Hay Wagon Rides, Ghost Tours, Festivals, Fall Foliage & More

Golden, Colorado really lives up to its name in Autumn! Whether you’re looking for Foothills hikes, close-by culture, easy evenings out or a reason to raise a glass, Golden is a go-to spot for autumn adventure. Here’s an overview of what’s happening in Golden in the fall.

 

Indigenous Dancer at Golden History Museum Autumn Fest

Fall Festivals

There will be no shortage of fall fun with these Golden festivals. Mark your calendar for:

  • Denver Kickers Oktoberfest, September 13 - 15, Raise your stein to free admission and celebrate Oktoberfest at the Denver Kickers’ Oktoberfest held outdoors at the historic clubhouse (west of 50th & McIntyre). Denver Kickers Oktoberfest features traditional German fare and drinks, performances by Schuplatter dancers, lively music and activities for the whole family.
  • Autumn Fest, October 6, The Golden History Museum (923 10th St.) and Golden History Park present Autumn Fest, a packed afternoon of fun with free family activities, including incredible chalk art, 4-H petting zoo, craft stations, BIG TRUCK demo (Streets, Fire, and Police Departments) and more.
  • Golden Beverage Tasting & Chili Cook-Off, October 19, Spice up your fall with Golden’s beloved annual autumn salute to chili and beverages, presented by the Golden Chamber of Commerce and in partnership with Coors Distributing Company. The event will be held 1-4 p.m. in Parfet Park at 10th and Washington. Advance tickets recommended.
  • Colorado Railroad Museum’s Harvest Haunt, October 19 & 20, Come in costume to enjoy this annual Halloween-themed steam up featuring the Olde Railroaders Silly Graveyard, “not-so-spooky” Haunted Railcars, a hay bale maze, and musical ensembles performing throughout the day in the outdoor pavilion. An authentic, coal burning Colorado steam locomotive will pull trains for this event.

 

Two women in pioneer dresses talk to two girls outside a log cabin at Golden History Museum & Park

Movies & Music in the Park, Sept. 6

The final Movies & Music in the Park event runs on Sept. 6 at Parfet Park and features free music by Dressy Bessy and a family-friendly movie, Barbie. Music at 7 p.m. and the featured movie begins at dusk, around 8 p.m. The movies are shown on a giant inflatable screen under the stars.

Tour Golden by Foot, Hay Wagon, e-Bike and More

There are so many ways to check out Golden in the fall. Golden History Tours offers a variety of guided walking tours – even Ghost Tours – where you’ll hear all amazing stories of Golden’s storied past. If you’re more focused on getting to know Golden’s bar scene, Golden History Tours offers a Wild West Pub Crawl or you can reserve a spot with the Golden Hayride’s Beer Tours (starting Sept.21 and running through October) and ride along in a hay wagon as you check out the beer scene. Or, if you prefer to tour on your own, you can check out the self-paced History Tour and Public Art Tour or Itty Bitty Art Tour of Golden or check out an e-Bike from one of the bike rental shops and pedal (or pedal-assist!) your way through town.

Live Theater at Miners Alley Performing Arts Center

Check out the fall line-up at Miners Alley: the super popular School of Rock finishes its run on September 15; Sherlock Holmes and the Adventures of the Elusive Ear runs October 4 – November 10; and a hilarious updated take on A Christmas Carol begins in November and runs through December. There are plenty of fabulous restaurants nearby the venue so plan for dinner and a show and just an all-around fun night out in Golden. For younger audiences, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, October 12 – November 9 and The Story of the Nutcracker will debut during the holiday season.

Ghost Tours, a Spooky Pub Crawl & Golden History Cemetery Tour

For those looking for a tour through Golden's shadowy history or a haunted pub crawl, Golden History Tours offers Golden Ghosts & Spirits and The Talking Dead experiences. For history buffs, join in the Golden History Museum’s Cemetery Tour on October 19th.

Golden Farmers Market and Golden Hayride Outpost Country Market

The Golden Farmers Market is a cherished community tradition and runs Saturdays through October 5th from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 10th and Illinois. On Sundays from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., through October, the Golden Hayride Outpost hosts a Country Market with a variety of local vendors at 17695 South Golden Road.

 

Golfer at Fossil Trace Golf Club

Fall Foliage by Foot

Denverites love to “go for the gold” in the fall, setting out on day trips as the aspens put on their annual color show. But the gold rush from Denver can mean bumper-to-bumper traffic. A better idea? Golden, Colorado. Avoid crowded highways and chart a gorgeous drive – or hike – through splendid fall colors around Golden and in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Afterwards, enjoy leisurely post-fall foliage fun at Golden’s acclaimed restaurants, beer gardens and outdoor patios. Check out some ideas for hikes and drives here.

Fall Means FOOTBALL

Golden is home to the Colorado School of Mines Oredigger football team. Catch this exciting Top 10 ranked D2 team from gorgeous Marv Kay Stadium and enjoy a fall afternoon in Golden.

Tee Off at Fossil Trace

Autumn is a lovely time to play golf at Golden’s award-winning Fossil Trace Golf Course. The course is consistently ranked one of the top in the Denver Metro area and offers gorgeous autumn views.

 

And – mark your calendars for Golden’s beloved holiday events. More details coming soon...
  • Golden’s Small Business Saturday, November 30. 2025
  • Golden Candlelight Walk, Friday, December 6, 2024
  • Olde Golden Holiday Parade, December 14, 2024         
  • Jingle On The Avenue, December 21, 2024