Steers Parade Through Downtown Denver to Kick Off Mile High City’s Oldest Western Tradition

05.01.2024 - 11:06 / breakingtravelnews.com

The National Western Stock Show & Rodeo officially kicked-off yesterday with a parade through Denver’s downtown streets featuring 30 longhorn cattle, horses, cowboys, cowgirls, tractors, marching bands and floats. This year’s events will be Jan. 6 – 21, 2024 at the National Western Complex.

Held every January since 1906, The National Western Stock Show & Rodeo is a beloved Denver tradition that honors Old West Heritage as the nation’s premier livestock, rodeo and horse show, serving agricultural producers and consumers throughout the world. Attracting over 660,000 guests each year, the 16-day event welcomes attendees from 45 states and 30 countries to experience a variety of Western traditions in The Mile High City.

Denver and the state of Colorado are the gateway to the American West, making it the perfect city to welcome the annual celebration and to honor the region’s diverse history with events such as the Mexican rodeo, an African American Heritage rodeo and an abundance of Indigenous art.

Below are some event highlights. Many Denver hotels are offering deals, making it a great time to experience the city.

20+ Pro Rodeos - Bulls and broncos, cowboys and cowgirls – rodeo’s top athletes from around the country roll into Denver for the first major pro rodeo of the season.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza, Jan. 7, 2024 - Filled with cultural pageantry, the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza features Mexican-style bull riding, bareback riding, trick roping and Mariachis.

Xtreme Dog Shows, Jan. 15 & 16, 2024 - Dog lovers unite for a show full of amazing tricks, aerial stunts and comedy antics, all performed by man’s best friend.

Olympics-style Horse Jumping Events, Jan 12, 2024 - The National Western Stock Show hosts two prestigious horse jumping competitions: the Grand Prix and Gambler’s Choice. These events combine show jumping technique and precision that require absolute cooperation and teamwork between horse and rider.

Grounds Admission – The Stock Show includes acres of shopping and over 300 free events and activities. Check out the petting farms and pony rides, the Coors Western Art gallery, stock dog competitions and more. 

78th Annual Steer at The Brown Palace - Perhaps the city’s most unique and time-honored Denver tradition will be celebrated this year on January 19th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. This event will take place in the Brown Palace Atrium Lobby where the guest of honor, the National Western Stock Show’s Grand Champion Steer, joins for Afternoon tea.

More Ways to Experience Western History in Denver

In addition to the Shock Show and Rodeo events, Denver is home to local museums, restaurants and retail stores that will immerse visitors in the city’s western roots.

History Colorado