Hello, Estes Park! The final weekend before the holidays arrives with a full slate of festive fun across Estes Park. From blockbuster cinema and gallery exhibitions to hands-on workshops, live music, irreverent holiday parties, and cozy community gatherings, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season. Here are our picks for A&E this weekend, Dec. 19–21.
New ‘Avatar’ at the Historic Park Theatre
Fans of James Cameron rejoice. The third installment in the “Avatar” franchise, “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” premieres this weekend at the Historic Park Theatre. The film follows Jake Sully and Neytiri as they face a new threat to Pandora: the Ash People, a brutal and power-hungry Na’vi tribe led by the ruthless Varang. The venue will also hold a free screening of “Love Actually” on Saturday, December 20 at 10 a.m., as well as paid Haunted Ghost and History Tours on Friday, December 19 and Saturday, December 20.
Last Weekend To View ‘Brushstrokes and Beyond’
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.
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.
Golf Fitness Demo Class
Tee up a healthier swing at the Estes Valley Community Center (660 Community Dr.) with a free Golf Fitness demo class on Friday, Dec. 19, from 11 a.m. to noon. Led by instructor Marianne Casey, this engaging session focuses on building strength, improving flexibility, and enhancing mobility to support better golf performance. Designed for golfers of all experience levels, the class offers practical exercises you can take from the gym to the course, all in a fun, welcoming environment.
Hot Chocolate Bar and Festive Mug Workshop
Warm up your creativity this holiday season at Creativity Cabin Estes Park (342 W. Riverside Dr.) on Friday, Dec. 19, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. with a Hot Chocolate Bar and Festive Mug Workshop. Guests of all ages are invited to sip rich hot cocoa while crafting their own glazed ceramic mug, guided step by step by an experienced instructor. Mug projects range from $20 to $40. Reservations are recommended, with a $5 non-refundable deposit applied toward your project.
12 Days of Christmas at Bird & Jim
Celebrate the season with an elevated holiday dining experience at Bird & Jim (915 Moraine Ave.), where the restaurant kicks off its 12 Days of Christmas prix fixe menu on Friday, Dec. 19, served nightly through Dec. 30. This festive three-course dinner showcases winter-inspired flavors, beginning with options like butternut squash soup or a roasted chestnut and cranberry salad, followed by hearty mains including spiced quail, duck à l’orange, shrimp scampi fettuccine, or braised bone-in short rib. The meal wraps up with indulgent holiday desserts such as Bird & Jim’s signature macarons or eggnog poke cake. The three-course menu is $70 per person, with an optional wine pairing available.
Live Music at Snowy Peaks Winery
Ease into the holiday weekend with live music at Snowy Peaks Winery on Friday, Dec. 19, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Neilson & Nicholson bring their warm, harmony-driven acoustic sound to the Tasting Room, pairing perfectly with a glass of local wine and the cozy winter atmosphere. The event is free but seating is limited, so reservations are recommended. Call 970-586-2099 to save your spot.
Greg Miles Live at the Legion
Settle in for an evening of sharp wit and eclectic tunes as Estes Park songwriter Greg Miles takes the stage at the Tavern at the Legion on Friday, Dec. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. Known for his irreverent humor and genre-hopping sets, Miles blends originals with unexpected covers, creating a performance that’s always a little unpredictable and a lot of fun. Enjoy Tavern food and drinks throughout the night, and stick around for the weekly Queen of Hearts raffle, with ticket sales starting at 6 p.m. and the drawing at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public.
Bad Santa Party with Dueling Pianos at The Bull Pin
Embrace your mischievous side at The Bull Pin’s Bad Santa Party on Friday, Dec. 19, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. This adults-only holiday bash invites guests to don their most outrageous (and cringe-worthy) sweaters and settle in for a high-energy night of music and laughs as Colorado Keys brings their crowd-pleasing dueling pianos show to Estes Park. Expect sing-alongs, dance-worthy classics, and plenty of festive irreverence as the pianists take requests and riff off the crowd.
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.
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 through Dec. 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. Led by instructor Vikki Haan, each session explores a different seasonal theme. 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.
Festivus Celebration at Avant Garde Aleworks
Enjoy Festivus (AKA the season’s secular holiday) at Avant Garde Aleworks (920 Dunraven St.) on Saturday, Dec. 20, from noon to 8 p.m. The taproom will embrace the full Festivus spirit with an unadorned aluminum pole, plenty of good humor, and feats of mental strength in the form of trivia kicking off at 6 p.m. Fuel up beforehand with crowd-favorite slices from Mangia Mangia Pizzeria, serving from noon until sellout. This laid-back, irreverent holiday gathering is free to attend and ideal for anyone who prefers their seasonal cheer with a hint of sarcasm and plenty of great beer.
Rock Cut Bingo Night
Round up your crew and head to Rock Cut Brewing Company (390 W. Riverside Dr.) for Bingo Night on Sunday, Dec. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. Held on the first and third Sundays each month, this free community favorite features multiple rounds of bingo with prizes up for grabs, cold beer on tap, and an easygoing, social vibe. It’s a low-key, high-fun way to cap off the weekend with friends.
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.