From Rocky Mountain National Park:
National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable. For more information, please visit: doi.gov/shutdown
Elk Fest
September 27-28, 2025
Celebrate Estes Park's resident elk at Estes Park Elk Fest®, a family-friendly festival in Bond Park (170 MacGregor Ave). Enjoy vendors, live music, food trucks, bugling contests, performances and more!
2025 Elk Fest Schedule of Events:
Subject to change without notice
Saturday, September 27, 2025 - 10:00AM to 5:00PM
10:00 AM Festival and all vendor booths OPEN
11:00 AM - 11:40 AM Rocky Mountain Elk educational video presentations (Town Hall - Board Room)
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM Rocky Mountain Raptor Program (Main Stage)
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Bugling Contest (family fun and prizes!)
1:00 PM - 1:40 PM Rocky Mountain Elk educational video presentations (Town Hall - Board Room)
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Live music with Linda Theus-Lee (main stage)
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Native American dancing, and music (main stage)
Sunday, September 28, 2025 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
10:00 AM Festival and all vendor booths OPEN
11:00 AM - 11:40 AM Rocky Mountain Elk educational video presentations (Town Hall - Board Room)
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Non-Profts on Main Stage - Wolf Sanctuary 11-11:15 Colorado Wildlife Federation 11:15-11:30
11:00 AM - 12:50 PM Live music with The Mixx (main stage)
1:00 PM - 1:40 PM Rocky Mountain Elk educational video presentations (Town Hall - Board Room)
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Native American dancing, and music (main stage)
Wildlife Watching
The festival coincides with the famous elk rut, or elk mating season. Wild elk are often easily seen in town and in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. Remember, elk are wild animals. Always keep a safe distance, especially from the males (bulls), who can be aggressive as they defend their females (cows) from other bulls at this time of year. Give them room—use your zoom! Learn the most important rule of safe and respectful wildlife watching.
Parking
Elk Fest is one of Estes Park's busiest weekends, so a little advanced planning can go a long way when it comes to getting to and around downtown. The Town offers free and paid parking options, Electric Vehicle charging stations (both Level 2 and Level 3 DFCF fast-charging stations), and designated motorcycle and RV parking. Those with valid ADA placards always park for free in any public space. Visit Estes.org/Parking to find the best spot for your trip.
Want to let someone else do the driving? Head straight to the Town's parking structure (691 N. St. Vrain) and hop on the Town's free downtown trolley (Red Route). Trolley and special event shuttle service information can be found at Estes.org/Shuttles.
Rut Run 5K
With the Fall Season, Estes Park shines in colors and wilderness experiences! Herds of Elk begin to roam the meadows and open fields, while sounds of bugling Bull Elk call out their territory. Join us as we acknowledge this unique season at the Rut Run 5k. Kick starting the weekend of events, the 5K (3.1 miles) race offers a short and scenic tour of fall colors, river views, and possible Elk encounters (from a safe distance of course).
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
For more information, visit their website at https://estesparkrunning.org/our-races/rut-run-5k/
Elk Fest is produced by the Town of Estes Park to celebrate all things elk.
