A Western Wonderland, No Bull, 2023 Stock Show Best Yet!

By Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver Media

The 2023 version of the National Western Stock Show is off to what promises to be another attendance record breaking year. “This is the best yet!” said one attendee after the sold out Colorado vs. the World rodeo show on Saturday afternoon at the NW Complex grounds in Denver.

Folkloric Dancers at the Ames Pavillion, part of the opening day festivities at the117 edition of the National Western Stock Show. Photo by Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver Media

While this is the 117th edition of the National Western Stock Show and features many of the same events and attractions year after year it never fails to impress and entertain. It never gets old. There is so much to see, so much to do and so much to experience on a daily basis that it is nearly impossible to take in a whole day’s program. (Schedule of Events)

The opening day crowd was the biggest I have personally seen as every venue appeared to be at capacity. 50,000 people were estimated to by in attendance. Parking is challenge but shuttle and bus service is available from various points including Union Station and the Coors Field parking area. Be prepared for some muddy treks to the various menus as snow continues to melt.

From Portugal, Horse Dancing With Fire. Video by Michelle Stevinson, Latin Life Denver Media

Tuesday January 10th will be free for everyone. Admission includes complete access to all the various fairgrounds attractions. Rodeo shows do require a paid ticket.

The Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza has become so popular that it will be broadcast LIVE.  9NEWS will show the event on KTVD Channel 20 at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. 
9NEWS will also stream the event in the video player above and on the free 9NEWS+ app on Roku and Fire TV at 6:30 p.m. 

According to a stock show press release, “There’s no place like the Stock Show to celebrate Colorado’s western roots, traditions, events, and activities.

Vendors galore can be found throughout the stock show fairgrounds and rodeo venues. Everything western and beyond can be purchased. Photo by Michelle Stevinson, Latin Life Denver Media.

The 2023 National Western Stock Show, presented by Centura Health, will host nearly 30 professional rodeo performances, world-class horse shows, and the “Super Bowl” of livestock shows. More than 15,000 head of livestock and horses will pass through the grounds, with 25 different cattle breeds and six other species, including miniature cattle, goats, lambs, alpacas, llamas, and pigs.   


For 16 days in January, the NW Complex grounds transform into a western wonderland. Enjoy acres of shopping, dining, and libations, including the legendary Coors Cowboy Bar in the barns, the Chevy Truck display in the Hall of Ed, and the always-popular petting farm, presented by King Soopers. With over 300 events and activities on the schedule, there is something for everyone. (Schedule of Events)

The 2023 National Western Stock Show, presented by Centura Health, will host nearly 30 professional rodeo performances, world-class horse shows, and the “Super Bowl” of livestock shows. Photo by Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver Media


The Stock Show welcomes attendees from 48 states and 32 countries and will drive an estimated $120 million in economic impact to the Denver Metro area in January.   As a non-profit 501(c)(3), this annual event raises money for the National Western Scholarship Trust, which distributes more than 100 scholarships and over $550,000 to students studying agriculture, rural medicine, and veterinary sciences.

Photo by Michelle Stevinson, Latin Life Denver Media

The 2023 show will spotlight year two of the prestigious Cille and Ron Williams Yards and the HW Hutchison Family Stockyards Event Center. These two state-of-the-art livestock facilities, along with the historic Hill exhibits, continue to build the industry standards for livestock and horse exhibitors while preserving the history and tradition that only happens in Denver.”


Grounds admission and event tickets are on sale at nationalwestern.com

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