Sunny Days, Cool Nights, Golden Leaves, Hay Wagon Rides, Ghost Tours, Fall Festivals & More

Are you thinking about waxing your skis? Think again. Before the snow begins to fall, Golden will transform into a colorful canvas as autumn paints the landscape in hues of….well, gold! Tucked away at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, our town offers an idyllic retreat for those seeking cultural heritage, outdoor adventure, or relaxation. Whether you live on the Front Range or are traveling from afar, Golden is gorgeous in autumn and filled with fun fall activities. Here’s what’s happening this season:

Two women look up at the yellow leaves of a tree in Golden Colorado during the fall season.

Fall Festivals: Golden’s fall calendar is packed. Make your plans now.

September Events

Shiny Sphere Search — September 1 - 30, 2025 - Every day in September (and two a day on the weekends) a one-of-a-kind hand blown glass orb will be hidden somewhere in Golden. “Finders are keepers” of these beautiful orbs handcrafted by Colorado artists. Clues are posted on Instagram @shinysperesearch.

Final Movies & Music in the Park — September 19, 2025 (rescheduled from July) — Free live music and a family-friendly movie in Parfet Park; music at 7 p.m., film at dusk. Movie: Moana 2 and Band: Kalama Polynesian Dancers. Dress warmly!

Denver Kickers Oktoberfest — September 12 + 13, 2025 - Experience the rich traditions of German heritage and culture at Denver Kickers Oktoberfest! Hosted outdoors at the Kickers’ historic clubhouse(west of 50th & McIntyre), Denver Kickers Oktoberfest features traditional German food and drinks, performances by Schuhplatter dancers, lively music, and activities for the whole family.

October Highlights

Golden Wine Festival — October 4, 2025, 11-5 p.m. at Tony Grampsas Memorial Sports Complex. This inaugural event will showcase wines from over 20 Colorado wineries, along with a variety of local and regional artisans, retail vendors, food trucks, and live music throughout the day. 

Free shuttle service will be available from the Clear Creek Lot (304 10th St.), running every 30 minutes starting half an hour before the event and continuing until half an hour after it ends. Limited parking is available on-site at Tony Grampsas Park, so attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the shuttle. Enjoy a fall afternoon of wine, food, and music in Golden.

Two children learn to wash clothes in buckets outdoors with an adult at Golden History Museum & Park Autumn Fest

Autumn Fest — October 5, 2025 from 10–3 p.m. A free, hands-on family fall festival with Native American dancers and drummers, crafts, farm animals, big trucks, live music from Alibi, and more at Golden History Park.

Golden FestiFall — October 18, 2025 from 1–4 p.m. at Parfet Park. Formerly known as the Knock Your Boots Off Chili + Beer Tasting, this beloved local tradition has a new name and more family-friendly focus but still offers music, food, beverages and all the fun of fall! The event is presented by the Golden Chamber of Commerce and usually sells out.

Colorado Railroad Museum’s Harvest Haunt — October 18 + 19, 2025, annual Halloween-themed steam-up with the Olde Railroaders Silly Graveyard, “not-so-spooky” Haunted Railcars and a hay bale maze and more.

Fall Theater & Entertainment 

Catch upcoming performances at Miners Alley Performing Arts Center. Or check out regular comedy and magic shows at Gnarly’s Theater.

  • Assassins — Runs through September 14, 2025
  • Diva Royale — October 3 – November 9, 2025
  • Theatre for Young Audiences (MATYA) The Legend of Sleepy Hollow — October 18 – November 8, 2025

Ghost, Haywagon & Cemetery Tours

Get ready for some spine-tingling fun:

Golden Markets

Fall Foliage Adventures by Foot (or Car)

Mountain Bike Golden Trails in Fall

Skip the crowded highways and venture into fall’s vibrant scenery with drives, hikes or bike rides near Golden and Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Follow up with a stop at Golden’s acclaimed restaurants, beer gardens, or outdoor patios. Here are some fall favorite hikes!

Football Season

Cheer on the Colorado School of Mines Orediggers at Marv Kay Stadium this fall—D2 thrills and autumnal views rolled into one. Find schedules and tickets at Mines Athletics Football.

Tee Off at Fossil Trace

Enjoy golf surrounded by golden foliage at the award-winning Fossil Trace Golf Course—one of the top courses in the Denver Metro area.

 

Follow @VisitGoldenCO on Facebook and Instagram, and check VisitGolden.com regularly for new events, as they are frequently added.