Overview:

Here are our A&E picks for this weekend in Estes Park, including the Environmental Film Festival, Cars and Coffee, and lots of live music.

Estes Park is in that brief in-between stretch before summer tourism kicks into full gear. Things are a little quieter around town, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing happening. This weekend brings the Environmental Film Festival to the Historic Park Theatre, plus live music all over town, classic cars at the Community Center, gallery exhibits, bingo nights, and another weekend to catch “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” Here’s what’s happening around Estes Park this weekend, May 15-17:


The Historic Park Theatre is keeping “The Devil Wears Prada 2” for the third weekend in a row. 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 the Environmental Film Festival (more information below) and haunted ghost tours on Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16.


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.


The Historic Park Theatre will host the third annual Environmental Film Festival on May 15-16. Presented by The Rocky Mountain Channel, the two-day festival features climbing films, environmental documentaries, live music and conversations with filmmakers and scientists. Highlights include the Reel Rock 19 showcase, Nick Mollé’s “Water: The Sacred Gift,” a sneak preview of “Stream of Conscience: The Colorado,” and a live performance by Snowbelt. 


Denny Driscoll will perform live in the tasting room at Snowy Peaks Winery on Friday, May 15, 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.


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 15, 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.


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.


Settle in for an intimate evening of live music when Snowbelt Bluegrass performs at the Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co. Publick House on Friday, May 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. The local group brings its blend of acoustic bluegrass and mountain-town charm to the cozy venue. 


Enjoy live music by Tahosaat American Legion Post 119 on Friday, May 15, from 6 to 9 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. 


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.


Car lovers can kick off the season at the first Estes Park Cars and Coffee gathering of the year on Saturday, May 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Estes Valley Community Center. Hosted by the Estes Park Car Club and Estes Valley Community Center, the free event welcomes all makes, models, and styles of vehicles, from vintage classics to modern rides and custom builds.


Musican Sarah Minto-Sparks will perform at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern on Saturday, May 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Expect Miles to deliver a polished, upbeat set in a relaxed setting.


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.


Grab a pint and test your luck at Rock Cut Bingo Night on Sunday, May 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rock Cut Brewing Company. Held on the first and third Sundays of the month, the free event mixes casual taproom vibes with friendly competition, offering prizes during every round of bingo.


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.