Hello, Estes Park! Frozen Dead Guy Days is about to take over Estes Park, and yes, things are about to get weird in the best way. From coffin races and costumed bar crawls to polar plunges and late-night dance parties, this is the weekend when the town fully embraces a delightfully unusual tradition. Aside from the icy antics, there’s a packed schedule of live music, theater, film, and community events to round things out. Whether you’re here for the frozen folklore or just looking for something to do between the festivities, here’s your guide to everything happening around Estes Park this weekend, March 27-29:
Park Theatre Plays ‘Project Hail Mary’ and ‘The Shining’
The Historic Park Theatre is holding onto the Ryan Gosling-led sci-fi flick “Project Hail Mary,” about a science teacher who must figure out how to prevent the sun from dying, for another weekend. Throughout the weekend, the venue will host haunted ghost tours, psychic readings by Rebekah Blackburn, and a ghost hunt, in addition to screening Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.”
‘Reflections on Light and Color’ at the Art Center
The Art Center of Estes Park welcomes spring with “Reflections on Light and Color,” a new exhibit featuring watercolor work by artist member Cheryl Gratias. On view through April 27, the show highlights Gratias’ eye for atmosphere, color and natural beauty. Gallery hours are Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Frozen Dead Guy Days Bar Crawl
Lean all the way into the weird at the Frozen Dead Guy Days Bar Crawl, a costumed romp through Estes Park’s downtown bars and breweries on Friday, March 27 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Expect icy drink specials, themed cocktails, and a crowd dressed as everything from frostbitten lumberjacks to frozen prom queens. Participating spots across town will offer discounts, specialty pours and chances to win prizes, with a free shuttle helping crawlers navigate the route.
Friday Live Music at Snowy Peaks Winery
Unwind into the weekend with Nick Critchlow as he performs live in the tasting room at Snowy Peaks Winery on Friday, March 27, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The show is free to attend, but seats in the tasting room fill up quickly, so reservations are advised. Call 970-586-2099 to save your table for an early evening of music, wine, and relaxed mountain-town vibes.
‘Project Hail Mary’ Book-to-Movie Event
Head to Macdonald Book Shop on Friday, March 27 from 5 to 6 p.m. for a lively, interactive discussion of “Project Hail Mary” as it makes the jump from page to screen. The free event will include a group conversation comparing the novel and film, along with themed activities and a specialty mocktail to round out the experience. Organizers ask attendees to RSVP in advance to help plan for the evening.
Jon Pickett at The Rock Inn
Kick off your weekend with a set from musician Jon Pickett at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern. Pickett, a skilled bluegrass singer-songwriter, will perform on Friday, March 27 from 5 to 8 p.m., playing everything from Paul Simon to Black Sabbath. His solo set is free to attend, and it’s a relaxed way to spend an evening with great music and a mountain-tavern atmosphere.
James Davis at Twin Owls
Add an elegant soundtrack to your evening at Twin Owls Steakhouse with live classical and Spanish guitar by James Davis. Performing Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Davis brings a refined, atmospheric style that pairs seamlessly with Twin Owls’ fine dining experience. Live music is offered for dining guests only, so reservations are recommended.
‘Dead of Winter’ Art Exhibit, Awards & Mixer
Celebrate the quirky, macabre spirit of Frozen Dead Guy Days at Aspen & Evergreen Gallery’s “Dead of Winter” Art Exhibit and Awards Reception on Friday, March 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. Held at the gallery’s Elkhorn Avenue location, the free event invites visitors to mingle with artists while exploring works inspired by the festival’s offbeat energy. The evening includes wine, light snacks and a range of playful awards — from Best in Show to “Most Frozen Dead Guy” — along with a People’s Choice honor selected by attendees.
Final Weekend of Fine Arts Guild’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’
This is your last chance to see the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies’ production of the musical “Little Shop of Horrors.” The show follows Seymour, a down-and-out florist who discovers a strange plant with a dangerous appetite that grows with every drop of blood it consumes. Performances are March 27-28 at 7 p.m. at Estes Park High School.
Royal Blue Ball at The Stanley Hotel
Step into a night of icy glamour at the Royal Blue Ball on Friday, March 27 from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Stanley Hotel. This high-energy kickoff to Frozen Dead Guy Days transforms the historic concert hall into a dance party led by DJ Mack, complete with a costume contest celebrating characters like Grandpa Bredo and the Ice Queen. Guests are encouraged to lean into the theme and dress to impress as they dance the night away in one of Estes Park’s most iconic venues.
Xtreme Bar Bingo
Friday nights get a competitive twist at Xtreme Bar Bingo at Bogey’s Sports Bar, running weekly from 8 to 9:30 p.m. This high-energy spin on the classic game offers big incentives: the main jackpot starts at $5,000 and grows by $1,000 each week until it hits $15,000, while the Jr. Jackpot begins at $500 and climbs by $50 weekly. Along the way, players can also win prizes like TVs, sports tickets, and gift cards. Best of all, it’s free to play, so you can just show up and see if your numbers hit.
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.
Travel Series: East Africa
Take a global journey without leaving Estes Park at the Estes Valley Community Center’s Travel Series: East Africa on Saturday, March 28 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. This ticketed presentation offers a window into the landscapes, cultures and experiences of East Africa, making it an engaging option for curious travelers and armchair explorers alike. At $20 per person, the session provides a relaxed, informative way to spend a Saturday morning while expanding your sense of the world.
Cryogenic Cannibal Chase 8K
Kick off your Frozen Dead Guy Days festivities with a burst of adrenaline at the Cryogenic Cannibal Chase 8K on Saturday, March 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stanley Park. This spirited race loops around Lake Estes and serves as a playful pregame to the weekend’s wilder antics, complete with a beanie and breakfast bagel for participants. It’s a high-energy way to start the day before diving into the festival fun.
Frozen Dead Guy Days & Coffin Races
Embrace Estes Park’s weirdest tradition at Frozen Dead Guy Days on Saturday, March 28 from 12 to 9 p.m. at the Estes Park Events Complex. The one-of-a-kind festival honors the legend of cryogenically frozen Bredo Morstoel with a full day of live music, costumed antics, and popular coffin races. Expect a lively mix of food vendors, quirky competitions, and all-ages activities that reflect the event’s offbeat vibe.
Greg Miles Acoustic at The Rock Inn
Settle in for an offbeat evening of live music with Greg Miles on Saturday, March 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern. The Estes Park-based visual artist and singer-songwriter brings a playful, irreverent style to his performances, blending original songs with an eclectic mix of covers that can span everything from folk and blues to unexpected favorites. Free to attend, the show offers a laid-back way to unwind with dinner, drinks and a little musical unpredictability.
Bands & Bloody Brunch at The Legion
Ease into Sunday with live music and a hearty meal at Bands & Bloody Brunch on March 29 from 8 a.m. to noon at American Legion Post 119. The morning features an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet for $18 alongside a free live set from Buster & The Boomers, who take the stage from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. A full bar will be available with Bloody Marys, mimosas and more, making it a lively, family-friendly way to wrap up the weekend in Estes Park.
Polar Plunge at The Stanley Hotel
Take the plunge — literally — at the Polar Plunge on Sunday, March 29 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at The Stanley Hotel. Part of the Frozen Dead Guy Days festivities, this icy challenge invites participants to dive into the Pavilion Pond while a DJ keeps the energy high at the surrounding party. A $20 ticket includes a scheduled plunge time, towel, hot shower access and a commemorative coin, with a portion of proceeds benefiting charity. Spectators are welcome too, making it a lively, cheer-filled way to close out the weekend’s frosty fun.
Sunday Fun-day at Snowy Peaks Winery
Round out the weekend with Sunday Fun-day at Snowy Peaks Winery on March 29. The venue is offering Date Night Specials from 4 to 7 p.m.: enjoy any entrée paired with a bottle of wine for $40, or choose 10% off a charcuterie board and 25% off a bottle to match. Reservations are recommended—call 970-586-2099 to save your spot.
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.
