‘A&E: Fourth of July Weekend, July 3-5

Fourth of July weekend has arrived, and while there won’t be fireworks over Lake Estes this year, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate. Live music fills patios, rooftops, and breweries around town, the Big Bang Concert celebrates its tenth anniversary, and families can begin the month-long Find Waldo scavenger hunt downtown. Whether you’re hunting for Waldo, catching a movie, browsing art galleries, or spending the holiday listening to local musicians, here’s what’s happening around Estes Park this holiday weekend, July 3-5.

Find Waldo Around Estes Park

Where’s Waldo? All over Estes Park. Throughout July, Macdonald Book Shop invites families to take part in the annual Find Waldo Local scavenger hunt, sending participants in search of the famous red-and-white-striped traveler hidden inside more than 25 local businesses. Pick up a free Waldo Passport at the bookstore, collect stamps as you find each Waldo, and earn prizes along the way. Find 15 Waldos to receive a commemorative poster, or track down 20 to be entered into a grand prize drawing at the end-of-month celebration on July 31.

New ‘Minions’ movie takes over the Park Theatre

Did you know that the Minions from the “Despicable Me” franchise were also famous movie stars? That’s the crux of the new “Minions vs. Monsters” film, which opens at the Historic Park Theatre this weekend. The film centers on how the Minions conquered Hollywood, lose everything, and then summon monsters to try and get back into the studio system. “Minions vs. Monsters” is slated to play at the Park Theatre through Thursday, July 16. The Park Theatre also offers haunted ghost tours, history tours, and a ghost hunt on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, as well as psychic readings by Rebekah Blackburn throughout the weekend and a free screening of “Top Gun” at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. 

‘FACE of Fiber’ & ‘Journey Through Colors and Textures’

Experience a vibrant mix of fiber art and painting at the Art Center of Estes Park’s current exhibits, “FACE of Fiber” and “Journey Through Colors and Textures.” The exhibition combines the annual fiber arts showcase with work by Astrid Paustian, whose paintings and mixed-media pieces use oil, acrylic, and fiber. Known for her increasingly abstract approach to landscapes and sense of place, Paustian’s colorful works complement the texture-rich creations featured in the fiber exhibition. The show remains on view daily through Saturday, July 11.

Avant Garde Aleworks Celebrates Seven Years

Raise a glass to seven years of Avant Garde Aleworks during the brewery’s anniversary celebration, running Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5. The three-day party features exclusive beer releases, a special barrel-aged brew, anniversary merchandise, and food trucks each day. Live music includes Jon Pickett on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. and John & the Berries on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy 7% off new Ale Association memberships all weekend.

A Fourth of July Weekend of Live Music at The Slab

The Slab Outdoor Pub keeps the music going all holiday weekend with a packed lineup of free performances. Teague Starbuck kicks things off Friday, July 3, from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by Jacob Finkbiner from 6 to 10 p.m. On Saturday, July 4, Bill Taylor performs as Smooth Acoustic from noon to 3:30 p.m., with Mark Gerganoff taking the stage from 5 to 8 p.m. The weekend wraps up Sunday, July 5, when Gregg Green performs from 1 to 5 p.m.

Joseph Lingenfelter at the Rockslide Patio Bar

Enjoy live music on the banks of Fall River as Joseph Lingenfelter performs at the Rockslide Patio Bar at the Inn on Fall River on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 5, from 5 to 9 p.m. If you can’t make it this weekend, don’t worry. Lingenfelter will be performing at Rockslide every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from now until September.

Friday Live Music at Snowy Peaks Winery

Marty Astry performs live in the tasting room at Snowy Peaks Winery on Friday, July 3, from 5 to 7 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

Spend Friday evening with local singer-songwriter Jon Pickett at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern on July 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. Best known as the bassist and vocalist for Colorado bluegrass band Chain Station, Pickett brings a mix of soulful originals, thoughtful songwriting, and inventive covers to his solo performances.

Stepmother Nature at American Legion Post 119

Stepmother Nature will perform live music at American Legion Post 119 on Friday, July 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. The free performance is part of the Legion’s weekly Friday night music series. 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 on the Rooftop

Kick off the Fourth of July weekend with The Coldies at Bogey’s Sports Bar on Friday, July 3, from 7 to 9 p.m. The Colorado band brings its signature blend of driving blues, gritty rock, outlaw country, and unexpected pop favorites to the rooftop stage.

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.

John Hodges on the Rooftop

Celebrate the Fourth of July with live acoustic rock and blues from John Hodges at Bogey’s Sports Bar on Saturday, July 4, from noon to 3 p.m. The rooftop performance pairs familiar favorites with mountain views, cold drinks, and a festive holiday atmosphere.

SnowBelt Bluegrass Duo at The Rock Inn

Settle in for an evening of bluegrass, old-time tunes and acoustic storytelling when the SnowBelt Bluegrass Duo performs at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern on Saturday, July 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. Estes Park musicians Max and Ann blend original songs, fiddle-tune standards, and improvisational jams into a warm, rootsy performance. Their easygoing chemistry, tight musicianship, and a playful sense of humor make this free show a fitting soundtrack for the holiday weekend.

The Big Bang Concert

The Big Bang Concert returns to the Estes Park Events Complex on Saturday, July 4, from 5 to 10 p.m., marking its 10th anniversary with a performance by Colorado’s acclaimed FACE Vocal Band. The family-friendly event features covered grandstand seating, food trucks, concessions, a bar, and free parking. While the Town of Estes Park has postponed this year’s Fourth of July fireworks because of elevated wildfire danger, the concert will go on as planned, giving visitors a chance to enjoy an evening of live music and holiday festivities.

Sugar Mountain at American Legion Post 119

Keep the holiday weekend going with live music from Sugar Mountain at American Legion Post 119 on Saturday, July 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. The free show offers a relaxed evening of music, food, and drinks in a family-friendly setting. Grab dinner from the Legion tavern, enjoy the performance, and spend part of Independence Day with one of Estes Park’s favorite community gathering spots

Kenny Lee on the Rooftop

Spend Sunday afternoon at Bogey’s Sports Bar with live music from Kenny Lee on July 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. Known for putting soulful, acoustic twists on familiar favorites, Lee brings an easygoing style and engaging stage presence to the rooftop.

Sarah Minto-Sparks at The Rock Inn

Close out the holiday weekend with an evening of country and folk music from Sarah Minto-Sparks at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern on Sunday, July 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. Backed by her expressive vocals and acoustic guitar, Minto-Sparks delivers a heartfelt mix of country and folk songs in the cozy mountain setting. Admission is free, making it an easy way to wind down the long weekend with live local music.

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 (trescaanthony@gmail.com) by the Tuesday before the event to be included in the A&E roundup. Also, check out the Estes Valley Voice’s new Events Calendar. The calendar automatically pulls from many area calendars, so your event may already be listed. Organizations and community groups can also easily submit events to the roster. Let us know if you have any questions or issues with submitting an event.