Your Ultimate Budget Guide to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas

Best Places to Watch the NFR Without Arena Tickets

Can't snag tickets to the Thomas & Mack Center? Don't worry—Las Vegas offers incredible viewing parties where you can catch all the action for free.

Top-Rated NFR Watch Parties

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino The legendary Westgate hosts free NFR viewing parties nightly with live entertainment at both the Cabaret Theater and International Bar. Free shuttles run to and from the Thomas & Mack Center, making it incredibly convenient. The party starts at 4 p.m. with viewing from 5:15-8:30 p.m., followed by live country music until 2 a.m.

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (24 Oxford) This official NFR viewing party location opens at 4 p.m. and features a live feed starting at 5:45 p.m., followed by free live entertainment. It's become one of the most popular spots for rodeo fans who want a premium viewing experience without the arena price tag.

The Orleans Hotel & Casino Known for having one of the most electric atmospheres during NFR, The Orleans packs 600+ fans into their Showroom every night, while the Bourbon Street Bar offers a more relaxed vibe. Many contestants actually stay at this hotel, so you might rub shoulders with rodeo stars.

Treasure Island - Gilley's Saloon Gilley's offers free NFR watch parties with live entertainment and drink specials. This classic country bar brings authentic Texas honky-tonk vibes to the Strip.

South Point Hotel & Casino Long considered one of the best spots for serious rodeo fans, South Point is where many contestants stay. The atmosphere is authentic, and you'll be surrounded by people who live and breathe rodeo culture.

Downtown Las Vegas Events Center For an outdoor experience, DLVEC hosts watch parties for all 10 days of NFR. Watch the rodeo with a cold beer and grilled food, then stay for live entertainment after the show wraps.

MGM Grand - iBar Free entertainment starts at 4 p.m., with viewing parties from 5:15-8:30 p.m., followed by live entertainment until 2 a.m. No cover charge makes this a budget-friendly Strip option.

Cowboy Christmas: Insider Shopping Tips

Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center (South Halls) is the world's largest Western trade show, featuring over 400 vendors selling everything from custom boots to handcrafted jewelry. Entry is completely free, and it's open December 5-14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Best Times to Visit (Avoid the Crowds)

Early Morning Hours (9-10:30 a.m.) Most attendees sleep in after late-night rodeo events, making early morning the best time to shop without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. You'll have more space to browse, better access to vendors, and first pick of daily deals.

Weekday Afternoons (Monday-Thursday, 2-4 p.m.) While weekends get packed, weekday afternoons—especially the final hour before closing—offer a more relaxed shopping experience. Many vendors offer end-of-day discounts during this time.

Opening Days (December 5-6) The first two days tend to be less crowded than the final weekend when everyone rushes to finish their Christmas shopping.

Getting to Cowboy Christmas

Parking at the Convention Center is limited and costs $15. Smart alternatives include:

• Las Vegas Monorail (stops right at the Convention Center)

• Las Vegas Loop (catch it from Resorts World to South Hall)

• Walk from Fontainebleau Las Vegas across Elvis Presley Blvd.

• Rideshares or taxis (avoids parking hassles)

Pro Tip: Bring a small rolling suitcase or cart—you'll likely buy more than you can comfortably carry!

Coffee Shops Off the Strip That Won't Break the Bank

Skip the $8 Starbucks lattes on the Strip and head just a few blocks away for better prices and stronger brews:

Vesta Coffee Roasters (Arts District) Known for their bold coffee and laid-back vibe, just a 10-minute drive from the Strip.

Mothership Coffee Roasters (Downtown) Trendy but affordable, serving high-quality coffee in a chill atmosphere.

Illuminarium Café (off Harmon Ave.) Close enough to walk from certain Strip hotels, offering a quiet spot for an affordable cup.

Cheap Breakfasts and Meals

Vegas is known for its buffets, but prices can add up quickly. Instead, try these budget-friendly eats:

Ellis Island Casino Café Just behind Bally's, famous for their $9.99 steak and eggs—a Las Vegas legend among locals.

Blueberry Hill Family Restaurant A Vegas staple with hearty portions at diner prices.

Ocean One Bar & Grille (Miracle Mile Shops) Every entrée is $5.99, from breakfast through dinner—one of the best deals on the Strip.

Village Pub & Café (off Flamingo Rd.) Open 24/7 with budget-friendly comfort food, perfect for late-night post-rodeo meals.

Transportation Tips

Taxis and surge-priced rideshares can drain your wallet during NFR week. Instead:

Use the Deuce Bus Runs 24/7 along the Strip and downtown for just a few dollars per ride. During NFR, this is your best friend.

Las Vegas Monorail Great for hopping between big resorts like MGM, Paris, and Westgate. Multi-day passes save even more, and it stops directly at the Convention Center for Cowboy Christmas.

Free Shuttles Many off-Strip casinos like Sam's Town and Orleans run free shuttles to the Strip and Fremont Street. Virgin Hotels also offers complimentary shuttles to the Thomas & Mack Center during NFR.

Hotels That Are Clean, Affordable, and Have Coffee Makers

Most Strip hotels don't provide in-room coffee makers (they want you downstairs spending money). To save:

Best Western McCarran Inn Affordable, includes breakfast, and has in-room coffee.

Hampton Inn Tropicana Just off the Strip with free parking, free breakfast, and coffee makers—a triple win.

The Orleans Hotel & Casino Off-Strip, cheaper rates during NFR, amazing rodeo atmosphere, and plenty of food options.

Holiday Inn Express (South Strip) Budget-friendly with coffee makers in-room and quick access to the action.

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas During NFR, they offer up to 25% off room rates plus $50 F&B credit, with complimentary shuttle service to the Thomas & Mack Center—making it both affordable and convenient.

👉 Insider Hack: If you stay on the Strip and your room doesn't have a coffee maker, bring a compact travel kettle and instant coffee or tea. You'll save $30-50 per day on coffee shop runs.

Save on Drinks and Nightlife

During NFR, bars and clubs pack out, but you don't need to spend $20 per drink:

Stock Up at CVS or Walgreens Both have locations right on the Strip for cheap beer, wine, and mixers. Pre-game in your room before heading out.

Happy Hours Many restaurants and bars have 2-for-1 specials if you go early (4-7 p.m.).

Free Watch Parties = Free or Cheap Drinks All the watch parties mentioned above offer drink specials. Gilley's at Treasure Island, The Orleans, and Westgate are known for affordable drinks and authentic rodeo atmosphere.

Dawg House Saloon & Zouk Nightclub For country music lovers, Rodeo World hosts meet-and-greets and live performances at these Resorts World venues during NFR week.

Free and Low-Cost Things to Do

Balance out the pricey rodeo tickets with some fun that doesn't cost a dime:

Fremont Street Experience Free light shows and live music every night—this is old-school Vegas at its best.

Bellagio Conservatory & Fountains A must-see (and free). The winter display is especially stunning during NFR season.

Cowboy Christmas The official NFR gift show with tons of booths, free entertainment, live music, and giveaways. Budge 3-4 hours to explore everything.

NFR Watch Parties Why pay for entertainment when you can catch the rodeo, live music, and mingle with contestants for free?

Window Shopping in The Forum & Grand Canal Shoppes Gorgeous architecture and people-watching without spending a cent.

Booking Hacks for NFR

Book Early NFR is peak season, so hotels fill fast. Book 3-6 months ahead for the best deals. Prices can double or triple if you wait until November.

Bundle Flights & Hotels Travel sites like Expedia, Kayak, or directly through airline packages often offer discounts when booking together.

Check Off-Strip Hotels You'll often save 30-50% compared to Strip prices. The Orleans, South Point, and other off-Strip properties offer free shuttles and better rodeo atmosphere anyway.

Sign Up for Casino Rewards Programs Even as a first-time visitor, you'll often get discounts, freebies, or room offers. Sign up for M Life (MGM properties), Caesars Rewards, and Boyd Gaming's B Connected before you go.

Look for NFR Package Deals Virgin Hotels, Westgate, and other properties offer special NFR packages with room discounts, F&B credits, and complimentary shuttles to the Thomas & Mack Center.

Avoid Peak Weekend Nights If possible, stay Sunday-Thursday. Hotel rates drop significantly on weeknights, even during NFR.

Final Thoughts: Experience NFR Like a Pro

The National Finals Rodeo is one of the most exciting times to visit Las Vegas—a perfect blend of Western culture, world-class entertainment, and that unmistakable Vegas energy. With these insider tips, you'll experience everything NFR has to offer without breaking the bank.

From free watch parties at Westgate and Virgin Hotels to early-morning shopping at Cowboy Christmas, smart planning means more money for the experiences that matter: great food, cold drinks, and memories that'll last a lifetime.

Pro Tip: Many locals and rodeo regulars say the watch parties and after-parties are just as fun—if not more fun—than the arena itself. The energy, the live music, the chance to meet contestants, and the authentic cowboy culture make NFR week in Las Vegas unlike anything else in the world.

Ready to book your NFR adventure? Start early, use these tips, and get ready for the ride of your life! 🤠

The 2025 National Finals Rodeo runs December 4-13, 2025 at the Thomas & Mack Center. For official schedules, tickets, and updates, visit NFRExperience.com