The grandaddy of all Golden Retriever meetups is set for this weekend in Colorado and it will be predictably be a cuteness overload. Goldens in Golden will kickoff Saturday at 9:00am in downtown Golden, Colorado with guaranteed fanfare, fluff, photo ops and fun.
Attendance is completely free and while Golden Retrievers may be the star of the show, friendly leashed dogs of any breed are welcome to join the celebration. Amazing tradition celebrating one of the most beloved dog breeds and an excellent opportunity to explore one of Colorado’s most dog-friendly towns with its miles of creekside and park trails, walkable streets, and plenty of restaurants and breweries with patios that welcome dogs.
A Celebration of Goldens in Golden
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.
- Convenient rideshare drop-off and pick-up near the Clear Creek Parking Lot at 907 Archer St, Golden, CO 80401
- Three group portrait sessions under the Golden Welcome Arch: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon
- Plenty of pup + people photo opportunities throughout town
- TWO Vendor Villages featuring local and national merchants and dog-related non-profits as well as plenty of local food and drinks
- Fun games, contests, entertainment, and meet-ups at the Goldens in Golden Pup-up Tent & in Parfet Park
- Walks along Golden’s gorgeous Clear Creek walking paths (please keep dog leashed)
- Official merch from YoColorado for you and your Golden!
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.
Top 10 Tips to Goldens in Golden 2026:
- Pack In, Pack Out: Help keep Golden clean by taking all waste, gear, and personal items with you. If you brought it, take it back!
- Ride the Dog-Friendly Shuttles: Skip the stress of traffic and parking. Our dog-friendly shuttles help reduce congestion and emissions while offering a safe, reliable ride for you and your Golden. FREE PARKING & DOG-FRIENDLY SHUTTLES to Parfet Park will be available from 8 am to 3 pm from The Splash (3151 Illinois St, Golden, CO 80401). Pawesome Pro Tip: Review the Park Golden Co parking map before you arrive, as parking fills up early during popular events. Another convenient option is to use the rideshare drop-off and pick-up near the Clear Creek Parking Lot at 907 Archer St, Golden, CO 80401, just a 2-minute walk from the event.
- Prepare for Unpredictable Colorado Weather: Colorado weather changes quickly! Bring layers for you and your pup, and have those cute little booties on hand to protect paws from snow, ice, and de-icers. Sunshine or snowstorm – and sometimes both in the same day – is a possibility here in Golden, Colorado in February.
- Review our Activities & Activations: Gallivanting with your golden will be better than ever this year. Golden fashion show? Doggy Mayor for the Day? Puppy meet-ups? All this and more will be taking place between 9 am and 1 pm on February 7th. Be sure to check the schedule and plan your visit prior to the event. Loiter under the arch no more!
- Pick Up After Your Pup: Please use the designated waste stations throughout the event area. Clean paths keep the event enjoyable for everyone—and protect local waterways, environment respectfully.
- Shop & Visit Vendors: Our vendors travel from near and far to support this special event, arguably the largest gathering of golden retrievers in the world (we’re looking at you Buenos Aires). Explore their booths, discover local products, and support the small businesses that help Goldens in Golden thrive. Be sure to visit Golden shops, restaurants, breweries, and distilleries where businesses are rolling out the red carpet for dogs with special menus, promotions, and events.
- Keep Paws on Paths: Stick to marked walkways and designated event zones to reduce wear on Golden’s natural areas and open spaces. Pawesome Pro Tip: For a pre- or post-event hike with your hound, dogs are welcome on almost all Golden-area trails. If you venture out, dogs should remain leashed and on-trail. And rule 5 still applies…pick up that poop!
- Hydrate Responsibly: Don’t forget to bring your pre-filled reusable water bottles. Golden water fountains are turned off in the winter, however most restaurants will fill your bottles at no cost. Additionally, bring a collapsible dog bowl so your pup can stay hydrated too.
- Check out Golden’s Dog Parks: Will your pup need some off-leash time before or after the event to get their energy out? Let them run rampant at one of Golden’s off-leash dog parks. Let your pup run at Tony Grampsas Dog Park or Ulysses Dog Park. Pawesome Pro Tip: Next door to Tony Grampsas Dog Park is New Terrain, one of Golden’s most beloved dog-friendly breweries.
- Share the Space & Respect Wildlife: Give other pups and humans room to enjoy the festivities. Most event areas are leashed spaces—please follow posted guidelines to keep interactions safe and positive. Golden sits close to Colorado wildlife habitats. Keep pups close, avoid disturbing animals, and enjoy the environment respectfully.
