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

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Women Hiking in Estes Park

September 2023 Events in Estes Park

Here's a list of the best events in Estes Park in September! Check back for updates and additional details.

You can't hike the entire time you're in town, although no one here will blame you for trying. Instead, fill out your trip with local events that will give you a taste of the sights, sounds and flavors of this vibrant little mountain town.
 

First Friday Art Groove

September 1

Take a free tour of local art galleries! Various locations will be serving food & refreshments and hosting artist meet & greets, demonstrations, show opening and live music. Ride the free Estes Park Trolley to keep you warm between galleries. Addresses and hours vary; EstesArtsDistrict.org/First-Friday
 

Silent Comedy Film Festival

September 1, 3-4

Join the Historic Park Theatre for the annual Silent Comedy Movie Festival! Each day will feature three of the greatest silent films ever made. Three short films accompanied by the live piano playing of Scott Flyin’ Fingers Wilseck. Twenty minutes before the films start, you can listen to old time piano music in a historic theatre that was built over 100 years ago. 
 

Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival

September 2-4

Original artisan works will be on display under 100+ tents during the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival in Bond Park on September 2, 3 and 4.
 

18th Annual John Denver Tribute Concert

September 2

Enjoy John Denver's greatest hits performed by Brad Fitch and the TropiCowboy Band, taking place on September 2 at Ruesch Auditorium at the YMCA of the Rockies. Get there early for live music by an Estes Park favorite, Random and True.
 

Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Concert with Cowboy Brad

September 3

Join the Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park on Sunday, September 3 to enjoy the songs of Gordon Lightfoot sung by Estes Park's own Cowboy Brad! This free concert will take place at 5 p.m. at the Hyde Chapel on the beautiful YMCA of the Rockies campus.
 

Frank Turner Live at The Stanley Hotel

September 7-9

Experience the UK rock legend, Frank Turner, live at the Historic Stanley Hotel. Turner is the definition of a rockstar. With nine studio albums and his recent chart-topper, 'FTHC', under his belt, he's been dominating the UK music scene for over 17 incredible years.
 

Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival

scottish irish festival scott fest parade

September 8-10

Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival is in its 47th consecutive year, always the weekend after Labor Day. A Celtic Heritage educational event. A family event with Highland Athletes, Highland Dancing, Scotch Tasting, Pipe Bands, 4 Celtic Music Stages, Ethnic food.
 

Prost Brewing Co. Stein Hoisting Competition

September 15

Don your dirndls and lederhosens for the annual Stein Hoisting Competition at The Barrel! The competition begins at 3 p.m. WesTex BBQ will be on site with brisket and pulled pork, leaded hand-cut fries, jalapeno mac-n-cheese and more!
 

"The Women Got It Done"

September 15

Join the Stanley Home Museum for an enchanting evening at the final premier event of the 2023 series examining the roles influential women played in the early years of Estes Park. Mingle with friends while enjoying wine and hors d'oeuvres on the home's magnificent veranda. Then find yourself immersed in four short dramatic presentations featuring Isabella Bird, along with Eleanor Hondius, Flora Stanley and Anna Wolfram. Buy tickets here.
 

Fine Arts & Crafts Festival

September 16-17

The 48th Annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival is a juried art show featuring photography, painting, jewelry, wood, sculpture, metal, wearables, textile arts and more. 100 artists share their art, and Kids Corner provides activities for children.
 

Estes Park Summer Jazz Series

September 17

Close out the free Estes Park Summer Jazz Series on September 17 at Performance Park! The ampitheater will be filled with the sounds of great jazz performed by professional Colorado jazz artists.
 

Rain Main 35th Anniversary

September 17

Join the Historic Park Theatre for a special 35th Anniversary Showing of Rain Man.
 

Rocky Mountain Facelift

Rocky Mountain Facelift - Thumbs Up

September 22-24

Join fellow outdoor enthusiasts for this year's Rocky Mountain Facelift! Kick off the weekend with happy hour at Lumpy Ridge Brewery on Friday. Then help preserve the natural beauty of the area by participating in projects that include trail maintenance, litter pickup and more, starting at the Estes Park Mountain Shop on Saturday - breakfast will be provided! Head to the YMCA of the Rockies for an afterparty featuring guest speaker Tommy Caldwell. And don't miss Sunday's coffee talk panel and discussion at The Bird's Nest, followed by free climbing clinics later that day. Sign up here.
 

Autumn Gold Festival

September 23-24

At Autumn Gold Festival 2023, you can enjoy a freshly grilled brat with all the fixings plus a cold beer (or a glass of wine) while listening to 5 award-winning, Front Range (and globally acclaimed) bands.
 

Rails in the Rockies

September 23-24

The Estes Valley Model Railroaders present their 25th Annual Rails in the Rockies show at the Estes Park Events Complex. Enjoy train layouts, all gauges, vendors, clinics and demos.
 

Estes Park Elk Fest®

September 30 - October 1

Celebrate Estes Park's resident elk at Elk Fest, a family-friendly festival in Bond Park (170 MacGregor Ave). Enjoy vendors, live music, food trucks, bugling contests, performances and more!
 

Rut Run 5K

September 30

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!
 

Recurring Events:

Estes Valley Plain Air Exhibition

September 1-24

Every August, well-known artists from all over the country converge in Estes Park for Estes Valley Plein Air. Special events include a poster/postcard and wine label contest, a nocturne paint out opportunity, a miniature contest, a group paint out, an educational program, and a Quick Paint at Riverside Plaza in which artists have a limited amount of time to complete paintings that are then auctioned to the public. The paintings completed during the event are on sale for a month, attracting many art collectors and plein air aficionados.
 

Elktoberfest at The Barrel

September 1 - October 1

It's that time again, one of our favorite times of the year - Elktoberfest! To celebrate, The Barrel will be tapping several craft Oktoberfest and Pumpkin beers all month long! 251 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517; (970) 616-2090; TheBarrel.Beer
 

The Living Dream: 100 Years of Rocky Mountain National Park

Weekly on Wednesdays

Join the Historic Park Theatre for a special film screening every Wednesday. The Living Dream, by Nick Molle Productions, tells a story that had never been told and needed to be told. It is the story of the unique relationship of a community to a national park, a relationship of shared passions and dreams. 130 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517; (970) 586-8904; HistoricParkTheatre.com
 

Estes Valley Farmers Market

Weekly on Thursdays

Check out the Estes Valley Farmers Market every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Farmers Market days, the Visitor Center parking lot will be closed to all vehicles except transit buses, those with valid ADA credentials and those looking to quickly drop off or pick up market products. Farmers Market patrons must park in the parking structure at 691 N Saint Vrain Ave. Market location: 500 Big Thompson Ave; Facebook.com/EstesValleyFarmersMarket
 

Historic Fall River Hydroplant Tours

Weekly, Wednesday through Saturday

The Historic Fall River Hydroplant plant was constructed in 1909 to produce electricity for the Stanley Hotel and surrounding areas. Later, F.O. Stanley sold the plant to the Public Service Company of Colorado. In 1945, the Town of Estes Park purchased and maintained the Hydroplant until it was severely damaged in 1982 by the Lawn Lake Flood. Operating as an interpretive site since 2002, the Hydroplant will be open Wednesday – Saturday, 1-4 p.m., May 31 through September 2, 2023. Guided tours of the Hydroplant will be given at 1, 2 and 3 p.m., no reservations are required and admission is free. 1754 Fish Hatchery Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517; (970) 586-6256; EstesPark.Colorado.Gov/Museum
 

Rocky Mountain Conservancy Events

Learn about the geology of the Fall River and Big Thompson Valleys, set out on a mindfulness retreat and guided hike, and step up your night sky photography skills! The Rocky Mountain Conservancy offers classes monthly. Check their calendar.
 

MacGregor Museum Tours

Weekly through September 30

Explore the home of the three generations of MacGregors who settled, homesteaded, and developed the land to become the Ranch that provided for their family and the town. Built in the 1800's the MacGregor's facilitated many avenues of growth for the town of Estes Park and its other influential members. Contact them in advance for groups larger than eight. 180 MacGregor Lane, Estes Park, CO 80517; MacGregorRanch.Org/Museum

Live Music at The Bull Pin

See website for dates

Bowl on into The Bull Pin for live music, games, food & drinks and a good time! 555 S Saint Vrain Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517; (970) 591-7771; EstesParkBowl.com
 

Open Mic Night at Avant Garde Aleworks

Avant Garde

Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday

Calling all musicians, poets and performers! Come grab a beer before you take the stage and enjoy a night of live music in the taproom, hosted by local musician, Chris Theunissen. 920 Dunraven St, Estes Park, CO 80517; (970) 591-2700; avantgardealeworks.com
 

Latino Night at La Cabaña Mexican Bar & Grill 

Weekly on Saturdays

Join La Cabaña Mexican Bar & Grill every Saturday from 5-9 p.m. for dinner and a dance party. Dance to the tunes of bachata and reggaeton by Sonido Cali. 165 Virginia Dr., Estes Park, CO, 80517; lacabanabarandgrill.com
 

Live Magic at The Stanley

Most nights; Visit the website for details

Hidden beneath The Post Restaurant, upon the historic Stanley Hotel grounds, there is a secret subterranean theatre, where the greatest magicians in the world perform. Master Magician Aiden Sinclair, from the hit series America's Got Talent and Penn and Teller's Fool Us, has invited only the finest prestidigitators to appear in this enchanting new venue. Join them for an unforgettable and immersive experience that will inspire your imagination and kindle the wonder in your soul. 333 E. Wonderview Ave., Estes Park, CO, 80517; 970-290-2361; aidensinclairsunderground.com
 

Live Music at Twin Owls Steakhouse

Tahara Property

Every Wednesday - Saturday

Enjoy live music every Wednesday - Saturday at the Twin Owls Steakhouse. Wednesdays starting at 6:30pm, listen to local bluegrass. Thursday - Saturday starting at 5:30pm, stop in for James Davis Spanish & Classical Guitar. For dining guests only, some exceptions apply. Call (970) 586-9344 to make a reservation. 3110 S. Saint Vrain Ave., Estes Park, CO 80517; (970) 586-9344; Taharaa.com/Twin-Owls-Steakhouse
 

Bingo Night at the American Legion Post 119

Weekly on Sundays and Tuesdays

Enjoy a family-friendly bingo night at the American Legion, and play for cash prizes! Every Sunday at 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 6 p.m. 850 N St Vrain Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517; (970) 586-6118; esteslegion.org
 

Weekly Classes at Inspired Artisan Market & Studio

Wednesdays - Sundays

From DIY Tie Dye Shirts and Fused Glass Necklaces to Felted Hummingbirds and Acrylic Pour Painting, Inspired Artisan Market & Studio offers no shortage of unique experiences for all ages. See their website for details.138 Moraine Ave., Estes Park, CO 80517; (970) 685-8818; inspiredartexperiences.com
 

Live Music at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern 

Every week, rotating musicians

Originally a sandwich shop at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park and then evolved into a dance hall, The Rock Inn now boasts weekly live music paired with an ever-evolving food menu & full bar. 1675 State Highway 66, Estes Park, CO 80517; (970) 214 2953; rockinnestes.com
 

Check out our full list of events and book your next trip to Estes Park.
 

Are you an Estes Park business that hosts events? Let us know so we can make sure you're on our monthly event articles!