Overview:
This weekend's events in Estes Park include live music, Samson's Revenge, the Silent Comedy Movie Festival, and more.
Memorial Day weekend has officially arrived, and the calendar is packed with everything from trail races to a new “Star Wars” movie at the Park Theatre. This week’s lineup leans especially outdoorsy and nostalgic. You can spend the morning watching ultrarunners tackle mountain trails, the afternoon browsing outdoor gear and fly-fishing demos, and the evening listening to ragtime piano inside a 100-year-old theater. Here is what’s going on in Estes Park this weekend, May 22-25:
‘Mandalorian and Grogu’ soars into the Park Theatre
This weekend, Disney attempts to relaunch the “Star Wars” franchise in theaters with “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” Based on the characters first seen in the Disney+ streaming series “The Mandalorian,” this film follows Pedro Pascal as The Mandalorian and his apprentice Grogu as they are tasked by the New Republic with rescuing Rotta the Hutt in exchange for information on a target. The film is rated PG-13 and is slated to play at the historic Park Theatre through June 11. Also, the Silent Comedy Movie Festival is back (more info below), and the Park Theatre presents historical and haunted tours all holiday weekend.
‘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
5-Foot Betty performs live in the tasting room at Snowy Peaks Winery on Friday, May 22, 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 22, 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.
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 Wednesdays through Fridays 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. Call 970-586-9344 for more info.
SnowBelt at American Legion Post 119
Enjoy live music by SnowBelt at the American Legion Post 119 on Friday, May 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is free and family-friendly. Food is available from the tavern from 3 to 8:30 p.m. Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 p.m., and the Queen of Hearts drawing starts at 7 p.m.
Karaoke Night at Lonigans
Take the stage at Lonigans (106 W. Elkhorn Ave.) for its free karaoke night, happening every Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to midnight. It’s the perfect late-night outing for those looking to get their sing on.
Samson’s Revenge
Hit the trails for Samson’s Revenge Trail Race on Saturday, May 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at YMCA of the Rockies. Organized by Running Wild Events, the race honors Samson, the legendary Estes Park elk who once roamed the YMCA grounds, with runners tackling the same terrain his descendants still inhabit today. Participants can choose between 10K, 27K, and 50K distances, all featuring fast single-track sections and a challenging “King of the Mountain” climb in the middle.
Estes Valley Outdoor Expo
Get ready for a weekend of mountain adventure at the Estes Valley Outdoor Expo on Saturday, May 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 870 Moraine Ave. Hosted by Scot’s Sporting Goods, Bandit’s Bikes, and Colorado River Expeditions, the free event brings together outdoor recreation vendors, live music, and hands-on activities just down the road from Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors can try free fly-fishing casting lessons, get complimentary bike safety checks, learn about local trails and rafting trips, and explore guided adventure opportunities throughout the region.
Car Show and Live Music at American Legion Post 119
Spend Saturday afternoon and evening at American Legion Post 119 during a community car show and live music event on May 23. The car show runs from 3 to 6 p.m., offering a chance to check out a variety of classic and custom vehicles, while the Poudre Valley Playboys take the stage from 5 to 8 p.m. with their lively blend of “hillbilly-surf music.” With food, drinks, and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s an easygoing Memorial Day weekend gathering in Estes Park.
Greg Miles at The Rock Inn
Expect the unexpected when Greg Miles performs at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern on Saturday, May 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. The Estes Park singer-songwriter and visual artist brings an irreverent, genre-hopping style to his live shows, mixing tongue-in-cheek originals with covers that can range from John Prine and Townes Van Zandt to blues standards and torch songs. Free to attend.
Parrish Heights Live on the Rooftop at Bogey’s
Take in mountain views and live music when Parrish Heights performs at Bogey’s Sports Bar on Saturday, May 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. The rooftop show promises an upbeat evening of live tunes in an open-air setting overlooking Estes Park. Pair the music with drinks, bar food, and sunset views.
Silent Comedy Movie Festival
Step back into the early days of cinema during the Silent Comedy Movie Festival at the Historic Park Theatre. The Memorial Day weekend program (Saturday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m.; Monday, May 25 at 1 p.m.; and Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m.) features three classic silent comedy shorts, “The Vagabond,” “Roaming Romeo,” and “One Week.” Accompanied live on piano by Scott “Flyin’ Fingers” Wilseck, the evening recreates the atmosphere of a 1920s movie house, complete with ragtime music before the show. Kids get in free with a paid adult admission. The festival will return to the Park Theatre in July and August with three completely different films at each event.
Sunday Fun-day at Snowy Peaks Winery
Round out the weekend with Sunday Fun-day at Snowy Peaks Winery on Sunday, May 24. The venue is hosting an Open Mic from 3 to 5 p.m. and 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.
Sarah Minto-Sparks at The Rock Inn
Spend Sunday evening with live country and folk music when Sarah Minto-Sparks performs at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern on May 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. Known for her warm vocals and skilled guitar playing, Minto-Sparks brings an easygoing acoustic style that fits perfectly with the tavern’s relaxed atmosphere.
Great American Nowhere Live at Bogey’s
Great American Nowhere will take over the rooftop at Bogey’s Sports Bar on Sunday, May 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. for an evening of live music. The performance pairs acoustic jams with a lively crowd, drinks flowing from the bar, and one of the better sunset spots in town.
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.
Macdonald Book Shop Story Time
Start Memorial Day morning with stories, snacks, and a little mystery during Macdonald Book Shop’s weekly story time on Monday, May 25, from 9:30 to 10 a.m. This free, family-friendly event welcomes children of all ages for themed read-alouds and activities. This week’s “Surprise Day” theme keeps the details under wraps, adding an extra layer of excitement for young readers.
Jason Lenz Live at Bogey’s
Relax on the rooftop of Bogey’s Sports Bar on Memorial Day afternoon, May 25 from 3 to 5 p.m., with Jason Lenz performing live. Lenz is known for his inventive live looping style, which combines guitar, rhythm, and vocals to create dynamic one-man performances that feel larger than a solo set.
Wesley Scott at The Rock Inn
Texas-born country and folk musician Wesley Scott will perform at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern on Monday, May 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. Raised in Palestine, TX, Scott brings a rootsy blend of acoustic storytelling, guitar picking, and classic country influences to the stage in this free show.
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.