Incredible Estes Park Events and Festivals

January 2010 Estes Park Events and Festivals

Winter Festival
Location: Throughout the Estes Park area
Dates: 01/15/10 - 01/18/10
Event Contact: 970-0577-9900; 800-44-ESTES
Ticket Price: Varies with Event
Website: www.estesparkcvb.com/events

Event Description: An eco-friendly festival featuring contests, cowboy poetry and ghost stories, aquatic center activities, tours at the Observatory, Snowman making in Bond Park, a scavenger hunt, chili cookoff, horse and carriage rides, private photo tours and a snowman decorating contest. All combined with an EarthFest celebration.

Winter Trails Day
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Adress: Park & Ride Lot neart Glacier Basin
Dates: 01/16/10
Event Contact: 970-577-9900; 800-44-ESTES
Ticket Price: Free, but Park entrance fee applies
Event Description: A day of free snowshoe trials, on-site information and a Challenge Clinic from the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Earth Fest
Location: Stanley Hotel
Time: 1 pm - 10 pm
Adress: 333 Wonderview Ave
Dates: 01/16/10
Event Contact: 970-586-7115
Ticket Price: General Admission $10 for adults; $5 for children. Dinner tickets available for $20.
Event Description: A day to learn about sustainability and ecologically friendly interaction with nature. Stanley Hotel.

32nd Frost Giant 5K and 10K Winter Races
Beginning Time: Starting line is at Estes Park Town Hall
Time: 5K starts at 11 am; 10K at noon
Adress: 170 MacGregor Ave
Dates: 01/31/10
Event Contact: 970-586-8191
Ticket Price: Call for entry fees
Event Description: High altitude 5K and 10K treks down MacGregor Avenue and through the historic MacGregor Ranch pastures. Multiple age divisions. Check in at Town Hall in downtown Estes Park.

February 2010 Estes Park Events and Festivals

Check back for 2011 events! Join us for your next Valentine's Day getaway.

March 2010 Estes Park Events and Festivals

Snowshoe Ecology Tours with a Ranger
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
Time: Tours begin at 12:30 PM
Dates: Every Saturday & Sunday in March
Event Description: Two hour beginner-level snowshoe tour with a ranger to explore the natural world of the sub-alpine forest while learning about snowshoe skills and winter safety. Equipment not provided. Park entry fees apply. For safety reasons children under 8 are not allowed. Reservations required. Call 970-586-1223 Mondays through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm, up to seven days in advance.

First Annual Bridal Crawl
Location: LakeShore Lodge - 1700 Big Thompson Ave
Time: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Dates: 03/08/10
Event Description: Tour the Estes area’s premier wedding venues, each set up to help you imagine your wedding and reception. The day's events open at Lake Shore Lodge at 10:30 am. Participants will be bused to various locations before ending their day with a gathering at Lake Shore Lodge. Buses depart at noon and return at 4 pm. See website for pricing www.estesparkweddings.com/bridalcrawl

April 2009

2009 Lyceum Series
Location: Beaver Meadows Vistors Center - Rocky Mountain National Park headquarters
Time: 7:00 PM
Dates: April 4, 11, 18 & 25
Event Description: Focus is on how the natural world influences and inspires artists. A variety of singers, musicians, painters, sculptures, wood carvers, performance artists, writers, quilters, and photographers will share their talents.

Taste of Estes
Location: Estes Park Conference Center - 201 S. St. Vrain
Time: 5 PM – 8 PM
Dates: April 22, 2010
Event Description: Quota Club's annual dining extravaganza fund raiser featuring an edible showcase of Estes Park's finest restaurants highlighting their menu specialties. Because tickets often sell out prior to the event, diners are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Money raised is used for Quota Club's various youth, adult and senior community projects.
Ticket prices: $18.00 in advance, $20.00 at the door

Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies
Presents: The Odd Couple
Location: Park Village Playhouse - 900 Moraine Ave.
Time: Friday & Saturday – 7:30 pm - Sunday – 2 pm
Dates: 04/24/09 - 04/24/10
Event Description: Enjoy an innovative adaptation to a female version of the original 1965 Broadway play by Neil Simon. Adults $14; 18 & under $8 - Advanced tickets: Adults $12; 18 and under $6

May 2010 Estes Park Events and Festivals

Estes Park Duck Race
Location: Begins at Nicky’s Resort
Ends at Riverside Plaza
Time: Noon until the last duck comes in
Dates: May 1, 2010
Event Description: Rotary Club's annual race for charity. Win prizes; enjoy non-stop parties and entertainment at both ends of the race. Grand prizes include travel to notable vacation destinations. The Duck Race is the largest general charitable fund drive for 62 charities and non-profit organizations in the Estes Valley. No admission. Ducks can be purchased from various local non-profit organizations

Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies
Presents: The Odd Couple
Location: Park Village Playhouse - 900 Moraine Ave.
Time: Friday & Saturday – 7:30 pm Sunday – 2 pm
Dates: 05/01/10 - 05/03/10
Event Description: Enjoy an innovative adaptation to a female version of the original 1965 Broadway play by Neil Simon.
Adults $14; 18 & under $8
Advanced tickets: Adults $12; 18 and under $6

Art Market
Location: Bond Park (Downtown Estes Park)
Time: Saturday & Sunday 9 am to 6 pm; Monday 9 am to 3 pm
Dates: 05/23/09 - 05/24/10
Event Description: More than 90-juried artisans assemble to kick off the summer season and to showcase their art in Bond Park in the center of downtown Estes Park. Fine arts and crafts from local, regional and national artisans will be for sale.
Admission Free

Estes Park Antique and Collectables Show
Location: Barn W- Fairgrounds at Stanley Park
1209 Manford Ave.
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Dates: 05/22/10 - 05/23/10
Event Description: A collector's treasure trove of special finds available from more than 50 vendors. The Estes Park Antiques and Collectables Show is sponsored by Top Hands as a fund raiser for the award-winning Rooftop Rodeo.
Admission : $1.00

June 2010 Estes Park Events and Festivals

24th Annual Fishing Derby
Location: Lake Estes Marina
Time: Registration at 6:30am (Lake Estes Marina store northeast side of lake)
Derby: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Dates: June 5, 2010
Event Description: The Fishing Derby is held at Lake Estes which is stocked with trout, mostly rainbows, from CDOW the day prior to the event. The Fishing Derby is for fishermen of all ages. Approximately 250 – 300 people attend each year.
There will be a contest for “largest fish” in four age groups - for one male and one female - with prizes donated by Estes Park merchants. Categories are: ages 9 and under; 10–15 years; 16–59, and 60 and over. A grand prize will be awarded for the biggest catch overall.
Registration is $4 per person on the day of the event. Pre-registration is $3.
The $5 day-use fee for vehicles at Lake Estes will be waived on Derby Day.
June 6 & 7 are “free fishing” days in the State of Colorado. Fishing licenses are not required by the state on those two days.

Wool Market
Location: Fairgrounds at Stanley Park
1209 Manford Ave.
Time: Saturday 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday 9 am to 4 pm
Dates: 06/10/10 - 06/11/10
Event Description: Two days of workshops for fiber and natural craft enthusiasts. Included are two-day sessions, one-day workshops and half-day learning sessions, covering everything from caning seats for chairs and spinning exotic fibers to creating variegated yarns using natural dye extracts. Classes fill early, so registration is necessary.
Free

Rocky Mountain Brewfest
Location: Estes Park Brewery
470 Prospect Village Drive
Time: Noon – 5pm
Dates: 06/12/10
Event Description: Taste some locally brewed beer, along with more than 15 other Colorado Craft Brewers. Listen to live music and enjoy the afternoon. Admission includes souvenir glass, food ticket and beer samples. You must be 21 or over to attend; no admission for children or pets.
Ticket price: $30.00

Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
Location: Bond Park (downtown Estes Park)
Time: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm and 10 am - 4 pm Sunday
Dates: 06/26/10 - 06/27/10
Event Description: Scandinavians celebrate the summer solstice - the longest day of the year - with a festival of music, flowers, and food in Estes Park the last weekend in June. Festivities begin on Saturday morning with the raising of the Maypole and a colorful opening ceremony. Entertainment by folk dance groups and Scandinavian musicians. Scandinavian food and crafts of all kinds available. All daytime activities of the festival are free and open to the public.

July 2010 Estes Park Events and Festivals

Arabian Horse Show
Location: Fairgrounds at Stanley Park
1209 Manford Ave. (Hwy 36 & Community Dr)
Dates: 07/03/10 – 07/04/10
Event Description: Enjoy a show of magnificent horses. The Arabian horse is one of the oldest horse breeds In the world. The Arabian is noted for intelligence and stamina.
Free

July 4th Fireworks
Location: Located between Hwy 34 & Hwy 36.
Time: Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm.
Dates: 07/04/10
Event Description: Celebrate your July 4th holiday with a FREE fireworks

Coolest Car Show
Location: Bond Park (downtown Estes Park)
Time: 9am – 3pm
Dates: 07/04/10
Event Description: Enjoy seeing vintage cars dating back to the 1920’s. Awards are given out at 2pm by vehicle class.
Cost for close up inspection of cars: $4.00/adults - $2.00/students - maximum $10.00/families

Rooftop Rodeo
Location: Rodeo Arena Fairgrounds
Dates: 07/06/10 - 07/11/10
Event Description: The rodeo begins with a parade on Tuesday, July 6 at 10:30 am in downtown Estes Park.
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) cowboys compete in saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, bareback bronc riding, barrel racing and bull riding.
Evening activities begin at 5:30 pm with the rodeo starting at 7:30 pm.
General Admission $15 Adults; $5 Kids. Box Seats $20

Cowboy Sing-Along
Location: Bond Park, downtown Estes Park
Time: 7 pm
Dates:Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
Event Description: Featuring Cowboy Brad and Kathy Fitch. Brad and Kathy specialize in original acoustic folk, family and western music. They are known for their melodic folk music and songs.

John Denver Tribute Concert
Location: Rodeo Arena Fairgrounds at Stanley Park
Time: Gates open at 4:30 pm; performance at 7:30 pm
Dates: 07/16/10
Event Description: Featuring Brad & Kathy Fitch and the TropiCowboy Band. Brad and Kathy have performed John Denver tribute concerts for the Rocky Mountain Nature Association, the City of Fort Collins, The Cancer Center of Arizona's annual fund-raiser, and the Town of Estes Park. The concerts, which feature John Denver's songs, have set attendance records.
Sponsored by the Lions Club of Estes Park to fund community projects and their college scholarship fund.
General Admission: $20 in advance/$25 at Gate/Kids Under 6 Free; Box Seats: $30 in advance/$35 at Gate/$15 Kids Under 6

Hunter Jumper Horse Show Festival I
Location: Fairgrounds at Stanley Park
Time: 8 am
Dates: 07/28/10 – 07/31/10
Event Description: Competitions involve negotiating fences resembling natural obstacles that might be found in the Hunting field. Jumpers can be any breed and size. Competition is based solely on speed, strength, and the ability to jump as cleanly as possible.
FREE

August 2010 Estes Park Events and Festivals

Hunter Jumper Horse Show Festival II
Location: Fairgrounds at Stanley Park
Time: 8 am
Dates: 08/4/10 – 08/08/10
Event Description: Competitions involve negotiating fences resembling natural obstacles that might be found in the Hunting field. Jumpers can be any breed and size. Competition is based solely on speed, strength, and the ability to jump as cleanly as possible.
FREE

Hunter Jumper Horse Show Festival III
Location: Fairgrounds at Stanley Park
Time: 8 am
Dates: 08/11/10 - 08/15/10
Event Description: Competitions involve negotiating fences resembling natural obstacles that might be found in the Hunting field. Jumpers can be any breed and size. Competition is based solely on speed, strength, and the ability to jump as cleanly as possible.
FREE

Cowboy Sing-Along
Location: Bond Park, downtown Estes Park
Time: 7 pm
Dates: Sunday, Monday & Tuesday
August 2 - 17
Event Description: Featuring Cowboy Brad and Kathy Fitch. Brad and Kathy specialize in original acoustic folk, family and western music. They are known for their melodic folk music and songs.
FREE

Auto Extravaganza
Location: Bond Park in downtown Estes Park
Time: 10 am – 3 pm
Dates: 08/14/10
Event Description: This year's Extravaganza will spotlight British vehicles; but you're likely to find any number of vintage autos on display in Bond Park.

Heritage Festival
Location: Bond Park in downtown Estes Park
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Dates: 08/21/10 - 08/22/10
Event Description: The Heritage Festival represents a celebration of the important history of Estes Park.
Musical events on stage go through each day, surrounded by heritage demonstrations, crafts, a petting zoo, Stanley Steam car rides, wagon rides from MacGregor Ranch; all celebrating the history of the Estes Valley.

September 2010 Estes Park Events and Festivals

Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show
Location: Bond Park
Elkhorn Ave. & MacGregor Ave
Time: 9 am - 5 pm
Dates: 09/04/10 - 09/05/10
Event Description: Arts and crafts displayed and are sold from vendors across the region.

Estes Park Alpaca Mart
Location: Fairgrounds at Stanley Park
Time: 10 a.m.
Dates: 09/04/10 - 09/05/10
Event Description: Featuring Alpaca spinning, weaving and knitting; plus demonstrations, exhibits and lectures. Alpacas on display and for sale.

Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival
Location: Stanley Park
Time: Festival Grounds open 9 am - 5 pm
Dates: 09/09/10 - 09/12/10
Event Description: Bagpipes & drums, Highland & Irish Dancing, Folk music, jousting, athletic and other competitions at the largest Scottish Festival in the West.
$20 advanced tickets; $25 at the gate
One of the highlights: an hour-long parade of bands on Elkhorn Avenue through downtown Estes Park beginning at 9:30 am on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Estes Park Film Festival
Location: Historic Park Theater
130 Moraine Ave.
Time: Call for schedule and ticket information.
970-231-2580
Dates: 09/17/10 - 09/19/10
Event Description: A showcase of new independent feature films, documentaries, and short films from around the country.

Fine Arts and Crafts Festival
Location: Bond Park, downtown Estes Park
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Dates: 09/18/10 - 09/19/10
Event Description: The 35th juried show featuring 95 artists from across the country. Festival includes work selected as the best of all entries. Wearable art, sculpture, photography, jewelry, folk art, glass, wood, leather, metal, ceramics, oil, pencil drawings and watercolor paintings.

Autumn Gold - A Festival of Beer, Brats & Bands
Location: Bond Park, downtown Estes Park
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Dates: 09/25/10 - 09/26/10
Event Description: Hear great music and enjoy the brats and local beers. It's an annual event heralding the golden sights and sounds of autumn.
Admission: Free - Charge for Beer and Brats

October 2010 Estes Park Events and Festivals

Elk Fest
Location: Bond Park, downtown Estes Park
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Dates: 10/02/10 - 10/03/10
Event Description: A celebration honoring the American elk that calls Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park its home. Seminars, bugling contests, elk tours, a Mountain Man encampment, Native American music and dancing, and edible products from elk.

Surprise Sidewalk Sale
Location: Shops in downtown Estes Park
Time: 10 am – 5:30 pm
Dates: 10/2/10 - 10/3/10
Event Description: The fact that there's a sale isn't the surprise. It happens at the end of every summer season. The big surprise is what you'll find when you come. Merchants set up tables on the sidewalks and in the shops to offer special pricing on many items. A great way to do your Christmas shopping!

November 2010 Estes Park Events and Festivals

Estes Park Music Festival Winter Concert
Location:Stanley Hotel
Address: Rocky Mountain National Park Headquarters
Time: 7 pm
Dates: 11/07/10, 11/14/10, 11/21/10, 11/28/10
Ticket Price: Free
Event Description:Generally classical music is played in an intimate setting at the Stanley Hotel.

Beaver Meadows Evening Programs
Location: Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
Address: Rocky Mountain National Park Headquarters
Time: 7 pm
Dates: 11/06/10, 11/13/10, 11/20/10, 11/27/10
Ticket Price: Free
Event Description: A wide variety of informative programs that cover issues pertaining to the preservation of the ecology of the national parks

7th Holiday Art Exhibition & Sale
Location: Cultural Arts Council Fine Art Gallery
Address: 423 W. Elkhorn Ave.
Time: Noon
Dates: 11/20/10
Ticket Price: Free
Event Contact: 970-586-9203
Email: info@estesarts.com
Website: www.estesarts.com
Event Description: Annual fine art exhibit featuring 73 visual artist members of the Cultural Arts Council in a variety of fine arts & crafts mediums.

Catch the Glow Holiday Celebration
Location: Downtown Estes Park
Address: Elkhorn Ave.
Time: Noon - 5:30 pm
Dates: 11/26/10
Ticket Price: All activities are free.
Event Description: An annual celebration to kick off the holiday season. Beginning at noon children will be able to visit with Santa, enjoy hay rides and pony rides and be entertained by characters and animals throughout the downtown area.

An early-evening lighted parade begins at 5:30 pm. All activities are free.

December 2010 Estes Park Events and Festivals

Friends of the Library Pre-Christmas Used Book Sale
Location: Hondius Room, Estes Park Public Library
Address: 335 E. Elkhorn Avenue
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Dates: 12/03/10 - 12/04/10
Event Contact: 970-586-8116
Email: stevejm51@aol.com
Website: www.esteslibrary.org
Event Description: The Friends of the Library's Pre-Christmas Used Book Sale will sell fiction, mysteries, non-fiction, cookbooks and children’s books, as well as a selection of Christmas-themed books.

Holiday Home Tour
Location: Estes Park Area Homes
Address: Throughout the Estes Park area
Time: 11 am - 4 pm
Dates: 12/04/10
Ticket Price: Tickets $12 in advance; $15 on the day of the tour.
Get Tickets at: Tickets with maps are available at the Estes Park Visitors Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave.
Event Contact: 970-586-5800
Event Description: The annual tour of homes in the Estes Park area showcases unique mountain abodes decked out in holiday finery.

Fantasy Ball
Dates: 12/11/10
Event Contact: 970-586-9519
Event Description: 17th annual gala hosted by the Estes Park Music Festival.