Since the 1960s, the National Western Stock Show Parade has attracted thousands of visitors to Downtown Denver to celebrate the state’s rich agricultural and ranching history. The parade features a cattle drive, marching bands, and floats rolling down 17th Street—and this year—including one by RTD! More than 50,000 spectators are expected to watch the parade Thursday, Jan. 5, from the sidewalks of Lower and Upper Downtown. The Stock Show, which has been in existence since 1906, is the largest livestock, rodeo and horse show in the United States.

While the parade participants march along 17th Street, many RTD bus routes will detour down 19th and 15th streets. The L line will not run during the parade. Customers are encouraged to check the Service Alerts webpage for a full list of detours. Plan ahead to avoid delays.  

Customers interested in taking transit to the parade can map the most convenient route with RTD’s Trip Planner app. Many rail lines, including the A, B, E, G, N, and W lines terminate at Union Station, which makes for an easy walk to the parade. The D and H lines will drop customers off downtown a few blocks from the parade route at 14th & Stout. Customers can also deboard bus Routes 0, 10, and 15 detouring at stops along Lawrence, Curtis and Stout and walk a few blocks to 17th Street. The parade begins at noon and runs up 17th Street from Union Station to Glenarm Place.

Want to enjoy mutton-busting, rodeos, horse shows and more? Take the N Line to the 48th & Brighton•National Western Center Station or ride the Route 48 to 47th Avenue and Brighton Boulevard. The Stock Show runs Jan. 7-22 at the National Western Complex.