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The Great Estes Park Duck Race Weekend

May 2 & 3, 2025

Join the fun at the Great Estes Park Duck Race on Saturday, May 3, 2025, starting at 11:00 AM! This exciting event will feature live music, a family-friendly fun run, and the iconic release of 13,000 rubber ducks into Fall River. Comedian and actor Patrick Warburton will take center stage as the Grand Marshal, kicking off the race by releasing the first flight of ducks at high noon as he hosts a weekend of madness in the mountains. Since its inception in 1989, this cherished event has raised over $3 million for local charities, with each duck adoption supporting a variety of nonprofit organizations.

 

Make it a full weekend adventure with Warburton's Mountain Madness

Don't miss Warburton's Mountain Madness at The Stanley Hotel, where you can enjoy live performances by Burn The Ballroom and comedy from Patrick Warburton himself. Build your itinerary here!

Patrick Warburton + Burn The Ballroom Launch Party

Patrick Warburton & Burn the Ballroom

Friday, May 2, 2025 at 5:30pm

Come Rock it Out with Patrick Warburton + Burn The Ballroom at our Great Estes Park Duck Race Launch Party! With all rubber duckie proceeds going to charity. 

Patrick can't wait for you to see this band! Finally, touring in the US after their global tour for the U.S. State Department, promoting American rock. Adopt a Duck here for the Duck Race on Saturday, May 3, support your choice of Charity + receive complimentary tickets to join the launch party at the Stanley Concert Hall!

Individual tickets can be purchased for $40 per person. 

The Mexico Al Norte food truck will be available during the Estes Park Duck Race Kickoff Party and Burn The Ballroom event, and 10% of the proceeds will go to the Duck Race!

 

5 Game Shows & a Funeral by Mitch Silpa

Game Shows

On Friday, May 2nd, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. at Lonigans

Mitch Silpa takes the stage at Lonigans with his uproarious one-man show, 5 Gameshows and a Funeral. Best known for Funny or Die, Reno 911!, and his viral David Blaine parodies, Silpa has appeared in Bridesmaids, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Parks and Recreation, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. His comedic genius shines in this must-see performance.

 

Duck Waddle 5K

Duck Waddle 5k

Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 9:00am

This spring time foot race kick-starts the Estes Park Rotary Club’s DUCK RACE!

The DUCK WADDLE 5K race begins at east side of Estes Park Parking Structure. Each runner and walker will follow the scenic Lake Estes Trail counterclockwise to the finish line (west of the Lake Front Parking area on north side of Lake Estes). The DUCK WADDLE 5K foot race welcomes all abilities and those wanting to have a ton of fun! Strollers and friendly pets welcomed!

Run with us and you will automatically adopt a rubber Duck to float down the beautiful Fall River. The DUCK RACE is a major fundraiser for charities in Estes Park. With each Duck adoption, $23 will go towards a local charity of your choice. The Estes Park Running Club is one of those charity groups on the adoption form. Selecting the Estes Park Running Club will allow our group to receive funding and ability to disperse to local youth programs in Estes Park. You don’t have to RUN, to purchase a DUCK racer, use link below.

 

 

The Great Estes Park Duck Race

Duck Race Drop 2024

Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 11:00am

The Great Estes Park Duck Race of 2025 features an exciting new route down the Big Thompson River, winding through the heart of downtown Estes Park. This year’s venue stretches along the riverwalk from start to finish and is divided into three main zones, each offering a unique slice of race-day fun. The Duck Race takes place annually on the first Saturday in May, continuing a tradition that began in 1989. This fun-filled event has raised over $3 million for local charities and groups! Adorable little yellow ducks float down the river for a great cause during the race, creating a lively atmosphere as the Estes Park community comes together. Dozens of Estes Valley nonprofits are selected as Participating Organizations yearly, while the Rotary Club of Estes Park manages all event operations. Community members can adopt ducks and designate their chosen charity to receive proceeds.

On Race Day, the adopted ducks will be released into the Fall River, and volunteers will collect the ducks at the finish line. Prizes are awarded to the adopters of the first ducks to cross the finish line, and funds are then distributed based on the number of adoptions for each charity. Join us for a quacky good time while supporting local causes!

The Thompson Group Starting Line: This is where all the action begins! Each race flight starts with a dramatic duck drop from the Rockwell Street bridge next to the Riverside parking lot. Once those ducks hit the water, the race is on!

The first race will be launched by our 2025 Grand Marshal, Patrick Warburton, a celebrity actor and comedian in town to perform at several Stanley Live events over the weekend.

Five races will be run throughout the afternoon. The “call to post” for each race is announced over the audio system so you’ll know when to take in the excitement of the starting line.

The Kid Zone – Fun for the Whole Family. The Estes Park Education Foundation, a community supporter of the duck race, operates the Kid Zone. Located in Riverside Plaza, the Kid Zone offers a range of activities, including:

  • A special duck race just for kids and their families

  • Bounce houses

  • Street performers and Lucky Duck encounters

  • Craft stations and more!

Poppy’s Plaza – Music and Community Vibes. Just a short stroll down the scenic riverwalk, Poppy’s Plaza features:

  • Live music and entertainment

  • Wildlife presentations

  • Live interviews with the people behind the duck race

Several Merchant Partners are located in Poppy’s Plaza and throughout Estes Park, offering duck racers special deals on food, treats, shopping and attractions.

You might even stumble upon a community drum circle performing outside a local coffee shop!

The Prize Zone – A Finish Line and a Big Stage! The journey down the riverwalk ends at the Prize Zone, located next to the Estes Park Visitor Center. Here, you’ll find:

  • The Wildfire Finish Line, where ducks race to victory

  • Live dance and music performances on the Main Stage

  • A chance to meet the nonprofit and civic organizations participating in this year’s race

  • Watch as hundreds of prizes are awarded to the adopters of the fastest ducks!

And even more – take your chances with the legendary Duck Squat Game. And make sure to “duck” your favorite in the Duck Duck Jeep Showcase, hosted by Backbone Adventures.

Visit EPduckrace.org for more information.

Venue Map Master

 

Comedy of Patrick Warburton

Patrick Warburton 2025

Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 7pm & 9pm

Enjoy A Night of Stand-up Comedy with Patrick Warburton at the beautiful Stanley Pavilion.

Patrick Warburton has come to stand-up comedy as one of TV's most beloved actors, with credits including PUDDY on Seinfeld, roles in CBS’s RULES OF ENGAGEMENT and LESS THAN PERFECT, Fox's THE TICK, and Netflix's LEMONY SNICKET'S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS.

 

A Comedy Evening with Adam Cayton-Holland

Adam Cayton

On Friday, May 3, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. at The Barrel

Adam Cayton-Holland takes the stage. A Denver native, he’s been featured on Conan and Comedy Central Presents and created the hit show Those Who Can’t. His stand-up specials, including those on Netflix, showcase his sharp wit and storytelling prowess.

 

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