National Western Stock Show, NWSS 2025

16 Days of Stock Show Action

The National Western Stock Show (NWSS), aka “Stock Show,” is a beloved annual event in Denver, Colorado, showcasing the best of Western lifestyle since 1906. This event brings together cowboys, ranchers, and livestock enthusiasts from all over the country to celebrate the rich history and traditions of the American West. This 16-day event is a must-see for anyone interested in the Western lifestyle and is a great way to kick off the new year.
If you plan to attend the National Western Stock Show in Denver in 2023, here’s a quick breakdown of everything you need to know.

Stock Show Dates and Location

Location: National Western Complex in Denver, Colorado. MAP

Dates: January 11th to January 26th

The 2023 National Western Stock Show, NWSS, will occur from January 7 to January 22 at the National Western Complex in Denver, Colorado.

NWSS Stock Show Events & Dates – Quick Links

Rodeos

Horse Shows

FREE Horse Events

Livestock Show

Activities & Shows

Shopping & Trade Shows

Official Calendar of Events

Buy Tickets

NWSS Rodeo Events

The National Western Stock Show is known for its exciting rodeo events, which attract top cowboys and cowgirls worldwide. The rodeo events include:

Rodeo Tickets
Rodeo Event Dates:

• January 11th – Colorado vs The World Rodeo. Watch CINCH World Team semi-final, followed by RAM Colorado Team semi-final. Then the leaders of these teams will have a final event to see who will be the champion
• January 12th – A featured Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza filled with cultural pageantry. Unique displays include trick roping, side saddle girls, and Portuguese-style bullfights. All to the sounds of Mariachi music.
• January 13-15th – PBR Bull Riding. The PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour features top bull riders squaring off against the rankest bucking bulls in North America.
• January 22nd – The 1st Pro Rodeo of the ‘25 season, including barrel racing, bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, mutton bustin’, and more.
• January 11th – Pink Pro Rodeo. Grab a pink shirt, boots, or hat. Join pro rodeo athletes and the Colorado community and rally together to fight cancer. Enjoy a great rodeo for a great cause!
• January 20th – MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo. Watch top cowboys and cowgirls competing in favorite pro rodeo events.
• January 21st – Military Appreciation Rodeo. Join this special pro rodeo dedicated to the active-duty and retired service men and women. The evening will include an exceptional performance by the U.S. Army.

NWSS Horse Shows

The Stock Show Horse features a mix of traditional Colorado equine events. The diverse schedule of shows will expand your appreciation for all types of equine athletes.

Horse Show Tickets
Ticketed Horse Show Event Dates:

• January 6th – Invitational Ranch Rodeo. Ranch rodeo mimics everyday work on the ranch. Contestants compete as teams.
• January 7th – $27.5K RAM Freestyle Reining. Considered the premier freestyle reining event in NA.
• January 12th – The Monarch Casino Gambler’s Choice Jumper Stake. A horse jumper competition with an added twist of the “Joker” fence.
• January 15th – NWSS Grand Prix. With a $40K total purse, riders come from around the country. Watch firsthand as horses and riders tackle 4’6” jumps and higher.
• January 18th & 19th – An Evening of Dancing Horses. Enjoy an evening of dancing horses. Showcasing the best equestrian talent from around the world demonstrating formal dressage, reining, liberty, and other talents performed to live music.
• January 19th – 21st – Draft Horse, Mule & Donkey Shows. The long weeked event boasts cart, team, unicorn, 4-horse, 6-horse & 8-horse hitch classes. Plus various other popular events.
• January 16th – Pink Pro Rodeo. Grab your pink outfit and rally together to raise awareness for breast cancer.

FREE Horse Events!

Non-Ticketed Horse Events

• January 10-11th – Youth Ranch Horse Mentor Matchup. An event was created to allow local youth to learn and compete during the Stock Show via hands-on activities.
• January 11th – Western Performance Horse Showdown. Check out reining, roping, and reining cowhorse participants join forces on opening day.
• January 14th – 15th – Quarter Horse & Paint Horse Show. AQHA and APHA return with their “finals format.”
• January 16th – 20th – Enjoy a traditional hunter/jumper and equitation show during these five days.
• January 21st – 22nd – Horseman’s Challenge. A fun opportunity for local and national equestrians to be involved in the Stock Show.
• January 22nd – 26th – Draft Horse, Mule & Donkey Show. Featuring a draft horse show, a pulling contest, and the famous Feed Team Race!

Livestock Shows and Competitions

One of the main attractions of the National Western Stock Show is the livestock shows and competitions. This is where you can see some of the best cattle, sheep, goats, and other livestock from around the country. Plus, there are competitions for junior exhibitors, where young ranchers can showcase their skills and knowledge.

Free Spectator Even

• January 24th – Supporting youth exhibitors through the Junior Livestock Auction!
• 4 days in January – Herd Sire Display Bulls. A one-of-a-kind event that displays cattle and offers market opportunities for the cattle industry.
• Over the 16 Days – The “Yard,” an Open Breeding Cattle Shows. An only event of its kind in NA and a mecca of activity for the livestock industry. Home to many cattle sales and a display of cattle.
• January 6th – 21st – Junior Livestock Shows. Watch the Grand Drive on the “green carpet.” NWSS is home to some of the most elite junior market shows for all types of livestock. The junior livestock auction traditionally grosses over a million dollars!
• January 11th – 26th – Judging Contests. A prestigious event with hundreds of teams entered in several contests to take part in the Super Bowl of Livestock Shows!
• January 11th – 26th – 21st – Catch-a-Calf Contest. An event tradition where 4-H members participate in “catching a calf.” Calves that have been donated by sponsoring ranches. Successful participants bring the calves back to the Stock Show the following year as a market-ready steer.

On-going thru January – Specialty Breed Shows. Explore the following breed-specific shows:

• Alpacas
• Bison
• Stock Dog
• Goats
• Llamas
• Sheep
• Swine
• Yaks

NWSS Family Shows and Kids Activities

National Western Stock Show activities and shows that the whole family will enjoy!
Tickets to Family Shows & Kids Activities

• January 18 – 19th – The Wild West Show. Take a trip back to the Old Wild West with reenactments of the original Buffalo Bill Wild West Shows!
• January 20th – Xtreme Dog Show. Dog lovers unite for a show full of amazing tricks, aerial stunts, and unpredictable antics!
• January 16th – Cinch Equicross. A gymkhana-style rodeo consisting of 4 events plus a Key Hole Race!
• January 24 – 26th – Stock Dogs. NWSS highlights the relationship between these dogs and their human counterparts.
• January 19th – Dog Pull. A sporting event where dogs pull a cart on wheels for a distance of 16 feet within one minute.
• January 21st – Remarkable Roundup. A fun participant event for kids with special needs.

NWSS Shopping and Trade Shows

NWSS has over 900 retail vendors that sell various products, including fine art, jewelry, western lifestyle, agricultural products, equipment, and more. Vendors are found throughout the complex for the best shopping experience. If you didn’t get what you wanted for Christmas, you will find something special at the NWSS trade show.

Stock Show Dining

NWSS features a variety of sit-down, outside dining, bars, and grab-n-go dining options (15 combined choices). Just let your appetite do the walk’n, and you will surely be able to find something tasty.

History of the National Western Stock Show

The National Western Stock Show was first held in 1906 as a way to promote the livestock industry in the Western United States. Over the years, it has become one of the world’s largest and most prestigious livestock shows. The event features a variety of activities, including rodeos, horse shows, livestock competitions, and an impressive trade show.

NWSS Tickets and Accommodations

Tickets for the National Western Stock Show can be purchased online or at the door. Prices vary depending on the event and seating options. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, as some events may sell out. As for accommodations, there are plenty of hotels and Airbnb options in the Denver area. It’s best to book early, as hotels tend to fill up quickly during the Stock Show.

Don’t Miss The National Western Stock Show

The National Western Stock Show in Denver is a must-see event for anyone interested in the Western lifestyle. With its rich history, exciting events, and unique shopping opportunities, it’s no wonder that it attracts over 700,000 visitors each year. Mark your calendars for January 2023 and get ready to experience the best of the American West at the National Western Stock Show in Denver.