Calling all Western movie enthusiasts! A very exciting event is coming to the Main Stage at the Rio Masquerade Village on the casino floor inside the Rio Las Vegas on December 5th and 6th. Forrie J. Smith, C. Thomas Howell, and Jake Allyn will be hitting the stage each day for an exclusive Q&A Meet & Greet by Sydni Blanchard who’s a Professional Barrell Racer and 3x Wrangler NFR Qualifier about their new movie, RIDE. This is all happening from 11 am to noon on Thursday, December 5th, followed by a screening of the movie on December 6th from 11 am to noon on Friday.

Allyn not only wrote and directed the film, but he also starred alongside C. Thomas Howell – who took the lead in the films Soul Man, The Hitcher, Grandview U.S.A., Red Dawn, Secret Admirer, and The Outsiders. Allyn also starred alongside Forrie J. Smith, who rose to fame on the hit show Yellowstone. Much like the wildly popular Dutton drama, Ride takes audiences on an engaging, authentic journey that embraces true cowboy grit and resilience.

Book Your Stay at the Rio Las Vegas during the Wrangler NFR!

Book your stay at the newly renovated Rio Las Vegas! The iconic Las Vegas institution has had quite the glow-up recently, boasting over 1,500 refurbished suites. It’s THE place to stay, play, and watch this amazing film during the Wrangler NFR. The all-new guest rooms in the Ipanema Tower bring to life an experience that reflects the hotel’s Brazilian roots.

Stetson Country Christmas Watch Party

December 5–14, 2024

Voted the best new Wrangler NFR watch party in Las Vegas!

Hosted by world-famous Matt Merritt, with special celebrity guest hosts nightly prizes, giveaways, fun & entertainment. Seating begins at 5:00 pm nightly at the Rio Masquerade Village on the casino floor.

The party doesn’t end after the last bull bucks! Catch the performances at The Stillery, located on the Rio Masquerade Village on the casino floor. The Stillery is having its very own pop-up bar during the Wrangler NFR, where you can enjoy a signature cocktail. Check out their permanent locations in Nashville, Tennessee; Chandler, Happy Valley, and Goodyear, Arizona; and Westminster, Colorado. There will be a dance floor to dance the night away while listening to authentic music and enjoying a cold one.

Movie: RIDE

Set in Stephenville, Texas, RIDE follows a family built on three generations of bull riders. When the patriarch, John (C. Thomas Howell) discovers that his only daughter’s cancer requires an expensive cell- therapy, he faces his toughest ride yet.

He desperately partners with his eldest son, Peter (Jake Allyn), an amateur bull rider so much like his dad that the two never speak, on a money heist. They get it done in cowboy fashion but are left murderers with only the eldest in the family, Al (Forrie J. Smith), to turn to. And when John’s wife, Sheriff Monica Hawkins (Annabeth Gish), takes on a case that could ruin her entire family, John and Peter find themselves “held up,” emotionally dragged across dirt in a hold they can’t shake loose. But these tragic circumstances may bring the family together if they can do one thing: Hold on.

Texas-born director-writer-actor Jake Allyn developed the script for eight years before filming amidst live rodeos and cast former rodeo champions C. Thomas Howell and Forrie J. Smith to bring the utmost authenticity to a film made by cowboys, for cowboys.

Sponsors

Thank you to all of our outstanding sponsors.

Wrangler

The Western Wear icon since 1947, Wrangler is an authentic American brand with a rich legacy rooted in the Western Lifestyle. The brand is the title sponsor of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and supporter of hundreds of western events across North America. From the greatest rodeo cowboys and cowgirls in the world, like Stetson Wright, JB Mauney and Hailey Kinsel, to headlining country music artists, George Strait, Lainey Wilson, and Cody Johnson, Wrangler is the brand of choice for the biggest stars in the West. Long Live Cowboys! Long Live Cowgirls!

Coors Banquet

Coors Banquet has been around for 151 years and they haven’t compromised their craft. You get what you give, and they’ve only given the best that they can brew. Banquet is brewed with 100% Rocky Mountain water, so when you’re enjoying a Banquet, you’re drinking history. Coors Banquet has been an amazing and loyal sponsor of professional rodeo since 1980. Their support runs deep for the inspiration and passion of rodeo cowboys. Coors Banquet has been the official beer of the PRCA since 1987 and is the rodeo sponsor for the Wrangler NFR (National Finals Rodeo). Coors Banquet launched its “Man in the Can” program in 1984. The program recognizes top barrelmen in ProRodeo for the uniqueness, determination, and passion that they display in the rodeo arenas all throughout the United States. Coors Banquet is dedicated to its fans with a grass-roots sponsorship of local rodeos as well as ingenious marketing. Next time you’re thirsty for a cold one, Make It a Banquet.

Visit Cheyenne

Around the world, the very name Cheyenne conjures up images of cowboys, trains, and the great outdoors. Cheyenne has remained true to its roots as a center for hard work, determination, and community spirit. Its rich history is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the people who have called it home, and it continues to inspire and shape the city today. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind Western experience, then Cheyenne, Wyoming should be next on your vacation bucket list. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, culture, or shopping and dining, you’ll find it all here. So why not add Cheyenne to your travel plans? I guarantee you won’t regret it! Discover all that Cheyenne has to offer at cheyenne.org. The New Old West.

CLN Community & Event Sponsor