We are back! This is another rendition of Hurly’s Hot Spots, which reveals some of the best ways to stay and play during the 2026 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® in Fabulous Las Vegas. The time is near, so be sure to confirm your plans now for the concerts, gift shows, competitions, autograph signings, watch parties, after parties, Gold Buckle presentations, and so much more.
Before we get into our Vegas NFR Seven for this edition (Palms, Plaza, STRAT, The D, Silverton, Wynn and Gold Coast), we remind you of a few tips to help make your Vegas NFR experience perfect. The Wrangler NFR is Dec. 3-12, 2026.
NFR Tip 1
- Be sure to download the new NFR app. You can plan your entire itinerary, plus keep up to date on everything from the actual rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center to the Junior NFR to Cowboy Christmas presented by Texas Precious Metals to everything in between.
NFR Tip 2
- When you attend an official NFR Watch Party at an NFR Hotel Sponsor, you will enjoy the in-arena video and audio feed, which is the next best thing to being inside the Thomas & Mack Center.
NFR Tip 3
- Besides the app, visit NFRexperience.com for anything and everything 2026 NFR.
NFR Tip 4
- Each official Hotel Sponsor is the home of a free NFR shuttle stop to and from the Thomas & Mack Center. They also run from Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The NFR Vegas Seven
Rodeo Oasis at The Palms Casino Resort
The Palms Casino Resort has it all during the Wrangler NFR, even a discounted stay. You can save up to 30% on rooms and suites, and your stay includes a $25 daily buffet credit, free parking and access to the complimentary NFR shuttle.
The Palms also offers free viewing parties inside Greene St. Kitchen with nightly line dancing and a best-dressed contest following the perf from about 8 pm – 9 pm. Plus, there is free live music at Greene St. featuring Hot Sauce, SJ & The Ruckus, Rhyolite Sound, and others.
A favorite at the Palms is also the Santa Saloon, and be sure to check out the performers inside the legendary Pearl Theatre—such as Brett Young, Dec. 5 and The Bull 95.5 FM Santa Jam, Dec. 6—or music and dancing inside the GhostBar rooftop lounge.
The Plaza Downtown Is for Players
There may not be a hotel casino with more going on each year during the Wrangler NFR than The Plaza in Downtown Las Vegas. Anchored by the CORE Arena and a location at the end of the historic Fremont St. Experience, a visit—or multiple visits—to The Plaza is a must. Room rates start at $81, and a benefit for those competing somewhere in Las Vegas is the availability of horse stalls.
The outdoor CORE Arena features a full schedule of Western events, highlighted by the Rope for the Crown World Championship Breakaway Finals, Open tie-down American qualifier, and the Junior Rope for the Crown Finals.
The American Hat Company NFR Watch Party is nightly in the Showroom and is an all-ages event. And don’t miss the Downtown Christmas Expo at The Plaza.
On Top of the World at The Strat
The Strat is an aiming point throughout Las Vegas given the 1,149-foot-high tower, and it can be an NFR measuring stick as well. A full schedule of NFR-related events is planned.
The Top of the World restaurant features a special cowboy menu, and throughout the casino, there will be $5 Coors Banquet and additional specials.
For YETI Junior NFR fans or competitors, The Strat is a host hotel of the Leal’s Bull Riding event and a back number event and registration are scheduled for Dec. 2 in the showroom.
If you are in town prior to the Wrangler NFR, visit The Strat on Nov. 14 for a blackjack tournament and drawing that features NFR tickets as part of the prizes.
The D Las Vegas Is a Triple NFR Threat
You can’t talk Wrangler NFR at The D in Downtown Las Vegas without also mentioning sister properties Circa and the Golden Gate. The hotel casinos—owned and operated by Derek Stevens—partner on NFR promotions including the Buck Wild Giveaway that features daily drawings at each property for your chance to win exciting prizes like NFR tickets, Boot Barn gift cards, and exclusive NFR gear. The Grand Finale drawing takes place at The D, where one lucky winner will receive a $3,000 gift card to Tractor Supply Co.
The D is also offering special room packages that include a reserved table at the epic Watch Party at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center. You can save 15 percent off rooms with the package.
There is also a nightly watch party at the Golden Saloon inside the Golden Gate. Also, The D is home to the iconic LONGBAR, BarCanada, and award-winning Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse.
Silverton Steers the Shows
What a bummer it was a couple of years ago when the Silverton was undergoing millions in renovations, which paused its annual support of the Wrangler NFR. But, not to worry, the new and improved Silverton is back and better than ever with its Wrangler NFR offerings.
There are many highlights for 2026, but the terrific Wrangler NFR watch parties in the Veil Pavilion, followed by free concerts by the likes of Ned Ledoux, Josh Ward and a Tribute to Toby Keith are a good place to begin. Plus, there is nightly free live music in the Mermaid Lounge, which sits next to the large water tank where—yes—mermaids can be spotted throughout the day.
Accenting the watch parties and Silverton rodeo fun are nightly drawings for dining certificates, hotel stays, official Wrangler NFR jackets, and more. Plus, there are Silverton room packages available that include two tickets to the Wrangler NFR at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Throughout the NFR, the Rodeo Round Up on 102.7 FM Coyote Country is live from the Silverton.
Wynn Levels Up
Wynn Las Vegas is a high-end Wrangler NFR resort partner that welcomes fans and competitors each year. Some highlights for 2026 include the hilarious Nate Bargatze appearing Dec. 9-13 in the Encore Theater. The award-winning Awakening also has nightly performances inside the customized 360-degree Awakening Theatre.
Plus, Wynn Las Vegas dining experiences include PISCES Bar and Seafare, SW Steakhouse, and Mizumi.
Gold Coast Is a Boyd Sure Bet
Similarly to The D listing above that included the hotel’s sister properties, you can’t mention the Gold Coast without mentioning Sam’s Town, The Orleans, California Hotel, Fremont, and Main Street Station because each offers Wrangler NFR room and ticket packages. Plus, they are home to watch parties, after parties, autograph signings and more.
Each falls under the Boyd Gaming banner with the Boyd family having deep ties to the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas and the country & Western lifestyle.
