Ready or not, the cowboys (& gals) are back in town and never have we been more thankful to see the.

So break out the cowboy hat and Tony Lamas and read on for all the boot-scootin’, bronco bustin’  fun that Las Vegas has planned for this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

Dec 3-12

Events take place at the Thomas & Mack Center daily from Dec 3 through Dec 12. The rodeo starts at 5:45 pm on Dec 4 & 5 and at 6:45 pm on every other day. Tickets start at $45 and once again they are offering the Mad Dash 30 ticket where you purchase a ticket for a sold out performance and you’re free to locate an empty seat in the balcony. If you are unable to locate a seat after 30 minutes you can return your ticket for a refund. Click here to buy tickets.

Activities

Dec 3-12

Cowboy Christmas Gift Show – Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall. Daily, 10 am-5 pm. More than 400 vendors from across the United States and Canada selling their unique products. Free shuttle service to the Thomas & Mac Center for each night’s performance. Admission is free.

Dec 5

Inaugural Chili Cook-Off – Monte Carlo – $1,000’s in cash and prizes with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Autograph Sessions

Dec 7

Wrangler NFR Host Hotel Autograph Session – Team Ropers (teams ranked 1-8) – Golden Nugget. Noon-1 pm. Admission is free.

Wrangler NFR Host Hotel Autograph Session – Team Ropers (teams ranked 9-15) – Golden Nugget. 1 pm-2 pm. Admission is free.

Dec 8

Wrangler NFR Host Hotel Autograph Session – Bull Riders – Silverton Casino. Noon-1 pm. Admission is free.

Wrangler NFR Host Hotel Autograph Session – Bareback Riders – Monte Carlo. 1 pm-2 pm. Admission is free.

Dec 9

Wrangler NFR Host Hotel Autograph Session – Barrel Racers – Excalibur. Noon-1 pm. Admission is free.

Wrangler NFR Host Hotel Autograph Session – Steer Wrestlers – Hooters. Noon-1 pm. Admission is free.

Dec 11

Wrangler NFR Host Hotel Autograph Session – Tie-Down Ropers – Golden Nugget. Noon-1 pm. Admission is free.

Wrangler NFR Host Hotel Autograph Session – Saddle Bronc Riders – Golden Nugget. 1 pm-2 pm. Admission is free.

Concerts

Nov 30-Dec 2

Jody Nix – South Point Showroom Dance Hall – 9 pm-2 am. Admission is free.

Dec 1-2

Doo Wah Riders – The Orleans Bourbon Street Pub – 9 pm. Admission is free.

Dec 2-3

Marshal Reign – Eastside Cannery Marilyn’s Lounge – 7 pm-midnight. Admission is free.

Dec 3

The Desert Outlaws – Hooters Las Vegas – I-215 & S Rainbow – 10 pm-2 am.

Lonestar – Golden Nugget – 10 pm – Tickets start at $39.

Randy Anderson – Sam’s Town Roxy’s – 9:15 pm. Admission is free.

Steve Holy with special guest Star De Azlan – Tropicana Tiffany Theatre – 10:30 pm. Tickets start at $59.

Dec 3-4

Tanya Tucker – Silverton Casino Lodge – 10 pm. Tickets are $35.

Dec 3-5

Billy Childers – South Point Showroom Dance Hall – 9:30 pm-11 pm and midnight-2:30 am. Admission is free.

Dec 3-12

Mammoth Jack – The Orleans Bourbon Street Lounge – 9 pm. Admission is free.

Ricky & the Redstreaks – Mandalay Bay Mizuya Lounge – 10 pm-2 am. Admission is free.

Savannah Jack – Tropicana Celebration Lounge – 9 pm-2 am. Admission is free.

Wylie and the West – Gold Coast Showroom – Show times are Sun-Thurs, 7:30 pm / Fri, 9 pm / Sat, 10 pm. Admission is free.

Dec 4-5

Clay Walker – Golden Nugget – Tickets start at $39.

Skid Rodeo – Sam’s Town Roxy’s – 9:15 pm. Admission is free.

Steve Sturgis & Roadhouse – Eastside Cannery – Marilyn’s Lounge – 8 pm-1 am. Admission is free.

Dec 4-6

Brooks & Dunn – Las Vegas Hilton Theatre – Fri, 10 pm. Sat & Sun, 9 pm. Tickets start at $95.

Dec 4-12

Doo-Wah Riders – Gold Coast Showroom – Show times are Sun-Fri, 2 pm / Sat & Sun, 1 pm. Admission is free.

Dec 5

Randy Anderson – Sam’s Town Roxy’s – 1 pm. Admission is free.

Willie Nelson & Family with special guest Asleep at the Wheel – Planet Hollywood Theatre for the Performing Arts – 9 pm. Tickets start at $50.

Dec 6

Randy Travis – Monte Carlo – 9:30 pm. Tickets start at $65.40.

Dec 6-7

Marshal Reign – Eastside Cannery – Marilyn’s Lounge – 7 pm-midnight. Admission is free.

Randy Anderson – Sam’s Town Roxy’s – 8:15 pm. Admission is free.

Steve Holy with special guest Star De Azlan – Tropicana Tiffany Theatre – 10:30 pm. Tickets start at $59.

Dec 6-9

The Lonestarlets – Golden Nugget – Tickets start at $16.50.

Susie Dobbs – South Point Showroom Dance Hall – 9:30 pm-11 pm and midnight-2:30 am. Admission is free.

Dec 9

Trace Adkins – The Palms Pearl Concert Theater – 10 pm. Tickets start at $45.

Dec 9-10

Desert Outlaws – Eastside Cannery – Marilyn’s Lounge – 7 pm-midnight. Admission is free.

Dec 10

John Michael Montgomery – Golden Nugget – Tickets start at $39.

Randy Anderson – Sam’s Town Roxy’s – 9:15 pm. Admission is free.

Dec 10-12

Aaron Watson – South Point Showroom Dance Hall – Thurs & Fri, 9:30 pm-11 pm and midnight-2:30 am / Sat, 8:30 pm. Admission is free.

Dec 11

Sara Evans – Buffalo Bill’s Star of the Desert Arena – 9 pm. Tickets start at $38.45.

Skid Rodeo – Sam’s Town Roxy’s – 5:30 pm. Admission is free.

Dec 11-12

Desert Outlaws – Eastside Cannery – Marilyn’s Lounge – 10 pm-1 am. Admission is free.

Miranda Lambert – Silverton Casino Lodge – 10 pm. Tickets are $35.

Rodney Atkins – Golden Nugget – Tickets start at $39.

Dec 12

Man in Black: Johnny Cash Tribute – Jerry’s Nugget Royal Street Theatre – 3 pm & 6 pm. Tickets are $10 and there is a two drink minimum. Tickets are available in the gift shop.

Randy Anderson – Sam’s Town Roxy’s – 9:15 pm. Admission is free.

Dec 13

Desert Outlaws – Eastside Cannery – Marilyn’s Lounge – 7 pm-midnight. Admission is free.

Giveaways and Tournaments

Dec 3, 7 and 10

Buckin’ Bronco Blackjack - Golden Nugget – Enter one of three daily blackjack tournaments and play to win the $5,000 grand prize each day. Entry fee is $50. Call 800-777-5687 for reservations.

Dec 2-12

NFR Ford Truck Giveaway – Golden Nugget – To earn entries: redeem your NFR ticket stub, join the 24 Karat Club or play your favorite slot and table games. Winner does not need to be present to win. Complete details available at the 24 Karat Club booth.

Dec 5

Celebrity Bowling Tournament – Gold Coast Hotel & Casino. 11 am. Proceeds to benefit Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund and Speedway Children’s Charities. For more information email JCCFinfo@prorodeo.com.

Miss Rodeo America Pageant

Nov 30

Horsemanship Competition – South Point Equestrian Center – 9 am-11:30 am. Admission is free.

Get Acquainted Party – The Orleans Hotel & Casino – 7 pm-10 pm – Tickets available at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant Registration Desk at the Orleans.

Dec 1

President’s Breakfast – The Orleans Hotel & Casino – 8:30 am-10 am – Tickets available at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant Registration Desk at the Orleans.

Dec 2

Contestants Public Interview & Media Video – The Orleans Hotel & Casino – 8 am-9:15 am. Tickets available at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant Registration Desk at the Orleans.

Miss Rodeo America Fashion Show – The Orleans Hotel & Casino – 7 pm-10 pm. Tickets available at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant Registration Desk at the Orleans.

Dec 3

Contestants Public Interview & Media Video – The Orleans Hotel & Casino – 8 am-9:15 am. Tickets available at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant Registration Desk at the Orleans.

PRCA Luncheon featuring Miss Rodeo America Pageant Contestants – The South Point Grand Ballroom. 11:45 am-1:30 pm. Tickets available at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant Registration Desk at the Orleans.

Dec 4

Contestants Public Interview & Media Video – The Orleans Hotel & Casino – 8 am-9:15 am. Tickets available at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant Registration Desk at the Orleans.

Contestant Introductions and Live Auction – Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall – 1 pm-3 pm. Admission is free.

Dec 5

Coronation Performance – The Orleans Hotel & Casino Showroom. 9:45 am-noon. Tickets available at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant Registration Desk at the Orleans.

Parties

Nov 30

2nd Annual Wrangler Gold Buckle Gala – South Point Grand Ballroom. 6:30 pm. Call 797-8055 for tickets.

23rd Annual Downtown Hoedown – Fremont Street Experience – This annual kick-off event starts at 6:30 pm with live performances on two stages. Parking is available at the FSE parking garage on the corner of Carson and 4th Street. Admission is free.

Concert Schedule:

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Gloriana  – 1st Street Stage
Jonathon Singleton – 3rd Street Stage

9:00 pm – 10:30 pm

The Lost Trailers – 1st Street Stage
Emerson Drive – 3rd Street Stage

PRCA Awards Banquet – South Point Grand Ballroom. 6 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the PRCA registration desk.

Dec 3-5

NFR After Party – Dylan’s Roadhouse on Boulder Highway – Mechanical bull contests. $2 Bud and Bud Light all night long. Military drink specials available. DJ Spurs and DJ Amnesia provide the tunes. Thursday is Ladies First Night with first drink for the ladies on the house and free giveaways. Hours are Thurs, 6 pm-2 am – Fri & Sat, 6 pm-5 am. Admission is free.

Dec 3-12

Rodeo Vegas – Mirage Race & Sports Book – Begins at 6:45 pm with live WNFR feeds with replays through midnight. Live entertainment nightly from 10 pm-midnight. Drawings at midnight to win a Rodeo Vegas Jacket and Cactus Saddle.

Entertainment Schedule:

Dec 3-4: Jason Meadows
Dec 5-6: Michael Scott
Dec 7-8: Hey Romeo
Dec 9-10: Derryl Perry
Dec 11-12: Members of The Ace in the Hole Band

Dec 10-12

NFR After Party – Dylan’s Roadhouse on Boulder Highway – Mechanical bull contests. $2 Bud and Bud Light all night long. Military drink specials available. DJ Spurs and DJ Amnesia provide the tunes. Thursday is Ladies First Night with first drink for the ladies on the house and free giveaways. Hours are Thurs, 6 pm-2 am – Fri & Sat, 6 pm-5 am. Admission is free.

Dec 10-13

Mechanical Bull Rides - Déjà vu Showgirls on Industrial Road. Free admission with ad found in Las Vegas Weekly.

Dec 11

Rodeo After Party – Studio 54 at MGM Grand – Party presented by Budweiser and Jack Daniel’s.

Dec 12

Rodeo After Party – Studio 54 at MGM Grand – Event hosted by Trevor Brazile.

Shows & Events

Dec 1-3

63rd Annual PRCA National Convention Trade Show – South Point Exhibit Hall – Show times are Tues, noon-9 pm / Wed, noon-4 pm / Thurs, 9 am-noon.

National Finals Tonight – Gold Coast Showroom – 10:30 pm-11:30 pm. Nightly wrap up show hosted by eight-time World Champion and Hall of Fame Cowboy Don Gay, World Champion Tie-Down Roper and All-Around Cowboy Joe Beaver and TV host Dan Miller. Show features interviews with NFR contestants and celebrities and audience Q&A. Special appearances by Bob Tallman, Boyd Polhamus, Miss Rodeo America and more. Admission is free.

Outside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen – Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall. Noon. Daily show will take place on the Main Stage at the Cowboy Christmas Show. Admission is free.

Wrangler NFR Go Round Buckle Presentations – South Point Dance Hall. 11 pm. Nightly presentations are hosted by Flint Rasmussen and Randy Corley. Admission is free.

Dec 5-6

2009 Benny Binion’s World Famous Wrangler NFR Bucking Horse Sale – South Point Equestrial Center. 9 am. $12. Sale to benefit the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Click here for tickets.

Dec 13

World Champions Brunch – South Point Grand Ballroom. 9 am. $45. Click here for tickets.

House of Blues presents Motown Rhythm & Blues with The Ronnie Rose Band and special guest vocalist. Show starts at 9 pm and admission is free.

*****

Rock Sunday Nite at Blue Martini at Town Square. Live music by One Loud Secret, Janet’s Red and Finomenon. Drink specials every week. All band have a half off all food and drink guest list each week. The show starts at 8:15 pm and admission is free.

*****

Body English presents another session of Sunday School. Ladies drink free champagne for lookin’ like a schoolgirl. Deeper in the Parlor with DJ Jack Lafleur. Rock, hip-hop -and mash-ups in the Main Room.

*****

It’s a special edition of Industry Night at The Bank with The Second Annual Tahoe Takeover. The local who rallies the largest entourage wins the Ultimate Winter Getaway for 30 guests to Lake Tahoe. Team captains register here.

*****

There’s also a special edition of Closet Sunday happening at Revolution Lounge at Mirage. There is where they’ll crown the most popular girlfriend of the boys as the Queen of Queens with $2,000 in spa giveaways from Eleven Spa. Doors open at 10 pm.

*****

XS Nightclub at Encore presents their inaugural toy drive. It starts tonight and runs through Dec. 21st. Get complimentary admission on Sunday and Monday with a new unwrapped toy valued at $20 or more. Call 770-0097 for reservations.

Casino Lounges

Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Must be 21 or older.

Aliante Station – Access Showroom – Steel Panther (Glam rock parody band), Doors at 10 pm
Arizona Charlie’s Boulder – Palace Grand Lounge – Live Music, 9 pm-2 am
Cannery – The Club – KJUL Fall Harvest Dance with the Swing City Dolls, 8 pm ($5)
Arizona Charlie’s Decatur – Naughty Ladies Saloon – Live Music, 9 pm-2:30 am
Bellagio – Baccarat Bar – Peter Radd, 4:15 pm-8:30 pm
Bellagio – Baccarat Bar – Ray Glover, 8:45 pm-1 am
Bellagio – Fontana Lounge – Closed for special event
Bellagio – Petrossian Bar – Marta, 10 am-2:45 pm
Bellagio – Petrossian Bar – Norman Vito, 3 pm-7:45 pm
Bellagio – Petrossian Bar – David Osborne, 8 pm-12:45 am
Boulder Station – Kixx Bar – Van de Guzman, 7 pm-midnight
Boulder Station – The Railhead – Yellow Brick Road (classic rock cover band), 11 pm-2 am
Club Fortune – Fortune Lounge – Touch of Silk, 8 pm-midnight
Eastside Cannery – Marilyn’s Lounge – King of Diamonds, Rob  Garrett’s Tribute to Neil Diamond, 8 pm ($5)
Eastside Cannery – Marilyn’s Lounge – Cat Daddy (classic music band), 10 pm – time approximate after King of Diamonds show
Fiesta Henderson – Cerveza Cantina – Karaoke, 8:30 pm-12:30 am
Fiesta Rancho – Cabo Lounge – Wolfcreek, 7 pm-midnight
Fiesta Rancho – Club Tequila – El Moreno Carrillo Y Su Banda Tierra Sagrada, 9 pm ($10 cover)
Jerry’s Nugget – Royal Street Theater – Claudine Castro, $10 pm-2 am, ($10 cover/$5 for single ladies – 2 drink minimum purchase required)
Las Vegas Hilton – Tempo Lounge – More & Gendel, 8 pm-midnight
MGM Grand – West Wing Piano Lounge – Live Music, 8 pm-2 am
Monte Carlo – Brand Lounge – DJ G-Squared, 10 pm
Monte Carlo – The Pub – Zowie Bowie (top 40 dance show), 11 pm
New York-New York – Bar at Times Square- Dueling Pianos, 8 pm-2 am ($10 cover)
The Orleans – Bourbon Street Cabaret – In A Fect, 9 pm
The Orleans – Brendan’s Irish Pub – Pete Contino Band, 9 pm
The Palazzo – Salute Lounge – Dueling Pianos, 5:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Palms – The Lounge – Matt Goss, 10 pm ($25)
Rampart Casino – Addison’s Lounge – Sixties Mania, 8 pm-midnight
Rampart Casino – Round Bar – Jamariha, 6:30 pm-10:30 pm
Rampart Casino – Round Bar – Nino and Armando, 11 pm-3 am
Red Rock Resort – Rocks Lounge – Dr Zhivegas, Doors at 10 pm
Sam’s Town – Roxy’s – Skid Rodeo, 5:30 pm
South Point – Showroom – Spazmatics (80s music), 10 pm ($5 cover)
Sunset Station – Club Madrid – Nawgahyde, Doors at 9 pm, Show at 10 pm
Sunset Station – Rosalita’s Cantina – Shawn Eiferman, 7 pm-11 pm
Texas Station – South Padre – Echoes of the 60’s, 7 pm-11 pm
TI – Kahunaville – Roc The Mic (Live Band Karaoke), 10 pm-2 am

More Live Music

Cover charges vary.

Big Dog’s Draft House – Rancho Dr & Craig Rd – Live Music, 8 pm-11 pm
Blue Martini – Town Square – Remix, 8 pm
Double Down Saloon – Paradise Rd – The Chop Tops, Danny B. Harvey, Lady Sinatra, Shaun Kama & Kings of the Wild Frontier and more, 10 pm
Feelgoods – W Sahara – Dangerous Curves and Bullet Boys, 10 pm
Hennessey’s – Fremont St & Las Vegas Blvd – Finnegan’s Wake, 10 pm
Tailspin Bar and Grill – S Pecos – Moronix (classic cover band), 9 pm-1 am
Wasted Space – Hard Rock – DJ Melo-D and Presto One