Hello, Estes Park! From snow-packed trails to live music, local art, and playoff football, this weekend’s Arts & Entertainment picks capture Estes Park at full winter stride. Skijor headlines a high-energy few days in town, but it’s far from the only way to get outside, warm up, or wind down. Whether you’re looking to explore Rocky Mountain National Park with a guide, catch a nationally touring act at The Stanley, discover new local artists, or settle in for après-Skijor beers and Broncos watching, there’s something happening at nearly every pace this weekend. Here’s what’s happening this weekend in Estes Park.
Winter Hike Along Fern Lake Trail
Discover the quiet beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park in winter during the Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s guided Winter Hike: The Pool on Friday, Jan. 23, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Starting from the Estes Park Visitor Center, participants will travel together to the Fern Lake Trail for a scenic, moderate 5-mile hike that follows the Big Thompson River through a serene, snow-covered landscape. No prior winter hiking experience is required and snowshoes or microspikes will be provided based on trail conditions. Open to ages 16 and up (minors accompanied by an adult), this $40 program is an inviting way to explore the park’s winter wonders with guidance.
Estes Park Skijor
One of the biggest weekends of winter returns Jan. 23–25 as Estes Park Skijor takes over the Estes Park Events Complex with three days of heart-pounding competition and family-friendly fun. The weekend kicks off Friday night with Novice Night, giving newcomers a chance to try the sport, followed by full skijor competitions Saturday and Sunday. Beyond the action on the course, the Mountain Shop Expo, kids’ skijor-style Fun Zone, and a lineup of local food trucks make it easy to spend the whole day onsite. With cash prizes on the line, nonstop energy, and plenty to explore off the track, Estes Park Skijor is a can’t-miss winter centerpiece for locals and visitors alike.
Skijor Weekend at The Legion
Keep the Skijor energy going all weekend long at American Legion Post 119, where the Tavern is hosting three days of food, drink specials, and prize-filled fun from Friday through Sunday, Jan. 23–25. Enter the 50/50 raffle for a chance to win up to $1,000 (2,000 tickets available; must be 18+ and present to win), enjoy 25% off wings on Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m., and take advantage of all-day happy hour on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The weekend wraps up with Skijor award ceremonies and the raffle drawing after 5 p.m. Sunday, plus a Broncos watch party to close things out.
Skijour Weekend Special at Bogey’s
When the races wrap up, the party rolls on at Bogey’s Sport Bar during Skijør Weekend, Jan. 23–25. Swing by from 5 to 10 p.m. each night to keep the adrenaline flowing with cold drinks, a lively crowd, and a distinctly Western twist. Show up in a cowboy hat and score a free draft beer, because nothing pairs with Skijør quite like boots, brimmed hats, and a post-race pint.
Neilson & Nicholson at Snowy Peaks
Ease into the weekend with live music at Snowy Peaks Winery on Friday, Jan. 23, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Acoustic duo Neilson & Nicholson brings warm harmonies and a laid-back sound to the Tasting Room, pairing perfectly with a glass of local wine and Snowy Peaks’ cozy winter atmosphere. The show is free to attend, but seating is limited, so reservations are recommended. Call 970-586-2099 to save a table.
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.
Beer Poking at Avant Garde Aleworks
Warm up après-Skijør with a cozy Old World tradition during Beer Poking at Avant Garde Aleworks on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24–25, from 4 to 8 p.m. Also known as Bierstacheln, this winter ritual involves plunging a fire-heated metal rod into a glass of beer, caramelizing the sugars and creating a rich, frothy head while keeping the beer cool and drinkable. The result highlights the maltier, deeper notes of the brew—perfect for cold evenings after a day of snowy Skijør action. Free to try and a fun way to experience beer a little differently.
Whitey Morgan & the 78’s at The Stanley
Feel the grit and soul of outlaw country when Whitey Morgan & The 78’s bring their Damn The Weather Tour to the Stanley Hotel Concert Hall on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 7 to 10 p.m. Known for raw storytelling, blue-collar swagger, and a relentless touring ethic, Flint, Michigan–born Whitey Morgan has spent more than 15 years carving out his place as one of modern outlaw country’s fiercest voices. Expect a high-energy, no-frills performance that leans into hard-earned heartache, grit, and classic country traditions. Tickets are $50 for this 21+ standing-room-only show; all sales are final.
Broncos Party at The American Legion
Cheer on the Denver Broncos during a game-day party at American Legion Post 119 on Sunday, Jan. 25, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kickoff is at 1 p.m., with the Tavern offering game-day food specials, happy hour pricing all day, and plenty of football-themed fun including Jello shots and football squares. It’s a free, high-energy way to spend Sunday afternoon with fellow fans—come early, grab a seat, and hope for a Broncos win.
NFL Conference Championship Games at Bogey’s
Settle in for a full day of high-stakes football during NFL Conference Championship Sunday at Bogey’s Sport Bar on Sunday, Jan. 25, from 1 to 10 p.m. With just four teams left, every snap counts as the road to the Super Bowl is decided live on the big screens. The action kicks off at 1 p.m. with the Denver Broncos facing the New England Patriots, followed by an afternoon showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams at 4:30 p.m.
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.
‘Meet the New Artists’ at Art Center of Estes Park
Discover fresh perspectives and new creative voices at “Meet the New Artists,” the Art Center of Estes Park’s annual exhibition spotlighting members who joined the gallery in the past year. On view through Feb. 9, the show features a diverse range of media and styles, from Janine Belletire’s soft, expressive pastels and Chris Crews’ photography to oil paintings by Kay Keyes Farrar, prints and etchings by Stephen Goddard, and handcrafted artisan jewelry by Mark Nelson. The exhibit is free to visit during regular gallery hours (Fridays through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at the Art Center of Estes Park.