Taking Stock of the 120th National Western Stock Show

The National Western Stock Show will stampede into Denver on Saturday, January 10, for the 120th anniversary edition of the annual extravaganza. But 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.

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

Where and When

The 2026 National Western Stock Show runs January 10 through January 25 in the National Western Complex in north Denver. Find the complete schedule and locations for all 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 (it’s free January 13); 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:

Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza
Sunday, January 11, 2 and 6 p.m.
Denver Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt Street
This popular cultural event is more than just a rodeo: It’s Mexican-style bull riding, bareback riding, trick roping, mariachi music, sidesaddle girls and Portuguese-style bull fights, all choreographed by Jerry Diaz, a fourth-generation champion charro. Buy tickets here.

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
January 10-25
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
Red Carpet Opening Thursday, January 8
Legacy Building
Back in a brand-new location inside the Legacy building, this art exhibit features an impressive lineup of Western-themed artwork showcasing the grit, skill, and imagination of artists who capture life in the West. Tickets for the opening are sold out, but you can see the show from January 10-25 if you have a ground admission pass.

120th National Western Stock Show Opening Event
Saturday, January 10, 9 a.m.
Legacy Building
For the first time, there’s a ceremonial kickoff of the Stock Show with both Mayor Mike Johnston and Governor Jared Polis in attendance, right outside the new Legacy Building on National Western Drive. Expect speeches, a time capsule burial, and a celebration of Colorado’s 150th birthday! A grounds admission ticket is required to access this part of the complex.

Colorado Department of Agriculture Mural Reveal
Saturday, January 10, 9:30 a.m.
Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Livestock Center, CoBank Arena West Concourse
Created by popular artist Thomas “Detour” Evans, this new 35-foot-wide mural was commissioned as part of Colorado’s 150th anniversary by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The mural showcases Colorado’s agricultural history, present and future.

Colorado Fiddle Champions
Saturday, January 10, and Sunday, January 11, 9 a.m.
Ames Beef Palace, Level 1/Itty Bitty Acres
Fiddlers come from far and wide to participate in gatherings such as this one. Free with grounds admission.

Mutton Bustin’
Monday, January 12, and 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.

Free Grounds Admission at the National Western Stock Show
Tuesday, January 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt Street
Mark your calendar for January 13, when grounds admission to the 120th National Western Stock Show is free.

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.