Weekend things to do around Denver and beyond: National Western Stock Show and more
Denver International Sportsmen's Expo at the Colorado Convention Center and more.
Each Thursday, explore Denver’s essential weekend events curated by The Denver Gazette. Dive into cultural experiences and entertainment delights across the city. Whether you enjoy art galleries, pottery, or outdoor sports, there’s something for everyone in Denver’s vibrant cultural scene. To submit an event for consideration, email listings@gazettedev.gazette.com.
THURSDAY-JAN. 26
A large part of Denver history begins Thursday with the National Western Stock Show Parade at noon through downtown. A Western delight, 30 massive Longhorn cattle from Silverado Ranch (Searle Ranch) near Monument amble down the big-city streets. Also lots of wranglers and cowgirls on horseback. Then Saturday through Jan. 26 the legendary Stock Show and rodeo, the “Best 16 Days in January,” at the National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St., Denver. Livestock and rodeo, Colorado Fiddling Championships, trick riding and ropers, Mexican Rodeo and much much more. Schedule and tickets: nationalwestern.com
THURSDAY-SUNDAY
Daydreaming about all those Colorado outdoor activities? Check out what’s coming at the Denver International Sportsmen’s Expo Thursday through Sunday at Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St., Denver. Hundreds of exhibits, The Ultimate RV Show (through Saturday), Colorado Parks and Wildlife Outdoors Colorado Pavilion, Stay the Trail RC Off Road Track and a free fishing pond. And that’s just a tiny taste of what’s there. denverconvention.com
FRIDAY-FEB. 17
Denver Botanic Gardens on York Street is always aromatic and filled with beautiful colors but even more so during Orchid Showcase. Hundreds on display, a photo contest, flowers for sale by Fantasy Orchids, and education about orchids and their history. General admission except on free days Saturday, Jan. 18 and 25, Feb. 1, 8 and 15. botanicgardens.org
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
Multi-Grammy winner Bruce Hornsby, (“The Way It Is,” “Mandolin Rain,” “Every Little Kiss”), leads The Broadmoor Sessions weekend of music with a solo acoustic concert and appearances with other artists. On the bill Friday, Hazel Miller and the Collective as well as The Disruptors. Packages include hotel rooms. broadmoor.com/special-packages/the-broadmoor-sessions
SATURDAY
Hear selections from Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, called “The Ode to Heavenly Joy,” in a community outreach concert by Denver School of the Arts Orchestra. Performance by 65 musicians Saturday, 1-3 p.m. at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St., Denver. A reception follows. Tickets benefit scholarships: adults $25, seniors $20, students $15, livestream access, $20. givebutter.com/c/huwsdD
FRIDAY
Slow down after the busy holidays and before the Stock Show activities by visiting all the animals in a Free Day at the Zoo, 2300 Steele St., Denver. Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets online only: denverzoo.org/free-days/
SATURDAY
Hear the 500 top young voices in the state in the Colorado All-State Choir concert, 3 p.m. Saturday, Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Tickets: tinyurl.com/3xptze78
SATURDAY
Music especially for the Stock Show crowd, a big rodeo-time name, singer Ned Ledoux, son of beloved late country music star Chris LeDoux. 8 p.m. at Grizzly Rose, 5450 N. Valley Highway, $20+ tinyurl.com/2s4d3fxe Also on Saturday, Richie Furay, a founding member of Buffalo Springfield and of country rock Poco, can be heard at Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., 7:30 p.m. Tickets: tinyurl.com/3jd2k8yf
SATURDAY
A whole evening of Western-theme music by Symphony of the Rockies brings to musical life stories of the legendary women of the Old West in Rose of Sonora: Sounds of the Wild West. Add to that “Magnificent Seven,” “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” “William Tell Overture,” and Copland’s “Hoe Down from Rodeo.” Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., Denver. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: tinyurl.com/fz7ckzej