Elk Fest

2024 Schedule of Events

Saturday, September 28, 2024 - 10:00AM to 5:00PM
10:00 AM Festival and all vendor booths OPEN
10:30 AM - 10:50 AM All About Elk with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (main stage)
11:00 AM - 11:40 AM The “Keep Wildlife Wild” and “Rocky Mountain Elk” educational
video presentations (Town Hall - Board Room)
11:00 AM - NOON Native American dancing, and music (main stage)
12:10 PM - 1:00 PM Bugling Contest (family fun and prizes!)
1:00 PM - 1:40 PM The “Keep Wildlife Wild” and “Rocky Mountain Elk”
educational video presentations (Town Hall - Board Room)
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Live music with High Lonesome (main stage)
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Native American dancing, and music (main stage)

Sunday, September 29, 2024 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
10:00 AM Festival and all vendor booths OPEN
10:30 AM - 10:50 AM All About Elk with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (main stage)
11:00 AM - 11:40 AM The “Keep Wildlife Wild” and “Rocky Mountain Elk” educational
video presentations (Town Hall - Board Room)
11:00 AM - 12:50 PM Live music with Katya Grasso & the Soft Spokes(main stage)
1:00 PM - 1:40 PM The “Keep Wildlife Wild” and “Rocky Mountain Elk” educational
video presentations (Town Hall - Board Room)
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM Live raptors with Rocky Mountain Raptor Program (main stage)
2:00 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 28, 2024
Start Time: 6:30 a.m.

Learn More & Register Here

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