Hello, Estes Park! Don’t be alarmed if you see large, hairy figures wandering around town this weekend. Bigfoot Days is back, which means Estes Park is fully embracing one of its strangest, most beloved traditions. This weekend combines the festival’s signature sasquatch shenanigans with a full slate of arts and entertainment, including a new biopic at the Historic Park Theatre, the closing days of a spring art exhibit, and a packed lineup of live music. Here’s your guide to what’s going on in Estes Park this weekend, April 24-26:
‘Michael’ Opens at the Historic Park Theatre
Michael Jackson fans, rejoice: the Historic Park Theatre has acquired the biographical film “Michael,” about the musician’s life on and offstage. So far, the movie has received mixed to negative reviews, but I plan to watch it anyway and make up my own mind. The venue will also be hosting Bigfoot Days films and a haunted ghost tour on Saturday, April 25.
Last Weekend: ‘Reflections on Light and Color’
This is the final weekend to see “Reflections on Light and Color,” a new exhibit at The Art Center of Estes Park that features watercolor work by artist member Cheryl Gratias. The show, which runs until April 27, focuses on Gratias’ sense of atmosphere, color, and natural beauty. Gallery hours are Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bigfoot BBQ
Kick off Bigfoot Days weekend with a one-of-a-kind dinner at the Bigfoot BBQ on Friday, April 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Estes Park Events Complex. This themed evening invites guests to enjoy food, drinks, and live music while mingling with Bigfoot celebrities and snapping photos along the way. Blending festival fun with a relaxed social atmosphere, the event offers a playful way to lean into all things Squatchy before the main festivities begin.
Friday Live Music at Snowy Peaks Winery
Lost Penny will perform live in the tasting room at Snowy Peaks Winery on Friday, April 24, 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.
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, April 24, 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.
Slick & Son at American Legion Post 119
Enjoy Friday evening with live music by Slick & Son at American Legion Post 119 on Friday, April 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is free and family-friendly, and The Tavern will serve its full food and bar menu from 3 to 8 p.m. Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m., and the Queen of Hearts drawing takes place at 7 p.m.
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: China
Explore another corner of the world during the Travel Series: China on Saturday, April 25, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Estes Valley Community Center. In this $20 presentation, speaker Rene shares firsthand experiences from his time teaching English in Chinese schools, offering insight into daily life, culture and education abroad. It’s an engaging option for travelers and the simply curious looking to broaden their perspective without leaving town.
Bigfoot Days
Celebrate all things Squatchy at Bigfoot Days on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Bond Park. The free, family-friendly festival brings a full day of quirky fun to downtown Estes Park, featuring appearances from Bigfoot experts and TV personalities, live music, film screenings and a Bigfoot calling contest. Visitors can also browse craft and food vendors, hear local legends and take part in outdoor activities, making it a lively centerpiece to a weekend devoted to the country’s most elusive creature.
Bigfoot Days at Bogey’s
Keep the Bigfoot Days energy going at Bogey’s Sports Bar on Saturday, April 25, from 1 to 10 p.m. The downtown spot is leaning into the festivities with cold drinks, classic bar snacks and a full day of laid-back, Bigfoot-themed fun. It’s an easy stop between festival events or a place to settle in and keep the party going into the evening.
Greg Miles at The Rock Inn
Greg Miles will perform at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern on Saturday, April 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is free to this lively set of soulful American and blues music in a relaxed setting.
A Night on Broadway
The Fine Arts Guild invites you to A Night on Broadway at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the EPHS auditorium, where you can experience New York without ever leaving Estes Park. Their performance will feature songs from musicals such as “Hamilton,” “Wicked,” “The Music Man,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Funny Girl,” and more. Adult tickets are $20, $18 for seniors, $12 for ages 6 to 18, and free for children under the age of five.
Rocky Mountain Winter Speaker Series
Learn something new about Rocky Mountain National Park on Sunday, April 26, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. At this Winter Speaker Series event, Isabel de Silva Shewell, an ecologist at Rocky Mountain National Park, will present on wetland restoration as well as an overview of the Kawuneeche Valley Restoration Collaborative (KVRC) projects. Open to the public, the series provides an easy, engaging way to connect with the stories and science behind one of Colorado’s most treasured places.
Sunday Fun-day at Snowy Peaks Winery
Round out the weekend with Sunday Fun-day at Snowy Peaks Winery on Sunday, April 26. 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.
Do you have any suggestions for upcoming or recurring A&E events in or around Estes Park? Please send information to Toni Tresca (tonitresca@estesvalleyvoice.com) by the Wednesday before the event to be included in the A&E roundup.