Goldens In Golden: The Tail-Wagging Event Of The Year!
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Here’s how it works.

Have you ever seen streets filled with gold? I have. On one crisp day in February, the streets of Golden, Colorado, literally run with gold… the glorious golden coats of thousands of Golden Retrievers! For one afternoon each year, the town becomes a mecca for Golden Retrievers, Golden mixes, and their human families. People come from far and wide to connect with other owners and meet as many sweet pups as possible. I got the inside scoop from Visit Golden, to learn more. Find out what this “paw-some” day is all about and how you can participate.
What Is Goldens In Golden?

Goldens In Golden is more than just a day in the park or a breed meetup. It is likely the largest-ever gathering of Golden Retrievers and an event that all dog lovers can enjoy. The event gets worldwide publicity, putting the little town of Golden in the spotlight for a fantastic reason.
“Goldens in Golden gives people – and their Goldens – a perfect reason to visit Golden, Colorado during the quietest time of year. Our desire is to have a safe, fun event that celebrates this special breed and showcases our wonderful friendly town. Our merchants, hotels and restaurants offer all kinds of Golden specials and it’s just a perfect reason to visit what’s become the Woodstock or Lolapalooza of the Golden Retriever world!” Joy Meadows, event founder.
On Saturday, February 8th, 2025, Golden will welcome as many Golden Retrievers and their human families as possible for a day of tail-wagging fun. The dogs congregate, showing off their luxurious coats in an adorable parade down Washington Avenue, the town’s famed historic main street. Washington Avenue shuts down to traffic, dog-centered vendor booths, activities, and plenty of food and beverage specials are happening throughout town. There are endless photo opportunities and plenty of connections to make.

Even cold temperatures, snow, and ice cannot keep this beloved breed and their families from making their way to the meetup. The event will be cancelled if the weather is dangerously cold or roads are too icy. Safety for the dogs and their humans is the top priority so be sure to check the website before heading out.
Waffle-The Inspiration For Goldens In Golden

Photo courtesy of Joy Meadows.
The event is the creation of founder Joy Meadows, who handles the PR for Visit Golden. Meadows is a Golden Retriever parent and Colorado local who has spent many years promoting tourism for Golden, Colorado. She had heard of a gathering of Goldens in the Scotland Highlands, the breed’s birthplace. Inspired by the hikes she took with her pup Waffle, she loved the idea of a similar gathering of Goldens underneath the town’s iconic welcome arch. The first event was held on National Golden Retriever Day in 2019, and attendance has only increased yearly.
“My first Golden Retriever was Waffle, the inspiration for Goldens in Golden. True to the breed, Waffle was incredibly sweet, gentle, and spunky fun too! Waffle delightfully attended the first two events, but we lost her at age 13 – you just don’t get those dogs long enough, do you? A house just isn’t a home without a dog, so we soon brought Sadie, a Goldador puppy (Golden Retriever – Yellow Lab), home. Last year, she was too young and spirited to safely attend, but she will be there this year,” Meadows shares. Last year’s four-legged attendance was estimated to be over 2,500, but there really is no way to count every pup who attends.
Meadows explains, “My company handles PR for Visit Golden, which encourages tourism to the city. We knew adorable Goldens under the city’s iconic “Welcome to Golden” arch would be “PR Gold.” With National Golden Retriever Day being in February, the event also fits perfectly with Visit Golden’s desire to boost tourism in the off-season. We pulled in the wonderful Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies organization to help spread the word. Golden-based KONG offered gift bags, and we gave out whipped cream “puppicino” treats. There were dog photo ops and, of course, the big official photo under the arch. As is often the case in February in Colorado, the first year was a perfect “bluebird day” with warm, sunny weather. Visit Golden had a few harried volunteers trying to count the dogs, but we gave up after 1,000! Dogs were coming from all directions, and people were smiling. Something really special was happening in Golden.”
Making Memories And Connections

Meadows loves to hear about the connection stories that happen at the event, which always pull at the heartstrings and remind us what amazing dogs Golden Retrievers are. “There’s something magical when you combine the welcoming atmosphere and beauty of Golden, Colorado, with this very special, friendly breed! Anyone who has ever owned a Golden Retriever knows what sweet spirits they are. The dogs are gentle and really relish being around one another – and so do the humans. Many people will have Golden reunions at the event. Some people build their family vacations around this. It makes sense if you’ve had the privilege of loving a Golden – they can be a center point of love for the whole family, and it’s just so much fun to celebrate them!”
She shares some of her favorite memories from past events. “We had a very senior white-faced Golden that a family pulled in a red wagon with a sign that said, “At 14, I’m a ‘Golden Oldie,’ so have to stay in my wagon, but please say hi!” That sweet dog was having a blast! I always love dogs in costume. One man always gets there early, wearing the same bright orange “Best Dog Dad” t-shirt, and plants himself and his dog near the front row so they are in every official portrait. We once had a woman with her recently passed Golden’s collar and a Ziplock bag of its fur. She was quietly crying, missing her dog but soaking in the Golden atmosphere with lots of people giving her hugs and crying with her. Of course, the primary emotion is just joy. The dogs are thrilled to be there; the people are so happy — it’s really special!”

People come from all over the country, as Meadows shares. “Last year, the local TV station did a live remote from the lobby of the Golden Hotel, and there were these terrific people who came from Florida with their Golden, Zeus, who was featured on several TV newscasts! We, of course, get lots of Goldens from Colorado and neighboring states. Still, it amazes and delights me that people attend from California, New York, Montana, Georgia… it’s just so wonderful!”
Meadows also shared that YoColorado, a Golden-based clothing company, creates awesome official merchandise and shares some of the proceeds with the Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies (GRRR) and Foothills Animal Shelter as a donation. This event is truly all about the love of dogs.
What To Know Before You Go To Golden

“The beauty of Goldens in Golden is that it’s not a commercialized, highly orchestrated event. The dogs – and the people – like the authentic, laid-back environment, with the main focus being enjoying the dogs and one another! Of course, the wonderful merchants and restaurants of Golden offer all kinds of fun and specials. There are dog photo booths, free treats, the local cupcake store, Gold Mine Cupcakes, makes doggie pup cakes, and Kona Bowls serves dog-themed bowls. The Golden Mill always has a big “pawty” before – and after, too! Most hotels offer pet-friendly packages. We’ve had local breweries craft special Golden Ales (for the humans, but in honor of the dog). And then, at any time of year, there are so many hiking trails, walking paths, and more to explore in Golden. It’s a great place to hang out with your dog,” Joy Meadows.
Goldens In Golden takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. MST. While that is the official window for the event, plenty of before and after activities are held throughout town. Golden’s Welcome Arch is a perfect backdrop for photos with your pup and new furry friends.
- The event is free and held at Parfet Park. There will be free giveaways, including pup cups, a meet-and-greet, vendor booths, and an after-party at The Golden Mill.
- This event is for Golden Retrievers and mixes. No papers are required, or IDs are getting checked, but the day is about the Golden Retriever breed.
- Only dogs that are well-mannered, leashed, and trained are allowed.
All dogs must be kept leashed unless in a designated off-leash area. If you walk along Clear Creek, your dog needs to be leashed. Off-leash space can be found at the Tony Grampsas Memorial Sports Complex & Trail or Ulysses Sports Complex. - Bring your dog a water bowl and water or water bottle. There will be hydration stations. However, this is a crowded event, and it’s best to be sure you have what your pup needs.
- Clean up after your dog, come prepared with poop bags. Most dog owners are prepared for this, but it’s a good reminder to help keep Golden looking and smelling clean and to ensure the event is welcome back next year!
- Dress warmly and wear shoes made for walking, with traction, not flat-sold shoes. It’s February in the foothills of Colorado, and there is a high probability of icy and slippery spots. Keep yourself and your pup warm and ready for unpredictable weather.
- Parking can be challenging; the town is small and has limited spots. The event will offer free parking in some areas. It’s best to check ahead for these areas and arrive early. Be prepared to pay a small parking fee or park further away and walk in.
“As you are driving into Golden, take note of the cars around you, which likely will all have dogs sticking their heads out the window, looking so darn excited and eagerly heading to Golden! It’s hilarious to see so many Goldens in other cars on the roads, all going in the same direction – it’s like the best Twilight Zone episode ever,” Joy Meadows.
The video below shares some of the fun from 2025’s event.
And from 2024:
The One-Of-A-Kind Golden Retriever
If you have ever met a Golden Retriever or Golden Retriever mix, you know how charming and engaging this beloved breed is. They are currently the third most popular dog breed in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). It’s simply a fact of life that you can’t help but fall in love with those endearing eyes, smiley mouths, and fiercely loyal personalities. I remember my first Golden Retriever, Indiana. A reddish golden-hued pup who loved playing fetch, stealing food, and cuddling all day, he was my faithful companion for many days. I think Indiana was one of a kind, and many other Goldie parents say the same about their pups.
We have many helpful articles to help you learn more about the beloved Golden Retriever breed. We also explain common Golden Retriever health problems. For care needs, we cover the best food for Golden Retrievers and even explain a bit about pet insurance for the breed. Head over to our forums to connect with other dog owners and learn more about a wide variety of dog-related topics.
Do you have a Golden Retriever story to share? Have you attended Goldens In Golden or another breed-specific gathering like this? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.