Howdy, Estes Park! Fall has fully arrived, and with it comes a packed weekend of arts, culture, and community fun. From the echoes of elk bugling downtown to the clink of steins at Oktoberfest celebrations, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the crisp mountain air. Here’s what’s happening this weekend in Estes Park.
Elktoberfest at The Barrel
This weekend is the long-awaited and ever-crowded Elk Fest in Estes Park that brings thousands of visitors to the area. To meet the rush and celebrate the season, The Barrel created Elktoberfest, a monthlong tradition that brings German-style festivities with a distinctly local twist. Running daily through Oct. 6 at 251 Moraine Ave., the ninth annual Elktoberfest offers craft beers, hearty food, and seasonal fun. This Friday, Sept. 26, the Prost Brewing Co. Stein Hoisting Competition is to take place at The Barrel from 4 to 7 p.m. The challenge involves holding a full one-liter stein straight out in front of you, arm locked and parallel to the ground, without bending, spilling, or quitting. The last person standing earns prizes, bragging rights, and plenty of cheers.
‘The Long Walk’ Opens at the Park Theatre
Dystopian horror film “The Long Walk,” based on an early-career Stephen King novel he published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman in 1979, opens at the Historic Park Theatre on Friday, Sept. 26 and has showings scheduled through Thursday, Oct. 2. The plot revolves around a competition in which 50 young men from across the country must continue walking at a pace of 3.0 per hour or be eliminated (AKA murdered by the soldiers following them in cars). As you might expect, the film becomes quite violent, so if that’s not your thing, the venue is also hosting free screenings of Christopher Nolan’s 2008 superhero spectacle “The Dark Knight,” which is still quite dark but doesn’t feature young adults being killed for sport as part of a sick government game.
Elk Fest
Estes Park’s signature fall celebration returns this weekend with Elk Fest, filling Bond Park with family-friendly fun September 27–28. Highlights include bugling contests, Native American music and dance, educational programs, vendor booths, and live performances from Linda Theus-Lee on Saturday and The Mixx on Sunday. The festival coincides with the elk rut, so visitors can also witness wild herds around town and in Rocky Mountain National Park—just remember to keep a safe distance. The weekend kicks off with the scenic Rut Run 5K on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. downtown. Parking is limited, so plan ahead or use the free shuttle service; full details are available at estes.org/parking.
Local Author’s Book Signing at Trendz at the Park
Cocktail lovers won’t want to miss local author Bryan Paiement at Trendz at the Park this Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Paiement will be signing copies of “Liquid Dessert” and “The Little Book of Whiskey Cocktails,” which are perfect for both holiday gifting and finding your new favorite drink. Stop by 100 E. Elkhorn to pick up a signed book, chat about cocktails, and support a hometown author. Admission is free.
Pig Fest 2025
This food event, taking place from 12 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company, 531 South St. Vrain Ave., is all about pork. WesTex BBQ is serving an all-pig menu and will be cooking tasty treats, while the band Ain’t From Here will perform live from 4 to 8 p.m. If you happen to have a pig costume lying around, this is the ideal (and possibly only?) excuse to put it on and have some pig-themed fun in Estes.
Oktoberfest at Avant Garde Aleworks
Avant Garde Aleworks is bringing Bavarian flair to Estes Park with its annual Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, Sept. 27, from noon to 9 p.m. Festbier will be flowing on tap and in cans to go, with limited-edition steins available, plus hearty grazing boxes from Graze Craze (12–6 p.m. or until sellout) and warm Bavarian pretzels served all day. The evening heats up with live music from Jingle Jangle Jabroni, performing 5–7 p.m. Entry is free, so grab your dirndls and lederhosen and head to 920 Dunraven Street for a full day of beer, bites, and Bavarian cheer.
Astronaut Talk with Loren Shriver
Space enthusiasts are in for a treat on Saturday, Sept. 27, when veteran NASA astronaut Loren Shriver speaks at YMCA of the Rockies (2515 Tunnel Rd.) from 7 to 8 p.m. A retired Air Force Colonel, Shriver piloted the Space Shuttle Discovery and later commanded Atlantis, playing a key role in pioneering satellite deployments and Department of Defense missions. This free event offers a rare chance to hear firsthand stories from Estes Park’s own space explorer.
Espresso! in Concert at The Old Gallery in Allenspark
Get ready to swing this Saturday, Sept. 27, as Boulder-based band Espresso! brings its Django Reinhardt–inspired blend of swing and Gypsy jazz to The Old Gallery in Allenspark from 7 to 9 p.m. With soaring clarinet, mandolin, guitar, and bass, the group delivers toe-tapping rhythms, French and English vocals, and plenty of room for dancing. Known for their “caffeinated swing,” Espresso! rarely performs in the Estes Valley, making this a special chance to catch their high-energy sound close to home.
Final Weekend of Estes Valley Plein Air
This is your last chance to take in the work from this year’s Estes Valley Plein Air competition at the Art Center of Estes Park, 517 Big Thompson Ave., before the exhibition closes on Monday, Sept. 29. Click here for gallery hours.