Crews are working to improve access to and from Rocky Mountain National Park with the Downtown Estes Loop Project.

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Elk Sparring in Lake Estes

Elk Fest

September 28-29, 2024

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!
 

Elk Fest Performance 1

2023 Schedule of Events

Saturday, September 30 - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

10 a.m. - Festival and all vendor booths open
10:30-10:50 a.m. - All About Elk with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (Main Stage)
11-11:40 a.m. - "Keep Wildlife Wild" and "Rocky Mountain Elk" video presentations (Town Hall - Board Room)
11 a.m. - Noon - Native American dancing, storytelling and music with Danny Many Horses (Main Stage)
12:10-1 p.m. - Bugling content (family fun and prizes!)
1-1:40 p.m. - "Keep Wildlife Wild" and "Rocky Mountain Elk" video presentations (Town Hall - Board Room)
1-3 p.m. - Live music with Cary Morin & Ghost Dog
3-5 p.m. - Native American dancing, storytelling and music with Danny Many Horses (Main Stage)

Sunday, October 1 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

10 a.m. - Festival and all vendor booths open
10:30-10:50 a.m. - All About Elk with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (Main Stage)
11-11:40 a.m. - "Keep Wildlife Wild" and "Rocky Mountain Elk" video presentations (Town Hall - Board Room)
11 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. - Live music with Good Music Medicine (Main Stage)
1-1:40 p.m. - "Keep Wildlife Wild" and "Rocky Mountain Elk" video presentations (Town Hall - Board Room)
1-1:50 p.m. - Live raptors with Rocky Mountain Raptor Program (Main Stage)
2-4 p.m. - Native American dancing, storytelling and music with Danny Many Horses (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), which 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), 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

Kickstart Elk Fest weekend with the Rut Run 5K (3.1mi) race, featuring a new scenic, downhill course with fall colors, river views and possible elk encounters (from a safe distance). Runners, joggers and walkers will meet at the Estes Park Visitor Center to be transported by shuttle to the starting line on Fish Hatchery Road. All participants receive a complimentary beer token for the Elk Fest festivities!

Date: Saturday, September 30, 2023
Start Time: 8:30 a.m. at Fish Hatchery Road
Shuttle Transportation: Participants are encouraged to board the free transportation that departs at 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. to Fish Hatchery Road (Estes Park United Methodist Church parking lot).

Learn More & Register Here

Elk Fest is produced by the Town of Estes Park to celebrate all things elk.

 

Elk-Themed Deals & Discounts

Beyond the bugling and bustling festival, enjoy elk-inspired specials from nearby businesses!

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