A Celebration of Golden Retrievers in Golden, Colorado
February 7, 2026 | 9 AM to 1 PM | Free Admission
Every February, Golden fills with wagging tails, soft ears, and the unmistakable joy that only Golden Retrievers can generate. Goldens in Golden honors International Golden Retriever Day on February 7th, 2026 with one of the largest gatherings of Goldens in the world—as thousands of Goldens and their humans gather downtown and along Washington Avenue beneath the iconic Golden arch! It’s cheerful, adorable, fun, and unlike any other winter celebration in Colorado….or anywhere!
📍 Where: Downtown Golden, Colorado ⏰ When: Saturday, Feb. 7 | 9 AM–1 PM 🐕 Who: Friendly, leashed, well-socialized dogs only 🚗 Parking: Free off-site parking + dog-friendly shuttles 📸 Photos: Official group photos under the arch 🌨 Weather: Snow, shine, or wag—event runs rain or snow
Visit Golden is doing an “unofficial count” on the Golden Retrievers, humans and other dogs. We’re also wondering where you’re coming from and what your dog is named! We’ll share some fun info after the event about all the participants who make Goldens in Golden so special!
The tradition began in 2019 and quickly grew into a can’t-miss annual reunion for Golden Retriever families. Today, it’s not just about gathering under the iconic arch for the famous group photos—though people still travel from across the country for that unforgettable moment.
It has evolved into a full community celebration where Goldens and their humans can meet other families, explore vendors and local shops, and enjoy restaurants that happily open their doors to four-legged friends. With entertainment, parties, and strong support from local businesses, the event feels part festival, part homecoming and an unmistakably Golden, Colorado celebration that perfectly reflects the town’s warm, dog-loving spirit.
What to Expect at Goldens in Golden in 2026
From 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Golden’s Main Street - Washington Avenue - will close to traffic and fill with thousands of proud pup parents and excited Goldens in bandanas, sweaters, tutus, and plenty of winter fluff. The air buzzes with laughter, jingling tags, and the unmistakable sound of Goldens greeting each other like long-lost friends. Expect a fun mix of activities throughout the event, which will include:
Free shuttles, furry friends welcome! Park for free at The Splash at Fossil Trace from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and take the shuttle directly to Parfet Park.
All weekend and especially after the main gathering the pup party continues at Golden’s dog-friendly shops, breweries, distilleries, restaurant patios, and hiking trails. Check out Golden’s dog-friendly activities guide, merchant offers and events, and Goldens in Golden 2026: Top 10 Tips to Know Before You Go for tips on shuttles, weather, and planning your visit. Explore the best pet-welcoming businesses, trails, and outdoor attractions while keeping the fun going.
Subscribe to our Goldens in Golden email newsletter. We'll keep you up to date with event info (and only this event), and we promise not to share your contact info.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
We’re grateful to the partners who help make Goldens in Golden possible! Their support keeps this community tradition running strong.
Presenting Sponsor
Official Merchandiser
Leader of the Pack Sponsors
Golden Spirit Sponsors
Golden Pup Sponsors
Special Offers & Events
Golden, CO: A Dog-Friendly Destination
Goldens in Golden may be the main reason you visit, but many attendees turn the weekend into a longer stay. Golden is one of Colorado’s most dog-friendly towns, offering miles of creekside and park trails, walkable streets, and plenty of restaurants and breweries with patios that welcome dogs. It’s the perfect destination for exploring with your four-legged friends while enjoying everything the town has to offer.
For more dog-friendly tips and suggestions, check out these blogs and pages that will help you plan the perfect Goldens in Golden weekend!
Local businesses, vendors, and volunteers are key to making the event special each year. If you’re interested in participating or supporting the celebration, updates and application information will be posted here first.
Goldens in Golden is held every February. The 2026 event is scheduled for Saturday, February 7th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The main gathering takes place in downtown Golden, centered on Washington Avenue under the Welcome Arch, in Parfet Park, and in the lots between Arapahoe Street and Miners Alley.
Do I need tickets?
No tickets are required. Attendance is completely free.
Are all dogs allowed?
Friendly, leashed dogs of any breed are welcome to join the celebration. While Golden Retrievers may be the star of the show, all doggos all welcome!
Where should I park?
Convenient FREE parking & dog-friendly shuttles will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., picking up at The Splash at Fossil Trace parking lot and dropping off on the south side of 10th Street, right at Parfet Park. Parking is also available in garages and surface lots throughout Downtown Golden; please read posted signs and register your vehicles as required to avoid ticketing.
Where is the rideshare drop-off and pick-up?
We've designated 907 Archer St, Golden, CO 80401, by the Clear Creek parking lot as the official rideshare zone for Goldens in Golden. It's convenient and gets you to the event in under 2 minutes. Return to the same location for easy pick-up when the event ends.
Is the event weather-dependent?
The event is rain, snow, or shine. In the case of severe weather, a public safety concern, or other circumstances beyond the City’s reasonable control, the City may modify or cancel portions of the event.
Will there be water or rest areas?
Bring plenty of water for you and your pup, and enjoy downtown's dog-friendly patios! Explore local breweries, restaurants, shops, and relaxing benches throughout town with your four-legged friend.
