2020 Denver Western Stock Show & Rodeo

At first, you might think a stock show and rodeo are for those who buy and sell cattle and rodeo enthusiasts. However, this multi-day Denver event has something for everyone—regardless of your age or entertainment preferences. Needing something to do in Denver? Don’t miss the 2020 Denver Western Stock Show & Rodeo.

• When: Jan. 11th – Jan. 26th
• Where: National Western Complex, Denver, CO — 4655 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80216
• Admission: $13 – $19 Adults, $2 – $3 Children

What is the Denver Stock Show and Rodeo?

The Denver event began as a multi-day cattle auction. On its twenty-fifth anniversary, other events were added including a popular rodeo. Founded in 196, the National Western Stock Show is famous for being the most notable livestock show. Agriculture producers and consumers from all over the world converge on Denver for this annual event. In addition to this event, this charitable organization provides education in agriculture, including college and graduate-level scholarships in agriculture and veterinary medicine for practice in rural areas.

History of the Stock Show

In 1899, the first northwest stock show was organized. In 1906, the first six-day show opened on January 29. Crowds of 15,000 attended. The grand champion steer sold for almost twenty-five cents a pound over the going price. By 1931, for its twenty-fifth stock show, a rodeo was added. There was also a livestock show and a horse show. In 1954, the famous Westernaires made their debut at the rodeo. In 2006, the Stock and Rodeo Show had its centennial. It was by then a sixteen-day event. The grand champion steer sold for $75,000. That’s sixty dollars a pound.

Previous Stock Shows

Each year in January, Denver hosts the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. The multi-day events kick off with a fabulous parade. Now over a hundred years old, this event spans over two weeks.

Things to Do at the 2020 Denver Western Stock Show & Rodeo

Denver embodies the spirit of the west. Nowhere is this more evident than at the National Western Stock Show. January 9 opening day begins with an elaborate parade.

January 9 also marks the stock show kick-off. There will be little doubt that the stock show is underway when downtown residents and visitors see thirty-some longhorn steers parading down Denver streets.

On Saturday, January 11, at the Coliseum, the RAM Team Colorado will compete against the CINCH World Team in rodeo finals. Featured acts will include Justin Rumford, famed rodeo clown and the Westernaires.

Be sure to get your tickets for the PRO Rodeo show on January 17th and for PRO Rodeo CU night on January 24th at the Coliseum.

On January 20, find out about the history of the black cowboy. Take in the pony express relay run by black cowboys and cowgirls, the steer undecorating event as well as traditional rodeo events.

Family-Friendly Events

Every kid gets excited about seeing clowns, barrel races, and other rodeo events. However, the National Stock Show and Rodeo has many activities just for kids. Read through all of the activities going on at the 2020 Denver Western Stock Show & Rodeo. These are suitable for the entire family but are special for your little ones.

1. Visit the petting farm on the third floor of Expo Hall. Your kids will be enthralled with some sixty animals they will be able to touch including ducks, Sicilian donkeys, and pygmy goats.
2. Take your kids to the pony rides on the same floor. Your young riders can have their pictures taken trotting around the track on purebred Welsh ponies.
3. Visit the Center Paddock, next to the Hutchison Western Pony Trails where your family can meet your favorite baby farm animals and their moms. Talk to the experts and learn about the animals’ first days on the farm.
4. Let your children experience a ride on their own John Deere tractor as they pedal their way through an obstacle course race.
5. If your children aspire to be rodeo stars, let them hop aboard a stick horse and compete in special stick horse rodeo events including barrel racing, steer roping and bull riding.
6. Enroll your kids in farmyard follies. There, they will experience humorous and educational animal entertainment. Children will see goats, sheep and llamas and the troublesome donkey Fiona-No-No as well as hosts “Zoo Crew”. Your kids will learn interesting facts and stories about animal stars.
7. If your kids enjoy animal trick, take them to Top Hogs. They can watch performing animals ride unicycles and skateboards. They can even become part of the show teaming up with the performing pigs.
8. If your children have ever wondered where their wool sweaters come from, take them to the sheep shearing demonstration.
9. In the Events Center, kids can see the 9NEWS Super Dogs Show. Let them get up close and personal with the performing dogs.
10. Don’t miss the ever-popular mutton bustin’ event. Kids under fifty-five pounds can ride the sheep out of the chute and across the area—just like the bull riders.

At Ames Activity Pavilion, the whole family can see The Wild West Show Preview. This is like a trailer for the Wild West Show held in the Events Center.

Show Dates

The Rodeo kicks-off at the end of the first week and continues until the conclusions of the stock show & rodeo. Be sure to purchase tickets before they’re sold out!

• When: Jan. 16th – Jan. 26th
• Where: Denver Coliseum — 4600 Humboldt St, Denver, CO
• Admission: $35 – $70
• Tickets: Get tickets here 

While You’re in Denver

Be sure to take in other activities while you’re attending 2020 Denver western stock show & rodeo. Visit the Grizzly Rose.  It’s one of the country’s top-rated country and western venues. See famous Nashville stars, learn to line dance. Get in the country and western spirit before or after you attend the 2020 Denver western stock show & rodeo. While the 2020 Denver Stock Show and Rodeo is going on, be sure to also pencil in amazing live acts by:

• Josh Turner — January 17th @ 8:30 PM
• Craig Morgan — January 18th @ 8:30 PM
• Travis Denning — January 24th @ 8:30 PM
• Ned Ledoux — January 25th @ 8:30 PM

There’s so much to see and do in beautiful Denver that you’ll want to stay for several days before and after the stock show and rodeo. Check out the many free Denver January activities.

If you’re in the mood for more west attractions, no trip to Denver is complete without a trip to twelve-acre Four Mile Historic Park. Located on the banks of scenic Cherry Creek just four miles from downtown, this park features guided tours and special events for families. See pioneer exhibits in the museum and special events on the grounds.