Buffalo Bill Days
July 25 - 27, 2025
Parfet Park in Golden, Colorado
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 2025?
This year’s festival runs Friday, July 25, through Sunday, July 27, 2025, centered around Parfet Park 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.
Event Hours:
Location: Parfet Park, 10th Street & Washington Avenue, Golden, CO
Pro Tip: Downtown parking is limited, especially during the parade. Consider walking, biking, or taking the FREE SHUTTLES. Shuttles run from the Jefferson County Human Services Building to the south (MAP), and on Saturday only, from the lot across from Holidaily Brewery on Brickyard Circle to the north (MAP). Flaggers will direct you from US 6 and Highway 93.
More details are available at Golden Buffalo Bill Days website.
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 activities taking place throughout July as part of Western Celebration Month leading up to the main festival weekend.
This year's festival highlights include:
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Saturday Morning Parade (10 a.m.): This is one of the best-loved 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.
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Golden Fire Department Pancake Breakfast (Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.): Held right before the parade at
911 10th St., it’s the perfect way to kick off your day in town. Avoid the lines and purchase your pancake breakfast tickets in advance during regular business hours at Station 21. 100% of suggested donations ($5 for 12 and under, $10 for 13 years and older) support the Golden Fire Foundation, a 501(c)3. For more information, call 303-384-8094.
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Arts & Crafts Festival: More than 100 vendors set up shop in Parfet Park. Browse locally made goods, jewelry, home décor, artwork, and more.
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Kids Zone: Families can enjoy bounce houses, slides, games, and plenty of shaded space to hang out.
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Food Vendors & Beer Garden: Grab classic fair food or something new—there’s usually barbecue, tacos, lemonade, and sweet treats, plus a beer garden for adults.
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Live Music All Weekend: Regional bands and dance acts take the stage throughout the festival, from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon.
Live Music Schedule:
Friday
5:00pm – 6:30pm — DanceX
7:00pm – 10:00pm — Chris Daniels & The Kings
Saturday
12:00pm – 2:00pm — KingPin Posse
3:30pm – 5:30pm — The Fuzzheads
7:00pm – 10:00pm — Red Rock Vixens
Sunday
12:00pm – 1:00pm — Leap Dance Studio
2:00pm – 5:00pm — Long Run (Tribute to the Eagles)
Parking and Traffic Planning
Planning ahead will make your day in Golden smooth and stress-free. There are several free and paid parking options, as well as bike racks and FREE SHUTTLES to help visitors get to and from Buffalo Bill Days with ease.
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Secure On-Site Bike Racks - Bring your bike and lock it up securely at the on-site bike racks.
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Park for free in South Golden at Jefferson County Human Services Building, 900 Jefferson County Parkway (
MAP) and catch the FREE SHUTTLE directly to the event entrance. Shuttles run continuously all three days, starting 30 minutes before and ending 30 minutes after each day’s festivities.
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Park for free in North Golden (Saturday only) and ride the FREE SHUTTLE from the parking field across from Holidaily Brewing on Brickyard Circle (
MAP).
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Limited free parking at the Clear Creek Lot (10th & Archer) and Colorado School of Mines Lot K (11th & Maple).
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Ride the RTD W Line to the JeffCo Govt. Center/Golden Station and hop on the
FREE Ore Cart shuttle (Tungsten Route). NOTE: The Ore Cart does not run for the duration of the event. Ore Cart shuttles run until 6:30 p.m. on Friday and until 5 p.m. on the weekend.
- Jackson Street North Public Garage, located on Jackson Street between 11th and 12th, Offers paid parking using the Honk parking app or kiosk.
- Jackson Street South Public Garage, located on Jackson Street between 12th and 13th, Offers paid parking using the Honk parking app or kiosk.
- Street Parking – all of downtown Golden and the 10th Street corridor is paid parking. Use the Honk parking app or kiosk.
- The Colorado School of Mines East Garage off of Washington Street and 18th Street. Offers pay-by-app parking.
Reminder: Most residential streets in Golden require parking permits. Be sure to check signage or park in one of the nearby parking lots or garages. For more information on parking rates and locations, visit the Park Golden Co website.
Closures And Impacts:
- Tube rentals and sales will not be available from Golden retailers on Saturday.
- The Ore Cart shuttle will operate on a modified route, with a stop on 10th Street instead of its usual location on Washington Avenue.
- 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 will be closed all day on Saturday.
- The community center parking lot on 10th Street will be closed 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.
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