The No-Go Stock Show

The No-Go Stock Show and Chili Cook Off

Where love and life are never for sale.

Saturday, January 10 • 12:00–2 p.m.

Just down the road from the National Western Complex

While the National Western Stock Show celebrates the buying and selling of animals, we’ll gather just minutes down the road to celebrate their lives.

Our No-Go Stock Show is a gentle alternative—a living invitation to experience connection instead of commerce. Here, every face you’ll meet was once destined for the very industries the Stock Show represents: dairy calves discarded as “byproducts,” goats rescued from meat lots, donkeys once used for roping practice, sheep from fiber farms, and chickens abandoned when their usefulness ran out.

But here, they are not “livestock.” They are individuals—treasured friends who know safety, warmth, and love.

Broken Shovels was founded by former farmers who chose a different path: to offer refuge, not profit; care, not use. We host this annual event each January to offer an alternative—a chance for visitors to meet animals as someone, not something.

When you visit, you’ll meet rescued cows who lean in for kisses, pigs who sunbathe together, goats who nuzzle your hands, and chickens who follow you for affection, not feed. Each one a life once destined to be forgotten—and now, a story of healing.

At 12::00, we’ll begin with a moment of silence for all animals still suffering in arenas, auctions, and transport trucks. Then, we’ll open our barns and hearts for visitors to meet the residents who remind us what compassion looks like when no one is for sale.

As you meet the residents, we invite you to pause—just for a moment—and consider how it feels to see these animals alive, safe, and happy. Does your heart feel lighter knowing they are loved? Or heavier imagining them as products on a plate? What does your heart tell you?

 And this year, we’ve adding something special:

The First Annual Plant-Based Chili Cook-Off

Taste your way through rich, flavorful, and creative chilis crafted by some of Denver’s best chefs—all completely plant-based.

Guests will sample, savor, and vote for their favorite, celebrating the abundance of compassionate cuisine that proves kindness tastes incredible.

We don’t ask you to reject tradition—only to imagine what a kinder one could look like.

Come experience The No-Go Stock Show, where connection replaces commerce, and every life has value beyond what it can sell for.

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Visitor Guidelines

• No food or drink for animals or humans may be brought to this event.

• Tickets are non-refundable. If the event is cancelled due to severe weather, it will be rescheduled or you may use your ticket at a future event. We’ll notify you via email and/or text if the event must be postponed.

• We cannot stay open later for late arrivals—please plan your visit accordingly.

• Each guest must have a ticket, regardless of age.

• Food and drink purchases (including chili cook-off tastings) are separate from ticket admission.

• No companion animals are allowed at the sanctuary, in cars, or on leashes—under any circumstances.

• Broken Shovels Farm Sanctuary is a safe haven for animals rescued from abuse, neglect, slaughter, and exploitation. We do not breed or sell animals. Occasionally, rescues arrive already pregnant; they and their children will live out their lives here, never separated or used.

• This is not a petting zoo. Although many animals love gentle affection, they are not here for entertainment but for meaningful interaction with kind guests.

• You are visiting their home. Treat all residents with respect. Some animals prefer distance—please honor that. Do not chase, yell, or throw anything.

• Some residents are elderly or healing. Our care is guided by veterinary specialists, and what you see reflects what’s best for them, even if it looks unconventional.

• Follow all posted rules for everyone’s safety and comfort.