Shelton Studio Ranch Shelton Studio Ranch Golden, Colorado Inquire
Happening in Golden

October 2026

October in Golden brings golden cottonwoods along Clear Creek, crisp mornings in the foothills, and a full calendar of harvest celebrations, arts evenings, and Halloween fun. Here are some of the neighborly highlights worth marking on your calendar.

Colorado School of Mines building sign
Oct 1–3 · Thu–Sat

Colorado School of Mines Homecoming

Colorado School of Mines campus (Kafadar Commons area and Marv Kay Stadium), Golden

Three days of campus tradition take over Golden, with a fall festival, a bonfire, a homecoming 5K, a street fair, and Saturday football (kickoff at noon; the opening ceremony is Thursday, 5:30–7 p.m.). Many events are free and open to the public, but the 5K and tailgate spots require registration.

Image courtesy of Visit Golden
Live music in the Astor House courtyard at Foothills Art Center
Fri, Oct 2 · 6–8 p.m.

Golden Hour: Music & Art

Foothills Art Center (Astor House courtyard), 1133 Arapahoe St., Golden

An evening in the courtyard with live blues and rock from Allen Anderson and Friends, artists working live, and food from Atomic Cowboy as the sun sets over the foothills. Admission is $15 for members, $20 for non-members, and free for kids, and includes one drink.

Image courtesy of Visit Golden / Foothills Art Center
Good Night, Oscar poster
Oct 2 – Nov 8 · Thu–Sat 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 p.m.

Good Night, Oscar

Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, 1100 Miners Alley, Golden

Doug Wright's award-winning play looks back at pianist, wit, and TV personality Oscar Levant on one unpredictable night of live television in 1958. It's a regional premiere in our own downtown playhouse.

Image courtesy of Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
Golden Farmers Market
Sat, Oct 3 · 8 a.m.–1 p.m.

Golden Farmers Market: Final Market of the Season

10th Street & Illinois Street parking lot (next to the tennis courts), downtown Golden

The last market of the season is a chance to stock up on Colorado produce, baked goods, and local crafts before winter. The free Ore Cart shuttle runs every 30 minutes on Saturday mornings.

Image courtesy of Visit Golden
Guests relaxing under the trees at the Golden Wine Festival
Sat, Oct 3 · 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

2nd Annual Golden Wine Festival

Tony Grampsas Memorial Sports Complex / Golden Bike Park (parking at 4471 Salvia St.), Golden

An afternoon of tasting Colorado wines on the lawn, with artisan vendors, food trucks, and live music. General admission includes a souvenir glass, a tote, and unlimited tastings. This is a 21+ event, and no pets are allowed.

Image courtesy of Golden Wine Festival
Sun, Oct 4 · 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Autumn Fest at Golden History Park

Golden History Park, 1020 11th St., Golden

A free, family-friendly day at the history park with crafts, a 4-H petting zoo, big trucks, Native American dancers and drummers, wildlife education, and live music from Alibi. No registration is needed.

Wed, Oct 14 · 6–9 p.m.

Golden Hour MashUp: Ghouls' Night Out

Participating businesses around downtown Golden

The City of Golden's free monthly MashUp goes Halloween. Come in costume and stroll downtown for live music, special deals, and a few surprises from local shops and restaurants.

Sat, Oct 17 · 1–4 p.m.

Golden Beer Tasting & Chili Cook-Off

Parfet Park, Washington Avenue & 10th Street, Golden

A beloved fall tradition in Parfet Park, with local cooks competing for the best pot of chili alongside craft beverage samples and live entertainment. Tickets are on sale now.

Steam locomotive at the Colorado Railroad Museum in autumn
Oct 17–18 · Sat–Sun, grounds 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Harvest Haunt at the Colorado Railroad Museum

Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden

A coal-fired steam locomotive pulls trains every half hour while kids in costume trick-or-treat, explore the “not-so-spooky” haunted railcars, and wander a hay bale maze. Activities and train rides run 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Advance tickets are $17 for adults and $7 for kids ages 2–17, and prices are higher at the gate.

Image courtesy of Colorado Railroad Museum
Shakedown Street with My Blue Sky Halloween poster
Sat, Oct 31 · 7 p.m.

Shakedown Street with My Blue Sky: 3rd Annual Halloween Extravaganza

Buffalo Rose, 1119 Washington Ave., Golden

Wrap up the month with Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers tribute bands at Golden's historic Washington Avenue venue. Costumes are encouraged.

Image courtesy of Buffalo Rose

Dates, times, and prices can change. Please check each event's link for the latest details before you go. Shelton Studio Ranch is not the organizer of these events.