Happy early Mother’s Day to all the moms in the Estes Valley! If you’re looking for things to do this weekend, your options range from Mozart to Miranda Priestly. You can spend your Friday night solving literary clues at Macdonald Book Shop, listening to a live performance of Mozart’s “Requiem,” or watching “The Devil Wears Prada 2” on the big screen before embarking on a ghost tour. The rest of the weekend celebrates spring in a variety of ways, including community gatherings to raise awareness about wildfires, hands-on art classes, Mother’s Day brunches, and a steady lineup of live music throughout town. Here’s what’s going on in Estes this weekend, May 8-10:
Historic Park Theatre Keeps ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’
No needs to fear, fashion divas. Miranda Priestly isn’t going anywhere yet. The Historic Park Theatre is keeping “The Devil Wears Prada 2” for another week. The highly anticipated sequel to “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006) returns 20 years later with the entire original cast, including Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci. The venue will also be hosting history tours and haunted ghost tours on Friday, May 8, Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10.
‘Explorations’ at the Art Center
Spend some time with two very different artistic perspectives at “Explorations,” on view through June 8 at the Art Center of Estes Park. Open Fridays through Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the free exhibit features plein air-inspired oil paintings by Jenifer Cline alongside colorful, geometric abstract works by John Long. The show also includes artwork by local elementary school students in the Sunroom.
Friday Live Music at Snowy Peaks Winery
Laurie & Lorrie will perform live in the tasting room at Snowy Peaks Winery on Friday, May 8, 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 reserve your table.
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 8, 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 chill 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.
May Mystery Madness at Macdonald Book Shop
Put your detective skills to the test at May Mystery Madness on Friday, May 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Macdonald Book Shop. This free event blends mystery book discussion with an interactive clue hunt, challenging participants to track down 12 hidden clues throughout the store for a chance to win a free softcover book. Along the way, guests can sip a themed mocktail and swap favorite whodunits with fellow mystery lovers in a playful, bookish atmosphere.
Oratorio Society of Estes Park May Concert
Experience an evening of powerful classical music when the Oratorio Society of Estes Park presents Mozart’s “Requiem” on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies. Performed by the society’s orchestra and chorus, the program also includes John Williams’ haunting score from “Schindler’s List.” Admission is free, with donations encouraged.
Chuck Sitero at American Legion Post 119
Enjoy live music by Chuck Sitero at American Legion Post 119 on Friday, May 8, 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.
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.
Rain on the Rockies
Gather with the community for Rain on the Rockies on May 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bond Park. Created in response to Colorado’s dry conditions and wildfire concerns, the free event blends reflection, music and community connection with a shared intention for rain and a safe summer season. The program includes a sound bath, sacred water meditation, guest speakers and an acoustic performance by Mayor Gary Hall and Linda Hall.
Living with Fire
Learn more about the changing realities of wildfire in Colorado during Living with Fire on Saturday, May 9, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Estes Valley Community Center. Presented by the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition, the free community events bring together fire ecologists, forest researchers and restoration experts to talk about how wildfire has shaped Northern Colorado’s landscapes and how climate change is altering fire behavior. The afternoon will also explore recovery efforts following the East Troublesome and Cameron Peak fires, along with emerging forest management strategies and technologies.
Paint and Sip: Flamingo Edition
Get creative with a glass of wine in hand during Paint and Sip: Flamingo Edition on May 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Estes Valley Community Center. This beginner-friendly class includes all painting supplies plus up to two glasses of wine, with participants guided through creating a colorful flamingo-themed piece to take home. Sponsored by Spur Liquor and Safeway, the $45 event offers an easygoing evening of art, conversation and springtime fun.
‘The Last Big Blast’ at American Legion Post 119
Spend Saturday evening with a full lineup of live music during “The Last Big Blast” on Saturday, May 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. at American Legion Post 119. The event features performances by the Blue Sky Mountain Band, Mountain Town Rockers, and the Dennis Tobias Band, bringing a mix of classic rock, country and mountain-town energy to the stage.
Greg Miles at The Rock Inn
Estes Park visual artist/singer/songwriter Greg Miles will perform at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern on Saturday, May 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Expect Miles to deliver a polished, upbeat set in a relaxed setting.
Mother’s Day Brunch at The Stanley Hotel
Celebrate Mother’s Day in grand style at The Stanley Hotel’s annual brunch on Sunday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The expansive buffet features brunch favorites alongside seasonal dishes, including pastries, seafood, carving stations, made-to-order omelets and desserts, all served within the hotel’s historic setting. Priced at $95 for adults and $40 for children 12 and under, the event offers a festive way to gather with family and treat Mom to an elegant brunch.
Sunday Fun-day at Snowy Peaks Winery
Round out the weekend with Sunday Fun-day at Snowy Peaks Winery on Sunday, May 10. 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 Tuesday before the event to be included in the A&E roundup.