What to Know About the 2025 National Western Stock Show Kick-Off Parade
Get ready to dust off your cowboy boots and don your best western attire because the 2025 National Western Stock Show Kick-Off Parade is just around the corner! On Thursday, January 9 at noon, downtown Denver will come alive with the sounds of hooves, the sight of cowboy hats, and a whole lot of western flair as the 119-year-old Colorado tradition gets underway.
The parade, presented by CommonSpirit Health, will feature over 30 Longhorn cattle, horses, and western wagons as they trot down the streets of downtown Denver. The festivities begin at Union Station, where the parade will head down 17th Street and end at Glenarm Place. From there, the parade will return down 18th Street, concluding at the Stock Show Fair at McGregor Square. The fair will showcase McNicholas Miniatures therapy horses, western royalty, a food market, and other exciting attractions.
If you plan to attend, be prepared for increased traffic and road closures in the area. Kathy Sabine, Chief Meteorologist and Colorado ambassador, has been named this year’s Grand Marshal and will lead the parade.
The parade officially kicks off the “best 16 days in January” as the National Western Stock Show opens for the year. The Stock Show will run from January 11 to January 26, with doors opening at 9 a.m. on January 11.
This year’s event will feature nearly 30 professional rodeo performances, including the Ranch Rodeo, Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza presented by Hutchison Western and Chevron, PBR Bull Riding, and the MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo. The schedule also includes world-class horse shows and the highly anticipated “Super Bowl” of livestock shows, where grand champion livestock will be crowned.
Tickets for the 2025 Stock Show are on sale now, with grounds admission priced at $34 for adults and $9 for kids. Separate tickets are required for the professional rodeo performances. Tickets can be purchased on the National Western Stock Show website.
This iconic event draws attendees from all 50 states and 30 countries, contributing a significant $171 million to the Denver metro economy each year. Make sure to grab your tickets and join in on the festivities!
