetime achievement of Western storytelling – celebrates those who embody and pass on the stories of the Western Spirit community,” CEO Todd Bankofier said. “Kevin Costner epitomizes the exemplary passion for the West in all its glory and uniqueness, and we look forward to honoring him and his experiences in sharing the true stories of the settlers of the region.”
The award honors those whose work in film, television, and other forms of storytelling has played an integral role in preserving and celebrating the culture, history, and spirit of the American West. Costner, renowned for his work in iconic Western films such as Dances with Wolves, Wyatt Earp, and Open Range, is widely considered one of the genre’s most influential modern storytellers.
As an internationally acclaimed actor, writer, producer, director, community activist, and philanthropist, Costner will attend the event on February 28 to receive this prestigious award. In addition to the award presentation, he will host a VIP “Meet and Greet” session for sponsors. The evening will also include a moderated Q&A, giving guests an exclusive opportunity to hear firsthand from the legendary storyteller himself, as well as both silent and live auctions in support of the museum’s mission to preserve the rich history of the American West.
“Scottsdale is always proud to be a part of celebrating Western culture as our history is crafted by a long-standing designation as ‘The West’s Most Western Town,’ a moniker we enjoy and share with the world. Kevin Costner, our inaugural award winner, is larger than life. He has been acclaimed a significant international western storyteller by his peers and top motion picture and television award platforms throughout his bigger-than-life career,” Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega said.
Tickets for the Western Spirit Gala are available, with individual tickets priced at $1,000 per person. Proceeds from the event will benefit Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, supporting its ongoing work to preserve and share the rich legacy of the American West. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit westernspirit.org/costner. Stay updated on the event by following the Museum on social media at @smowest.
