Horses, Cowboys, and Cattle Drives — Stock Show Season Officially Hits Denver
Denver is set to trade briefcases for boots as the National Western Stock Show officially kicks off with its signature downtown parade on Thursday. The event, now marking its 120th year, remains one of Colorado’s most enduring traditions — so much so that many residents keep their holiday lights glowing well into January to celebrate the annual Western showcase.
The kickoff parade transforms downtown streets into a living slice of Colorado history, featuring cowboys, cowgirls, horses, tractors, marching bands, floats, and a full cattle drive. One of the most anticipated moments is the sight of roughly 30 longhorn cattle making their way through the heart of the city — a visual that has become synonymous with the Stock Show itself.
The parade begins at noon and runs along 17th Street from Union Station to Glenarm Place. It’s free to attend and does not require Stock Show tickets, making it one of the most accessible ways for the public to experience the event.
This year’s Grand Marshal is Pete Coors, director emeritus of Molson Coors Beverage Company and a longtime member of the Western Stock Show Association board. Following the parade, festivities continue at McGregor Square with the Stock Show Fair, offering therapy horses, Western royalty appearances, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
The parade also serves as the official launch of two weeks of Stock Show events, including professional rodeo competitions, elite horse shows, livestock championships, and the unveiling of new facilities like the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Livestock Center and The Legacy building. The National Western Stock Show runs from Saturday, Jan. 10 through Sunday, Jan. 25, bringing hundreds of events and a full dose of Western culture to Denver once again.
