The 120th National Western Stock Show, presented by CommonSpirit Health, is excited to celebrate the MLK Jr. Holiday Weekend with the annual MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo on Monday, January 19.
This year, the Stock Show is partnering with Black Rodeo USA (BRUSA) to honor the legacy of African American rodeo athletes and celebrate the enduring message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The annual MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo will take place Monday, January 19, at 6pm at the Denver Coliseum, featuring top cowboys and cowgirls competing in crowd-favorite rodeo events including bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, mutton bustin’, and ladies’ steer un-decorating.
“The MLK Jr. Holiday Weekend is always a highlight of the National Western Stock Show,” said Wes Allison, President & CEO of the National Western Stock Show. “We’re proud to carry forward the tradition of the MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo and to honor the values and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The MLK Jr. Holiday Weekend is pure Western fun for the whole family.”
MLK Jr. Holiday Weekend at the National Western Stock Show promises fun for the entire family. Attendees can see professional rodeos and world-class horse shows, shop at acres of vendor booths, and explore the new buildings on the expanded National Western Center campus.
Guests won’t want to miss the Wild West Shows on Saturday, January 17 at 5pm and Sunday, January 18 at 3pm. This show reenacts the original Buffalo Bill Wild West Shows and features quick-draw stunts and performances highlighting figures like Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley. The Xtreme Dog Shows take place January 18 at 6:30pm and January 19 at 3pm. During each show, dogs perform tricks, aerial stunts, and other trained routines.
The easiest way to experience the Stock Show during the MLK Jr. Holiday Weekend is to take advantage of free parking at Coors Field, with complimentary shuttle service providing easy access to the National Western Complex.
The 120th National Western Stock Show runs through January 25, 2026. Grounds admission and event tickets are available at nationalwestern.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate Colorado’s legendary western heritage while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We Are The West.
Find the full schedule of events here.
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.
