Labor Day is upon us. Say it’s not so. With the kids back in school and the chilly, wet temps this past week, it seems summer has slipped away, and pumpkin spice season has started. And for those who are counting, Christmas is 119 days away. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There is plenty to do this weekend in EP. Check out the EVV’s A&E highlights.
Labor Day Arts and Crafts Show
The fall festival season begins with the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual Labor Day Arts and Crafts Show in Bond Park, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This three-day fundraiser is a marketplace featuring nearly 100 artisans from more than a dozen states, each showcasing one-of-a-kind, handmade creations.
Proceeds from the show, and the Autumn Gold festival Sept. 20-21, fund grants to area nonprofits and scholarships for graduates of local high schools. The Rotary is selling Autumn Gold raffle tickets at $100 each for a chance to win a grand prize of $10,000, a second prize of $2,500, and five prizes $500. Tickets can be purchased online, and ticket holders do not need to be present to win.
Jaws 50th anniversary: A cinematic legend – admission free
How time flies. Fifty years ago, Steven Spielberg cemented his position in the galaxy of Hollywood with the release of Jaws. The film, which won three Academy Awards® and starred Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw, redefined the thriller genre and established the summer blockbuster, influencing decades of filmmaking and audience expectations.
A special 50th anniversary presentation of Jaws will be shown in theaters nationwide starting Aug. 29, including the Historic Park Theater, which ran the blockbuster film in 1975. Admission is free. Click here for movie times.
Plein Air in the Rockies
The Art Center of Estes Park’s annual Plein Air art show begins this weekend with a gala reception on Friday, August 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Awards will be presented at 6 p.m.
The term en plein air, French for “in the open air,” refers to the practice of painting outdoors. Over the past week, juried and invited artists have been painting at locations in Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Valley. The show will hang through Sept. 28. Click here for information about gallery hours.
Rock Cut Brewing celebrates 10th anniversary
Rock Cut Brewing will celebrate its 10th anniversary with 10 new beer releases, including Palisade Peach Galactic Portal, a hazy IPA, and Espresso Martini – a barrel-aged cocktail beer brewed in collaboration with Park Tavern.
Two food trucks will be on hand to serve food: Wayfinder from noon to 9 p.m. and Rosa’s Tacos from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Chain Station will rock the patio from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by Moonrock C from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Blue Sky Mountain Band at Elk Meadow Lodge
The Blue Sky Mountain Band has one more performance this summer on Sunday night, Aug. 31, at Elk Meadow Lodge from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The BSMB dishes up soulful classic rock from Allman to Zeppelin with some Doobie Brothers. Not every town can claim its mayor is a smokin’ lead guitarist, but Gary Hall – Mayor of the Mountains – and the five other band members deliver a fun evening of entertainment.
The event is free and open to the public. Elk Meadow Lodge is a “BYOB” lodge venue. Pack a picnic, bring your beverage of choice, and do not forget your dancing shoes.