Goldens in Golden: What to Expect
Picture this—a small Colorado town absolutely overrun by… Golden Retrievers. Yes, it’s real. Goldens in Golden, and I got to experience it for the first time this year. Spoiler alert: it was everything I hoped for and more.
Apparently, this year was the biggest crowd yet, and with all the wagging tails, fluffy butts, and squeaky toys, you could feel the golden energy everywhere. From navigating packed streets to sharing belly rubs and snacks, here’s everything you need to know about this magical, slightly chaotic event and how to make the most out of it in 2026.
Set Your Alarm—Seriously
If you’re like me and thinking, *Oh, I’ll just show up around mid-morning—it’s a quaint little event, right?* No. Wrong. This is *the* event for Golden lovers, and it draws a crowd. Traffic starts piling up early, and parking becomes a real circus act
Your best bet? Get there early. Like, early. It may feel like overkill, but trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you’re casually strolling to the event while others are stuck circling the block like some sort of parking relay team. While you wait for things to pick up, stop by one of the local dog friendly businesses in town for a coffee or mimosa.
Another pro move? If you don't wanna drive, stay at one of Golden’s adorable local hotels. Not only does it give you a little less morning stress, but you’ll get to enjoy Golden beyond just the main event. Plus, some are dog-friendly, so your Golden gets a mini vacay too. Book early though, people come from all over the country for this event.
Dress Up Your Pup
Okay, this might be the most fun advice I can give you—go heavy on the costumes. The wilder, the better. Goldens in Golden is basically a dog-lover’s Met Gala, and a simple bandana on your dog is like wearing jeans to prom. You can go for a cute theme (think bees and beekeepers) or really commit with a full-on banana suit.
Oh, and matching costumes? Please do it. You’ll see everything from cowboy duos to superheroes, and each one gets all the smiles. Whiskey rolled up in puffer jacket & fun cousin Eddie hat, and he, of course, looked amazing.
Charge Your Phone Now
You will take approximately 7,000 photos. Minimum. From adorable Golden babies to majestic senior pups with graying faces, every turn has another photo op. And then there are the big group photos, which are chaotic and beautiful all at once. Trying to gather all the Goldens under the town’s famous arch has gotta be a logistical nightmare, but by some miracle, it works—and it’s a memory you’ll want to be a part of
Pro tip? Bring an actual camera if you want those postcard-worthy shots, but honestly, your phone will do just fine since you’ll probably snap endless candids of your dog being cute (always).
Hit Up The Vendors
If you’ve got a soft spot for spoiling your pup, Goldens in Golden will absolutely drain your wallet (but in a good way). The vendor booths are packed with treats, toys, collars, and even Golden-themed merch for the humans. I basically wanted to buy one of everything.
The vendors are also a great way to slow things down if the crowds feel a little overwhelming. Grab your dog a fancy cookie or a new squeaky toy, because what’s a good dog day without a souvenir?
Lean Into the Chaos
I won’t sugarcoat it—this event is LOUD. It’s crowded. It’s basically a free-for-all of wagging butts and unspoken dog-to-dog conversations. But honestly? Golden Retriever Energy not only the dogs, but the people, its so much fun.
Everyone’s there for one reason—to celebrate Goldens. Take it slow, soak in the positive energy, and don’t stress if your dog (or you) needs to take a breather on the sidelines. It’s all part of the experience.
The Golden Glow
At the end of the day, this isn’t just an event—it’s like a festival dedicated to everything we love about Goldens. Whether you’re there for the costumes, the group photos, or just to see some golden retriever tumbleweeds, it’s impossible to leave without feeling like you’ve been wrapped in a giant, golden hug.
Whiskey and I left him completely exhausted, I covered in a new sweater, but both so happy, and honestly, I’m already planning next year’s costumes. If you and your Golden have never been, make it happen. Because if there’s one thing better than spending the day with your dog, it’s spending the day surrounded by hundreds of other Goldens and their people, too. See you (and your matching outfits) under the arch!
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