Editor’s note: Know Before You Go is an occasional series exploring metro Denver area attractions. Next up: Evergreen Pond Skating

The National Western Stock Show is a Colorado tradition that many are familiar with but if it is your first rodeo — pun intended — then we are here to help guide you through your first experience.

The National Western is more than just longhorns and cowboys. It includes animals, art, acrobatic shows and animal education for folks of all kinds, whether you are interested in raising livestock or just there for the western vibes.

First things first: Book your ticket online here (nationalwestn.com) either for general admission, or one of the shows or pro rodeos. Where grounds admission is fun, you get the true value of the of your ticket by going to one of the shows or events. My favorite is the Dancing Horses and the Pro Rodeo if you can’t decide for yourself.

Parking: Parking at the National Western Stock show has always been a bit hectic, as parking spots are limited in the lots next to the complex. It’s even more so this year because the under-construction new livestock center ate up a lot of parking, including all of the exhibitors’ parking, according to spokeswoman Karen Woods. They’re now being shuttled to-and-from an off-site lot. So there’s precious little on-site parking for the general public. That’s why officials are urging visitors to use the Coors Field lot, and the shuttle buses that serve it. Free parking is also available for attendees with shuttles next to the National Western Complex . You might also luck out on finding a spot in the main parking lots if you arrive at your event early — say at the Denver Coliseum — and it will not be too much of a walk. There are also three accessible parking lots available for those who have a permit, but it’s important to remember that spots will also be limited to first-come first-serve here.

The National Western also offers some parking options near light rail stations so you can hop on a train (The RTD N Line) and not worry about parking, which is always my go-to when parking is going to be a stressful situation.

You can look at the parking map here.

Disability Accessibility: What I enjoy about the National Western Stock Show is that there is something for everyone. If you are in the mood for more than just the petting zoo farm animals, the Stock Show offers many up-close encounters as well as livestock education for those who may be experiencing these animals for the first time.

The complex includes three buildings and is large, with a maze of livestock and vendors, but it is not difficult to navigate. Since they move livestock throughout the complex, there is ample space to move around if you are navigating with a wheelchair or walking device and even wagons for families with small children, and plenty of ramps to use as well as elevators. There is ample seating areas upstairs by the kids area, but is sparse throughout the venue. There are wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is a family restroom available along with a “nursing shed” on the 3rd-floor and a “Kids Zone,” as well as regular restrooms found throughout the various complexes which are easy to find and large.

Service animals might be an additional consideration for you, and according to the National Western website: “Service Animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered to the handler at all times unless being attached interferes with tasks. If not attached, the animal must remain close to the handler and be under verbal or signal control. Any Service Animal who displays unruly or aggressive behavior towards other guests, employees, or animals may be denied entry or asked to leave the facility. For the safety and well-being of all involved, all other animals are prohibited. It is highly recommended that owners/handlers confirm that Service Animals are up to date on all vaccines.”

The venue is noisy, and there is a strong livestock odor and safety precautions with large animals, which might be of consideration for some who get easily overstimulated. There are areas where the cattle and horses are being groomed, which is something to consider for those with allergies. Be sure to head upstairs to the Coors Western Art Exhibit to see some works of contemporary western-inspired art or to walk through the maze of vendors or check out one of the many shows.

The three buildings at the National Western Complex are separated and are not connected by indoor walkways which is also something to consider — especially in the cold of January — for those who must consider navigating in the snow and other conditions as well as preparing for what to wear.

One thing to note about the complex is that it is an indoor/outdoor facility where many of the large doors might be open for the animals. For this reason, some areas are warmer than others and you may be walking between venues to see things, so be sure to wear some layers and bring your jacket.

Food and drink: There is no outside food or drink allowed in the National Western Complex, except for people with medical conditions which require immediate medical attention and personal water bottles. There are food options throughout the venue which include everything from a full-service, sit-down restaurant, to carnival snacks and food trucks — good options for individuals with allergies and other food considerations. There are five restaurants inside the complex which get busy quickly, so it’s important if you plan on dining to make a reservation. In addition, there are several food-truck options inside the venue as well as a couple outside.

It’s important to note that many of the food trucks in the trade show space do not have seating to go with them. In addition, food options are a bit limited to food trucks if you are not planning to sit down and making a reservation, so keep that in mind if you plan to wander throughout the venue.

Food locations can be found here.

Other considerations: You might be asking: “But what do I wear?”

While National Western encourages western wear, it is not a requirement for enjoying the Stock Show. January is when Colorado starts experiencing the big drops in winter temperatures, so keep that in mind when planning your outfit and be sure to wear plenty of layers.

Additionally, there is no flash photography of any kind allowed and “cameras with interchangeable lenses are not permitted” according to the National Western website.

Kid Friendly: The National Western Stock show is very kid friendly and a perfect activity for families. The perfect event to introduce your kids to livestock for the first time and experience all kinds of animals that you normally wouldn’t get to see at the typical “petting zoo.”

There is education centered around animal wellness, veterinary medicine, and handling and petting zoos, as well as a youth art contest. Children always seem to enjoy the horse shows as well as the dog shows.