If there’s anything better than a dog, it’s a lot of dogs.
And never have I seen more dogs at once than at Goldens in Golden.
This town 12 miles west of Denver was named during the Colorado gold rush of 1859 — but since 2019, it has celebrated the Scottish breed of canine with whom it shares a glorious name: the Golden Retriever. For one day every winter, Main Street is shut down to vehicular traffic, and the boulevard becomes a promenade of puppers, many of whom have traveled from as far away as Texas and Ohio for the occasion. Although the titular Goldens dominate, these doggos don’t discriminate: all breeds of well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Denver is the city I’ve nomaded in the most often, and on three occasions have my travels coincided with the annual Goldens in Golden. Each was a unique, vibrant, and memorable experience.
2022
Three years ago was my first time at Goldens in Golden, which I attended with my friend Amanda, who at the time was helping me dogsit Summer and Biscuit. The weather was clear, the dogs were cheerful, and I had no idea how the owners could tell their pets apart.
2024
I skipped a year and came back to Goldens in Golden in 2024. This was the only time I attended by myself, which was for the best under the circumstances: given how cold and actively snowing it was, I might’ve been more attentive to the warmth and comfort of whomever I was with. Instead, I blithely braved the elements, as did the many dogs, some of whom sported trendy hats or Pikachu costumes to protect them from the elements.
2025
This year, I was once again dogsitting Biscuit, and I decided he deserved the opportunity to mingle with so many other good boys. As a white-and-tan pit mix, he really stood out in a sea of gold, earning many adoring looks, gentle pets, and proffered treats. At one point, he even met a dog named Toast! Biscuit and Toast went together like peas and carrots.
A personal highlight was seeing a rare silver Labrador — a breed often mistaken for a Weimaraner. Although the first dog I ever own is likely to be a rescue mutt, I nonetheless hold out hope that I could someday have as beautiful a dog as a silver Lab for my own.
When the two-hour annual festival culminated in all Goldens posing for a group photo by holding their dogs up in a Lion King Simba-like pose, I spared Biscuit the discomfort as we looked on from the sidelines.
A friend later informed me that Nala of Nala Stomps fame had been present at Goldens in Golden 2025! I was unfamiliar with this Internet celebrity, but many Golden-goers recognized her (or her owner) and were delighted to be in the presence of a star.
2026
The next annual Goldens in Golden is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026. I don’t know where my travels will take me in the next year — but I’m confident I haven’t had my last opportunity to revel in an ocean of Goldens.
Love these dog pics Ken. I especially love the Goldens. Daisymae was 16yrs and 2 months old when she passed away at home about 4 years ago in my arms. We got her when she was 8 weeks old. She was the third golden we had . You and your Mom and Dad were at our home a few days after we got her. I did take pics of that visit and will look up and send you. I will include several that I have painted by computer. The pure white 5 year old deaf cat ( Charlotte ) with 2 different colored eyes cat we rescued and have now is not a Golden BUT a great pet to have and love. Off to do mother G’s hair Friday.
Have a great day Ken
TIL’d about Silver Golden Retrievers! What a beautiful dog! And wow! I can’t get over how many people and dogs show up for this event!!
The Labrador was silver! AFAIK, Goldens come in only three colors: light, golden, and dark.
Ah…good to know! Thank you for clearing that up for me 💛