Your One Stop Shop to All Things 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!
Rodeo Athletes aren’t the only ones gearing up for the Las Vegas lights.
Throughout each year, top ProRodeo cowboys and cowgirls work tirelessly to realize their dreams of qualifying for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada. They’re not the only ones with NFR at the forefront of their minds, however; stock contractors, state rodeo queens, retail vendors and NFR personnel also work countless hours to make the Vegas experience unforgettable.
We’re bringing you all the insight to the 2024 NFR. From where to rodeo, eat, shop, jam and more; we have your one stop shop right here!
From the 2024 NFR contestant autograph schedule to the different areas at The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas, we’re bringing it all to you.
Where to…
Where to Rodeo
The star of the show is, of course, the NFR at the Thomas and Mack Center Arena each night at 5:45 p.m. from December 5 to 14. Rodeo’s best athletes — human, horse and bovine — will gather to battle it out for round championships and a coveted world title.
Aside from the main event, there are tons of other Western events for spectators to indulge in throughout the two weeks of rodeo in Las Vegas.
The South Point is host to the National Finals Breakaway Roping (December 3-4), Benny Binion’s World Famous Bucking Horse and Bull Sale, featuring the World Futurity Bronc Finale (December 5) and the Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale (December 6-15).
Off the strip, The Las Vegas Convention Center is host to the YETI Junior World Finals, with various events daily from December 5 to 14. The Orleans will once again host the All In Barrel Race from December 6 to 10 and December 13 to 17. Bull Fighters Only returns to Resorts World for its World Championship from December 5 to 14. Finally, the Miss Rodeo America Pageant is held at the South Point from December 1 to 8.
Where to Eat
The NFR will draw spectators and Western enthusiasts of all kinds of backgrounds to Sin City for 10 (or more) days of rodeo fun. If you’re one of those lucky rodeo fans who experience the NFR in person, be sure to stop by some of our favorite eateries during your stay in Las Vegas.
We’d be remiss not to open our list with the top restaurant at a Vegas hotel built for the cowboy: Michael’s Gourmet Room at the South Point Hotel Casino and Spa. The restaurant, named after the hotel owner Michael Gaughan, has been awarded numerous awards for its quality, service and atmosphere, including the Four Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association, Finest Gourmet Restaurant from the “Las Vegas Review Journal” Reader’s Poll, the Award of Excellence from Distinguished Restaurants of North America and more. Call ahead to make a reservation and try the Prime Sirloin Steak, Au Poivre.
Next on our list is Berry’s Downtown Prime, located in Circa Resort in downtown in Las Vegas. Fremont Street is a top-stop for NFR-goers, and this is a great choice while you’re exploring. We recommend trying the Fettuccini Alfredo Bone Marrow Luge, which is both delicious and unique. While at Circa, be sure to check out the enormous sportsbook and, if the weather is nice, the rooftop pool and sportsbook with an outdoor big screen that puts football stadiums to shame.
For something more casual (and filling), stop by Hash House A Go Go in the LINQ. The LINQ is in a really convenient location on the Las Vegas Strip, right in the center of the action, which makes this an easy stop whether you’re headed north or south. The restaurant has early and late hours, so whether you’re in need of a filling breakfast or a late-night snack, this is a must-try. It’s breakfast food of epic proportions (really, the portions are huge). We recommend either the chicken and waffles or one of their massive pancakes, depending on your preference, and they are famous for their signature Bloody Mary.
Where to Shop
NFR shopping is perhaps one of the main reasons, aside from the rodeo itself, people flock to the Nevada desert for 10 days in the winter.
The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas is in its traditional location at the Las Vegas Convention Center and will be open daily from December 5 to 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore more than 500,000 square feet of showroom space for more than 400 exhibitors and enjoy live interviews, talk shows and entertainment at the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage or upstairs at the YETI Junior World Finals.
If the crowds at Cowboy Christmas get overwhelming, visit one of the many other tradeshows around Las Vegas, including Roper Cowboy Marketplace in Horseshoe Las Vegas, Stetson Country Christmas at the Rio and the Cinch Western Gift Show at the South Point.
For luxury shopping, visit the Shops at Crystals, located next to ARIA Las Vegas or The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
With so many tradeshows and shopping experiences to choose from, you are sure to find something for every person on your Christmas list.
Where to Jam
Las Vegas is no stranger to a party and great music, and the NFR festivities are no exception. With nightly events all over the city catering to rodeo fans of all different interests, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Each night at the Westgate, there is live entertainment all evening at iBar. The official NFR viewing party happens each night at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, followed by a free live convert. Gilley’s Saloon is a dance hall dream for those looking for a honky-tonk vibe. There are free concerts and a DJ every night in the Gold Buckle Zone at MGM Grand.
For country music lovers, the live music lineup during December is unmatched. See Garth Brooks, Chancy Williams, Rodney Carrington, Cody Jinks, Brad Paisley, Shania Twain, Thomas Rhett, Mark Chestnutt, Midland and Tanya Tucker, Ian Munsick, Larry the Cable Guy, Ron White, George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, Ray Wiley Hubbard, Ryan Bingham, Aaron Watson, Terri Clark, Wynonna Judd, Cody Johnson, Randall King, Jeff Foxworthy, Lainey Wilson, and more at venues all around Las Vegas between December 5 and December 14.
Each of the sponsor hotels hosts an NFR watch party nightly, usually accompanied by live entertainment. Check nfrexperience.com for more information.
Where to Sleep
A handful of Las Vegas staple resorts and casinos sponsor the NFR. They all make great choices for your accommodations, depending on what’s important to you. When choosing a hotel, consider your priorities. Do you want to be in a convenient location on the Strip? Away from the action on Fremont Street? Close to Cowboy Christmas? Indulge in luxury during your stay? All these hotels have something unique to offer.
The South Point Hotel Casino and Spa is a cowboy’s paradise, especially during the NFR. In addition to hosting the Gold Buckle ceremonies and a nightly watch party and concert, the South Point is also host to the National Finals Breakaway Roping (December 3-4), Benny Binion’s World Famous Bucking Horse and Bull Sale featuring World Futurity Bronc Finales (December 5) and the Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale (December 6-15).
Resorts World Las Vegas and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas are newer builds with a lot to offer. They are both slightly off the main area of the Strip, but still easy to navigate to from anywhere in Las Vegas. The rooms are updated, luxurious, spacious and the resorts have tons of things to do and experience.
If you intend to do some shopping in town, the Westgate Las Vegas is conveniently located on the monorail one stop from the Las Vegas Convention Center, host of Cowboy Christmas.
For the luxury-seekers, Caesars Palace plays host to some of the best luxe shopping, food and accommodations in the city.
And if you’re looking for something in a slightly quieter part of town, Circa Resort and Casino is a great option. Right off Fremont Street, this casino boasts the world’s largest sportsbook, a 143-foot screen on the rooftop pool deck and 12 impressive restaurants and bars.
