It’s about that time of year, when the Las Vegas Strip saddles up and turns into Rodeo central for the annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Here are some of our best tips for having a good time during the NFR 2018.
Where to watch the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo for Free
Downtown Las Vegas Events Center NFR Viewing Parties
200 S 3rd St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Get the best seats downtown at the FREE live-action viewing parties at the Downtown Events Center. Every night from December 6–15, hop on this wild ride to watch all the NFR action on giant TV screens. Enjoy food & drink specials, nightly entertainment and more.
The Mirage Race and Sports Book Viewing Party
Starting at 6:45 PM nightly from December 6–15, you won’t miss a second of the NFR action at the Mirage Race and Sports Book, home to the largest HD Projection screens in Las Vegas! Enjoy free admission and exclusive giveaways during performances.
After the Viewing party, there are nightly country music shows and country DJs at the Mirage Race and Sports Book.
Silverton Wrangler NFR Viewing
3333 Blue Diamond Road Las Vegas, NV 89139
Join the action at the Veil Pavilion at the Silverton Hotel and Casino, December 6 – 15, 2018 from 6:30 pm – midnight. After the viewing parties stay for nightly country concerts with some of the biggest names in country music.
Sam’s Town Family Friendly Viewing
5111 BOULDER HIGHWAY • LAS VEGAS, NV 89122
Family Friendly Viewing Parties will be held in the Hawthorne Room nightly at 6:30pm. Food and drink specials will be available and children are welcome to accompany their parents. NFR Viewing Parties for guests over 21 years will be held in Roxy’s Lounge nightly.
Best Country Music Bars during NFR
TOBY KEITH’S I LOVE THIS BAR & GRILL Inside Harrah’s
Throughout the entire NFR week, there will be special events:
- Live country music from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. nightly
- Autograph signings from Dec.7-9 and 14-15
- Appearances by both Jack Daniels and Saddle Bronc riders
- Drink specials, samplings and a boot souvenir glass available for purchase.
You’ll also catch the upbeat local band, 15 South, known for their mix of country and rock ‘n’ roll sound. Brothers Leonard and Leon Quenneville offer a high-energy show, performing both covers and original music.
Gilley’s Saloon inside TI
- Live country music from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. nightly
- Drink specials and $10 Mechanical Bull Rides
- No Cover Charge before 9:00 p.m.
The Mirage Sportsbook
By far, one of the biggest parties on the Strip takes place nightly at the Mirage Race and Sports Book. Every night the Mirage transforms their sportsbook into a gigantic honky tonk with some of the top names in country music.
Junior NFR
For those who want to see the Rodeo live, but either couldn’t get tickets or wanted to save your money for for the slots, you should check out the Junior NFR held in the Cowboy Christmas Wrangler Rodeo Arena at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Western Gift Shows
Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Halls
- 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.
- Las Vegas Convention Center, South Halls
- Free Admission/Open to the Public
- **Co-located with the RMEF Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo
Western Gift Show at the South Point
- Open daily December 6 — 16 from 9 a.m. — 6 p.m.
- 9 a.m. — 6 p.m.
- South Point Exhibit Hall and Boot Barn Concourse
- Free Admission/Open to the Public
Cowboy Marketplace Gift Show at Mandalay Bay
- Open daily December 6 — 15
- 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.
- Mandalay Bay
- Free Admission/Open to the Public
Country Christmas at the Sands Expo Center
- Open daily December 6 — 16
- 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.
- Sands Expo
- Free Admission/Open to the Public
NFR 2018 Resources
- If you are looking for a local Las Vegas country bar, check out our list of Vegas Country Bars.
- For a full list of NFR events and parties, check out our NFR Page.
