Press Release: Time to Take Down the Holiday Lights – The 119th National Western Stock Show Has Come to a Close

stockshowNews, Press Release

Denver, CO – The 2025 National Western Stock Show, presented by CommonSpirit Health, has ended, drawing more than 658,109 visitors over the best 16 days in January. Fans of all ages donned their cowboy hats, boots, and winter parkas to celebrate Colorado’s iconic Western tradition. Organizers, volunteers, and countless supporters behind this annual agricultural event express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this year’s Stock Show an incredible success.

This year’s attendance numbers place the 2025 event among the top ten in Stock Show history. Despite the challenges of frigid temperatures, the Stock Show continued to deliver heartwarming family entertainment and red-hot competitions. The record attendance number of 726,972 set in 2006 during the 100th Anniversary remains untouched. “Every guest that walks through our gates is part of the Stock Show family, and we are incredibly thankful for their support,” said Paul Andrews, President and CEO of the National Western Stock Show.

One of this year’s highlights was the Auction of Junior Livestock Champions, where 98 animals fetched a record-breaking $1,452,500—the highest total in Stock Show history. This year’s event held special significance as it marked the final walk for livestock exhibitors on the prestigious green carpet in the historic 1909 Stadium Arena. The auction’s proceeds directly support the National Western Scholarship Trust, which funds scholarships for students pursuing agriculture and rural medicine careers.

Three cornerstone events generate funding for the National Western Scholarship Trust:

  • The Citizens of the West dinner honored Sharon Magness Blake.
  • The Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale broke records with $1,411,000 in sales to date.
  • The Auction of Junior Livestock Champions, presented by BOK Financial set a new record in 2025.

“Thanks to these events and the incredible generosity of our supporters, we’re able to fund 120 scholarships annually, ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 per student,” Andrews said. “These scholarships represent an investment in the future of agriculture, helping students pursue their dreams and make meaningful contributions to their communities.”

The 2025 Stock Show’s success is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of hundreds of volunteers, staff members, sponsor partners, and the livestock, horse, and rodeo committees and communities. The unwavering support of the City of Denver and the Western Stock Show Association Board of Directors also played a pivotal role in making the event successful.

Save the Date! The 120th National Western Stock Show will be back January 10-25, 2026.

Thank You!


About the National Western Stock Show

Established in 1906, the National Western Stock Show is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides college and graduate-level scholarships in agricultural science, business, and rural medicine. Our mission is to serve producers and consumers worldwide by being the premier annual livestock show and center for year-round events. The 16-day show in January also serves as an entertainment arena, hosting one of the world’s richest regular-season professional rodeos, world-class horse shows, family educational events, and Colorado’s largest western trade show. For more information, visit nationalwestern.com.