Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival
Who’s it for?
Tradition lovers, families with energetic kids, and fans of bagpipes, Highland games, and Celtic pageantry.
Top attraction?
The majestic bagpipe performances soaring across the Rockies and the gripping Highland games that bring ancient athletic tradition to life.
History:
This heritage-rich event has been part of Estes Park’s fall calendar for nearly five decades—kicking off in the early 1970s.
Make it a weekend:
Stay close to the festival’s heart by cozying up at one of the many Estes Park lodging partners—like Tiny Town Cabins, Holiday Inn, Best Western, Nicky’s Resort on Fall River, Aspen Winds, The Maxwell Inn, Estes Park Resort, Trailborn, or Expedition. And a special nod to Quality Inn, a beloved family-run hotel that’s been hosting festival judges with warm hospitality for years—and to the YMCA of the Rockies, whose lodging supports festival entertainers, including the Tattoo cast. Both are festival traditions in their own right.
Autumn Gold Festival
What kind of festival is it?
A hometown-style celebration of autumn with live music, bratwursts, beer, and plenty of dancing in Bond Park.
Who’s it for?
Families, foodies, and folks who just love a good polka.
Top attraction?
The live bands and hearty Bavarian eats—plus the chance to toast the season with local beer under golden aspen leaves.
How long has it been around?
Since the early 1990s, making it a beloved fall tradition for locals and return visitors.
Make it a weekend:
Stay close to Bond Park and wander the shops, then retreat to one of Estes Park’s welcoming inns or vacation rentals for the night.
Elk Fest
What kind of festival is it?
Elk Fest® is Estes Park’s signature fall celebration of its most famous residents. Centered in Bond Park (170 MacGregor Ave), this family-friendly festival mixes outdoor fun with wildlife education. You’ll find local vendors, food trucks, live music, Indigenous dancing, bugling contests, and even raptor demonstrations. It’s a full weekend that blends mountain culture with the thrill of fall elk season.
Who’s it for?
Families, nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and anyone who wants a uniquely “only in Estes” kind of experience.
Top attraction?
The elk themselves — this festival coincides with the rut, or mating season, when bull elk guard their harems and bugle across the valley. For the best chance of seeing these dramatic displays, plan to stay overnight and head into Rocky Mountain National Park early in the morning. It’s an unforgettable experience (and one that’s even better with a thermos of hot coffee in hand).
Remember, elk are wild animals and can become aggressive this time of year. Brush up on wildlife etiquette so you can enjoy the show safely and respectfully.
How long has it been around?
Elk Fest began in 1998, making it more than 25 years of celebrating this unique Rocky Mountain tradition.
Make it a weekend:Kick things off Saturday morning with the Rut Run 5K, then spend the day exploring the festival booths, music, and contests downtown. In the evening, settle into your Estes Park lodge, or—if you’re up for adventure—book a campsite in Rocky Mountain National Park (find reservations here) to fall asleep to bugles echoing through the meadows. Not a camper? No worries—Estes Park has plenty of cozy cabins, inns, and resorts where you can relax after a day full of elk encounters.
