We ain't your daddy's history tour! More than just facts and dates, our tour guides regale you with true stories from the Wild West, transporting you back to those rough-and-tumble […]
Buffalo Bill Days
Buffalo Bill Days is one of Golden’s biggest summer traditions, a multiday community festival honoring the adventurous legacy of William F “Buffalo Bill” Cody while showcasing everything that makes our mountain town so beloved. What began in the 1940s as a memorial trail ride to Cody’s gravesite on Lookout Mountain has evolved into a full-blown celebration featuring music, art, food, and plenty of family-friendly activities. To get into the spirit, check out our blog on how to plan a Cowboy-Core vacation in Golden.
When and Where is Buffalo Bill Days 2026?
This year’s festival runs Friday, July 24, through Sunday, July 26, 2026, centered around Parfet Park (10th Street & Washington Avenue) in Downtown Golden. It’s free to attend and open to everyone—just bring your sunscreen, your walking shoes, and your love of community festivals.
- Friday: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
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Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
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Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Beat the Heat: Temperatures this weekend are expected in the 90s with plenty of sun. Bring a reusable water bottle (refill stations available in parks and near public restrooms), wear sunscreen, and pack a hat. Know the signs of heat illness before you head out with these CDC tips for staying safe in the heat.
Getting Around & Parking
Pro Tip: Downtown parking is limited, especially during the Saturday morning parade. Consider walking, biking, or using the free transit options. Full event parking information is available at Golden Buffalo Bill Days.
FREE Event Shuttles: To help beat the traffic, the City of Golden is running free shuttles between the Jefferson County Health and Human Services Building (900 Jefferson County Parkway) and downtown Golden:
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Friday: 4:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
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Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
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Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
FREE Ore Cart Shuttle: The Tungsten Route connects the RTD W Line at the Jefferson County Government Center/Golden Station directly to downtown until 6:30 p.m. on Friday and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Visit the Ore Cart website for schedules of all routes.
Road Closures & Weekend Highlights
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Road Closures (Saturday Parade): Washington Avenue (Highway 58 to 13th Street) and 10th Street (Golden Community Center to Washington Avenue) will be closed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Buffalo Bill Days Parade. Please use Ford Street and park in a City garage, the Clear Creek parking lot, or take the free event shuttle.
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Pancake Breakfast: Don’t miss the Golden Fire Department’s annual Pancake Breakfast! The delicious and fun tradition kicks off at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, right before the parade. Tickets available in advance at Station 21, 911 10th St., or from any Golden Firefighter.
More details are available at GoldenBuffaloBillDays.com.
Things to Do at Buffalo Bill Days
There’s a reason Buffalo Bill Days is one of Golden’s biggest annual events. It’s filled with fun from morning to night, with related activities running throughout Western Celebration Month (June 20 through July 16) leading up to the main festival weekend, July 24 through 26.
Leading Up to the Festival
- Golden’s Got Talent | June 20 to July 16, ongoing
Gnarly’s Theater, 1224 Washington Ave. Finalists will perform and march in the Buffalo Bill Days parade. Learn more at Gnarly’s Theater. - Crown the King and Queen | Saturday, July 4, 2:30 p.m.
Lions Park, 1300 10th St. - Wild West Pin Tournament | Tuesday, July 13, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The Gallery Range, 1350 CO Mills Pkwy. - Line Dancing Lessons | Wednesday, July 15, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
The Buffalo Rose, 1119 Washington Ave.
Festival Highlights
- Saturday Morning Parade (10 a.m.): One of the most anticipated parts of the weekend. Floats, marching bands, horses, fire trucks, classic cars, and community groups bring Washington Avenue to life, stretching from 9th to 13th Street.
- Golden Fire Department Pancake Breakfast (Saturday, 6:30 to 10 a.m.): Held right before the parade at 911 10th St., it’s the perfect way to start your day in town. Avoid the lines and purchase tickets in advance during regular business hours at Station 21. All suggested donations ($5 for ages 12 and under, $10 for ages 13 and up) benefit the Golden Fire Foundation, a 501(c)3.
- Arts & Crafts Festival: More than 100 vendors set up shop in Parfet Park, with locally made goods, jewelry, home décor, artwork, and more.
- Kids Zone: Bounce houses, slides, games, and plenty of shaded space for families to relax.
- Food Vendors & Beer Garden: Barbecue, tacos, lemonade, sweet treats, and more, plus a beer garden for adults.
- Live Music All Weekend: Regional bands and performers take the Parfet Park Stage from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon.
Entertainment Schedule
Friday, July 24 | Parfet Park Stage
- 5:00 p.m. Coors Opening Remarks and National Anthem
- 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Jeff Goodwin and the Front Range Cowboys
- 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Hillbilly Demons
Saturday, July 25 | Downtown and Parfet Park
- 6:30 to 10:00 a.m. Golden Fire Department Pancake Breakfast, 911 10th St.
- 9:50 a.m. Mayor Laura Weinberg Ribbon Cutting, Washington Ave.
- 9:55 a.m. National Anthem, Washington Ave.
- 10:00 a.m. Main Parade, Washington Ave.
- 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Photos with Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill, Parfet Park
- 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Renne Nicole Maxwell (Unforgettable Events), Parfet Park Stage
- 12:00 p.m. Parade Awards, Parfet Park Stage
- 12:20 to 12:45 p.m. Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill Skit, plus Golden’s Got Talent winners, Parfet Park Stage
- 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. Joe Wren, Parfet Park Stage
- 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Eric Golden, Parfet Park Stage
- 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Red Rock Vixens, Parfet Park Stage
Sunday, July 26 | Parfet Park Stage
- 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. “Where the West Worships” with Together Church
- 10:25 a.m. Welcome and National Anthem
- 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sugar Britches
- 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The Long Run, a tribute to the Eagles
Parking and Traffic Planning
Plan ahead for a smooth day at Buffalo Bill Days. Free shuttles, bike racks, and several parking options are all available. See the Park Golden Co website for full downtown parking details.
By Bike: Secure racks available on-site, bring your lock.
Driving? Park downtown or take the convenient free shuttles from the Jefferson County Human Services parking lot to the festival.
- Free: Clear Creek Lot (10th & Archer) — limited, fills fast
- Paid: Jackson St North & South Garages, downtown/10th St corridor street parking, and CSM Garage (18th & Washington) — pay via kiosk or HONK app
Free Shuttle: Park free at Jefferson County Human Services (900 Jefferson County Pkwy) and ride the shuttle to the entrance.
- Fri: 4:30–10:30 p.m. | Sat: 9:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m. | Sun: 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
The Ore Cart shuttle routes run separately, ending earlier (6:30 p.m. Fri, 5 p.m. Sat/Sun).
Reminder: Residential streets require permits, check signage or use lots/garages above. Rates and maps at Park Golden Co.
Closures And Impacts:
- Tube rentals and sales will not be available from Golden retailers on Saturday.
- Washington Avenue will be closed from 8th to 13th Streets from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m for the Buffalo Bill Days Parade.
- The Golden Community Center (GCC) will be closed all day on Saturday, 7/25. The GCC parking lot on 10th Street will also be closed that day, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- The RTD stop on Washington Avenue between 10th and 11th streets will be redirected to the RTD stop on 10th Street and Jackson Street from Friday, 9 a.m. to Sunday, 8 p.m.
GOLDEN – WHERE THE WEST LIVES
Western-Themed Events
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