Saddle up and get ready for the 120th year of the National Western Stock Show. If this is your first rodeo, then here’s everything you need to know to enjoy yourself 

The National Western Stock Show is the ultimate western event each year in Denver, with everything from fine art to livestock yards, horse shows, and rodeos. There is a lot to see and do at the show — here’s your guide to pick and choose: 

STOCK SHOW PARADE INFO

The Stock Show kicks off Thursday with a parade of 30 longhorn steers walking through the streets of downtown Denver.

When: Thursday, starting at 12 p.m.
Where: Start – Union Station at 17th Street; End – 17th & Glenarm Place
Best places to park: Wewatta garage – 1400 Wewatta St., Denver, CO 80202
Blake Street garage – 1757 Market St., Denver, CO 80202
Tabor Center garage – 1200 17th St., Denver, CO 80202

FREE WITH GENERAL ADMISSION  

GASCAR Crazy Animal Races – What: Ready, set, go. Goats, sheep, pigs and other surprise animals run down (or all over) the track in their stylish racing silks. Where: Itty Bitty Acres, Level 1 

Stick Show Rodeo – What: Kids can create the magic of rodeo with stick horses for a teeny-tiny rodeo where riders ‘hang on’ for their own 8-second ride. This is where your theatrical child can shine. Where: Itty Bitty Acres, Rodeo 101 Stage Show, Level 1 

Farmyard Follies – What: Hosted by one of the “Zoo Crew,” animals from the petting farm participate in a funny and educational show with animal antics and fun facts featuring goats, sheep, llamas, and donkeys. Where: Itty Bitty Acres, Level 1 

King Soopers Petting Farm – Kids and adults alike can pet, feed and meet more than 60 barnyard animals from mini Sicilian donkeys, to pygmy goats, and mini-call ducks.

CAMS Classroom – What: Learn about the world of agriculture from industry experts and educators from Colorado State University with unique lessons and activities focused on various aspects of agriculture. Where: CSU Ag Adventure, Level 1 

Colorado Fiddle Championship – What: Watch fiddlers compete in a contest that welcomes fiddling of all kinds, but focuses heavily on Texas-style fiddling, in association with the Colorado Old Time Fiddlers’ Association. Where: Ames Beef Palace Auction Arena, Level 1 

Sheep Shearing Demo –  What: An educational demonstration by professional shearer Evan, where watchers learn about shearing, why it’s done, how often, and how much wool a sheep can produce. Where: Ames Beef Palace Auction Arena, Level 1 

Swing and Line Dancing – What: Learn to line and swing dance with the Country KickUp. All skill levels welcomed, no partner required. Where: Ames Beef Palace 

Square & Round Dance Demo – What: Learn the art of square or round dancing from the experts at Denver Area Square & Round Dance Council Where: Ames Beef Palace  

Westernaires Trick Roping – What: Watch an exhibition of trick-roping and spinning from the Westernaires team using a variety of tricks and rope sizes – beware, they make it look easy. Where: Ames Beef Palace 

Roping with the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys – What: Learn some roping for yourselves with the working cowboys as they teach the fundamentals of roping and learn about how the essential skill helps with ranch life. Where: Itty Bitty Acres, Rodeo 101 Stage Show, Level 1  

Top Hogs of the Wild West – What: The best of the bunch pigs perform thrilling tricks, act out hysterical impressions, and even ride a skateboard. Kids get to meet the performers after their performance. Where: Ames Beef Palace 

Coors Western Art Exhibit –  This free art exhibit features Western art in contemporary and traditional styles, displaying scenes of beautiful, sweeping landscapes, livestock alongside handlers. The gallery features paintings of different styles, sculptures, photography, jewelry and furniture.

TICKETED SHOWS THAT ARE BEST FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES

Wild West Show – What: Take a journey back in time and tour the history of the wild wild west with an Old West with reenactments of the original Buffalo Bill Wild West Shows. Where: Events Center CINCH Arena When: Jan. 17 & 18. Get tickets here. 

Xtreme Dogs Shows – What: The ultimate dog agility show with tricks, antics, and aerial stunts all performed by dogs. Where: Events Center CINCH Arena When: Jan. 18 & 19. Get tickets here.  

Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza – What: Experience the culture of Vaqueros and Charros at the Mexican Rodeo with acts from Mexican-style bull riding, bareback riding, side saddle riding, Mariachi music, and Portuguese-style Bull Fights. Where: Denver Coliseum When: Jan. 11, with two shows at 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Get tickets here. 

Monarch Casino Gambler’s Choice – What: A high-energy style horse show with jumping and a ‘rock n roll atmosphere’ with a uniquely designed course made for high humpers. When: Jan. 16, at 7:30 p.m. Get tickets here. 

PBR Bull Riding – What: Cowboys hold onto their hats as they square off against the toughest, strongest, bucking bulls in North America to hold on for a thrilling 8-second ride, which includes cash prizes, wrecks, and loads of action. Where: Denver Coliseum When: Jan. 12-14, at 7 p.m. Get tickets here. 

Pro Rodeo – What: Cowboys and cowgirls compete with world champion bulls and broncs, featuring barrel racing, bronc riding, steer wrestling, and mutton busting. Where: Denver Coliseum When: Jan. 15-25. Get tickets here. 

An Evening of Dancing Horses – What: A horse show that features the best of equestrian talent, combining skills of dressage, reining, and acrobatics with dancing, featuring live music provided by Spinphony Electric String Quartet. When: Jan. 23-24. Get tickets here. 

Draft Horse, Mule & Donkey Shows – What: A horse show featuring working horses showcasing the strength and versatility of these gentle giants, featuring a pulling contest with 4-horse, 6-horse & 8-horse hitch classes. When: Jan. 22-24. Get tickets here. 

Invitational Freestyle Reining – What: The figure skating of the west, freestyle reining competitions offer a variety of performances with skilled choreography on horseback, costumes and music. When: Jan. 11, at 3 p.m. Get tickets here. 

Disability accessibility and considerations: There is something for everyone at the National Western Stock Show. If you are in the mood for more than just the petting zoo farm animals, the Stock Show offers many up-close encounters as well as livestock education for those who may be experiencing these animals for the first time.

The complex comprises three buildings and is expansive, featuring a maze of livestock and vendors, but it is not difficult to navigate. Since they move livestock throughout the complex, there is ample space to navigate with a wheelchair or walking device. Additionally, there are wagons available for families with small children, as well as ramps and elevators for use.

There are ample seating areas upstairs by the kids’ area, but they are sparse throughout the other areas of the venue. There are wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is a family restroom available along with a “nursing shed” on the 3rd floor and a “Kids Zone,” as well as regular restrooms found throughout the various complexes, which are easy to find and large.

Service animals might be an additional consideration for you, and according to the National Western website, “Service Animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered to the handler at all times unless being attached interferes with tasks. If not attached, the animal must remain close to the handler and be under verbal or signal control. Any Service Animal that displays unruly or aggressive behavior towards other guests, employees, or animals may be denied entry or asked to leave the facility. For the safety and well-being of all involved, all other animals are prohibited. It is highly recommended that owners/handlers confirm that Service Animals are up to date on all vaccines.”

The venue is noisy, and there is a strong livestock odor and safety precautions with large animals, which might be of consideration for some who get easily overstimulated. There are areas where the cattle and horses are being groomed, which is something to consider for those with allergies. Be sure to head to the new Legacy building for the Coors Western Art Exhibit to see some works of contemporary western-inspired art. Upstairs of the main venue visitors can walk through the maze of vendors, or check out one of the many shows.

The three buildings at the National Western Complex are separated and not connected by indoor walkways, which is also something to consider for those who must navigate through snow and other conditions.

One thing to note about the complex is that it is an indoor/outdoor facility where many of the large doors might be open for the animals. For this reason, some areas are warmer than others, and you may be walking between venues to see things, so be sure to wear some layers and bring your jacket.

More information on parking and maps here. For a full schedule, and tickets, visit nationalwestern.com.