Experience El Dorado is excited to bring unforgettable entertainment, delicious food, and so much fun to Gold Fest 2024!
And almost all events are FREE.
Did we mention Smash Mouth,
live and in concert, for FREE!!!
9.7.24 | Saturday
Miss El Dorado Pageant
3 p.m.
El Dorado Civic Center
201 E. Central Ave.
Discover the Heart of Gold in this year's Miss El Dorado participants! This annual tradition is more than just a pageant — it's a showcase of leadership, community spirit, and potential. Celebrate a FREE afternoon where dreams take flight and our youth shine brightly! ​Click here to learn more about the Miss El Dorado Ambassador Program. Register to participate in the pageant by August 18.​​
9.21.24 | Saturday
Gold Rush 10K, 5K, and 1K
1K: 8 a.m.
10K and 5K: 8:30 a.m.
East Park | 100 Woodland
Lace up your running shoes and get ready for another exhilarating Oz Events challenge at the Gold Rush 10K, 5K, and 1K! Test your endurance on the scenic 10K course that follows the bike path, winds through a ravine, and crosses wooden bridges. The 5K route is ideal for those seeking a competitive edge or just looking to stay active. And the 1K is perfect for little runners. Register here.
9.23.24 | Monday
Medallion Hunt
Clues posted at 9 a.m.
Public property
$500 cash prize
Are you an expert on all things El Dorado? The first clue will be posted on Experience El Dorado's Facebook page and on the front doors of City Hall (220 E. First Ave.) at 9 a.m., Sept. 23. Additional clues will be posted each morning at 9 a.m. until the medallion is claimed. Look high, look low, but only search on city property. When you find it (because we know you will!), bring the medallion to City Hall to claim your $500 cash prize! No registration required; FREE to participate. Previous Gold Fest medallion hunt winners are not eligible to win.
9.26.24 | Thursday
Paint Night with Coutts
6 p.m.
El Dorado Senior Center
210 E. 2nd Ave.
Grab a friend and create a Gold Fest masterpiece! Not an artist? Don't worry! Sheila Yrjanainen, Coutts Museum of Art curator, will provide step-by-step instructions. And all supplies are provided! Paint night is open to all artists ages 10 and up. Light refreshments provided. FREE to participate, but registration is required. Mark your calendar to grab a spot when registration opens at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 5, at couttsmuseum.org/events.
9.27.24 | Friday
Karaoke at Club Vaudeville
10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Club Vaudeville
206 S. Main St.
Unleash your inner superstar on the Club Vaudeville stage! Grab your friends for a sensational evening of music, laughter, and unforgettable performances. DJ J.J. Vega will spin the hottest tracks and keep the vibes alive all night long. It doesn't matter if you're a seasoned performer or a first-time singer, everyone’s a star on the karaoke stage! Must be 21 to drink. Cover charge: $5 for 21 and up; $10 under 21; $5 with Butler Community College ID.
Gold Fest
Block Party
No buttons. No entry fees. Just fun!
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Okay, you need a ticket for the Grizzly football game. But, it's worth it!
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Grab your comfy shoes and your lawn chair because you don't want to miss this spectacular day!
Food Court
11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
​​Craving an unforgettable culinary adventure? Dive into the Gold Fest Food Court, where every bite is a celebration! From sizzling street eats to gourmet delights, the mouth-watering lineup promises to tickle your taste buds and satisfy every craving. Cash and card accepted at most food truck and bar vendors. Bar vendors open 4-11 p.m.
Artisan Market
11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Shop hand-crafted treasures, mouth-watering treats, and one-of-a-kind artisanal items. Connect with inspiring community organizations to learn more about the incredible work they do. And stop by our Gold Fest sponsor booths for special giveaways and activities.
Walters' Pumpkin Patch Kids Zone
11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Get ready for a world of fun and imagination! Head over to the big tent for FREE colorful crafts, giant yard games, and dazzling face painting.
Adventure Zone
11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Thrill seekers — this is for you! And all for FREE! Hold on tight to see if you’ve got what it takes to stay on the mechanical bull. Take aim in the axe throwing trailer for an exhilarating challenge that’s all about precision and fun! Reach new heights on the rock-climbing wall. Test your limits, and have a blast!
Pep Tunnel
Approximately 12:30 p.m.
Bring the noise for our very own Butler Community College Grizzlies! Butler students will parade from campus to the south end of BG Products Veterans Sports Complex. Head to the pep tunnel when you hear the Grizzly pride coming. You'll be front and center to welcome the home team into the stadium!
Grizzly Football
1:30 p.m.
Feel the roar and join the action as the Butler Community College Grizzlies take on the Snow College Badgers. The game-day atmosphere will be like no other when the Grizzlies hit the field with fierce determination and unstoppable energy. Grab your tickets at butlergrizzlies.com.
Contests
Throughout the Block Party
Can you eat pie fast — like, really fast? Do you have an epic battle cry? Are you sporting the best beard in El Dorado? Then this is your golden opportunity to shine! Contest sign-ups open Sept. 9 on the Gold Fest main page. Get your name on the list to win exclusive merch, Gold Fest vendor tokens, and awesome grand prizes. FREE to participate. Thank you to Bakery 177 for sponsoring the pie eating contest; and to Walnut River Brewery for sponsoring the War Beard Battle Cry and War Beard Best Beard contests.
Chase Holton
5:30 p.m.
Behold El Dorado's own rising star Chase Holton! After his debut single "Missin' Home" landed on country radio, Holton was invited to open for legendary country artist Tracy Byrd. "Missin' Home" reminds fans to always remember where you came from. Holton released his second single "Next To Nowhere" in March 2024. Let loose with friends and make memories that’ll last a lifetime as Holton chases his dreams of being in that big country spotlight!
Shaylen
6:30 p.m.
Since Shaylen took a leap of faith into country music in 2022, she has experienced a meteoric rise, swiftly ascending to become one of the most prominent emerging female artists in the country music scene. After nearly two years of writing and recording country music, Shaylen signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV that has given her the chance to write songs that come straight from her journal. Since her debut single — “What If I Don’t,” a viral streaming sensation on every platform garnering over 26 million streams just on Spotify alone — she has been carving an inimitable mark on Nashville with her six infectious, highly-acclaimed songs released under the Two Hats Music Group banner.
That quickly cemented Shaylen’s status as one to watch. Shaylen has seen continued success with each song released: “Roots” (praised by PEOPLE Magazine), “Cowboys Never Cry,” “Do It Right The First Time,” “Closest Thing to Closure,” and her most recent release, “Been There Before” which Billboard raved “gives off early Taylor Swift vibes at moments, but Shaylen delivers with strong, wisened confidence.”
She even partnered with former Hinder frontman Austin John Winkler for a countrier cover of his breakout hit from 2006, “Lips of an Angel.” As an independent artist who has earned over 100 million cumulative streams across the DSPs in just two short years, Shaylen is free to keep her sound as distinctive as she wants.
Smash Mouth
8 p.m.
Smash Mouth stands tall as a global phenomenon, a force to be reckoned with over its illustrious three-decade journey. From humble origins in San Jose, CA, they've transcended local curiosity, invaded national playlists, and evolved into international live phenoms. Smash Mouth, a name etched in gold as multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated pop-rock icons, has navigated the realms of legendary status with unparalleled finesse.
Their live shows are nothing short of spectacular — exciting, entertaining, and overflowing with hit-laden extravagance. Simply put, EVERYONE loves Smash Mouth.
A trove of international awards, accolades, and achievements over three decades cements Smash Mouth's legacy. Their TV and film appearances are too numerous to count, including the monumental "Shrek." Smash Mouth is the unmistakable soundtrack to the most-watched movie in the history of the universe, forever embracing the title of "The Shrek Band."
Beyond massive international tours with icons like U2, Lenny Kravitz, *NSync, and KISS, Smash Mouth's versatility shines through collaborations with showbiz legends ranging from Engelbert Humperdinck to George Clinton to Neil Diamond. Yet, Smash Mouth's true prowess lies in their music. Between 1997 and 2002, they notched up an extraordinary six top 20 hits, dominating the airwaves at the turn of the century. Two of these hits, "Walkin' On The Sun" and "All-Star," soared to #1 and lingered there, with the latter recently surpassing a mind-boggling ONE BILLION streams on Spotify. Their social media acclaim, recognized by Billboard, Rolling Stone, Newsweek and many other prominent outlets is a testament to their enduring influence, with a YouTube channel boasting over 1 million subscribers.
The five maestros of Smash Mouth (Paul DeLisle, Zach Goode, Michael Klooster, Randy Cooke and Sean Hurwitz) have solidified their international reputation as world-class musicians and performers. Committed to giving 100% effort in every show, their inherent and determined ability to connect with any audience worldwide is nothing short of astounding. Smash Mouth's electrifying live shows make their legions of fans winners every time, a testament to their indomitable spirit and unwavering purpose.