CSU Ag Adventure is the perfect place for children and adults to learn about the world of agriculture!  Located on the 3rd floor of the Expo Hall and FREE of charge, you will have the opportunity to have a hands-on experience learning about the animal and crop production, and how we use them everyday lives.  You don’t want to miss this interactive exhibit!

New for 2020: CAM’s Classroom: Experience Agriculture

This hands-on, interactive experience within CSU Ag Adventure allows the opportunity to learn all about the diverse world of agriculture. Each CAM’s Classroom features a lesson and activity, created in collaboration with agriculture industry leaders and educators at Colorado State University.

CAM’s Classroom Schedule:

9:45 am & 10:30 am daily: Tuesday, 1/14-Friday, 1/17 and Tuesday, 1/21-Friday, 1/24

12 pm daily: Saturday, 1/11-Sunday, 1/12, Saturday, 1/18-Sunday, 1/19 and Saturday, 1/25-Sunday, 1/26

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Located on the 3rd floor of the Expo Hall, come face to face with over 60 barnyard animals! The Petting Farm is presented by King Soopers and is FREE with your grounds admission ticket! Mini Sicilian donkeys, pygmy goats, and mini call ducks, make up the diverse group of friendly animals. Ice cream cones of food can be purchased for $3 at entry.

While the Petting Farm is the perfect place for children and parents to interact directly with animals, National Western reminds parents of the importance of washing hands after petting animals. Click here for more information on E. Coli.

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Time to saddle up!  The National Western Pony Rides, presented by 7-Eleven, are available to all the future cowboys and cowgirls on the 3rd Floor of the Expo Hall. Young riders have the opportunity to ride beautiful, purebred Welsh ponies for just $9.

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Celebrating it’s 16th year at the 2020 National Western Stock Show, the Youth Art Contest showcases western-inspired works of art from students in grades 1st-12th. Champion and Reserve Champions will have their artwork displayed at the 2020 National Western Stock Show.

Click here to see our 2020 winning entries!

Click here to see our 2020 winning entries in our gallery!

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Horse around in this exhibit that will teach you everything want to know about equine! Located in the Events Center Paddock next to the National Western Nursery and FREE of charge, the Hutchison Western Pony Trails exhibit is interactive, educational, and built with kids in mind! Learn how to measure a horse, the differences between English and Western disciplines, and even get a look at the Denver Mounted Patrol. Don’t forget your camera, because there are lots of photo opportunities within this exciting exhibit. [Clear]

Come meet National Western’s newest arrivals of your favorite farm animals and learn about their first days of life on the farm!  Visit all the mothers and babies in the Events Center Paddock, next to the Hutchison Western Pony Trails exhibit.

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NEW for 2020: The Wild West, as you’ve never seen it before!

Austin Anderson & the Texas Trick Riders bring a diverse array of talents, from performing alongside their equine partners to precision artistry with bull whips and ropes. Come take a trip to the Old West!

NEW for 2020: Catch this insatiable duo performing live! The unlikely friendship of a Jack Russell Terrier, Dally, and a rescued miniature horse, Spanky has inspired the creation of the film Adventures of Dally & Spanky.

These enchanting dancers amaze the crowd as they take you on a journey through the past and present of one of the most popular styles of Mexican dancing.  Showcasing their flawless moves and bright colored dresses, these dancers can be found in the Activity Pavilion during the opening weekend.  Be the first to witness a sneak peak of the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganzas!

The National Western Stick Horse Rodeo is perfect for your favorite buckaroos!  Kids have the opportunity to create their own, pint-sized rodeo as they hop on a stick horse and compete in some of rodeo’s favorite events including barrel racing, steer roping and bull riding.  Stick horse rodeos are a must for any future cowboy or cowgirl!

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Time to saddle up for the National Western’s Stick Horse Grand Prix!  Kiddos will have the chance to show off their equestrian skills as they ride their stick horses over jumps through the thrilling course.  All of the talented horseback riders will not want to miss out on this awe-inspiring event!

This delightful show features the lovable critters from the famous Great American Petting Farm.

A funny and educational animal entertainment show that features goats, sheep and llamas performing with the infamous trouble-making spotted donkey, Fiona-No-No.

Hosted by one of the “Zoo Crew,” the show includes animal behavior and antics accompanied by fascinating facts and stories about each type of animal.

Watch your favorite barnyard animals perform thrilling tricks, act out hysterical impressions and even ride a skateboard!  Kids will have the exclusive opportunity to meet the brilliant pigs after the performance.

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This special demonstration gives everyone an opportunity to witness a live sheep shearing.  Watch as one of the best professionals in the industry showcases the process effortlessly!  Don’t miss this one, it’s always a fan favorite!

Swing on by the Ames Activity Pavilion to get a first look at the best of the west!  The Wild West Show Preview is an exclusive taster of what you will be able to see during the thrilling show held in the Events Center!

Discover the Moogical World of Dairy, in person! The Dairy Discovery Zone, presented by Dairy MAX, features activities and giveaways for children and families to see how milk gets from the farm to your table, and how much good it does for your body. Kids have the opportunity to find out how we milk cows with our animatronic milking cow, Maybelle or Bella and can even test your strength on the farm arm, can you toss a bale of hay or carry a baby calf? Be sure to bring your family and friends and commemorate the experience by taking a fun dairy photo in the photo station. Come visit us on the Hilltop!

Location: Hilltop, Courtyard

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The Exceptional Rodeo is a fun-filled event for kids with special needs.  Cowboys and rodeo queens will come together to create an interactive rodeo with events including Steer Roping, Bull Riding, Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling and Barrel Racing (no live animals are used, only props).  Accessible with a grounds admission ticket, all guests are able to come on down and take in this heartwarming event.

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Presented by Children’s Farms of America, Fabulous Farm Animals is the perfect way for everyone young and old to learn about agriculture!  This game show format will keep you entertained the entire time.  Located in the Beef Palace Auction Arena, you can take in this awesome show during School Visit times:

10:30am and 11:30am daily Monday, January 13 – Friday, January 17

10:30am and 11:30am daily Tuesday, January 21 – Thursday, January 23

Want to get a behind-the-scenes look at Stock Show?  Join us for a fun, interactive tour that will take you into the heart of the Stock Show where you will learn about its history and the industry of Agriculture on an hour long adventure across the Stock Show grounds.

Tours will run every 30 minutes beginning at 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  Led by Colorado FFA State Officers, the tours are free by registering at the Stock Show Tours table located near the main entrance of the Hall of Education. 

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One of the National Western’s most popular events, Mutton Bustin’ features children ages 5-7 and under 55 pounds riding sheep out of a chute and into the arena!  Anything goes, and usually does, as contestants hold on as long as they can!

 

Registration now Closed

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Vet 101 is a National Western Stock Show educational program designed to give high school students interested in the veterinary industry an opportunity to spend a day with vets doing real, hands-on work. Students are placed in groups of 10-12 and rotate through four vet stations: small animal & feeding, large animal, equine & rodeo, and embryology.

Limited spots available, advanced registration is required.

Learn More