On Colorado Day, there’s no better place to honor tradition and create new memories than the National Western Center. The National Western Center is much more than a historic site, it’s a living, evolving campus designed to bring families and communities together all year round. Through a diverse and dynamic calendar of events, ranging from festivals and family days to cultural expos and interactive exhibits, the Center welcomes newcomers and longtime residents alike, creating a sense of belonging for everyone.
This campus is quickly becoming a top destination for families seeking fun, inspiration, and adventure all year round.
A Place for Family Traditions and New Memories
For over a century, families have gathered here to celebrate Colorado’s agricultural heritage at the Stock Show and other timeless traditions. Today, the Center honors history and our surrounding GES communities while offering new experiences that inspire learning, creativity, and fun for all ages. It’s a unique place where generations reconnect, create stories, and plant the seeds for new family traditions.
Year-Round Programming Designed for Families
Families can explore hands-on exhibits, enjoy music and arts festivals, attend cultural celebrations, and participate in science and sustainability programs at the CSU Spur campus. These activities spark curiosity and encourage children as well as adults to imagine their role in Colorado’s future.
Welcoming, Inclusive, and Rooted in Community
The story of the campus is shaped by the people who build, visit, and care for it. The NWC’s revitalized riverfront, open space and welcoming event venues invite families to gather, play, and explore. Family-focused days and events celebrate Colorado’s diverse heritage and creative spirit, reflecting the vibrant community that shapes the campus every day.
A Place that Grows with Colorado
Change is part of any great story, and the National Western Center is growing with intention. As the campus evolves, it welcomes new families, new ideas, and new ways to connect and celebrate, while honoring our past and community. Art installations, festivals, and hands-on exhibits reflect the creativity and diversity of our community.
At the CSU Spur campus, learning comes alive through science, sustainability, and the joy of discovery. It’s a space where today’s youth can imagine their place in shaping Colorado’s future, while adults find pride in the legacy they help build.
The iconic Stockyards Event Center and the soon-to-open LVC Livestock Center serve as anchors for tradition and innovation alike, hosting everything from classic agricultural fairs to concerts and cultural celebrations. Each event brings fresh energy, ensuring the National Western Center remains a space for neighbors, newcomers, and families.
The National Western Center is only growing, and we’re excited to welcome the world to experience this vibrant hub firsthand. It’s set to become a global destination for food and agricultural innovation, Western heritage, and culture. Where tradition meets innovation, and families connect across generations.
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