Taking Stock of the 120th National Western Stock Show

The National Western Stock Show has stampeded into Denver for the 120th anniversary edition of the annual extravaganza. You’ll find some changes at the National Western Complex this year, with two big new facilities debuting…and a few old favorites moseying on.

With the completion of the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Livestock Center, much of the animal action has moved there…including the beloved Cowboy Bar that had been in the basement of the Hall of Education and now has a new home in the center as well as a new name: the Coors Banquet Hall. The Coors Western Art show has moved, too, to the massive Legacy Building, the David Tryba-designed home of the National Western Denver Authority that has a permanent art gallery, as well as eight bars…two open to the public during the Stock Show.

These moves also mean that the children’s petting farm in the Hall of Education has doubled in size, and there are some other surprises in store. For example, the CSU Spur facilities are now part of the National Western Complex, so you’ll need to pay grounds admission to reach the events there. But you can get to the Wide Open @ the Stockyards Bar in the Livestock Exchange without a ticket…if you’re very insistent at the entry gate on National Western Drive.

Keep reading for more you should need know about this year’s Stock Show.

Where and When

The 2026 National Western Stock Show runs through January 25 in the National Western Complex in north Denver. Governor Jared Polis and Mayor Mike Johnston kicked things off with a ceremony outside the Legacy Building on January 10; the first weekend broke Stock Show attendance records. Find the complete schedule for all sixteen days of events at nationalwestern.com.

How to Get There

Parking is at a premium around the National Western Complex, although the cost of parking in the Coliseum lot and Lot F is included in the cost of a grounds admission ticket. Free shuttles are available from the Coors Field parking lots; they run on a fifteen-minute schedule starting at 8 a.m. daily, and parking is free in those lots. The RTD N-Line also goes to the National Western Center station, but it’s a walk to most complex facilities.

Admission to the National Western

To enter the National Western Complex — which you’ll need to do to reach just about any activity — you’ll need to pay for grounds admission unless entrance is covered in the cost of an event. Grounds admission for an adult runs from $5 to $37 depending on the day; you can also buy a 16-day pass for $88. Ticket prices for events vary; get details here.

Livestock Shows

Livestock shows are obviously a huge part of the Stock Show, with events showcasing over 25 breeds of cattle and many other species of livestock. More than 12,000 animals move in and out of the gates each year, and visitors can watch traditional competitions, such as breeding, market and showmanship, or those primarily aimed for recreation or companionship, including llamas, alpacas, poultry and stock dogs. Learn more here.

Rodeos

There are twenty professional rodeos during the Stock Show, as well as a few special events. Some highlights:

MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo
Monday, January 19, 6 p.m.
Denver Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt Street
The MLK Jr. holiday weekend culminates with the annual MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo, with top cowboys and cowgirls competing in crowd-favorite rodeo events including bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, mutton bustin’, and ladies’ steer un-decorating. 

Temple Grandin Equine Center Exceptional Rodeo 
Wednesday, January 21, 10 a.m. to noon
Temple Grandin Equine Center, CSU Spur
During this very special event, dozens of Denver-area youth with special needs will have the opportunity to be a cowboy or cowgirl for the day through a mock adaptive rodeo experience that includes everything from a real-life rodeo announcer, mechanical bull, visits from rodeo queens, and the opportunity to meet Dr. Temple Grandin. The rodeo is free, but you’ll need a ground admission ticket to reach CSU Spur facilities this year.

Pro Rodeos
January 15-25
Denver Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt Street
Pro rodeos, for which world champion bulls and broncs, cowboys and cowgirls roll into Denver, happen for ten days throughout the Stock Show. They all culminate in the finals on Sunday, January 25. Find tickets here.

Stick Horse Rodeos
Through January 25
Rodeo 101 Stage Show, Level 1/Itty Bitty Acres
Kids can join in on the fun, too. Presented by CommonSpirit Health, during these events kids can hop on a stick horse and buck out of the chute. Free with ground-admission tickets.

Other Top Events and Attractions

Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale
Through January 25
Legacy Building
Back in a brand-new location inside the Legacy Building, this annual art exhibit features an impressive lineup of Western-themed artwork showcasing the grit, skill and imagination of artists who capture life in the West. You can see the show from January 10-25 if you have a grounds admission pass.

Mutton Bustin’
Thursday, January 15, 6 p.m.
Stadium Arena, 4655 Humboldt Street
Mosey on down to the historic Stadium Arena for an hour of mutton bustin’. Fifty future cowgirls and cowboys will be chosen to compete each night. Grounds admission is required.

Square & Round Dance Demo
January 13-20, various times
Ames Beef Palace
The Denver Area Square & Round Dance Council will demonstrate this dance, in which no fancy footwork is required. Grounds admission is, though.

Wild West Show
Saturday, January 17, 5 p.m. and Sunday, January 18, 3 p.m.
CINCH Arena, 1515 East 47th Avenue
The Wild West Show is inspired by Buffalo Bill’s world-renowned portrayal of the Old West, bringing together a talented cast to entertain and educate the audience. This is a ticketed event.

Xtreme Dogs
Sunday, January 18, 6:30 p.m. and Monday, January 19, 3 p.m.
CINCH Arena, 1515 East 47th Avenue
Xtreme Dogs is a show full of canine tricks, aerial stunts and more. This is a ticketed event.

An Evening of Dancing Horses
Friday, January 23, and Saturday, January 24, 7 p.m.
CINCH Arena, 1515 East 47th Avenue
An Evening of Dancing Horses brings together some of the world’s best equestrian talent, performing to live music by Spinphony Electric String Quartet. This is a ticketed event.

Cowboy Gathering
Sunday, January 25, 10 a.m.
Stadium Arena, 4655 N Humboldt Street
If you’re a fan of the Cowboy Poetry Gathering (held in recent years at Buffalo Rose in Golden), you won’t want to miss this dynamic event blending storytelling, music and poetry performed in the Western style. This inaugural event features acclaimed performers Dave Stamey, Kristyn Harris and more. Grounds admission is required to attend.

King Soopers Petting Farm
Through Sunday, January 25
Itty Bitty Acres, Level 1
The petting zoo has moved floors and doubled in size this year. You can now meet over sixty barnyard animals at this expanded petting zoo experience. Grounds admission is required.