National Western Stock Show

Congratulations to Dr. Kelly Tisher, WSSA Board Member, for being named the Program Lead and Veterinarian for the new Thunder Team at the Denver Broncos. We can't wait to cheer on one of our own on the big field. GO BRONCOS!

Happy World Photographer Day! 📸

The National Western Stock Show is beyond grateful for our volunteer photographers who capture moments during every event and preserve the memories made by our contestants, guests, exhibitors, and staff.

Thank you to all of our volunteer photographers for telling the story of the National Western Stock Show and helping ensure those memories live on for generations to come. ❤️

Stock Show Through the Decades: 2016-2026

This era was defined by the signing of the historic 100-year agreement, solidifying plans for a new National Western Stock Show campus. Today, that vision has become a reality with the construction and opening of the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Livestock Center and The Legacy, culminating in a record-breaking 120th anniversary celebration.

The Stock Show also continued to grow, welcoming new events that expanded its reach and impact. The Invitational Ranch Rodeo and NECHA debuted in 2016, followed by the Youth Equestrian Showcase in 2019, creating even more opportunities to celebrate agriculture, horsemanship, and Western heritage.

In 2021, the National Western Stock Show faced one of the greatest challenges in its history. For only the second time since its inception, the event was canceled due to the global pandemic and public health restrictions. While Boots 'n Business and the Coors Art Show continued in limited virtual formats, the Stock Show's spirit never wavered. In 2022, it returned stronger than ever, bringing back its cherished traditions and welcoming thousands of guests to celebrate the enduring legacy of the National Western Stock Show.

Stock Show Through the Decades: 2006-2016

The decade from 2006 to 2016 marked a period of both celebration and growth for the National Western Stock Show. In 2006, the Stock Show proudly celebrated its 100th anniversary, honoring a century of preserving Western heritage, supporting agriculture, and bringing together generations of exhibitors, competitors, and visitors.

While many cherished traditions remained, the Stock Show also embraced new attractions and opportunities. The livestock shows expanded with the addition of several cattle breed competitions, including Wagyu, Gelbvieh/Balancer, and Miniature Zebu. The beloved Xtreme Dogs show—originally introduced as Super Dogs in 2005—quickly became a Stock Show favorite, featuring high-energy canine athletes performing incredible jumps, agility courses, and crowd-pleasing tricks.

In 2011, Paul Andrews took the reins as President and CEO, succeeding longtime leader Pat Grant after two decades at the helm. Andrews brought a fresh vision to the organization while continuing its longstanding commitment to agriculture, education, and rodeo.

150 years of history, adventure, and beauty. Happy birthday, Colorful Colorado! 🎉🏔️

Today, we celebrate Colorado's beloved heritage and traditions. From 150 years of the Centennial State to 120 years of the National Western Stock Show, we honor a legacy built on community, agriculture, and the Western spirit. 🤠

Join us today at Union Station as we celebrate Colorado's 150th anniversary with games, vendors, live music, and family fun from 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.! 🎂

"Courage is being scared to death, and saddling up anyway."
Here's to the cowboy spirit. Happy National Day of the Cowboy! 🤠

Join us this September 12th at CSU for the annual Ag Day celebration! National Western will be up in Fort Collins, cheering on the Rams during the campus BBQ. Visit our booth for giveaways, merch, and more!

Celebrate Colorado State University's Aggie roots on Sept. 12 for our annual Nutrien Ag Day BBQ, where the state’s agricultural growers and producers serve up premium local fare to support scholarships for AgSci students. Then head to Canvas Stadium to cheer on the Rams as they take on the Southern Utah University Thunderbirds! Everyone is welcome to come celebrate tradition, community, and Colorado agriculture at Ag Day 🏈🍗🧡

Stock Show Through the Decades: 1996–2006

A new era was underway.

In 1996, the National Western Stock Show expanded from 14 to 16 days, creating the format that continues today. More rodeos, including the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza and PBR; more horse shows, including Freestyle Reining and Dancing Horses; more livestock, with the first Yak Show debuting in 1997; and more opportunities to celebrate agriculture brought record-breaking growth throughout the decade.

Under the unwavering leadership of Pat Grant, 1996-2006 saw growth that would propel the National Western Stock Show into the future. Then came a milestone 100 years in the making.

In 2006, the National Western Stock Show celebrated its Centennial, honoring a century of preserving Western heritage and advancing agriculture. The celebration featured commemorative merchandise, special events, the world-famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride, and the largest livestock and horse entries in Stock Show history.

Attendance reached a record 726,972 guests, a record that stood until the 120th anniversary in 2026.

For 100 years, generations of ranchers, exhibitors, competitors, and families had made the Stock Show what it is, and the Centennial celebrated not just our history, but the future still to come.