Rocky Mountain National Park Visitor's Guide

Annual Festivals in the Rocky Region

Marathon Race
Estes Park Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K/5K Race - This race, the highest paved marathon in the world and one of the most scenic on a USATF certified course, was named "Best Weekend Getaway Race in 2006" in a Colorado Runner Magazine poll. All four races start and end... [more]
Buffalo BBQ
Buffalo BBQ Parade 1:00 p.m.;
BBQ in Town Park 11-3:00 p.m.
970 627-3372
Incredible Circus Mat
Premiere touring circus troupe complete with incredible acrobats, juggling, contortionists, magic, clowns, stilts, dancing and unicyclists. Sponsored by The Fine Arts Guild of Estes Park. Tickets $5 per person or $15 for a family. 7:30 pm, 07/19/08,... [more]
Fireworks
Independence Day Fireworks -
One of Colorado's most brilliant fireworks displays can be seen throughout the Estes Park area. The explosive charges reach the sky above Lake Estes.
Free, 9:30 pm, Over Lake Estes, 970-577-9900; 800-44-ESTES... [more]
Bands, Brats 'n Beer
Autumn Gold - A Festival of Bands, Brats 'n Beer - Hear great music and enjoy the treats. It's an annual event heralding golden sights and sounds from a series of bands. Performers and times to be announced. 10 am -... [more]
Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival
Now in its 32nd year, there are bagpipe, dance, athletic and other competitions along with premier entertainment at the largest Scottish Festival in the West. 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.6.... [more]
Fireworks
Extravaganza over Grand Lake at dusk - 970 627-3372
Wool Market
The 16th annual fiber festival with two days of exhibits, demonstrations, competitions and vendor booths. Admission is free, 9 am - 5 pm Saturday; 9 am - 4 pm Sunday, 06/14/08 - 06/15/08, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park , 1209 Manford Ave.,... [more]
Alpaca Market
Estes Park Alpaca Market - Featuring Alpaca spinning, weaving and knitting. Alpacas on display and for sale. Beginning at 9 am, 08/30/08 - 08/31/08, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 970-586-6104... [more]
Catch the Glow
Catch the Glow Holiday Celebration & Evening Parade to kick off the holiday season. Visits with Santa, hay rides, pony rides, carolers, costumed characters and an early-evening lighted parade, all activities are free. Downtown Estes Park, activities begin at Noon; the parade starts at 5:30 pm, 970-577-9900 or 800-44-ESTES
Geometry!
Geometry...the Sacred and Profane - The Art Center will be hosting special guest, friend and lecturer, Chuck Benson. Benson will guide us from the time of Plato and Archimedes to the time of Einstein and modern digital fractal generation, while exploring geometry and the sacred aspects of its... [more]
Taste of Estes
Quota Club's annual dining extravaganza fund raiser! Featuring an edible showcase of Estes Park's finest restaurants highlighting their menu specialites! Tickets $15 in advance available at the Estes Park Visitors Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave. $18 at the door. Since tickets often sell out prior to... [more]
Auto Extravaganza
The focus is on Model T's, but you're likely to find any number of vintage autos on display in Bond Park. Free, 10 am - 3 pm, 08/16/08, Bond Park in the center of Downtown, 970-586-6104... [more]
Heritage Festival
A celebration of the history of Estes Park, including storytelling, musical performances, and exhibits. Free, 10 am - 5 pm, 08/23/08 - 08/24/08, Bond Park in the Center of Downtown, 970-577-1903... [more]
Coolest Car Show
Check out vintage cars from the 1920s and beyond. Cost for close-up inspections are $4 per adult, $2 for children, free for those under 6. $10 for the whole family, or $2 for students.
Bond Park in the center of Downtown,... [more]
Autumn Art Walk
Autumn Art Walk & Studio Tour - A self-guided tour of galleries and artist studios throughout area. Tour directories available at the Cultural Arts Council at 304 E Elkhorn Ave, visitors centers, and participating artist studios. Free, 10 am, 09/13/08 - 09/14/08, Area art galleries,... [more]
Quilt Colorado
See beautiful quilts and browse the Merchants Mall. Learn about quilts and quilt making. Admission fee is $7 per day for adults, $6 for seniors 62 and over. Children under 12 admitted free. Sponsored by Colorado Quilting Council $7. Thurs-Sat 10-6... [more]
Fall Folk Festival
970.627.3372
Memorial Day Parade
Memorial Day Parade 10:00 a.m. with Memorial Day observance after parade in Town Park. Military Flyover 12:00 p.m. 970.627.3372... [more]
Paint Our Town
Estes Park Plein Air "Paint Our Town" - Estes Park Plein Air artists will be painting along the Riverwalk and throughout the downtown area. A Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park event. 9 am - 4 pm, 08/21/08, Along the Riverwalk... [more]
Night in Morocco
6:00 p.m.
Featured Artist Reception
Featured Artist Reception - Grand Theatre 5-7:00 p.m.
Memorial Weekend Celebration
Memorial Weekend Celebration-sidewalk sales on boardwalk... [more]
Teddy Bear Picnic
24th Annual Teddy Bear Picnic - A free day of fun for Teddy Bears and humans of all ages. Bring your special bear or your whole collection along with a picnic for your families. Drinks and treats for a nominal charge. Games and contests with prizes. Bring a... [more]
Imagine This!
This family arts festival is part of the largest annual arts extravaganza in Estes Park. Although geared primarily for children, participants of all ages will enjoy a potpourri of creative visual art experiences, hands-on activities and live musical and dance performances. Sponsored by the Cultural Arts Council of... [more]
Fine Arts & Crafts Festival
34th annual 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. Sponsored by the Fine Arts Guild of... [more]
Fishing Derby
A fun day of free fishing on Lake Estes. Contests in all age categories for "biggest catch" and more. 8 am - 12 noon, 06/07/08, Lake Estes Marina, 1770 Big Thompson Ave, 970-586-8191... [more]
Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Egg Hunt - Town Park - 11:00 a.m. 970.627.8428
Pancake Breakfast
A great way to start the holiday is with a breakfast of eggs, juice, coffee,and of course pancakes.
7 - 10:30 am, Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church, epcrossroads@beyondbb.com... [more]
Grand Lake Historical Society
Grand Lake Historical Society Annual Meeting & Program 7:00 p.m. 970.627.9466
Jazz Fest & Art Walk
For two days the mountains are alive with the sounds of great jazz at the outdoor amphitheater at Performance Park. Visitors will also enjoy exploring unique galleries exhibiting exceptional art. Art Walk maps are available at the jazz festival in Performance Park.... [more]
Winter Trails Day
February 16th, 2008 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Park and Ride lot near Glacier Basin, Off Bear Lake Road. Rocky Mountain National Park www.wintertrails.org This international event offers those new to snow sports an opportunity to try snowshoeing FREE. It... [more]
Spring Fine Arts and Crafts Fair
Spring Fine Arts and Crafts Fair - Town Park 970.627.3372
Ruckus in the Rockies
JRTCA Jack Russell Terrier Trials Trials provide an opportunity for Jack Russell Terrier owners to get to know each other, get together with terrier friends and in general have a good time with their pets.... [more]
Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
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... [more]
MacGregor Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner
A benefit to help preserve Western heritage and youth education programs. Late afternoon activities from 3-5 pm include haywagon rides, barn tours, museum tours, nature trail, Maude's Mercaqntile, natural beef and a silent auction From 5-7:30 pm, there will be a chuckwagon supper. Entertainment follows.... [more]
Western Weekend
61st Annual Buffalo BBQ - 970 627-3372
Rooftop Rodeo
Dust off those cowboy hats and polish up those spurs! Nominated in 2007 as the Outstanding Small Rodeo in the nation, the 2008 Rooftop Rodeo includes six exciting PRCA Rodeo performances starting at 7:30 pm each evening beginning Tuesday, July 8 and going through and Sunday, July 13. Saddle bronc... [more]
Pancake Breakfast
Rotary Pancake Breakfast - 7-11:00 a.m.
Beach Party
Sample wine and beer while nibbling appetizers or dancing to the Kings of Swing. $25 at the door 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Estes Park Conference Center 201 S St Vrain... [more]
Film Festival
3rd Annual Estes Park Film Festival - A showcase of new independent feature films, documentaries, and short films from around the country. 09/11/08 - 09/14/08, The Historic Park Theatre, 130 Moraine Ave, 970-231-2580, www.estesparkfilm.com... [more]
Studio Tour
3rd Annual Estes Park Studio Tour - an opportunity for the public to visit artists in their studios, watch artists as they work and ask questions, and to be able to experience the art process in the artists habitat. Free,... [more]
Tophands Antique Show
A collector's treasure trove of special finds available from more than 50 vendors. Free, Barn W - Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 10 am - 5 pm, 05/24/08 - 05/25/08, 970-577-9900. 800-44-ESTES... [more]

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