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A Know-Before-You-Go Guide to the 2025 Stock Show

Posted on January 8, 2025   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Peyton Garcia

Peyton Garcia

A herd of longhorn cattle march up 17th Avenue for the annual Stock Show parade.

A herd of longhorn cattle march up 17th Avenue for the annual Stock Show parade. (Andy Cross / The Denver Post / Getty Images)

Here in the Mile High, the holidays don’t officially end until the Stock Show does. Whether it’s your first visit or your 80th, Denver’s annual National Western Stock Show is a BIG deal 🐄 Known locally as “the best 16 days in January,” this year’s event runs January 11-26. Here’s everything you need to know before you go:

Getting There

Due to construction, Stock Show staff recommend visitors park at Coors Field. It’s free, there’s a shuttle running to the expo grounds every 20 minutes, and the lot is open from 8 a.m. until an hour after the last rodeo ends. There islimited free parking onsite at the Coliseum, but you'll need to get there early to nab it. Going the public transit route? You’ll want to take the N-Line.

Price of Admission

Grounds admission varies by day of the week, but ranges from $24-37 for adults (12+) and $7-9 for kids 3-11. With grounds admission tickets you can peruse vendors, food stalls, and the Western Art Gallery, plus catch tons of free shows and demos. Ticketed events, which include things like rodeo shows and bull riding, range in price from $32-$119. FREE Grounds Admissions Day is January 14.

What Can I Bring?

Outside food and beverages are not allowed. (But trust us, there’s plenty to eat and drink there!) Bags and backpacks get the greenlight, but are subject to search. No animals except service animals are permitted. The space is accessible for strollers and wagons, but keep in mind that the place gets crowded.

What Should I Wear?

Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are a must, since much of the grounds are cold, drafty, and dirt- or straw-covered. Your best Western wear — cowboys boots, hats, ponchos, and fringe — is definitely encouraged.

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