Estes Park and elk go together like marshmallows and graham crackers. In September and October the local “wapiti”, the Native American word for elk, gather for the rut which is the mating season. The wind carries from far and near the strange sound of bugling elk bulls. It starts with deep “humph” sounds that go quickly up the scales to a very high pitched drawn out bugle, then it drops down to grunts. Continue reading
September 6-9 Estes Park hosts the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival complete with a parade, shows and competitions in jousting, pipe bands, hammer and caber throwing, dancing, singing, harp, a dog show and more. This event truly has something for everyone. Continue reading
This Labor Day Weekend Bond Park, in downtown Estes Park, will be transformed into a spectacular art show with over 100 booths featuring a large diversity of handcrafted treasures. Amazing wood carvings, antler art, metal work, paintings and original art in every medium, all handcrafted, will be offered.
The Five Time Winner of the PRCA “Best Small Rodeo of the Year” award is back! Kick up your heels and enjoy some western hospitality at the Estes Park Rooftop Rodeo!
Six days of festivities begin with the traditional Rooftop Rodeo Parade, Continue reading
MAY
4-6 and 11-13 – Deathtrap, Hempel Family Program Building, YMCA of the Rockies, 7 pm, adults only $15.
5 -24th Annual Estes Park Duck Race, begins at Nicky’s Resort on the Fall River at 12 noon, duck drop at 1 pm, ends at Riverside Plaza in downtown Estes Park, $20. Contact 970-586-9519 or epduckrace.org.
5 – Spring Sidewalk Sale, Elkhorn Ave. downtown, 10 am, free. Contact 970-577-9900; 800-443-7837. Continue reading
AUGUST
3 – 7: Hunter Jumper Festival, 8am until done, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 970-577-9900, Free.
5 – 7: Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, 4 to 8pm Friday, 9 to 5pm Saturday, 11 to 8pm Sunday, Estes Park Conference Center, 970-586-8116, Free.
8: Jazz Big Band Concert, 7pm, Performance Park Amphitheater, Free.
11: Dick Zavodny Polka Band, 7pm, Performance Park Amphitheater, Free.
12: Wild Okipa Marimba Ensemble, 7:30pm, Hemple Building, YMCA of the Rockies, 970-586-3341, Free.
13: Auto Extravaganza Vintage Car Show, 10 to 3pm, Bond Park Downtown, 970-577-9900, Free.
17: Deja Blu, 7pm, Performance Park Amphitheater, Free.
18: Estes Park Village Band, 7pm, Performance Park Amphitheater, Free.
19-20: Senior Professional Rodeo, 7pm, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 970-577-9900, $12 Gen. Admission; 8 and under free, Box Seats $20.
19 – 21: Paragon Dressage Horse Show, 8am ëtil done, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 970-577-9900, Free.
21: Draft Horse Show, 8am, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 970-577-9900, Free.
24: Kim Lankford, 7pm, Performance Park Amphitheater, Free.
25: Matthew Gurnsey, 7pm, Performance Park Amphitheater, Free.
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April 2: Chamber Music Society Fireside Concert, 7 pm., Cultural Arts Council Fine Art Gallery, 423 W Elkhorn Ave., free, contact jeand@airbits.com.
April 3: The Colorado Brass Quintet, 2 pm., Stanley Hotel, 333 E Wonderview Ave., www.estesparkmusicfestival.org
April 9: 13th Annual Student Expressions, Park District Student K-12 District Art Show, opening12 noon to 5 pm., Cultural Arts Center Fine Art Gallery, 423 W Elkhorn Ave., exhibit continues through April 23, free, contact info@estesarts.com.
April 14 and 15: It’s Showtime!, 7 pm. both dates, Estes Park High School Auditorium, 1600 Manford Ave., tickets $10 in advance; $12 at the door; students and children free, contact 970-586-9519. Continue reading
These well-organized, fun and challenging races are a combination of road and cross country running. Sponsored by the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District the race runs down MacGregor Avenue in Estes Park and on out to the historic MacGregor ranch adjacent to Lumpy Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park. The off road portion of the race is on trails that run through wide open pastures that showcase stunning range views.
This high altitude race was co-founded in 1979 by Chip Salaun, who was a mountaineer, triathlete and author. Salaun had a passion for the area and laid out the course to challenge all levels of runners. In April of 1985 Salaun fell into a crevasse while climbing Mt. Cook in New Zealand, his remains were not recovered. Runners claim the breeze that blows during the race is his spirit pushing them on. Continue reading
7th: Artists and Students Party at the Art Center of Estes Park, 5:00 pm to 7:00. A gathering of new artists, students and mentors. FREE Contact info: 970-586-5882 www.artcenterofestes.com.
14-17: Winter Festival! Downtown Estes Park event features a chili cook-off, scavenger hunt, horse and carriage rides, contests and more. 970-577-9900; 800-44-ESTES or www.estesparkcvb.com.
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Fall has arrived in all her splendor here in Estes Park and excitement is building for the upcoming “Catch the Glow” Christmas Parade on Friday, November 26th, at 5:30 pm. The annual parade is held on the day after Thanksgiving, downtown, just as the sun sets.
The parade is fun and beautiful with sparkling lights, decorated floats, marching bands, and the guest of honor, Santa and his sleigh filled with toys and goodies end the parade.
Beginning at noon on Friday, Elkhorn Avenue will host strolling carolers, storybook characters, hay rides, pony rides, and most importantly, an opportunity to visit with Santa himself.
Come on up to the prettiest little town in the mountains, the day after Thanksgiving at noon, with the parade starting at 5:30, and all of it is Free!
More information:
970-577-9900; 800-44-ESTES
