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National Finals Rodeo 2026 - Las Vegas

If you've never been to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas, this is an event you must attend, at least once in a lifetime. The Wrangler NFR will return to the Thomas & Mack Center, December 3 - 12, 2026 and will mark the 40th year for the Wrangler NFR to be held in Las Vegas.

For 10 days in December the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) transforms the look and feel of Las Vegas in a spectacular way. Each year, thousands of rodeo enthusiasts decked out in Wrangler jeans, cowboy boots and outsized hats stroll up and down the Vegas strip, and fill Las Vegas hotel lobbies, casinos, showrooms and restaurants. You don't have to be a cowboy or cowgirl to have the time of your life. However the National Finals Rodeo might just make a cowboy out of you after 10 days of competition and entertainment.

Let's face it, Las Vegas is known for doing everything big. The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is no exception. From the minute you arrive in Sin City, you will find action and entertainment everywhere you look. The Vegas strip is full of the rodeo spirit as hotel marquees are splashed with the names of the brightest stars in country music and casinos try to out-do each other with NFR entertainment and specials.

Start time for the 2026 NFR The 2026 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® will start at 5:45 p.m. PST/8:45 p.m. EST. Doors Opening: 4:00 p.m. – Cowboy Corral Entrance and The Cowboy Channel Bar Entrance 4:15 p.m. – Main Entrance

National Finals Rodeo 2026 Dates: December 3 - 12, 2026

The 2026 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR)

Dates: December 3 - 12, 2026 NFR Start Times: All start times in 2026 are 5:45 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (PT). Location: Thomas & Mack Center (on the UNLV Campus) 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV, 89154. On the corner of Tropicana Ave. and Swenson Ave.

2025 WNFR Fact:

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 40th anniversary celebration at the Thomas & Mack Center culminated its highest total attendance since 2014. Total attendance over the ten performances reached 175,846, up from 170,045 in 2024 – the highest since 2014. Since the Wrangler NFR’s arrival in Las Vegas in 1985, total attendance over 40 years at the Thomas & Mack Center has surpassed 6.8 million.

Let's help you navigate National Finals Rodeo 2026

NFR FREE Shuttle Bus Distance to Thomas & Mack Center Digital Ticketing Guide 2026 NFR Seating Chart 2025 NFR Contestants Entertainment Around Town

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Things to do during the NFR week in Las Vegas

Each night during the NFR week, 20+ Las Vegas resorts air the in-arena video feed to thousands of fans. The FREE Wrangler NFR viewing party puts you in the heart of the action at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Besides delivering in-arena feed, Wrangler NFR viewing parties also features: Food and drink deals Dancing cowboys and cowgirls Celebrity and rodeo legend appearances Prize drawings Huge, state-of-the-art video screens Music Sensory overload of resort decorations Camaraderie of fellow fans All ages and 21+ viewing parties

Cowboy Corral

Don't miss all the action before and after the NFR each night at the Cowboy Corral located at the Cox Pavilion, next to the Thomas & Mack Center. Get to the arena an hour early and head over to the Cowboy Corral. Kick up your heels and enjoy live entertainment.

Live Performance each night will include performances by: Reeves Brothers | December 4, 5, 6 & 7 Gage Gardiner | December 8, 9 & 10 Presley Barker | December 11, 12 & 13

Doors open at 4:00 pm with live music starting at 4:45 pm. | Admission: FREE with Wrangler NFR Ticket

2026 MGM Grand Gold Buckle Zone

Enjoy FREE Live music, dancing, free viewing parties and giveaways nightly at the MGM Grand Gold Buckle Zone. Dates: December 3 - 12, 2026 2026 MGM Grand Gold Buckle Zone Nightly Entertainment 5:00 p.m. - 3 a.m. | 2:30 a.m. — Last call Location: Level Up at MGM Grand | Free Event

Mandalay Bay Cowboyville

Head to Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) for “Cowboyville,” a 10-day concert series and western world experience. Nightly viewing parties and live music, drink specials, giveaways and more. Dates: December 3 - 12, 2026

Location: BetMGM Sportsbook at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino 5:30 p.m. — Nightly Viewing Party followed by live entertainment Rhythm & Riffs Lounge Doors open at 8:00 pm and the party will run all night long. | Admission: FREE

Rodeo Vegas at Resorts World Las Vegas

Rodeo Vegas

Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas will host viewing parties and invite Rodeo fans to come and enjoy live music and food and beverage specials daily.

Dates: - December 3 - 12 5:00 p.m. nightly Location: Zouk Nightclub at the Resorts World Las Vegas Free Event - Must be 21 and older

NFR After Dark at Westgate Las Vegas

Free Live entertainment daily, NFR live feed viewing parties nightly, NFR Express Shuttle location. | December 3 - 12 Locations: 4 p.m. — Free entertainment in iBar 5:15 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. — Viewing parties in iBar and Cabaret Theater 8:30 p.m. — 2 a.m. — Live entertainment in iBar Free Admission/Open to the Public

Other NFR Events Around Town

All events are scheduled December 3 - 12 Free Admission unless otherwise stated.

Wrangler NFR Go Round Buckle Presentations at South Point

Wrangler NFR Go Round Buckle Presentations hosted by Flint Rasmussen & Joe Beaver. Free concerts to follow each night in the South Point Showroom Aaron Watson (Dec. 4-6), Chancey Williams (Dec. 7-10), Randall King (Dec. 11-12) Time: 9:30 p.m. Location: South Point Showroom Dates: - December 3 - 12 Free Event

South Point Presents Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Viewing Party

Time: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Location: South Point Convention Center Dates: - December 3 - 12 Free Event

Gilley's Saloon at Treasure Island

December 3 - 12 5 p.m. - Close Gilley's Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que Live entertainment and drink specials nightly! | Viewing party starts at 5 p.m. Free Admission and All Ages until 9 p.m. Cover charge is $20 at the door after 9 p.m. No charge for guests arriving prior to 9 p.m. (21+ after 9 p.m.)

Silverton Casino Presents NFR Viewing & After Parties

December 3 - 12 5 p.m. - Close Free concerts on December 4 & 5 with Ned LeDoux Location: Veil Pavilion Live, free all-ages viewing parties followed by live entertainment. Live entertainment and drink specials nightly! | Free Admission for All Ages

Palms Casino Resort

December 3 - 12 5:15 p.m. — Live Viewing Parties in KAOS Live concerts each night following the Viewing Party in KAOS 10 p.m. — Close — Round Up the night with a captivating view mixed with high-energy music at the Ghostbar After Party Free Event/Free Parking

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Official Wrangler NFR Viewing Party

December 4 — 13 Opens at 4 p.m. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas — 24 Oxford 5:45 p.m. — Live Feed Followed by free live concerts Free Event

Rooftop Rodeo at Legacy Club

Legacy Club Rooftop Cocktails inside Circa Resort & Casino (21+ to enter) December 4-7, 11-13 9 p.m. — close Live DJs spinning country beats every Friday & Saturday Night | Specialty Cocktails Free Event

Boyd's Rodeo Viewing Party

December 3 - 12 Nightly at 5:00 p.m. Orleans After Dark - Nightly at 8:30 p.m. The Orleans Hotel & Casino - Bourbon Street Lounge Free Admission/Open to the Public - 21 & Up Free Event

Downtown Saloon NFR Free Watch Parties at DLVEC

Opens at 5 p.m. Downtown Las Vegas Events Center Free Event

Rio Round-Up at Rio Hotel & Casino

5 p.m. - Live Viewing Parties hosted by Matt Merritt Rio Event Stage in Masquerade Village NFR After Party at VooDoo Lounge every Friday and Saturday (Must be 21+) Free Event

2026 Concerts during Wrangler NFR week

In addition to all the rodeo action at the Thomas & Mack Center, the NFR Experience events up and down the Las Vegas Strip and downtown included over 130 concerts and 32 locations that offered NFR Live presented by Teton Ridge, the official satellite feed of the rodeo.

NFR Gift Shows Around Town

Cowboy Christmas

Cowboy Christmas brings live talk-show-style entertainment, over 375 exhibitors and interactive elements for rodeo fans to the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Cowboy Christmas Village presented by Clint Orms will feature a festive area, custom 12-foot Christmas tree, daily appearances by Santa Claus and more. Location: Las Vegas Convention Center - South Hall, Levels 1 & 2 Open Daily December 3 - 12, 2026 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Free Event Free Shuttle bus service will also be provided from the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show directly to the Thomas & Mack Center (one way route - only) for each night's rodeo performance.

Country Christmas

Rio Las Vegas Open Daily December 4 - 14, 2026 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. | Free Event Free shuttle to and from the Country Christmas to the Cowboy Marketplace Gift Show at Horseshoe Las Vegas, and complimentary shuttle to and from the All-in Barrel Race & All-in Roping at The Orleans.

Cinch Western Gift Show

South Point Exhibit Halls C & D Open Daily December 2 - 14, 2026 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Free Event

Cowboy Marketplace Gift Show

Horseshoe Las Vegas Open Daily December 3 - 12, 2026 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. | Free Event

Downtown Christmas Expo

Plaza Hotel & Casino Open daily December 4 — 13 from 9 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. Free Admission/Open to the Public

Download the NFR Mobile App

The free 2026 NFR Mobile App gives you access to all the NFR action in the palm of their hand. The NFR App features, include a comprehensive schedule of events for the rodeo, entertainment around town, live stats, scores, contestant information and more.

NFR FREE Shuttle Bus

How to Get Around National Finals Rodeo

NFR provides rodeo fans with complimentary NFR Express Shuttle Bus service from 23 sponsor hotel properties and The Cowboy Christmas.

Take advantage of the free shuttle buses to and from hotels and from the Las Vegas Convention Center, to the Thomas & Mack Center.

NFR FREE Shuttle Bus Distance to Thomas & Mack Center

Ever wondered how far your hotel is from The Thomas & Mack Center? You'll be surprised how close everything is in Vegas. To make things easier, NFR provides Complementary Shuttle Service to get you there.

Distance to Thomas & Mack Center Las Vegas Christmas Activities

One of the great things about the 2026 National Finals Rodeo is that it coincides with the beginning of the Holiday Season in Las Vegas. The month of December is one of the most wonderful time of the year to visit Vegas as you will immediately find yourself immersed in the holiday experience, spectacular light displays, and lots of free entertainment up and down the Strip and beyond.

Here are a few Christmas activities to add on your list of things to do this National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

Requirements to enter Thomas & Mack Center

Below are a few things you should know as you get ready for 2026 NFR

As an added safety measure for all rodeo fans attending the NFR, metal detectors will be utilized at all entrances into the venue. Give yourself enough time to go through the screening process.

The NFR Clear Bag policy will be in effect for all ten performances. Click here for a list of what is allowed and what is not.

What is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR)?

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Known as the Super Bowl of Rodeo, the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas features an impressive list of entertainers to sing the national anthem prior to each rodeo performance. Competition starts following the opening ceremonies.

How to qualify to compete in the National Finals Rodeo

The Top 15 contestants in the standard rodeo events - Bareback riding, Steer wrestling, Team roping (headers and heelers), Saddle bronc riding, Tie-down roping, WPRA barrel racing and Bull riding, qualify to compete at the National Finals Rodeo based on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association World Standings for a share of the $11.5 million purse and the coveted PRCA World Championship Gold Buckle.

The National Finals Rodeo consists of 10 rounds. One round on each of the 10 consecutive days and each contestant competes once each day.

Selecting the National Finals Rodeo Winners

At the end of the NFR competition, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping). The first champion is the average winner with the best cumulative time or score over the 10 rounds. The second champion is the world champion who finished the year with the most money (including what he or she earned at the NFR). Mind you, for each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or different people.

University of Nevada 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy. Las Vegas, NV, 89154 Bus routes to Thomas & Mack Center: 108, 109, 201, 202, and Centennial Express (CX)

Did you know .... The NFR has been held annually since 1959, and every December since 1985 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas with the exception of 2020 (due to COVID).

Distance to Thomas & Mack Center

NFR Clear Bag Policy

In order to enhance public safety and make the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo venue access more efficient, the NFR clear bag policy regulates the size and type of bag that may be carried into the Thomas & Mack Center.

Fans are limited to one clear bag per person and one small clutch for personal items.

The clear bag policy will be enforced for all ten (10) performances of the NFR.

More Details

Thomas & Mack Center Lost & Found department Lost & Found is available at the GRI booths during events or call 702-895-3761, Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

The Guest Relations Information booths (GRI booths) are located on the main concourse level at the Thomas & Mack Center near section 106 and 117.

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National Finals Rodeo Contestants NFR FREE Shuttle Bus Las Vegas Convention Center Getting around Las Vegas Distance to Thomas & Mack Center Las Vegas Hotel Resort Fee

Disclaimer LasVegasHowTo.com is strictly a travel information website and in no way affiliated or associated with Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and/or it's respective companies. If you have specific questions regarding this event, please contact the event organizers directly.