New Mines, Ancient Rock
Photo by Richard Luckin
Click to enlarge
What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Saturday, Feb. 28th
- All day - CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
- All day - The First Annual Golden Comfort & Comedy Festival
- All day - Golden History Tours
- All day - Golden Sports
- 8AM - Saturday Morning Run and Social Walk
- 10AM-8PM - DGMG Jewelry, Gem & Mineral Show
- 10AM-3PM - Brunch at the Rose
- 10AM-12PM - Cherokee Basketweaving Workshop
- 10AM-3PM - Saturday Train Rides
- 10:15-10:45AM - Family Time - Registration Required
- 10:45AM-10PM - Ribbon Cutting and 10th Year Anniversary Party: Holidaily Brewing
- 11AM - Paul Bunyan - MAPAC Children's Theater
- 12-12:30PM - Quick Class: MCT Oil
- 2PM - Wonders and Wow with Charly Wonder
- 2PM - The Odd Couple (Female Version)
- 4-6PM - Wine, Women, and Wellness
- 5-8PM - Harleys After Dark
- 5-6:30PM - Golden American Legion Dinner
- 6:30-7:30PM - Soundbath
- 7:30PM - The Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War
- 10PM - Rocky Horror Picture Show
For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar
19 Years of GoldenToday!
Photo by Joe Delnero
February marked the 19th Anniversary of Golden Today. Thank you to Tracy Evanko, who’s been maintaining the calendar for most of that time. Thanks to the talented photographers who supply the delightful Golden Eye Candy. Thanks to the readers, who keep me informed and entertained with their correspondence and running commentary. And a BIG thank you to the sponsors and contributors who make it all possible.
I began the website and email with the desire to help Golden’s cultural organizations. In 2007, there was no single, reliable place to help spread the word about their events, so I created one.
Eventually I began paying more attention to city government. It seemed that citizens never learned about plans until it was too late to provide input. For that reason, I began writing detailed previews of upcoming meetings.
I also believe that an unwatched government is a more expensive government, so I do my best to keep Golden citizens informed about City spending and borrowing.
In 2020, in an effort to keep people entertained during the pandemic shutdown, I began writing daily articles about Golden History, Frankly, I hadn’t intended to keep it up for six years, but here I am.
Obsessively-local news isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it seems to appeal to my audience. I often hear that Golden people start their day by reading “What’s Happening in Golden?”On any given day, 1100-1200 people read it.
Tomorrow I’ll start my 20th year of telling you What’s Happening in Golden!
Thanks for reading.
Barb
Monthly Appeal
Scenes from Golden - February, 2026
Thank you to everyone who supported GoldenToday during February. If you are not contributing, this would be the perfect time to start!
Please consider supporting this local news source with a one time, monthly, or annual contribution. You can be listed among our supporters or remain anonymous, but in any case, please Support Local News!
10AM-12PM Cherokee Basketweaving Workshop @ Foothills Art Center
Students will learn how to craft an Oklahoma style round reed basket from start to finish. Register
Location:
Foothills Art Center - Creative Campus
809 15th Street (Map)
10:45AM-10PM Ribbon Cutting and 10th Year Anniversary Party: Holidaily Brewing @ Holidaily Brewing Company
Come celebrate TEN YEARS of Holidaily Brewing Company! Turning 10 has us feeling like we won the Golden Ticket! Free to attend. No tickets needed. Cheers to 10 years of delicious GF beer! Ribbon Cutting at 10:45am - SHARP! More information
Food trucks: Pambasos, The Savage Beet, Isan Thai
Bakery pop-up: Moore. Cafe and Bakery
Live music by Jay Martin, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.!
Any additional details will be updated here.
Location:
Holidaily Brewing Company
801 Brickyard Circle (Map)
2PM Wonders and Wow with Charly Wonder @ Gnarly's
Today's installment in the Comfort and Comedy Festival:
Wonders and Wow
Get ready for an afternoon packed with laughter, surprises, and jaw-dropping magic! Wonders and Wow! is a high-energy, family-friendly magic show designed for kids, parents, and grandparents alike. Featuring dazzling illusions, interactive moments, and plenty of giggles, this show invites the whole family to experience the joy of live magic together. More information
Location:
Gnarly's
1224 Washington Avenue (Map)
10PM Rocky Horror Picture Show @ Gnarly's
Tonight's installment in the Comfort and Comedy Festival:
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Let’s do the Time Warp again, in Golden Colorado! Join us at Gnarly’s Theater for a classic late night Rocky Horror experience featuring a live shadow cast performing on stage, in front of the cult-classic film on our giant 200" screen. Prepare yourself for callbacks, throwbags, and chaos, the way Rocky was meant to be seen! More information
Location:
Gnarly's
1224 Washington Avenue (Map)
The Golden Word - 02/28/26
Live Music for Saturday, Feb. 28th
- 7PM Something Underground @ Buffalo Rose (main venue)
- 5:30-8:30PM Conal Rosanbalm @ Buffalo Rose Sky Bar Stage
- More Live Music
4-6PM Jay Martin @ Holidaily
5-8PM Live Music @ Eddy Taproom
6:30-8:30PM Emily Barns @ Etta Jeanne
6:30PM Sapsucker Trio @ Goosetown Station
9PM Karaoke @ Ace Hi Tavern
For more information, visit the Golden Today Calendar
Golden History: A Recent(ish) Addition to Golden's Cultural Scene (Take 2)
Golden Beer Talks in their original location, at Windy Saddle Cafe
Click to enlarge
Sorry gang...the newsletter went out yesterday while I was still working on the daily history article. Here it is in full:
We started this month of cultural histories with the Mines Museum, which was founded in the 1870s. We moved on through the Buffalo Bill Museum (1920), the Golden History Museum (1930s), Jefferson Symphony (1953), Railroad Museum (1959), Foothills Art Center (1967), Golden Landmarks Association (1971), Dinosaur Ridge (1989), Miners Alley (1989), the Quilt Museum (1990), and the Environmental Film Festival (2006).
One of our most recent cultural "institutions" is a lecture series called Golden Beer Talks. Beer Talks evolved from a conversation in 2013 between two Golden women who were discussing the downtown business environment.
Downtown had been in a slump for a couple of decades. Shopping patterns had changed, and people were going to malls, not traditional downtowns. Once the movie theater closed in the mid-70s, there was no entertainment. Live music was rare.
With significant investment by the Golden Urban Renewal Authority and the Golden Civic Foundation, with tremendous work from the Golden Chamber of Commerce and an army of volunteers, downtown was finally coming back by 2013. The streetscape brought trees and flowers. There were two new hotels, new restaurants, and a kayak park. GURA had provided "facade" grants to encourage property owners to improve their buildings' appearance. There were special events most weekends.
The owner of The Windy Saddle had mentioned that she would like to try being open for dinner, but downtown was too dead on weeknights to support another restaurant.
So this was the subject of conversation between the two women: what kind of event would locals enjoy? What would make them want to come downtown on a weeknight? The women were both TED Talk fans, and they thought Golden people might like a lecture series.
Three new craft breweries had opened in Golden that year (CannonballCreek, MountainToad, and Barrels & Bottles), and the women thought they might appreciate some promotion, so they decided to feature a different craft beer at every lecture. That's how the TED Talk-like lecture series came to be called Golden Beer Talks.
The two women recruited friends to help them organize, asked Windy Saddle if they wanted to host it, and the first Golden Beer Talk was held in October of 2013.
Since then, Beer Talks has had a dazzling array of topics, including art, science, technology, history, and nature. We've learned about drinking water, wastewater, training guide dogs for the blind, space exploration, the bubonic plague, cowboy music, Golden's mining legacy, the Army horse breeding program, artificial intelligence, wildfire mitigation, the intestinal microbiome, women in the Vietnam War, the 10th Mountain Division in World War II, science in the National Parks, laser technology and applications, soul food, pollinators, how to spot fake news, blood-sucking insects, the atomic clock, endangered fish, minds and memory, tree rings, bee-keeping, and how to find murder victims using geological exploration techniques.
They've heard from artists, scientists, gardeners, engineers, historians, CEOs, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and more PhDs that you can shake a stick at. (See the archive of past talks.)
The group eventually outgrew the capacity at Windy Saddle, so it moved across the street to the Buffalo Rose. During the Coronavirus shutdown, they tried moving the lectures online, but found that nobody needed one more Zoom call, so they shut it down for the duration.
They brought it back in January of 2023 and celebrated the 100th Golden Beer Talk in 2025.
The monthly talks attract a devoted following from throughout the metro area. They have inspired a similar lecture series in Manitou Springs. Colorado’s Attorney General (one of the speakers) praised it for being a great "third space," where the community can gather and talk.
Golden Beer Talks meet on the third Tuesday of every month at the Buffalo Rose. They continue to feature a local craft brewery every month (though the Buffalo Rose also offers soft drinks, wine, mixed drinks—and food!). Learn more at the Golden Beer Talks website.
Golden History: A Recent(ish) Addition to Golden's Cultural Scene
Golden Beer Talks in their original location, at Windy Saddle Cafe
Click to enlarge
We started this month of cultural histories with the Mines Museum, which was founded in the 1870s. We moved on through the Buffalo Bill Museum (1920), the Golden History Museum (1930s), Jefferson Symphony (1953), Railroad Museum (1959), Foothills Art Center (1967), Golden Landmarks Association (1971), Dinosaur Ridge (1989), Miners Alley (1989), the Quilt Museum (1990), and the Environmental Film Festival (2006).
One of our most recent cultural "institutions" is a lecture series called Golden Beer Talks. Beer Talks evolved from a conversation in 2013 between two Golden women who were discussing the downtown business environment.
Downtown had been in a slump for a couple of decades. Shopping patterns had changed, and people were going to malls, not traditional downtowns. Once the movie theater closed in the mid-70s, there was no entertainment center. By the 1990s, there was seldom any live music.
With significant investment by the Golden Urban Renewal Authority and the Golden Civic Foundation, with tremendous work from the Golden Chamber of Commerce and an army of volunteers, downtown was finally coming back by 2013. The streetscape brought trees and flowers. There were two new hotels, new restaurants, and a kayak park. GURA had provided "facade" grants to encourage property owners to improve their buildings' appearance. There were special events most weekends.
The owner of The Windy Saddle had mentioned that she would like to try being open for dinner, but downtown was just too dead on weeknights to support another restaurant.
So this was the subject of conversation between the two women: what kind of event would locals enjoy? What would make them want to come downtown on a weeknight? The women were both TED Talk fans, and they thought Golden people might like a lecture series.
Three new craft breweries had opened in Golden that year, and the women thought they might appreciate support, so they decided to feature a different craft beer at every lecture. That's how the TED Talk-like lecture series came to be called Golden Beer Talks.
The two women recruited friends to help them organize, asked Windy Saddle if they wanted to host it, and the first Golden Beer Talk was held in October of 2013.
Since then, Beer Talks has had a dazzling array of topics, including art, science, technology, history, and nature. We've learned about drinking water, wastewater, training guide dogs for the blind, space exploration, the bubonic plague, cowboy music, Golden's mining legacy, the Army horse breeding program, artificial intelligence, wildfire mitigation, the intestinal microbiome, women in the Vietnam War, the 10th Mountain Division in World War II, science in the National Parks, laser technology and applications, soul food, pollinators, how to spot fake news, blood-sucking insects, the atomic clock, endangered fish, minds and memory, tree rings, bee-keeping, and how to find murder victims using geological exploration skills.
We've heard from artists, scientists, gardeners, engineers, historians, CEOs, a Pulitzer Prize winner, an Attorney General, and more PhDs that you can shake a stick at. (See the archive of past talks.)
The group eventually outgrew the capacity at Windy Saddle, so it moved across the street to the Buffalo Rose. During the Coronavirus shutdown, they tried moving the lectures online, but found that nobody needed one more Zoom call, so the organizers shut it down for the duration.
They brought it back in January of 2023 and celebrated the 100th Golden Beer Talk in 2025. They continue to meet on the third Tuesday of every month at the Buffalo Rose. They continue to feature a local craft brewery every month (though the Buffalo Rose offers soft drinks, wine, mixed drinks—and food!). Learn more at the Golden Beer Talks website.
Weather
Overnight: Mostly clear. Low around 41, with temperatures rising to around 44 overnight. Southwest wind around 7 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny. High near 68, with temperatures falling to around 66 in the afternoon. South southeast wind around 8 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy. Low around 42, with temperatures rising to around 45 overnight. West wind around 6 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly Cloudy, 42°F
Sunday: Partly Sunny, 62°F
Sunday Night: Mostly Cloudy, 41°F
Monday: Partly Sunny then Chance Light Rain, 68°F
Monday Night: Chance Light Rain, 39°F
Tuesday: Light Rain Likely, 50°F
Tuesday Night: Chance Light Rain, 34°F
Wednesday: Sunny, 61°F
Wednesday Night: Mostly Clear, 37°F
Thursday: Chance Light Rain, 60°F
Thursday Night: Chance Rain And Snow, 33°F
Friday: Chance Light Snow, 46°F
News About Golden - February 28, 2026
Golden’s Empty Bowls a tangible reminder to feed the hungry
By Corinne Westeman
Golden Transcript
The event may have been called “Empty Bowls,” but the bowls didn’t stay empty for long.
As people filed through the church’s entry hall, they each picked out one handmade stoneware bowl by Foothills Art Center artists. Then, they stepped into the Great Hall, where volunteers filled each bowl with a ladleful of chili or soup from local restaurants... Read more...
Colorado bike builder Spot can seek millions in royalties from Gates Corp., judge rules
By Justin Wingerter
Denver Post
In a legal setback for the 115-year-old Denver company, a judge has ruled that Gates Corp. cannot countersue a bikemaker in Golden that accuses it of not paying royalties... Read more...
RTD has been paying contractor for rail service residents didn’t receive
By Bruce Finley
Denver Post
Regional Transportation District trains linking downtown with west metro Denver may soon run twice as frequently as they have for the past five years — at no extra cost — after transit officials recognized the agency has been paying a contractor millions of dollars for service residents did not receive... Read more...
Geneva fire contained after spreading from house fire in Golden Gate Canyon
By Katie Langford and Lauren Penington
Denver Post
A house fire in western Jefferson County started a small wildfire Thursday morning, causing pre-evacuation warnings for people living in Golden Gate Canyon after flames spread to nearby trees and grass... Read more...
Supporters
Many thanks to the people and organizations who support What’s Happening in Golden? If you would like to support local news, please CLICK HERE!
Sponsors:
($100/month and up)
Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden Cultural Alliance, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Miners Saloon, Golden Hayride Outpost, Unite Fitness, Clothilde Elingbow, Michael Mason, Goosetown Station, and Earth Sweet Boutique
Friends:
($50-99.99/month or $550/yr)
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Goozell Yogurt & Coffee Paul Haseman, Donna Anderson, Carol & Doug Harwood, Stephanie Painter, Greg Poulos, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Mary & Don Parker, Saré Merrigan, The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, Vic DeMaria, and Joy Brandt
Supporters:
($25-49.99/month or $250/yr)
Laura King and Scott Wilson, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Forrest Jones, Barry & Liz Bettis, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Marjorie Sloan, Chris and Joyce Davell, Rick Flint, Forrest Jones, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Stephen Pero, Meg Van Ness & Steve Kalasz, Steve & Karla Schaefer, Bud Rockhill, Steve Enger, Kristie Brice & Mike Schwartz, The Golden Hotel, Kurt & Janet Siegfried, Ella Lyons & Jeanne Fritch, Robert Thresher, Tonie Mattox, Centennial State Wealth Advisors, Steve & M.L. Richardson, and Jeremy & Stephanie Keller
Members:
($10-24.99/month or $110/yr)
Brad Miller & Julie Bartos, Holly Thomas, Jim and LouAnne Dale, Ann Pattison, Thomas Hoffman, Carol Abel, Brian Quarnstrom, Sandra Curran, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Kathy Smith, Karen Smith, Carlos & Nancy Bernal, Robert Storrs, Michele Sannes, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, E Tom Hughes, Crystal M Culbert, Patrick A. Madison, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Deb Goeldner, Christopher Ball, 6th Chair Home Services, Dot & Eric Brownson, Rosemary Coffman, Emeline Paulson, Sandy Schneider, Mark and Cathy Pattridge, Cheryl G Leidich, Jen Rutter, Frani R Bickart, Jennings and Litz, Bill Sedgeley, Nancy Hughes, Justin L Wade, Kathi Eggers, Traci Case, Donna Owen, Leslie D Lutz, Karen Oxman, Catherine Skokan, Ross Fraser & KC Gilliland, Lynne Haigh, Elizabeth Hilliard, Frank Young & Terre Deegan-Young, Kathy Hirons & Jack Markin, Jess & Anthony Monasterio, Heather Duncan, Lee Ann & Pete Horneck, Carol Cameron, Cheryl Williamson, San Daugherty, Jim Garner, John and Carol McEncroe, the Golden Welcome Center, the Golden Transcript, Koshare Eagle, Ken and Colleen Krantz, Traci Neuman Lacey, Jo Barber, Jamie Cookinham, Kermit Shields, Meridee Cecil, Vicki Olson, Colleen & Michael Ramey, Nancy & Pete Torpey, Jax Baker, Simon Maybury, Rose McLaughlin, Cameron Chambers, Joyce Gravina, Patrick Klein, Barb Robie, Richard Caldwell, Janice Waring, Sam & Marilyn Baron, Carmen Johnson, Mary Eiberger, Kevin Nichols, Ed & Carol Freza, Laura and Curtis Moore, Ruth Hund, Shelley & Jerry Devitt, Eileen Masterson, Kate Olivier, Amy Korengut, Pam Logan, Clare Shier, Wendy Weiman, and Marge Frueh
Followers:
($5-9.99/month)
Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser, Mel Perkins, Bob Hamilton, Steve Stevens, Vicki Olson, Emily Kurzinski, Nanette Johnson, Peyton Gibson, Sally Berger, Kristen Morgan, Joyce Sutton, Mary Rains, Craig Champlin, Stan Swisher, Bill Way, and Chris Toney
