The National Western Complex has undergone a major transformation in recent years with the addition of the CSU Spur buildings, the Livestock Center, and the Legacy Building. More construction is planned, most notably a hotel, parking garage, and the Equestrian Center. The open space facing the Platte River is also being restored and improved. We spent a non-Stock Show quiet afternoon in June visiting the Wilson Art Gallery and the Heritage Center in The Legacy. It is great that there is now a permanent exhibit space for the National Western art collection plus room for temporary exhibits. The current Working the West show was of very high quality and well worth a visit. The Heritage Center space contains a nicely done historical exhibit showing the history and evolution of the National Western Stock Show. This was quite interesting. There's also room next door for The Legacy Saloon, an intimate bar sporting 19th century style, stuffed with original memorabilia from the Western Stock Show Association. The adjacent CSU Spur complex: Vida, Hydro, and Terra, is amazing. These include research/education centers for food, water, and animal health with a strong connection to the public via labs, workshops, and interactive exhibits. CSU experts in agriculture, water quality, and veterinary science provide K-12 programs, summer camps, and higher education as a hub for innovation and community engagement. Major components include food science labs, a hydroponic greenhouse, the Humane Colorado Veterinary Hospital, the Temple Grandin Equine Center, a virtual reality classroom, a theater, and even a coffee shop, plus great views. We spent an afternoon wandering through these buildings and found it all very impressive, educational, and interesting. There are many comfortable seating areas and the Little Finch coffee shop provides a nice respite when you get worn out from looking at all of the labs and exhibits. read more

See all

This is a great venue for a large conference. I attended a large conference last year and our main evening event was held here. Part giant hall/dance hall and part rodeo arena, it was one of the better conference events I have attended. The main entrance had several neat features we enjoyed. The first were the two bars. One was setup inside of an old camper and the other in teh back of an old pickup truck. This touch definitely gave the western vibe I would expect in a place like this. The next room was massive and had buffet style food set out for us with several fun cowboy themed events. It also had a large stage and dance floor where a fun band played and a brave few danced. If this had been the only rooms used for our event it would have been a hit. But wait, there's more. There is a whole rodeo venue next door. We were treated to a full rodeo which was a first for a work conference for me. I have been to rodeo, but never at work conferences. The only drawback was all of the seats were taken. Considering our coference had around 18,000 people, this is not unexpected. If you are looking for a large venue for your event, we enjoyed our time here. read more

I feel like this improves every year. The new buildings and reconfigured space continues to make the annual stock show a better experience and will also add to the community by bringing new events. The newest addition to the CSU campus is done and the new Legacy building which houses the corporate offices for the NW Complex and a museum and an art gallery is open. So well done and really nice addition to the overall campus. The new animal building is done and its state of the art for animal housing and has an attached arena. Feels like our tax dollars seem well spent and add to the community. Horse barn, arena and hotel are underway and should be complete by 2028. read more

See all

Welp, okay I finally made it the National Western Complex for an event and the event was Catfest 2024! Depressed and on the fence about it, I made it to the last 2hrs of the event literally based on everyone's positive comments about previous years on Nextdoor app. I'm glad I did not drive there. However the uber ride on the way back was frustrating. I waited for 20min for the first one to get there and cancel on me because roads were blocked or something. Meanwhile cars were pulling up everywhere‍‍. I was hoping the second one wouldn't cancel. He didn't but he got there and I still had to wait 15min and had to go find him. So I guess if you're going to drive OR ride share, prepare yourself with patience. The space inside was huge! I actually got lost. But it was a very creative event and I enjoyed the cat competition and learning a little bit about how that works. Enjoyed seeing tables for specific breeds of cats. Enjoyed meeting other cat-sitters and chatting them up! Enjoyed learning about pet services like cat boarding and behavior therapists. Enjoyed the Egyptian cat section where you could connect to a past cat and such! I really love that I was not traumatized. I had not been to a Catfest before so I did not know how I would feel about it! I would definitely go again next year and spend a little more time. The cat merch was so silly. It was a fun time! read more

See all

The Brick Fest was housed at the Western Complex. This was my first time going and I had my nephews with me so I thought it would be a great place to entertain them. They had a blast looking at the exhibits and they even had a Lego pit for them to explore, build and play. read more

See all

I give the event four (4) stars, but the complex itself I get five stars I don't care for the security that they choose here they want to travel through all your personals when it is not necessary, I feel that it's an invasion of my privacy and my rights more to come.... read more

National Western Complex - Lowrider Show - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Denver, Colorado

See all

There are various types of events I've gone to here. This weekend I went to ETH Denver! It is a huge space and excellent for holding a large event like this. The place was pretty clean including the bathrooms which there are plenty of. Lots of other venues sometimes don't have enough but that problem didn't exist here. It is also located in a nice area located in the heart of denver close to lots of other places with plenty of parking available all around this event including it's own event parking. It does smell in some parts of the building particularly the lower levels but that comes with the fact that it's normally often used for horses and animals and events like that. This is a great event space. read more

National Western Complex - ETHDenver 2023 - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Went to snowmobile show. Wasn't much there. Spent two hours walking around. Facility is nice. read more

National Western Complex - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Great experience for all. Definitely check out the in and outdoor gems. Second time coming and I'll definitely come back! read more

See all

Lunch at the COMPLEX offers lots of different venues. We opted for A Bacon Cheese Burger and Fries along with a Chili Dog and Fries. Let me tell you the serving portions are as BIG as the NWSS itself. They do not gyp you. I still had bacon left over after I finished my perfectly prepared Burger. The fries were BIG and plentiful as well. Just a dang good lunchbb read more

National Western Complex - Great Service - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Denver, Colorado

See all

I came here for Jurassic World and it was an awesome venue. It has great space, and I love that the location is close to a big parking lot. Although it seems strange that they charge for parking during special events. Overall, nice venue. read more

National Western Complex - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Denver, Colorado

See all

Yee haw! Those are always the first words I think of when I get to the Complex. Growing up, all I ever knew about this venue was the association to the stock show. Ok, and maybe the occasional gem and jewelry show. This venue hosts so many expos its great to see this place put to good use. I've been to many health expos here for (marathon) packet pickup and this time i enjoyed the Gluten and Allergy Free Expo. This is one event that was well organized and so many wonderful vendors on hand both local and from neighboring states. Its wonderful to have so much information and acess to company offerings under one roof. From the moment attendees walked in, we were greeted by helpful guides, provided a welcome bag and treated to many samplings, literature and classes. The only downside was the parking situation. With poor weather we were hoping to park in the lot ($10 buckaroos!). There were spots available but we were directed to park in the larger lot northwest of Elmyra. At that point we were just as happy to go further out and walk. Great event and hope to see again in the near future! read more

See all

This is a pretty great venue. I'm usually there when it's covered in animal poop for the Stock Show, but even then it's a great time. It's always a great time and the venue has pretty good parking too. read more

The Jurassic nightmare!!! We went to see the dinos on Mother's Day. They charged an enormous amount of $71.00 per car. The dinosaurs were broken and cracked. They had pieces missing and only some of them moved. If I could give 0 stars I would. Don't waste your money. read more

The National Western Bar and Grill Steakhouse doesn't live up to its namesake location. Thinking this so-called steakhouse on the premises of the greatest meat attraction in the world would showcase an equally great meal proved to be problematic at best. The Cattleman's Cut of prime rib, which we ordered medium well was unseasoned, tough, pink and cool to the touch. The baked potato served with it was cool and came without even butter. We had ordered and paid for a loaded version. When we finally tracked down a server, she brought frozen butter and a small prepared bowl of a dollop of sour cream, hard, cold bacon bits and wilted green onion pieces. By that time, the potato was too cold to even try to soften the butter. The so-called au jus was so flavorless that it tasted like a watered down can of Campbell consume soup which was also only tepid. The provided horseradish was the only authentic thing on the table, but it merely masked the cool tough and lack of taste of the meat. What an expensive disappointment. read more

THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH NATIONAL WESTERN COMPLEX ITSELF! We are here at Jurassic Quest. Very disappointing especially for the amount of money paid. Go to the museum instead or take your kids to jump street. Either way much cheaper. read more

National Western Complex - Lots of bouncy castle type of small kiddie attractions. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Denver, Colorado

See all

It's a huge place to hold a convention. However, that doesn't mean that a lot of people would show-up. The coin show that's meant for public was absolutely slow and dull because they didn't do well promoting it. This place could be a hit because there's a huge parking lot but it really depends on each event organizer to promote it to the public. Inside the complex there's a "Bar & Grill" restaurant. It's not bad to eat here if people are hungry (just don't eat everyday because I think it's leaning towards fattening food). They have Caesar salad, just in case. read more

See all

Only visited here for Riot Fest. Seems to be a large area for various events. Food. Clean bathrooms. Water etc. Not difficult to get to but definitely depends on the event going on when you visit. -Riot Fest- Been to a lot of festivals, camping and daily entry and exit and this is a good one. First off amazing acts. Varied from year to year but it's usually punk/rock/metal, indie, and hip hop. Big names performing classic albums so for the ticket price you're getting a great price. Especially if you get some of those early bird deals. Have to jump on those deals though, go extremely quick. Can always swoop something off Craigslist last minute though. Usually two stages in front and two in back. One stage in the middle arena. I went 2015 and 2016 but that's when they switched the event to the stockyards. Riot Fest and Rodeo. Not much food selection in 2016 or rides at all. 2015 was much better but the lineups were decent. Varied. You can't please everyone! "Riot Fest Sucks!!!" But honestly it's local and for the price worth going to. Can get dusty at the stockyards or a bandana and sunglasses are a must I would say. Had a water station out back in 2015 but 2016 only inside. Four water fountains for thousands of people, PREPARE FOR LINES. read more

Old buildings, they charge ridiculous amounts for a souvenir cup refilled with just WATER for $2.95. What the actual heck?!

The National Western complex is a very large indoor venue that ive seen many different events,fairs, and festival at. The interior has been always clean and well organized and the exterior grounds are well managed as well. Since this location is more in an older suburban area there is plenty of free parking in the nearby surrounding neighborhood. read more

Just decay and depression. I have been to 3+ shows/events here over the years and every time I walk out thinking: I need something to uplift my spirits. The layout is weird. The ceilings are too low. It does not feel clean. read more

I love this place I went there for the stock show good venue. Good job decorating recommended

We went to the Jurassic Quest on Dec 10th 2017 and what a blast that was! The building was huge and fit the anamatronic dinosaurs easily in the building. There was so much space that despite there being a lot of people it didn't feel cramped. The food was alright, and there was definitely a variety from resturaunts to ice cream stands. My family and I had a great time. read more

It's difficult to rate a complex that houses large events without the bias of the event itself. I'll do the best I can. The National Western Complex feels OLD. This place has seen a TON of people come through it and it's starting to show. Parking is a hassle (and almost always way more $$$ than it should be). It's difficult to find the entrance (there are SO MANY doors). And the neighborhood around here is sketchville. You'd think with the number of popular events that take place here, they could relocate the complex to a nicer part of town (I heard a rumor that this might happen soon, actually). If you're okay with driving to a bad part of Denver, parking in a dirt lot, and attending an event at a venue with no more personality than a warehouse, then this place has no problem whatsoever. I'd like to see a little more. If re-doing the whole complex in a better area is not an option, they could at least improve the parking situation, put up some better signs, and update the bathrooms. Still, there are a lot of fun shows that come through here and the complex itself should not deter you from experiencing them. Just bring cash for parking and remember to lock your doors. read more

Have been here a few different times for a few different events, and it's a pretty nice venue. HUGE, though, so take that into consideration when planning your parking, commute, etc. Oftentimes there are shuttles (at least for the Western Stock Show, there is), but it's a far walk if there aren't, so wear comfortable shoes, lol. Free parking is also often available, among other options, so that is another plus. read more

Jurassic Quest is a huge rip-off, avoid it like the plague! Almost $100 for basically just a bunch of jumpy slides/obstacle courses. There's only 5 animitronic dinosaurs, the rest is just merchandising and things like face-painting that cost extra. read more

National Western Complex - Inflatable jumpy courses don't make a "Jurassic Quest" - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Been to a few events here. My fave is the Modernism show usually held in August. However, I'm now starting to realize that the excitement of this particular show is starting to wear off. A lot of the vendors there are mostly selling reproductions of stuff mixed in with actual mid-century finds. Nice stuff too, but overpriced. I have better luck finding the same stuff on eBay or scouting local thrift and second / third hand or reclaim stores. Also, the price to get in on an off day isn't really worth it anymore. I also made a couple friends there (at the Modernism show) who used to sell their own handmade furniture, but have since stopped buying a vendor slot to sell in since they never really made money there and never found potential high paying customers to buy their really nice high quality furniture. But they now since left the state for better digs and to semi-retire. Too bad really. I'll miss them...but I'm getting off track here. I've also been to the Denver County Fair and a dog show. Again, fun things to do but the venue looks EXTREMELY tired and either needs to be refurbished desperately or bulldozed and replaced with overpriced ugly McCondos that you see going in all over Denver. (See bottom paragraph) Back to the Denver County Fair. When we went, we saw the tail end and still had to park out in the north forty, and still pay 10 bucks for the privilege and hike through a tired rundown 1930-ish industrial area to get to the venue. Now I like old architecture and buildings with character, but these poor buildings need to be put out of their misery. Tear them down for the love of god already, and recycle the brick. All in all, I think this Complex is going to be targeted for the I-70 renewal coming up very soon (starting this year 2018 onwards) as well as the entire neighborhood. Sad..but that's progress for you. I now hear that they may move the National Western Complex to a new location. With the new I-70 project looming, this might actually happen. It's been real and it's been fun, but not real fun. Look to the future... read more

It really is an old, worn-down complex in a very questionable part of Denver. Not actually sure you could still consider this area Denver, but let's round up for the hell of it. Ton of events are apparently hosted here. Aside from the rodeos, I'd imagine this would be low on any event-planner's list of desired Denver venues. It reminds me of that feel you get from walking around a traveling, outdoor carnival - except indoors. Did happen to meet a ton of my favorite Walking Dead characters here during Walker Stalker Con, which was obviously awesome, but that doesn't change the fact this place needs a very serious facelift. read more

It's an expo center, pretty standard, a little run down and outdated. Don't expect fancy bathrooms, good lighting, nice flooring, or a pretty paint job. You're there for the event, not for the building. It's what I'd expect of an event center, perhaps slightly less visually appealing than others, but totally functional. The parking situation was a little crazy, several lots and it cost $10 for the farthest one. The parking was more expensive than the event ticket, it's weird when that happens... Oh also, there's a grill there that has burgers/fries. The burgers are $9.95 each and absolutely NOT worth it unless you are absolutely starving. So disappointing paying more than $20 for two fast-food quality burgers. read more

I've only attended one event here, but I have to say I was not impressed with the parking situation (no signs, $10, and a random person who was way too particular about exactly which spot you parked in. The inside of the complex was nice and big, but would've been easier to find if they'd post some signs off the highway. read more

I stopped in for the Denver home show. Pricing was expensive so I parked away in a neighborhood for free. The Homeshow was nice, and alot was on display. Though I only came to see the Tiny home exhibit. read more

Another visit to National Western Complex yesterday for VeloSwap 2013. What is VeloSwap?? The Subaru VeloSwap is an annual event that even armored car drivers now fear. It's when the ATM machines at the National Western Complex in Denver are emptied by cycling enthusiasts for this mammoth bicycle swap and expo, now in its 24th year. Every year attendees drain some $175,000 cash from ATMs on-site to snap up deals from the hundreds of vendors selling every imaginable bike, parts, accessories and clothing. Subaru VeloSwap started in 1989 by VeloNews art director Dan Wildhirt because he and his friends had to get rid of extra bike stuff at the end of the season. That inaugural event was held outdoors at a Boulder cyclo-cross race. Over the next few years it became apparent that the swap had outgrown all possible venues in Boulder, so the event moved to nearby Denver, where it found a home at the sprawling National Western Complex, famous for rodeos and stock shows. Subaru VeloSwap has developed into the world's largest single-day consumer bike show and swap, taking up more than 140,000 square feet. read more

The facilities are definitely old and worn ... cant wait for them to start the renovations and the whole new complex ... but that said ... what they have here cannot be replaced /replicated in Denver ... the Stock Show is amazing despite the facilities! And all the other many things that come through the Coliseum is pretty amazing ... NOT TO BE MISSED read more

Been here a handful of times for different events like the JBF Consignment Sale to the Denver Home Show. It's an older venue, but it's quite large and does what it needs to do. Depending on the event, you may have to pay for parking. Overall, it's a good place. read more

Great staff. This place is HUGE. The @JonesAndRaine band played for a 60th anniversary celebration at the National Western Club. Nice ambiance, staff was responsive and proactive. We were able to park in the exhibit hall (which was otherwise empty) right next to the club - trucks out of the rain & easy load out. read more

I've only been to the NWC for the Fight To Win Jiu Jitsu Tournaments and FTW Pro Events. Seth puts on amazing shows and always uses NWC. The facilities are fairly clean (bathrooms get disgusting quick whenever there are a lot of people using them). The complex has tons of various rooms to meet any type of need for an event. I highly recommend the NWC if you have a large event. read more

I like the National Western Complex. They do a pretty good job keeping it as clean as they can. That's no small feat when you have events like the stock show going on! Going to events here is pretty fun, and the place is huge! Beware, though, heating is sparse, so bring a jacket and/or an extra layer. It's a nice facility and I hope it's used for many years to come. read more

Came here for the home show 2016. Parking was quick, there was a little traffic but the staff working the parking lot was nice and the complex was clean. Very fun event today. read more

Jurassic Quest ... An expensive $$$$ disapointment, a few second rate displays. The interactive "dinosaur dig sights" were disapointing sandboxes with a ver few plaster of paris bones. I could not recommend this to anyone. read more

Live events here, just don't eat. I had a Chevrolet meeting here and the food was awful. I didn't expect anything special considering they were setting up the Stock Show. The venue is enormous and looking to expand. I do like being a sponsor of the National Western. I'm not a cowboy, but I love the Rodeo read more