Saddle Up For Denver's National Western Stock Show Jan. 7-22

Westernaires and Color Guard in Downtown Denver

Downtown Denver was crawling with cattle, Rodeo Queens and farm machinery on Thursday, as Denver's National Western Stock Show kicked off with its annual parade down 17th Street. Plenty of people turned out for the parade, and plenty more will want to attend the Stock Show V. 106, which runs from Jan. 7-22. Tickets aren't cheap, and refreshments are ridiculously expensive, but here's our advice based on years of attendance: Buy a weekday matinee ticket to the rodeo for $10 and get FREE grounds admission. Do what the exhibitors do, and pack your own lunch and snacks, and don't forget the drinks, which cost a small fortune. Once you buy your grounds admission you can wander over to the Event Center, which will be teaming with FREE horse events every day. That is a good afternoon of entertainment for only $10 smackers. Save your chump change for the good stuff, like funnel cakes! Ticket info and National Western Stock Show schedule here.