articles

Family-Friendly Fun at the 2024 National Western Stock Show

By National Western Stock Show January 3, 2024

No matter what age your kids are, they will LOVE the National Western Stock Show! 

The National Western Stock Show is an honored tradition that starts on January 6th and runs through the 21st at the National Western Complex (near I-70 & I-25). With dozens of kid-friendly activities to enjoy, you're sure to find your family fun.

Don't miss the Stock Show Parade!
More than 30 Longhorn cattle will walk the streets of Downtown Denver on Thursday, January 4th at noon.
The parade starts at Union Station and ends at 17th & Glenarm Pl

🤠 FAMILY SHOWS 🤠

Wild West Show

1. Wild West Show

Designed to both educate and entertain, the NWSS Wild West Shows will take you on a historical trip back to the days of the Old West with reenactments of the original Buffalo Bill Wild West Shows.

Known for bringing nations and people together, Buffalo Bill’s influence shows us We’re All Cowboys. Fans of all ages will reminisce about Wild West legends, including Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley, and others. The show is full of quick-draw antics and cowboy entertainment, painting the story of how the West was won.

Location: Events Center CINCH Arena
Date: January 13 @ 5pm and January 14 @ 4pm


Xtreme Dogs

2. Xtreme Dogs Show

Dog lovers unite for a show full of amazing tricks, aerial stunts, and unpredictable antics, all performed by man’s best friend.

Trained to run, jump, and retrieve at incredible speeds and soar to unbelievable heights, this cast of canines thrills audiences, barking their way into your hearts and leaving fans of all ages laughing and cheering throughout the entire show.

Location: Events Center CINCH Arena
Date: January 15 @ 3pm and January 16 at 6:30pm


Auction of Junior Livestock Champions, female steer exhibitor is interview on the auction block by Kathy Sabine of 9News

3. Cinch Equicross

CINCH Equicross is a gymkhana-style rodeo consisting of four (4) events: Rescue Race, Key Hole Race, Ring Race/Musical Ropes, and Flag Racing.

Contestants are 14-18 years of age and compete for scholarship money. This event is FREE with your grounds admission ticket!

Location: Denver Coliseum
Date: January 11 @ 2:30 pm
Additional Note: The contestants' family and friends can purchase discounted tickets to the Pro Rodeo performance on January 11, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.


Auction of Junior Livestock Champions, female steer exhibitor is interview on the auction block by Kathy Sabine of 9News

4. Remarkable Roundup

The Remarkable Roundup is a fun-filled event for kids with special needs.

Cowboys and rodeo queens will come together to create an interactive rodeo with events including Steer Roping, Bull Riding, Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, and Barrel Racing (no live animals are used, only props).

This heart-warming event is FREE to watch with your grounds admission ticket.

Location: Denver Coliseum
Date: TBD. Check nationalwestern.com/family-shows for updates.


Wild West Show

5. Stock Dogs

The National Western Stock Show takes pride in highlighting the relationship between these amazing animals and their human counterparts.

From backyard pets to a cowman’s top assistant, dogs are man’s best friend. This event is FREE with your grounds admission ticket!

Location: Yards
Date: TBD


Xtreme Dogs

6. Dog Pull

The dog weight pull is a sporting event that consists of dogs pulling a cart on wheels at a distance of 16 feet within one minute. Dogs are hooked up in a specially designed harness, which disperses the weight evenly. This event is FREE with your grounds admission ticket!

Location: Stadium Arena
Date: TBD

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Pony Rides

Time to saddle up!  The National Western Pony Rides are available to all future cowboys and cowgirls on the 3rd Floor of the Expo Hall.

Location: 3rd Floor
Cost: $10/ride


Ames Activity Pavilion

A full schedule of entertaining and educational programs, including Top Hogs performances, Farmyard Follies, Sheep Shearing, and Stick Horse Rodeos. Learn more here.

Location: South Food Court (outside)


CSU Ag Adventure

CSU Ag Adventure is the perfect place for children and adults to learn about the world of agriculture.

Guests participate in a hands-on experience learning about Colorado animal and crop production, featuring commodities from across the state. Within CSU Ag Adventure is CAM’s Classroom, which is home to scheduled lessons and activities presented by ag industry leaders and educators at CSU. Kids can also participate in the Jr. Ag Ambassador Program, where based on their learning experience, they can earn a badge and official ambassador title for the ag industry.

Location: 3rd Floor


Dairy Discovery Zone

The Dairy Discovery Zone is a fun, interactive exhibit where you and your family can discover the world of dairy and how your milk gets from the farm to the fridge.

From nutrition facts to mouthwatering recipes, your family will get to see what it’s like to milk a cow, test your farm strength, and score cool freebies. Visit us in the South Food Court!

Location: Stadium Hall 1411


Hutchison Western Pony Trails

Horse around in this exhibit that will teach you everything you want to know about our equine friends.

The Hutchison Western Pony Trails exhibit is interactive, educational, and built with kids in mind! Watch live horse demonstrations that teach how to measure and groom a horse, and learn about breeds, colors, and the differences between English and Western disciplines. Meet the Denver Mounted Patrol, and learn about the Temple Grandin Equine Center. Have your phone ready, because there are lots of photo opportunities within this exciting exhibit!

Location: Paddock, Events Center


King Soopers Petting Farm

Come face to face with over 60 barnyard animals! The Petting Farm is FREE with your grounds admission ticket.

Mini Sicilian donkeys, pygmy goats, and mini-call ducks make up the diverse group of friendly animals. Ice cream cones of food can be purchased for $3 at entry.

Location: 3rd Floor


National Western Nursery

Come meet our newest arrivals of your favorite farm animals and learn about their first days of life on the farm at the National Western Nursery presented by Murdoch’s.

State FFA officers oversee the care and feeding at the Nursery, and serve to answer questions about animal health and well-being. Included are a Holstein calf and Jersey calf, sow and piglets, goat and kids, ewe and lambs, alpacas and cria, and a miniature pony.

Location: Paddock, Events Center


Stock Show Tours

Led by Colorado State FFA Officers, join in on this FREE tour into the heart of the Stock Show. Tour the grounds and learn about our 115-year-old history, the agriculture industry, and the future National Western Center.

Location: Top of Stairs, South Ticket Lobby
Hours: 9 am - 5 pm, daily. Tours last approximately 45 minutes.



🤠 Tickets and Savings!

  • There are a ton of great deals on your favorite events.
  • Parking is free!
  • FREE Grounds Admission Day - Tuesday, January 9th

Join the email list to get all the details on your favorite events at the National Western Stock Show.

To learn more about the Stock Show and scheduled events, visit nationalwestern.com.