The National Horse and Cattle Show is Lahore's biggest annual military-organised festival, held at Fortress Stadium with tent pegging, livestock displays, polo, folk dances and fireworks over several weeks. It began in 1964 under General Azam Khan and was one of Lahore's signature events for decades before falling into a long hiatus; the Punjab government revived it in 2025, and it has run again since.
This guide covers what actually happens at the show, when it runs, and how to plan a visit.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Venue | Fortress Stadium, Lahore Cantonment |
| Started | 1964 |
| Typical timing | Late winter into spring; exact dates change yearly |
| What's on | Tent pegging, livestock display, polo, dressage, folk performances, fireworks |
| Cost | Varies by day and event; check current listings |
What the show actually is
The National Horse and Cattle Show grew out of a military tradition of showcasing livestock, horsemanship and folk culture together in one event. Since its start in 1964 it has combined competitive tent pegging and dressage with livestock exhibitions, mass-band displays, folk dances and fireworks, drawing crowds well beyond the horse and cattle breeders it was originally built around. In its earlier decades it attracted foreign dignitaries and heads of state as guests, which is part of why it's remembered as one of Lahore's grander public spectacles.
The show went through a long gap without being held in its full form. The Punjab government revived it in February 2025 in a large-scale version at Fortress Stadium, inaugurated at the highest level, with dozens of international teams taking part, and it has continued in the years since. Because it's an event the government schedules and funds fresh each year, treat any specific date you read as provisional until officially confirmed for that year.
What to expect at the show
- Tent pegging and dressage competitions, often with international teams alongside Pakistani riders and horses.
- Livestock displays, including cattle and horse exhibitions and judging, which is the event's original purpose.
- Polo matches, sometimes played by international teams as part of the wider programme.
- Folk performances and mass-band displays, plus cultural and Sufi music segments in the evenings.
- A food and craft fair around the stadium grounds, running alongside the main events.
- Fireworks, usually timed with the opening or closing ceremonies.
The programme runs across multiple days and sometimes weeks, with different activities scheduled on different dates rather than everything happening at once. Check the specific day's schedule before travelling if you have a particular event, such as the polo match or the tent pegging final, in mind.
When does it happen?
The show has generally run in late winter into spring in recent years, but the exact window has moved: recent editions have started in February in one year and late March in another. Because both the exact dates and the individual event schedule (which days feature polo, tent pegging or the livestock show) change annually, check current Punjab government or Fortress Stadium announcements close to your travel dates rather than relying on a previous year's calendar.
Getting to Fortress Stadium
Fortress Stadium sits inside Lahore Cantonment, alongside a shopping mall and other commercial venues, which makes it straightforward to reach by taxi or ride-hailing app from most parts of the city. Expect heavier traffic and fuller car parks on marquee days such as the opening ceremony or a headline polo match, so build in extra time if you're going for a specific big-ticket event.
If you're combining the show with a wider Lahore trip, our Lahore itinerary covers how to fit a half-day event like this alongside the city's other sights.
Who should go
The show suits families and visitors interested in horsemanship, livestock and Pakistan's rural and military cultural traditions, especially anyone who wants to see tent pegging or dressage performed at a competitive level. Evenings with music and fireworks work well for a livelier family outing.
It's less suited to a tightly packed one or two-day Lahore trip unless a specific day's programme lines up with your dates, since the show's individual highlights are spread across the run rather than concentrated in a single evening. If you'd like a Lahore itinerary built around a specific show date, see our trip planning page.
Frequently asked questions
When is the National Horse and Cattle Show held?
Usually in late winter or spring, but the exact dates and the length of the show change each year. Check current Punjab government announcements before planning a trip around it.
Where is the National Horse and Cattle Show held?
At Fortress Stadium in Lahore Cantonment, which has hosted the event since it began in 1964.
What can you see at the show?
Tent pegging, livestock displays and judging, dressage, polo matches, folk performances, a food and craft fair, and fireworks, though not all on the same day.
Is the National Horse and Cattle Show held every year?
It ran for decades from 1964 before a long hiatus, and was revived in its full form in 2025. It has continued since, though as a government-organised event its schedule is confirmed fresh each year.
Do I need a ticket for the National Horse and Cattle Show?
Access arrangements vary by day and by event within the show, with some sessions open to the public and others more restricted. Check the current year's official listings for entry details before you go.
