'The Super Bowl Of Cattle Shows' Is A Massive, Annual Cowboy Extravaganza Hosted In Colorado

America has a rich Old West history that still permeates its cultural landscape today, appearing in the form of various towns, museums, music, and shows. If you love attending the latter, it might be time to check out the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo (NWSS), also known as the "Super Bowl of Cattle Shows." Established way back in 1906, this massive exhibition of thousands of livestock plus rodeos, bull riding, and horse shows has been held in Denver for the last 120 years. It takes place every January, running for 16 days and bringing more than 700,000 visitors to the city.

At the show's heart is a deep love for America's agriculture industry and a desire to honor and promote the various livestock, equestrian, farming, and ranching feats that make it special. You can feel this pride as you explore the grounds of the National Western Complex, where the show is held. Admission to the grounds gives you access to hands-on agriculture exhibits, a barnyard animal petting zoo, live horse grooming demos, artwork displayed at Coors Western Art Gallery, and over 300 retailers selling Western food, clothing, jewelry, art, homewares, equipment, and souvenirs.

Visitors with a Grounds Admission ticket can also watch special events throughout the event. Witness champion livestock during the Junior Livestock Auction, featuring animals raised by exhibitors between the ages of nine and 18. Listen to the impassioned performances of expert fiddlers from the Colorado Old Time Fiddlers' Association. You can also watch farm animals racing on an outdoor track or admire expert sheep shearers effortlessly rid sheep of their wool. There's plenty to do during the NWSS, as its 16-day schedule is packed with all sorts of unique activities and attractions.

One of the show's biggest draws is its rodeo arena, which sets the stage for numerous professional competitions throughout the entire event. All these rodeos take place at Denver Coliseum, where you have the chance to see some of the world's most talented riders. These are separate ticketed events, including PBR Bull Riding, Pro Rodeo, and Team Colorado Vs Team World semi-finals and finals.

The Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza might be the most beloved event of them all. It honors Mexican charro traditions and cattle culture by putting on bull riding, trick roping, bullfighting, and more set to mariachi music. It's mostly a family affair, with Gerardo "Jerry" Diaz, his wife Staci, and his son, Nicolas, entertaining spectators with their charro talents. But you'll also witness other groups and riders performing synchronized routines and daring rodeo feats. All throughout this event, whether the performers are doing tricks on horseback, jumping from one horse to the next, or re-enacting "El Zorro" scenes, the emphasis remains on entertaining the crowd. "I want them to feel as happy as we do while we're out there performing for them." Staci Diaz said to NPR.

The horse shows shouldn't be missed either. They range from Grand Prix Jumping and Dancing Horses events to Wild West re-enactments and freestyle reining. Dog trainers get involved in the action, too, amazing audiences with extreme tricks by lovable pooches. While these high-energy events are taking place, the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo is also putting on livestock shows. These include open-air bull displays, over 20,000 breeding cattle (hence the "Super Bowl of Cattle Shows" moniker), and pens with alpacas, bison, Boer goats, sheep, and llamas on display.

While much of the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo may feel very adult, this is far from the case. The event offers a lot of entertainment and interactive games for children. This includes an art contest open to all students in Colorado, pony rides for little ones, farm animal comedy acts, and a rodeo using only stick horses.

The NWSS is mostly contained to three spaces, but it still transforms Denver's downtown fabric over the course of the event. It does this right from the start with its opening Stock Show Parade. People of all ages come out to watch this traditional Western cattle drive of 20 longhorn by expert ranchers through the downtown streets. The one-hour parade also includes tractors, floats, and marching bands. If you want to stay somewhere near the parade in downtown, check out Urban Cowboy, a Western-inspired gem with a cozy, adult-only vibe.

If you're not into Western culture, it's probably a good idea to avoid Denver during the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo. But if this is exactly what you're craving, you can fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), America's largest airport with great food options. At the time of writing, Grounds Admission costs between $5 and $37 for adults depending on the day you go. Children's tickets are much cheaper, and anyone under the age of two gets in for free. Note that the rodeos and horse shows have their own tickets and pricing. Hotel prices often increase during popular events, but Marriott's exclusive deal with the NWSS means its Denver properties often have affordable rates. Don't forget to taste the local brews while you're here, as Denver was once named America's craft beer capital.