A&E: This Weekend, Dec. 5-7

Here are our picks for A&E: this weekend, Dec. 5-7, in Estes Park, including Sip and Shop, FIRST FRIDAY, a Ski season kickoff party, and live music.

Hello, Estes Park! It’s officially December, and Estes Park is alive with holiday spirit, from holiday markets and creative celebrations to live music, seasonal pop-ups, and winter outdoor challenges. Whether you’re looking to kick off ski season, discover local art, catch a holiday classic, or simply warm up with good food and community cheer, there’s no shortage of ways to get into the spirit this weekend. Here are our top picks for arts and entertainment events happening Dec. 5-7.

Historic Park Theatre’s Varied Offerings

This weekend, the Historic Park Theatre is hanging onto part two of the “Wicked” musical series, “Wicked: For Good,” and bringing in the filmed version of the 2023 Broadway revival of “Merrily We Roll Along,” starring Daniel Radcliffe. Haunted Ghost Tours and History Tours are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6. And, on Saturday, Dec. 6, there is a free screening of “Wonka” starring Timothée Chalamet at 10 a.m.

Hoppy Holiday Bar at Avant Garde Aleworks

Toast to the festive season at Avant Garde Aleworks (920 Dunraven St.) as the taproom transforms into the Hoppy Holiday Bar, running daily through Jan. 4. This holiday pop-up features a special seasonal drink menu with whimsical pours like Winter Strong Ale, plus cozy non-alcoholic options including hot cocoa and hot-buttered rum. Throughout the season, guests can enjoy live music, join a town-wide Snowman Scavenger Hunt, craft custom stockings, or test their wit at Festivus trivia.

Sip and Shop at The Barrel

Kick off your holiday shopping in style at the Estes Chamber of Commerce’s Sip & Shop on Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Barrel (251 Moraine Ave.). This festive bazaar-style event brings together an eclectic mix of local vendors offering boutique goods, handmade art, jewelry, specialty foods, creative kits, holiday décor, and more. Warm up with Hot Toddies, Mulled Wine, and treats from the Hot Chocolate Bar as you browse offerings from Glacier Lily, Creativity Cabin, Inspired Artisans, Aspen & Evergreen Gallery, The Spice Rack, Fia and Blue, Mary Jane’s, Omnibus, and Bear & Bee Inspired.

FIRST FRIDAY! Art Groove

Explore Estes Park’s vibrant creative scene during the monthly FIRST FRIDAY! Art Groove, when galleries, studios, and maker spaces across town open their doors from 5 to 8 p.m. for an evening of art, live music, demos, and community connection. This month features holiday-themed projects at Bear & Bee, live acoustic music at Aspen & Evergreen Gallery, and a chance to meet Colorado artist Brooke Connor at Earthwood Collections, plus jazz performances, tastings, and art displays at stops along the route.

Ski Season Kickoff Party at Lumpy Ridge

It’s time to hit the slopes, and Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co. (531 S. Saint Vrain Ave.) is partnering with the Estes Park Mountain Shop to host a high-energy Ski Season Kickoff Party on Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. This all-ages celebration features a bounce house, a ski outfit contest, a ski movie playing, and plenty of ice-cold beer. Akido Sushi will be onsite slinging fresh rolls, and Jingle Jangle Jabroni will hit the stage for a lively evening of music. Come dressed for the slopes and get stoked for winter.

Friday Night Live Music at the Legion

Enjoy free live music at American Legion Post 119 (850 N. St. Vrain) on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. This week features Englewood musician Daniel Pouse, known for his soulful voice and creative renditions of familiar favorites. Come early to enjoy the Tavern menu from 3 to 8:30 p.m. and happy hour specials from 3 to 6 p.m., then stick around for the Queen of Hearts drawing at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public.

‘A Christmas Carol’ Live Onstage

The Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies brings a beloved holiday classic to the stage with A Christmas Carol, running Dec. 5–7 at Estes Park High School (1021 Riverside Dr.). This family-friendly production, adapted by James Hutchison from Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s magical journey through past, present, and future as he rediscovers compassion and community. With evening performances from 7 to 9:30 p.m., it’s an uplifting way to usher in the holiday season. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $12 for youth 18 and under, and free for children five and younger.

Karaoke Night at Lonigans

Take the stage at Lonigans (106 W. Elkhorn Ave.) for Karaoke Night, happening every Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to midnight. It’s free to join, making it the perfect late-night outing with friends, family, and plenty of sing-along fun.

Thumbs Up Vertical Challenge

Test your endurance at the Thumbs Up Vertical Challenge, happening Saturday, Dec. 6, at Thumb Open Space. Beginning at 8 a.m., runners will take on a demanding 2 km out-and-back course with 540 feet of vertical gain per lap, collecting a poker chip at each turnaround before racing back downhill. The goal? Rack up as many ascents as possible before 4 p.m. Participants can also earn unique milestone patches for reaching 14, 18, or 26 ascents, which are symbolic elevations matching Estes Park, Deer Mountain, and Longs Peak. A special award awaits the top finisher.

Festive Flavors at the Estes Valley Community Center

Add some holiday sparkle to your kitchen with Festive Flavors, a three-week hands-on cooking series at the Estes Valley Community Center (660 Community Dr.), held Saturdays from Dec. 6–20, 9–11 a.m. Led by instructor Vikki Haan, each session explores a different seasonal theme, from homemade holiday snack mixes to classic and creative cookies to crafting a show-stopping Christmas brunch pastry board. Participants will take home 2–4 jars of gift mixes, at least a dozen cookies, and delicious leftovers from the day’s creations. The full series costs $90, with a $40 drop-in option available.

‘Goodnight Estes Park’ Book Launch Party

Join Macdonald Book Shop and the Estes Park Mountain Shop on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon for the official launch of “Goodnight Estes Park,” a new locally created children’s book celebrating life in the mountains. Inspired by their three young kids and their deep love for the community, the Martchinks created a story that doubles as a bedtime reflection and a tribute to Estes Park itself. Held at the Mountain Shop (2050 Big Thompson Ave.), this free, family-friendly event features a meet-and-greet with authors Patrick and Kaitlin Martchink, a book reading, light refreshments, and signed copies available for purchase. Little ones can enjoy a scavenger hunt, raffle, door prizes, and hands-on activities.

Greg Miles Acoustic at The Rock Inn

Settle in for an evening of sharp wit, eclectic tunes, and one-of-a-kind storytelling as Estes Park artist and songwriter Greg Miles returns to The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern (1675 Highway 66) on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. Known for his irreverent humor and genre-hopping repertoire, Miles moves effortlessly from blues to torch songs, John Prine to Nat King Cole, and even the occasional 16th-century liturgical. His performances are warm, unpredictable, and always entertaining. Free to attend.

Holiday Artisan Market at the Legion

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the American Legion Post 119’s Holiday Artisan Market on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hosted by Tavern at the Legion and Aspen & Evergreen Gallery, this festive marketplace brings together local makers and unique handcrafted gifts perfect for everyone on your list. Browse art, décor, treats, and one-of-a-kind items, then stick around for food and beverages from the Tavern.

Rock Cut Bingo

Round up your friends for a lively Sunday evening at Rock Cut Brewing Company (390 W. Riverside Dr.) as Bingo returns on Dec. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. Held on the first and third Sundays each month, this free community event features multiple rounds and prizes, making it a fun and easy way to wind down the weekend.

Sunday Dinner Live Music at Lonigans

Wrap up the weekend with good food, craft cocktails, and live tunes at Lonigans (106 W. Elkhorn Ave.). Every Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m., the pub hosts free live music in a family-friendly setting.

‘Brushstrokes and Beyond’ at the Art Center of Estes Park

Visit The Art Center of Estes Park (517 Big Thompson Ave.) to check out “Brushstrokes and Beyond,” featuring oil and acrylic works by artist member Eileen Van Baren. Known for her expressive use of color and texture, Van Baren’s paintings capture the vibrancy and depth of the Colorado landscape. The free exhibit runs through Dec. 22,  and is open Friday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.