The thing that has always impressed us about Golden is that it feels so completely different from Denver, yet it’s less than 30 minutes away. It has a main street, actually called Main Street, which Fodor’s recently named one of the Top 20 cutest ones in the country. It’s a great place to get a hearty meal, delicious distilled spirits, wine and craft beer. It’s also a great place to hike, bike, kayak and other outdoor adventures. We’ve certainly had some memorable times there! But mostly, the city knows how to celebrate itself with a great variety of things to do. And so, we present our list of 15 reasons to visit Golden before the clock strikes midnight on 2018!
Reasons to Visit Golden in August
Movies & Music in the Park, happen every Friday in August. Head to the pretty Parfet Park for free music followed by a family-friendly movie shown on an inflatable big screen under the stars.
Golden Fine Arts Festival, is on August 18 & 19. The juried art show features more than 130 artists in nine media categories. Enjoy the art, live music, locally brewed craft beer, food vendors, and free kids’ art activities.
Glitter in the Garden Gala on August 24 is a special celebration of Foothills Art Center’s 50th Anniversary. The galleries are in a beautiful Gothic church, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bike racing and Golden are a natural mix. The Colorado Classic State 3 and Golden Gran Fondo both happen in July. Get details here.
Origin Red Rocks,the official hotel partner to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, celebrates its grand opening August. The hotel provides a Do List, a guide curated by the hotel’s team of locals-in-the-know covering what you just have to do, see, eat and drink. Guests also enjoy a complimentary shuttle providing transportation to and from Red Rocks; bicycle storage, washing and sharing; memorabilia from Red Rocks concerts displayed throughout the hotel; pet friendly offerings; yoga mats and exercise bikes in-room.
The Dove Inn provides another place to stay with a Victorian vibe. They underwent renovations and rebranding with new owners. Built in 1866, guests will get modern conveniences but can still enjoy historic elements. They’ll be offering a Choose Your Own Adventure experience for outdoorsy types and a Haunted Halloween package that includes a ghost tour.
Colorado Plus Cidery and Pub opened, joining two distilleries and a wine bar to the beer mix. The cider house has six housemade ciders plus beer and other beverages and “elevated” pub fare.
Reasons to Visit Golden in September
Golden Sidewalk Sale, is on September 15. There’ll be bargains on gear, clothing, artwork and a lot more. And the weather will likely be perfect so take a break at one of the restaurants for some patio time while you’re there.
Fall Foliage in Golden saves you a traffic-laden drive high into the hills, with a visit to Golden or Golden Gate Canyon. Plus Golden’s creekside fall show typically hits after the mountains’ do. Follow their Facebook page for updates.
Golden Moon Distillery continues to be a place that calls us back again and again and is certainly one of our main motivations to visit Golden. With the charm and wit of a speakeasy (getting to it from the Main Street side is part of the fun), their cocktails are dreamy. See?
Reasons to Visit Golden in October
Knock Your Boots Off Chili Cook-Off & Beer Tasting, happens October 13. New this year, is the addition of live music. Tickets go fast so get yours early.
Self-guided walking tours through the history of Golden are free and downloadable. They direct you to 16 historic spots in Golden as it winds one-and-a-half miles past beautiful homes, stone buildings, gardens, a re-created historic farm and school yard and more.
Reasons to Visit Golden in November
Golden History Museum has undergone an extensive renovation. We always enjoyed it but now we can’t wait to see what’s new including a hands-on gallery for young kids, new exhibits highlighting the City’s collection of historic objects, a research center and more.
Candlelight Walk gets you in the holiday spirit in a serene, beautiful way. It’s on November 30. It kicks of the season that includes an elf run, Victorian carolers, holiday art market, live theater, a dazzling light display along Clear Creek, and chances to meet and greet Santa.
Reasons to Visit Golden in December
Olde Golden Christmas Parades happen on the first three Saturdays in December. How many places give you three opportunities to enjoy a holiday parade?! Golden does up the holidays right with lights everywhere. goes all out for the holidays, with miles of holiday lights strung along the creekside paths and through downtown.
We didn’t add the Coors Brewery Tour but it’s a kick in the pants and really interesting too. It happens year ’round so make it one of your reasons to visit Golden. For even more ideas about things to do in Golden, visit their handy website, here.
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