4th of July 

Lions Park, Golden

Pack a picnic and head to Lions Park (1300 10th St) for Golden’s annual Fourth of July celebration, hosted by the Golden Lions Club. The festivities run from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and include morning yoga, live music, food and beverages, and a Junior Jubilee for the kids. It’s a full day of fun designed for families, friends, and neighbors to come together and enjoy the holiday in one of Golden’s most scenic spots.

A Golden Tradition

Now in its 54th year, Golden's Independence Day Celebration is one of the community's favorite summer events. The festival features a fantastic selection of food trucks and local beverage vendors, or bring a picnic of your own and spread out on the lawn. There are no fireworks at this gathering; instead, guests can look forward to a day built around community, live entertainment, and family fun.

Fourth of July Entertainment

Live music is the heartbeat of this Independence Day tradition. Enjoy a full day of music and activities, including morning yoga, a patriotic salute, the special announcement and crowning of the Buffalo Bill Days Royalty, and performances from local and regional acts.

Schedule of Events

• 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Morning Yoga
  Start your Fourth of July with a relaxing outdoor yoga session in the park.
• 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Patriotic Salute
  Gather for the Star-Spangled Banner and a patriotic tribute honoring our nation's independence.
• 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Junior Jubilee
  Families can enjoy bounce houses, face painting, and kid-friendly activities throughout the afternoon.
• 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Drew Dvorchak
  Evergreen's Drew Dvorchak plays blues rock rooted in funk and folk, with a live sound that draws heavily from the jam world and keeps the energy high from start to finish.
• 3:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Extra Gold
  Denver's award-winning Extra Gold blends classic era country, folk, and rock and roll with fiddle and pedal steel at the center, delivering the kind of danceable, roots-driven set that earned them Best Country Band honors from both 303 Magazine and Westword.
• 6:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Earl Nelson & the Company
  Golden's Earl Nelson & the Company bring a heavy, soulful mix of hill country blues, country funk, and gospel, anchored by gritty slide guitar and songwriting that draws from the Delta and Muscle Shoals traditions.

Golden's Fourth of July skips the pyrotechnics by design, keeping the focus on music, local food, and quality time outdoors. With Colorado's dry summer conditions and the ongoing risk of wildfires, going without fireworks also helps protect the area. The result is a festive atmosphere without loud displays, making it more enjoyable for pets, young children, and anyone sensitive to fireworks.

Skip the Parking Hassle – Take the Free Shuttle!  

Downtown parking is limited on the 4th of July and fills up fast. Skip the stress and take advantage of the free shuttle, paid for by the Golden Downtown Development Authority (DDA), for a convenient way to get to the celebration.

Park conveniently and free of charge at the Jefferson County Health and Human Services building, (900 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, 80401) and ride the complimentary shuttle directly to the celebration. 

• Shuttle Drop-Off: 10th and Illinois 
• Return Pick-Up: 10th and Illinois at the Tennis Courts 
• Shuttles run continuously from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. throughout the event

Please Note: Ore Cart shuttles WILL NOT be running July 3 or 4.

Parking & Traffic 

Planning ahead will make your Fourth of July in Golden smooth and enjoyable. Several parking, biking, and shuttle options are available to help visitors access Lions Park and downtown Golden. 

Free Parking

Park for free at one of the following locations:

• Jefferson County Health and Human Services building, (900 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, 80401) and ride the FREE shuttle
• Clear Creek Lot (10th & Archer) – Spaces are limited and will fill quickly

Secure on-site bike racks are available. Be sure to bring your bike lock! 

Paid Parking

Parking is available for a fee at these and other locations. ParkGoldenCo.com shows real-time occupancy for the city garages and Clear Creek Lot, plus a map of all parking in downtown Golden.

• Jackson Street North (Prospector's Alley) and South (1250 Jackson Street) Public Garages.
• Street parking throughout downtown Golden (use kiosk or HONK app)
• ​Mines Garage at McNeil Hall (1400 Maple St.)
• Lot K Parking at 11th and Maple (11th & Maple St.)
• Public parking lot at 10th & Illinois Street (10th & Illinois St.) This lot WILL NOT be available until after 2 p.m. when the Farmer’s Market closes.

Plan ahead by visiting ParkGoldenCo.com for current parking rates, locations, and downtown parking maps.