Crews are working to improve access to and from Rocky Mountain National Park with the Downtown Estes Loop Project.
First Peoples Festival
January 12-14, 2024 with Summer 2023 Kick-Off Events
A celebration of Indigenous culture, art, music, language, oral traditions and much more.
Estes Park has partnered with Nico Strange Owl to bring the First Peoples Festival to Estes Park. Nico Strange Owl is a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana and has worked with Indigenous art and artists over the past forty years. She is the current owner of Eagle Plume’s, a historic trading post at the base of Long’s Peak near Allenspark, Colorado. She has also worked as a beadworker, an appraiser, and a consultant of Native art, worked with museums, operated galleries, and has been in the art business all her life. She is also the descendant of Sand Creek Massacre survivors and is truly home in Colorado.
Summer Kickoff Events
Estes Park's inaugural First Peoples Festival will be held January 12-14, 2024. Don't miss the educational workshops, artwork displays and more taking place through the summer of 2023.
Foraging Workshop
July 16, 2023
Attend this immersive, educational workshop featuring a Lakota Medicine Foraging presentation and hands-on foraging presented by Richard Sherman from South Dakota. Follow it up with a trolly ride to Eagle Plumes Trading Post. Learn more.
Ledger Paintings by Alaina Buffalo Spirit
July 29
Meet Alaina Buffalo Spirit, a self-taught artist from the So’taa’ee band of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, whose work honors the women that made a difference in her life. Ms. Buffalo Spirit will be showcasing her work at Eagle Plume Trading from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on July 29.
Alaina Buffalo Spirit’s artwork is based on traditional ledger art, originated by Indian warriors who were incarcerated in the 1800s. Using the materials that were available to them, these warrior artists recorded their powerful stories through images made on the ledger paper issued by the government for tallying and record-keeping. Inspired by these early images which depicted life on the Plains, both before and during times of conflict, Ms. Buffalo Spirit uses ledger paper made during this period in much of her work.
Tipi Painting and Education by Wayne Strange Owl
July 29
Also at Eagle Plume Trading on July 29, visit Wayne Strange Owl, who will be showcasing his painted Northern Cheyenne Tipis from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. You'll also be able to attend his Tipi workshop at the Estes Park First Peoples Festival in January.
Traditional Lakota Quillwork Demo by Ceelia Bullbear
August 12
Eagle Plume Trading Post
United Indigenous Dancers Performance
September - Date TBA
For Vendor and Workshop/Performance/Demonstration applications, click here.
