National Western Stock Show Events You Don't Want To Miss

The National Western Stock Show is kicking off this year celebrating its 117th anniversary with the trade show and events starting January 7th-16th, 2023. SIXTEEN full days of fun and the best sixteen days in January. As one of Colorado’s most popular tourist destinations and recognized for its western heritage and entertainment event, NWSS hosts one of the world’s richest regular season professional rodeos, one of the country’s largest horse shows, and Colorado’s largest western trade show.

The CINCH World Team Semi-Final Rodeo

"This rodeo features Colorado rodeo champions vs rodeo champions of the World in three opening day rodeos like none other. The leaders from the RAM Colorado Team face off against the leaders of the CINCH World Team at Colorado vs the World Rodeo FINALS Saturday night to see who will be crowned champion!"

Invitational Ranch Rodeo

This event consists of teams of cowboys or cowgirls from different ranches competing against each other in events that mimic their everyday work on the ranch.

RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining

Freestyle Reining competitions combine the athletics and finesse of Reining skills choreographed to musical themes, costumes, and a whole lot of horse and rider personalities. Top reiners from all over the country embark on Denver in January to compete in the $25,000 RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining at NWSS.

Fabulous Farm Animals

Children’s Farms of America presents Fabulous Farm Animals. This trivia-style game show is just as fun as it is educational. Learn about all of your favorite farm animals!

APHA/AQHA Quarter Horse And Paint Horse Show

American Quarter Horse and Paint Horse show display some of the best equine athletes the two breeds have to offer. Events include barrel racing, halter, ranch trail and ranch riding.

Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest

College Students from across the nation compete in a contest testing their skills at evaluating livestock like the professionals. Scores are kept and tabulated with the highest scoring individuals and college teams ranked by final scores!

Longhorn Cattle Drive

Witness our longhorn cattle herd be driven from the south hill above the Stadium Arena down Humboldt Street in front of the Hall of Education and into the Events Center west paddock.

MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo

The special MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo showcases top cowboys and cowgirls from the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo competing in all your favorite pro rodeo events. Events include bareback riding, ranch bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie down roping, mutton bustin’, ladies’ steer un-decorating, breakaway roping, and more.

Xtreme Dogs Pat & Chat

Dog lovers unite! Get an exclusive, up close preview patting & chatting some of our Xtreme Dogs! Man’s best friend thrills audiences with their athletic prowess and surprisingly unbelievable antics. Then, see them at their 6:30 pm show in the Events Center!

Farmyard Follies

Hosted by one of the “Zoo Crew,” the show includes animal behavior and antics accompanied by fascinating facts and stories about each type of animal.

... And more events, check out the complete schedule and all about National Western and the 16 days of Stock Show.

Do not forget the shopping that is included at NWSS... Keep an eye out on the website to see if your favorite vendor will be attending this year!