Springtime in the Rockies...

by Jesse Speers

by Michael Hodges

by Jesse Speer

Spring brings mild temperatures, fluffy white snows and showers to feed the wildflowers.

Runoff fills the rivers, bull elk and buck deer drop their antlers, spotted fawns, elk calves and moose calves are hidden in the new green foliage and bighorn sheep graze right along the roadsides near Estes. Renewal time!

Spring vacationers in March enjoy downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, horseback riding (east), hiking (east). It's a beautiful time of the year - big snows and mild winter temperatures make outdoor advertures particularly invigorating.

Spring Events

Dog Pull

23rd Annual Dog Weight Pull - During two days of competition the strength of favorite Fidos will be tested as they pull weighted sleds. The dogs pull with a specially designed harness that dispenses weight evenly. Dogs from four different states;... [more]

Park Movie

See the stunning 23 minute Park movie at the Beaver Meadows and Kawuneeche Visitor Centers during normal business hours. Spectacular aerial footage of the rugged high country of Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as wildlife and other park resources.

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Egg Hunt - Town Park - 11:00 a.m. 970.627.8428

Memorial Weekend Celebration

Memorial Weekend Celebration-sidewalk sales on boardwalk... [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]

Talking With

Written by Jane Martin and produced by the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies. "Talking With" takes a look at love and loss, desire and dysfunction through the eyes of five women. The play is engaging, enlightening and thought provoking. The audience will have an opportunity to... [more]

Women's History Month

Womens History Month Celebration Luncheon & Bess Truman Living History Program. Park Village Playhouse. 11:30 am

Estes Valley Historic Tour

Join Estes Park Historian Laureate Jim Pickering for a tour of some of the most noteworthy historic sites in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Sites range from the Estes family homestead to the English Hotel; from the Hondius homestead to Spragues Resort. Some carpooling will be... [more]

Comedia

Comedia produced by the Boulder Ballet. Reusch Auditorium, YMCA of the Rockies. 7:30 pm... [more]

High Country Health

High Country Health & Medicine, an exhibit that examines the history of human health and medical practices in the Estes Valley, Estes Park Museum.

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]

March Specials

Check out the March Specials that Estes Park businesses have listed for this month. ... [more]

Expression in Fiber

Artistic Expression in Fiber - Opening exhibit and reception with fabulous art quilts by Annette Kennedy, renowned for superb detail and beautiful colorations in wall creations and silk garments. Free, 5 pm, 05/16/08, Art Center of Estes Park, 517 Big... [more]

Cabin Fever Follies

Cabin Fever Follies - Community House 7:00 p.m. 970.627.3097

Dog Weight Pull

23rd Annual Dog Weight Pull - During two days of competition the strength of favorite Fidos will be tested as they pull weighted sleds. The dogs pull with a specially designed harness that dispenses weight evenly. Dogs... [more]

Wake up to Spring

Rocky Mountain Nature Association Field Seminar
The transition from winter to spring offers insights into the natural history of organisms and function of ecosystems that are not often appreciated in summer visits to the field. Spring Ecology is a survey of physical and biological processes as snow-covered... [more]

Train Songs and Tales

Train Songs and Tales of the Westward Rails. David Seay weaves tales of the 1880 westward expansion of the railroad. Estes Park Museum. 7 pm May 16:

Art Auction

Works by local artists will be featured Earthwood Collections. 6 pm. May 23. Art Auction for the Performing Arts.

Bella Luna

Produced by the Boulder Ballet; Boulder County's major professional dance company and school. Sponsored by the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies. $14.00 Adults / $8.00 (ages 18 & under) for tickets purchased at the door $12.00 Adults / $6.00... [more]

Featured Artist Reception

Featured Artist Reception - Grand Theatre 5-7:00 p.m.

Rocky Mountain National Park Research Conference

Rocky Mountain National Parks 2008 Biennial Research Conference will be held on April 7, 8 and 9, in the Estes Park Town Board Room. More than thirty-five scientists, social scientists, and historians are expected to attend this three-day meeting to discuss a variety... [more]

Oratorio Society Concert

Celebrating their 20th year, the Oratorio Society Chorus and Chamber Orchestra of Estes Park, under the direction of Claudia Irwin, will present Franz Joseph Haydn's Mass for Lord Nelson. The Chamber Orchestra will also perform Haydn's Symphony #104, the London Symphony. No... [more]

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]

Art Market

More than 90 artisans assemble to kick off the summer season and to showcase their art in Bond Park in the center of downtown Estes Park. Fine art and crafts from local, regional and national artisans will be for sale. Saturday... [more]

Bingo

Bingo - Grand Lake Town Park 7:30 p.m.

Winter Snowshoe Hike for Anglers

Rocky Mountain Nature Association Field Seminar
This course is an outdoor, winter adventure that will explore favorite fishing locations in Rocky Mountain National Park. Participants will learn how winter ecology affects the hatch and will examine aquatic ecosystems. The course will also include discussion on preparing for outdoor recreation... [more]

Concert in the Pines

Concert in the Pines - Community House 7:30 p.m. 970.627.3097

Tour to Loveland

Public Art Tour of Loveland displays led by Ken Jesson - Transportation from the Estes Park Museum is included; lunch is separate, 8:30 am 3 pm, call 970-586-6256 for reservations. $18 per person or $15 for members of the Estes... [more]

Learning Lessons

Spring Lyceum Series. Learning Lessons: Management Decisions of the Past and Future. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. 7 pm

Indian Ghost Dances

Thinking Beyond Wounded Knee: The American Indian Ghost Dances as Expressions of Identity and Survival Author Gregory E. Smoak presents information about The Ghost Dance movements of the late nineteenth century which have been interpreted as the last gasp of a... [more]

Saturday Night in the Park

Enjoy an evening program at 7 pm on the second Saturday of each month in the auditorium at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. For a description of topics, inquire at the front desk.

Monitoring Climate

Spring Lyceum Series. Monitoring Climate in and Around Rocky Mountain National Park. Brent Frakes, Rocky Mountain Network Data Manager for the National Park Service, will provide an overview of the natural resources monitoring effort. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Auditorium. 7 pm

Leonberger Club

Leonberger Club of Americas National Specialty Show. Sanctioned events with 150 dogs from the oldest and largest breed club... [more]

Variety - the Spice of Life

Variety...the Spice of Life - Opening exhibit and reception featuring watercolor artist, Cynthia Price Reedy. Come enjoy an array of landscapes, portraiture and colorful abstracts. 970-586-5882, info@artcenterofestes.com, www.artcenterofestes.com, Art Center of Estes Park,... [more]

April Specials

Check out the special offers that Estes Park businesses have listed for this month. ... [more]

Parade of Years

Celebrate the 23rd annual Parade of the Years as Stanley Steamers and other vintage cars recreate the historical trip up the Big Thompson Canyon bringing the first tourists of the season to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. The classic cars will be on exhibit in the... [more]

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]

Country Dance Night

Get your boots on for Country Dance Night at 9 pm = Bringing country to Estes Park Free dance lessons at 7 pm.

Herb Thompson Remembered

Exhibit examining the legacy of this noted Estes Park watercolor artist. Estes Park Museum. Through April 11:

St. Baldrick's

St. Baldrick's. Shaving the Way to Conquer Kid's Cancer. Crags Lodge. 5 pm

Before Estes

Before Estes: Native Cultures of the Mountain Valley - Exhibit opening and reception. Discover the history of the native peoples of the Estes Valley. Sponsored by the Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation and the Town of Estes Park Free, Estes Park Museum, 970-586-6256,... [more]

Spring Bird Walk

Join a local expert for birding at one of the best times of the year. Bring binoculars and a field guide and meet at the Cub Lake Trailhead. Monday, Friday & Saturday. 8 am 1.5 hours

Landscape Painting

Landscape Painting - Water Color and Gauache
Rocky Mountain Nature Association Field Seminar
Learn to create an amazing landscape painting with simple, easy-to-apply methods. In this studio-based seminar, learn a plein-air painting method that you can take to the Park. With this method and your "kit... [more]

Estes Park Sings

A musical variety program performed by an array of Estes Parks professional and semi-professional artists. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Estes Park. $20, 7:30 pm, 04/25/08 - 04/26/08, Mountain View Fellowship Church.... [more]

Concert

Estes Park Music Festival Winter Concert Series 04/06/08
Barbara Barber Violin Students. 04/20/08
Peggy Lyon, clarinet and cello. 04/27/08
Margaret Patterson, piano.... [more]

May Specials

Check out the special offers that Estes Park businesses have listed for this month. ... [more]

Snowshoe Kawuneeche for Beginners

Sundays, December 9 -March 2. Join a beginner level 2-hour snowshoe tour with a ranger. Meet at 1:30 pm at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Please bring your own snowshoes and ski poles with large baskets. Children under 8 years of age are not allowed on this activity. Reservations are required... [more]

Women's History Art Show

21st Annual Womens History Month Art Show, Random Works A Colorful Collection of Art Exhibit features the art of Colorado women in two and three-dimensional art forms in a variety of subject matter, style and techniques.... [more]

Leaving on a Jet Plane.

Featuring international wines, beers, food, and decorations. Keynote speaker is former Islamic Jihad hostage Dr. Thomas Sutherland. Benefit for Estes Valley Victim Advocates. Holiday Inn. 5:30 pm May 10:

Lyceum

Learning Lessons: Management Decisions of the Past and Future The Lyceum, from its beginnings with the scholar Aristotle in ancient Greece to the American Lyceums of the 1880s featured renowned speakers like Emerson, Thoreau, Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, has... [more]

Duck Race

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.... [more]

Concert

Estes Park Music Festival Winter Concert Series 03/02/08 Espirit, an ensemble with flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn and piano. 03/09/08 Helen Nebeker, a 9-year-old piano prodigy. Nebeker was a... [more]

KSU Orchestra

Kansas State University Gold Orchestra in Concert Performance Park Amphitheater, 417 W Elkhorn Ave 7 pm, 05/28/08 970-577-9900; 800-44-ESTES... [more]

Snowshoe Kawuneeche

Saturdays December 8 - March 8. Take an intermediate level 2-hour snowshoe tour with a ranger. This is a more rigorous tour with altitude gains of up to 500'. Meet at 1:30 pm at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Please bring your own snowshoes and ski poles with large baskets. Children... [more]

Winter Landscape Photography

Rocky Mountain Nature Association Field Seminar Winter provides landscape photographers with both unique opportunities and special challenges. This course will help photographers of all abilities understand Rocky Mountain National Park's turbulent winter weather, and it will show photographers how to plan shoots to be in the right... [more]

Kawuneeche Evening Program

Enjoy an evening program the second Saturday of each month in the auditorium at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. For a description of topics, inquire at the front desk. 7 PM 1 hour second Saturday each month and May 24. Wheelchair Accessible.

Photographing Raptors

Rocky Mountain Nature Association Field Seminar
Closely observe and photograph raptors with Perry Conway, who has federal and state permits to band and use birds for educational purposes. Participants will study the biology and behaviors of raptors through illustrated lectures and interaction. They will learn how to apply this... [more]

Snowshoe Ecology Walk

Take a beginner-level snowshoe tour with a ranger and explore the natural world of a subalpine forest. No previous experience needed. 12:20 pm, Satursay, Sunday and Wednesday, Jan 5 - March 30 and Mondays Feb - March. Reservations are necessary and may be made no more than seven... [more]

Acrylic Landscape Painting

Rocky Mountain Nature Association Field Seminar
Explore the basics of painting in acrylics while having a focused and fun day. The session will begin with a demonstration. Then participants will be guided through the process of creating acrylic landscapes. By the end of the day,... [more]

Native Visions

A Collection of Work by William Sitting Bull. Exhibit opening and reception. A collection of new paintings by Native American artist William Sitting Bull, great‐great grandson of Chief Sitting Bull. Also on exhibit, the exquisite hand carved wood clocks by sculptor William O.... [more]

Movie

Call for current shows and times. Historic Park Theater (summer only), Estes Park. 970-;586-8904. Reel Mountain Theater, Estes Park. 970-586-4227.

Longs Peak Human History

Longs Peak, Historic Icon with Jim Disney- A colorful depiction of the human history of Longs Peak and how it has impacted human activity in Colorado. Disney has climbed 350 mountains in the Western U.S. and Mexico, including Mt. McKinley, all of Colorados fourteeners and all 126 named summits in... [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]

Colorful Dimensions

Whimsical and colorful ceramics of Jan Igaki and her husband, Hide, with his beautifully glazed vessels and raku pieces.... [more]

Capturing Winter: A Weekend of Photography/Snow Shoe

Do you like to snowshoe in the woods and enjoy the quiet beauty of frosty streams and frozen waterfalls? Escape for a weekend at the Wild Basin Lodge with stunning views of towering peaks and the beauty of the St. Vrain Creek. Come join us as we capture... [more]

Hands Across the Nation

Hands Across the Nation. Official Opening of Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park (determined by weather)

Show of Mark Easton's Paintings

Solo Show of Mark Easton's Paintings. Acrylics on canvas using bold colors and mythological themes. Estes Park Public Library. Monday - Thursday 10 am - 9 pm; Friday and Saturday 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday 1 - 5 pm. Through May 31.

Free park movie

See the stunning 23 minute park movie at the Beaver Meadows (en espanol) and Kawuneeche Visitor Centers during normal business hours. Spectacular aerial footage of the rugged high country of Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as wildlife and other park resources.

Timing Snowmelt

Spring Lyceum Series. "Changes in the Timing of Snowmelt in Colorado: A Response to Global Warming?" Research Hydrologist David Clow from the U.S. Geologic Survey's Colorado Water Center is conducting a study of changes in the timing of snowmelt and associated runoff. His preliminary results indicate that the onset of... [more]

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