It’s a choose-your-own-adventure weekend in Estes Park, where you can go from a Hollywood sequel to a ghost hunt before winding your way through art galleries, sidewalk sales, and a river filled with racing rubber ducks. The Historic Park Theatre lands a buzzy opening weekend with “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” while just up the hill, The Stanley Hotel leans all the way into its haunted reputation with a full slate of Paranormal Days programming. At the same time, downtown comes alive for First Friday. Add in live music across town, a community-fueled duck race, and early Mother’s Day markets, and you’ve got a packed spring lineup. Here’s what’s happening in Estes Park this weekend, May 1-3:
Historic Park Theatre Secures ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ Opening Weekend
If you were hoping to catch the new Michael Jackson biopic this weekend, you’re out of luck. The Historic Park Theatre told “Michael” to beat it so they could show “The Devil Wears Prada 2” on its opening weekend. The highly anticipated sequel to the 2006 film “The Devil Wears Prada” is back 20 years later with the entire original cast, including Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, returning. The venue will also be hosting history tours and haunted ghost tours on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2.
Friday Live Music at Snowy Peaks Winery
David & Hannah will perform live in the tasting room at Snowy Peaks Winery on Friday, May 1, 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.
Paranormal Days at The Stanley Hotel
Step into the supernatural during Paranormal Days at The Stanley Hotel, running May 1–3. This immersive weekend brings together ghost-hunting celebrities Grant and Reanna Wilson of “Ghost Hunters,” author Richard Estep, and the hotel’s resident paranormal team for a mix of lectures, late-night investigations, and eerie entertainment. Highlights include a Friday welcome mixer, a full Saturday lineup of talks and panels, and optional add-on experiences like private investigations, theatrical séances, and tarot sessions.
FIRST FRIDAY! Art Groove
Stroll through downtown Estes Park during FIRST FRIDAY! Art Groove on May 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. Presented by the Estes Arts District, the free event invites visitors to explore new exhibits, meet local artists and experience a mix of live music, demonstrations and refreshments along the route. Highlights this month include a new show at the Art Center, live Celtic music at Aspen and Evergreen Gallery, artist demos at Earthwood Collections, and an open house celebrating the newly merged Creativity Cabin and Inspired Art Experiences
‘Explorations’ Opening Reception at the Art Center
Kick off a new exhibit at the Art Center of Estes Park during the opening reception for “Explorations” on Friday, May 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. The show, on view through June 8, features oil paintings by Jenifer Cline and abstract works by John Long. Cline’s plein air–inspired pieces highlight the impact of surface and texture, while Long’s bold, geometric paintings layer color and form into dynamic compositions. Visitors can meet the artists, explore the gallery and also catch the Elementary School Show in the Sunroom during this First Friday event.
Creativity Cabin + Inspired Art Debut New Partnership
A new creative hub opens its doors in Estes Park with the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the newly unified Creativity Cabin and Inspired Art Experiences on Friday, May 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 342 W. Riverside Dr. The event celebrates a collaboration between two long-standing local maker spaces, bringing together a diverse range of hands-on art experiences under one roof. Guests can explore the space, enjoy refreshments, and learn about upcoming classes, with additional open house hours throughout the weekend.
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, May 1, 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.
Music at American Legion Post 119
Enjoy live music by an unannounced group at American Legion Post 119 on Friday, May 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is free and family-friendly, with The Tavern serving its full food and bar menu from 3 to 8 p.m. Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 p.m., and the Queen of Hearts drawing starts at 7 p.m.
Friday Niters Dance Club at Dao House
Dance the night away at the Friday Niters Dance Club on May 1 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Dao House Lodge, 6120 Highway 7. This welcoming social dance evening features live music from Kings of Swing, with space for everything from ballroom and swing to country and Latin styles. A dance lesson is offered during the first break, making it easy for beginners to join in, while experienced dancers can simply hit the floor. With a $20 entry fee and a relaxed, all-levels atmosphere, it’s a great way to spend the night dancing.
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.
Spring Sidewalk Sale
Hunt for deals during the Spring Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout downtown Estes Park and beyond. For one weekend, local businesses bring their merchandise outdoors, filling sidewalks with discounted and clearance items. Open to all participating shops and held rain or shine, the event offers a relaxed way to explore downtown while scoring seasonal bargains and supporting local retailers.
Duck Race
Cheer on a river full of rubber ducks at the Great Estes Park Rotary Duck Race on Saturday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Performance Park. This family-friendly tradition kicks off with thousands of yellow ducks dropping into Fall River and racing downstream toward the Visitor Center, all in support of local nonprofits. Spectators can “adopt” a duck for a chance to win prizes, with a championship race later in the afternoon offering big cash payouts. Along the way, enjoy live music, face painting, balloon art, and a Jeep show.
PJ Moon Live on the Rooftop
Kick off Bogey’s summer live music season with PJ Moon in a limited two-day engagement on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Bogey’s Sports Bar. Performing on the rooftop, the band brings a mix of Colorado-inspired funk, soul and rock ’n’ roll to a relaxed, open-air setting. It’s an easygoing way to spend a spring afternoon with good music, fresh air and a drink in hand.
Sarah Minto-Sparks at The Rock Inn
Sarah Minto-Sparks, a country/folk singer and guitar picker, will perform at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern on Saturday, May 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is free to this lively set of soulful American and blues music in a relaxed setting.
Tarot & Tea at The Stanley Hotel
Step into a more intimate side of Paranormal Days with Tarot & Tea on Sunday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 217 Wine Bar inside The Stanley Hotel. This ticketed experience pairs a traditional tea service with a personal tarot reading led by resident apparitionist Hannibal, offering a quiet moment of reflection amid the weekend’s supernatural energy. With limited seating and a $75 per-person cost charged upon arrival, reservations are recommended for this unique blend of mysticism and relaxation.
Mother’s Market at Avant Garde Aleworks
Shop local and celebrate women-owned businesses at the Mother’s Market on Sunday, May 3, from noon to 5 p.m. at Avant Garde Aleworks. The outdoor market brings together a variety of vendors offering unique, handmade goods — perfect for early Mother’s Day shopping. The event also features the release of the brewery’s annual Pink Boots collaboration Kölsch, with proceeds supporting scholarships for women in the fermentation industry, plus bites from Graze Craze to keep you fueled while you browse.
Sunday Fun-day at Snowy Peaks Winery
Round out the weekend with Sunday Fun-day at Snowy Peaks Winery on Sunday, May 3. 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.
Rock Cut Bingo Night
Wrap up the weekend with a pint and a game at Rock Cut Bingo Night on May 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rock Cut Brewing Company. Held on the first and third Sundays, the free event brings a casual, come-as-you-are vibe with multiple rounds of bingo and prizes up for grabs. It’s a low-key way to gather with friends, enjoy a local brew and add a little friendly competition to your Sunday evening.
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.