Golden Events

There’s always something going on in Golden, from art festivals and seasonal celebrations to live music, culinary events, and more. Whether you visit in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, there's bound to be something to celebrate. Check out some of our regular events in Golden, CO, below, and search our event calendar by category, date, or keyword to find events that interest you!

Golden’s Annual Events

In Golden, our annual events are as diverse and exciting as our town. Toward the start of the year, Washington Avenue downtown becomes a sea of golden retrievers during the annual Goldens in Golden event, a cherished local tradition, usually held on the first Saturday of February. Whether you have a retriever yourself or just love pups and want to join in on the fun, expect photo ops and meet-and-greets with retriever parents. During the event, area restaurants and hotels offer dog-friendly deals, so it’s the perfect time to plan a getaway with your doggo in tow.

In the summer, join us for Buffalo Bill Days in July, when the community gathers to commemorate Buffalo Bill and share in the fun with crafts, live entertainment, rides for the kids, and even a parade through downtown Golden. 

Golden’s Fourth of July community celebration is another high point of the summer. Gather in Lions Park for activities and live music, then picnic or purchase food and drinks from food trucks and local vendors. 

During the annual Autumn Fest, families come together for free fun, with craft stations, petting zoos, live shows, and more. In the winter, there are plenty of events in Golden to help you make the most of the holiday season.

Live Music, Concerts, and Theater in Golden, CO

Red Rocks Amphitheater, near Golden, is one of the world’s standout concert venues. Some of the biggest names in music perform there every year, and the venue’s striking red cliffs make for an unforgettable live music experience. 

In addition to Red Rocks concerts, there’s plenty of live music in Golden, CO to discover, from world-class bands playing at The Rose to local musicians taking the stage in the town’s breweries and beyond. Don’t miss out on live music around the city, or a visit to the award-winning Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, where you can take in a play or musical theatre in a cozy setting. In the fall, The Jefferson Symphony Orchestra performance season begins and runs through spring at the Colorado School of Mines Green Center. Live music in Golden, CO is always a highlight of any visit to the area! 

Festivals and Cultural Events

Get a sense of Golden’s dynamic spirit at local festivals and cultural events. January brings The Colorado Cowboy Gathering, showcasing stories, poetry, and songs with a Western theme, and UllrGrass a bluegrass, newgrass, funk, jamband music and beer festival. There’s also the annual Colorado Environmental Film Festival, a celebration of film’s power to motivate people to protect and improve the planet. 

Artsweek is a weeklong event in June that displays the work of regional and national artists through exhibits and activities. We also host the Golden Fine Arts Festival, a beloved event held in August for over 30 years. This festival brings together artists, locals, and visitors to share art while enjoying live entertainment, delicious food, and outdoor beer gardens.

Tours, weekly cultural meetups, and one-off events are also regularly added to Golden’s calendar, so check our events page to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in Golden! 

Holiday Spirit

Our town's holiday spirit is contagious, illuminating the winter with community events, family-friendly activities, and an overall joyous atmosphere. Join the local favorite Candlelight Walk, where downtown Golden is illuminated with candles, participants sing carols, spread holiday cheer, and grab some hot cocoa along the way. At the end of the walk, the switch is flipped, turning on Golden’s holiday lights!  You can also bring the whole family to the Golden Holiday Parade in December, featuring festive floats, elves, and even Santa himself.

From holiday celebrations to festivals, live music, and more, all events are more joyous against the historic backdrop of Golden. Come see for yourself!