Eat, Stay, & Rodeo: Your Guide to LoDo During the National Western Stock Show
When the National Western Stock Show kicks off on January 10, thousands of visitors will descend on Denver for the nation’s premier livestock, rodeo, and western trade show. But for savvy attendees, the adventure starts before you even reach the National Western Complex—in LoDo, Denver’s most historic neighborhood and the heart of the Mile High City.
LoDo is where Denver was founded, and today is where Denver’s historic roots meet its dynamic present. Walk down Larimer Street during the show and you’ll see something quintessentially Denver: cowboys and ranchers in full western gear strolling alongside businesspeople wearing slacks and button-down shirts—a visual representation of the neighborhood’s unique, diverse character.
Getting There: Ride the Rails to the Rodeo
While LoDo is only a quick 10 to 15 minute drive or rideshare from the Stock Show grounds, the train is often the best way to get there.
The RTD N Line runs directly from Denver Union Station to the National Western Center station; trains depart twice every hour (check the schedule for specific times), and the trip only takes eight minutes. It’s the perfect balance: Enjoy the shopping, dining, and nightlife of LoDo, and commute to the rodeo without the traffic or parking headaches.
Where to Stay: Hotels Steeped in History
The Crawford Hotel offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Located inside the historic Union Station, this hotel balances the nostalgia of rail travel with modern luxury—all within a bustling, working transportation hub.
For a deeper dive into the past, book a stay at The Oxford Hotel, which was built in 1891 specifically to house folks traveling by rail. Staying here feels a little like stepping onto a movie set, offering a quiet, sophisticated retreat in the center of LoDo.
The Rally Hotel anchors McGregor Square and serves as a playground for families, with a stadium-sized LED screen in the plaza and top-tier dining steps away. Its “Gone Western“ package makes logistics easy, offering ticket discounts and a courtesy vehicle to shuttle you directly to the Stock Show grounds (first come, first served).
Must-See Events
Before you even head to the Stock Show grounds, two events in LoDo help set the tone for the full Stock Show experience. The Stock Show Parade on January 8 is a spectacle of horses, livestock, and western heritage—there is nothing quite like seeing Longhorn cattle driven past modern skyscrapers. After the parade, head to the Stock Show Fair at McGregor Square, from noon to 4 p.m., where you can see miniature therapy horses, enjoy ice skating, and sip ice-cold brews in McGregor’s Food Hall.
Cowboy Cool: Where to Shop
Rockmount Ranch Wear, an 80-year-old family-owned icon, and the birthplace of the snap-button shirt, is a must for visitors. Browse the racks for a shirt—or hat or boots—that fits your style, then head upstairs to the museum to see which celebrities have also worn Rockmount over the years.
For a modern, high-fashion take, visit The Vintage Label. Owner Carolyn Carrington curates a one-of-a-kind collection of high-end vintage pieces and original designs that feel more Vogue than Yellowstone. Don't leave without visiting the custom hat bar to build a piece that’s entirely your own—complete with branding, bands, and feathers.
Art Galleries with Western Roots
For a visual education in the West, David Cook Galleries offers historic western and Native American works. Mudhead Gallery is the go-to for authentic turquoise jewelry and pottery. Insider Tip: If you arrive in town early, hustle over to Visions West Contemporary to catch Tracy Stuckey’s “Mid-Century Western” show, which closes January 9.
Flavors of the West
Mercantile, inside Union Station, is the brainchild of James Beard Award–winning chef Alex Seidel. This cafe-by-day, elevated-dining-by-night spot harks back to the grand train station meals of the past. It’s the perfect spot for a dinner that honors the ingredients the Stock Show celebrates.
Wynkoop Brewing Co., Colorado’s first brewpub, remains a cornerstone of LoDo. It’s lively, friendly, and unpretentious—perfect for a billiards game and a pint of Rail Yard Ale after a long day at the National Western Complex.
Denver’s days as a “cow town” are long gone, but A5—a Michelin-recognized LoDo hotspot—offers a playful, modern spin on the traditional steakhouse, serving top-tier Colorado steaks and Wagyu beef in a space that feels chic rather than stuffy.
Where to Wet Your Whistle
Cap off the night at The Cruise Room, an Art Deco gem inside The Oxford that has been pouring martinis since the day Prohibition ended. For a drink with a view, head up to the Cooper Lounge on the mezzanine of Union Station to sip cocktails while overlooking the Great Hall. And if you want a more casual vibe, Pony Up offers a variety of French Dips and cocktails in a space that’s perfectly tailored for the late-night crowd.