Overview:

First Friday, loads of live music, Coffee and Cars, Pride in the Park, and more are happening around Estes Park this weekend.

June arrives with a little bit of everything: a milestone Pride celebration, a town-wide art walk, live music on patios and rooftops, and a couple of popular attractions entering their final days. If you’ve been meaning to catch “Explorations” at the Art Center or see Grogu’s big-screen adventure at the Park Theatre, this is your last chance. Beyond the farewells, the weekend offers plenty of reasons to get out and about. Downtown galleries throw open their doors for First Friday, Pride in the Park celebrates five years, and live music can be found almost everywhere you turn. Here’s what’s going on in Estes this weekend, June 5-7:


If you’ve been waiting to see “Explorations” at the Art Center of Estes Park, you now have until Monday, June 8, to do so. 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.


This is also the last week to see “The Mandalorian and Grogu” at the historic Park Theatre. The film, rated PG-13, will be shown at the Park Theatre through June 11. Based on the characters introduced in Disney+’s 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. On Friday, June 5, the Park Theatre also offers historical and haunted tours, and on Sunday, June 7, it will show the 30th anniversary of “The Birdcage.”


Explore downtown Estes Park’s creative side during FIRST FRIDAY! Art Groove on June 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. Presented by the Estes Arts District, the free monthly art walk invites visitors to wander between galleries, studios, tasting rooms, and creative spaces. This month’s highlights include live Celtic music at Aspen and Evergreen Gallery, an alcohol ink demonstration by artist Vicky Russell at Earthwood Collections, the soft opening of the Estes Arts District’s new gallery and workspace, and exhibits ranging from watercolor landscapes to Rocky Mountain photography.


Andy Eppler performs live in the tasting room at Snowy Peaks Winery on Friday, June 5, from 5:00 to 7:00 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.


Singer-songwriter Jon Pickett returns to The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern on Friday, June 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. Known locally as the bassist and vocalist for Colorado bluegrass band Chain Station, Pickett’s solo performances blend original songs with an eclectic mix of creative covers, soulful storytelling, and acoustic charm. The free show offers a laid-back way to start the weekend with one of the region’s most versatile musicians.


Start the weekend with live music from Nick Wagner at American Legion Post 119 on Friday, June 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. The free performance is part of the Legion’s weekly Friday night music series, which brings a rotating lineup of local and regional musicians to the tavern stage. Arrive early for happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m., grab dinner from the tavern menu, and stick around for the Queen of Hearts drawing at 7 p.m.


The Coldies bring their high-energy mix of blues, rock ’n’ roll, outlaw country, and deep-cut pop favorites to the rooftop at Bogey’s Sports Bar on Friday, June 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. Known for turning familiar songs into crowd-pleasing singalongs, the local band delivers a lively soundtrack for a summer evening in downtown Estes Park.


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.


Car enthusiasts are invited to gather for Estes Valley Cars and Coffee on Saturday, June 6, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Estes Valley Community Center. Hosted by the Estes Park Car Club, the free event welcomes everything from vintage classics and muscle cars to motorcycles, custom builds, and daily drivers.


Pride in the Park returns to downtown Estes Park on Saturday, June 6, from noon to 5 p.m., marking the fifth anniversary of the community celebration. Held at George Hix Plaza and The Slab, the free event features live music, guest speakers, local vendors, community organizations, and activities for all ages. Additional festivities throughout the weekend include an adult after-party and the inaugural Gay-LaLa fundraiser celebrating five years of Pride in the Park.


Enjoy an evening of bluegrass, old-time tunes, and acoustic storytelling when the SnowBelt Bluegrass Duo performs at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern on Saturday, June 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. Estes Park musicians Max and Ann blend original songs, fiddle-tune favorites, and plenty of musical spontaneity into a sound they jokingly describe as “comically simple music performed by comically simple people.” Drawing inspiration from traditional bluegrass, folk, and Irish music, the duo delivers a lively, rootsy performance in the cozy mountain setting of The Rock Inn. Admission is free.


Spend Saturday night on the rooftop at Bogey’s Sports Bar with live music from Jeremy Smith on Saturday, June 6, from 7 to 10 p.m. Blending country influences, acoustic favorites, and Americana storytelling, Smith provides the perfect soundtrack for a summer evening in Estes Park.


Trade the mountains for island vibes during Aloha Sunday at Bogey’s Sports Bar on Sunday, June 7, from 3 to 5 p.m. Ukulele Dave will provide the soundtrack with a laid-back set of tropical tunes and feel-good favorites on the rooftop patio. Pair the music with a cold drink, good food, and sunny views for a relaxing Sunday afternoon that feels a little closer to Hawaii than Estes Park.


Wind down on Sunday evening with country and folk singer-songwriter Sarah Minto-Sparks at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern Sunday, June 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. Armed with an acoustic guitar and a knack for heartfelt storytelling, Minto-Sparks blends folk traditions with country influences in a warm, engaging live performance.


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.