Experience the Excitement: The Denver Stock Show Brings Rodeo Thrills and Animal Wonders to Town!

The National Western Stock Show (NWSS) is back! This year, it runs until January 26 at the National Western Center. Every year, this event attracts a huge crowd, and it’s expected that around 700,000 people will join in the fun.

Paul Andrews, the CEO of NWSS, said this year is special. There are new vendors showcasing unique products, and baby animals have been born, adding to the excitement. One highlight is a baby Scottish Highland cow that you can take photos with.

Fans of the Clydesdale horses will also be pleased to know there’s a new baby Clydesdale joining the show. These majestic animals help pull wagons during rodeos. Throughout the event, there will be around 130 rodeos to enjoy.

Andrews emphasized that ticket sales are significantly up this year compared to past years. Participants will come from all 50 states and beyond, contributing to an expected economic boost of $171 million for the Metro-Denver area during this 16-day event.

For food lovers, the steakhouse has revamped its menu this year. One standout dish is a massive 48-hour braised short rib, enough to satisfy any meat lover’s craving. There’s plenty of tradition at the Stock Show alongside all the new attractions.

About 600 temporary workers have been hired to help ensure everything runs smoothly. Many of these workers have been on-site since December and will continue through February.

After 15 years of leading the NWSS, Andrews is stepping down from his role as CEO. A search is underway for his replacement, but Andrews will stay on until that person is found. He mentioned that he plans to continue visiting the Stock Show in the future.

Reflecting on his time, Andrews expressed that watching families enjoy the event, especially kids interacting with animals, has been incredibly fulfilling for him. He appreciates the close bonds he’s formed with staff and volunteers and emphasized how much he will miss them.

The National Western Center is undergoing major changes, with plans to build a new equestrian center, a hotel, and a parking garage. While these developments won’t be ready for this year’s event, the new livestock center is expected to open for the 2026 Stock Show.

There are also ongoing discussions about repurposing land around the Denver Coliseum to better serve the local community. City officials plan to meet with local organizations to explore the best uses for these areas in the future.