Overview:
Christopher Nolan's “The Odyssey,” a new Art Center exhibit, live music, artisan markets, and more highlight Estes Park this weekend.
Following two weekends dominated by festivals and rodeo, this weekend, July 17-19, 2026, settles into a more relaxed rhythm without slowing down. There’s a major movie premiere at the Park Theatre, a new exhibition opening at the Art Center of Estes Park, brewery anniversary parties, artisan markets, and enough live music to keep nearly every stage in town busy. Here’s what’s happening around Estes Park this weekend, July 17-19:
‘The Odyssey’ sails into the Historic Park Theatre
This weekend, Academy Award-winning director Christopher Nolan’s gritty new adaptation of “The Odyssey” arrives at the Historic Park Theatre. The film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus and features an ensemble cast including Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron. “The Odyssey” is slated to play at the Park Theatre through Thursday, July 30. The Park Theatre also offers haunted ghost tours, history tours, and a ghost hunt on Friday, July 17, and a free screening of “Superman: The Movie” from 1978 at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 18.
New Exhibit Opens at the Art Center
The Art Center of Estes Park opens a new exhibition, “A Jeweler, A Painter, and A Sculptor All Walk Into A Gallery,” on Friday, July 17. On view through Aug. 26, the free show highlights the work of jewelry artist Alice League, painter Diana Wade, and guest sculptor Mike Dwyer, alongside the annual Studio Tour Artists Show. An opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on July 17, with door prizes available throughout opening weekend. The exhibit is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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.
Live Music at The Slab
The Slab Outdoor Pub keeps the music going all weekend with a lineup of free live performances. Teague Starbuck kicks things off Friday, July 17, from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by Jason Lenz from 7 to 9 p.m. On Saturday, Bill Taylor brings his Smooth Acoustic set from noon to 3:30 p.m. before Gregg Green takes the stage from 6 to 10 p.m. The weekend wraps up Sunday, July 19, with Jeremy Smith performing from 1 to 5 p.m.
Friday Night at the Commons
Start your weekend at Friday Night at the Commons on Friday, July 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Cleave Street Commons. This free community gathering brings together live music, neighbors, and visitors for a relaxed summer evening in the heart of Estes Park.
Lumpy Ridge’s 11th Anniversary Celebration
Help Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company celebrate another year of craft beer during its anniversary party on Friday, July 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. The festivities feature live music from Buster & the Boomers, fresh pours, and a chance to raise a glass with fellow beer lovers. Whether you’re a longtime regular or a first-time visitor, it’s a fun way to kick off the weekend with local music and locally brewed beer.
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 17, and Saturday, July 18, 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
Jason Lenz performs live in the tasting room at Snowy Peaks Winery on Friday, July 17, 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 17 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.
Random & True at American Legion Post 119
Ease into the weekend with live music from Random & True at American Legion Post 119 on Friday, July 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. The duo of Geoff Clark and Steve Tice blends acoustic guitar, upright bass, and polished harmonies into an eclectic set. Admission is free. Arrive early for happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m., enjoy dinner from the tavern menu and stick around for the Queen of Hearts drawing at 7 p.m.
A Weekend of Live Music at Bogey’s
Bogey’s Sports Bar brings live music to its rooftop stage all weekend, beginning with Parish Heights on Friday, July 17, from 7 to 10 p.m. The Northern Colorado band delivers an energetic mix of rock, country, and Americana favorites. On Sunday, July 19, Douglas James takes over from 3 to 5 p.m., offering a laid-back afternoon of folk, rock, country, and acoustic singalong favorites.
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.
Cars and Coffee
Car enthusiasts can gather for another installment of Estes Valley Cars and Coffee on Saturday, July 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Estes Valley Community Center. Hosted by the Estes Park Car Club, the free event welcomes all makes, models, and styles of vehicles, from vintage classics and muscle cars to motorcycles, custom builds, and everyday drivers. Whether you’re showing off your ride or simply admiring others, it’s a relaxed morning of cars, conversation, and community.
Saturday Artisan Market
Browse handcrafted goods and meet local makers during the Saturday Artisan Market at Cleave Street Commons on Saturday, July 18, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The free community event brings together artists, artisans, and creative vendors in the heart of downtown Estes Park, offering everything from handmade gifts and artwork to locally crafted products.
Poets Row at The Rock Inn
Spend Saturday evening with Estes Park indie-folk duo Poets Row at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern on July 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. Made up of Emily Hobbs and Mickey Bakes, the pair blends thoughtful songwriting, warm harmonies, and acoustic folk influences into intimate performances. Named after the Denver neighborhood where they first met, Poets Row offers a relaxed soundtrack for an evening in one of Estes Park’s favorite live music venues. Admission is free.
Lumpy Ridge Brewing 11th Anniversary Party Continues
Raise a pint to 11 years of Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company during its anniversary celebration on Saturday, July 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. The festivities feature live music from the Jingle Jangle Jabronis, fresh beer, and plenty of reasons to toast one of Estes Park’s longtime craft breweries.
Avant Garde Summer Concert Series
The Summer Concert Series continues at Avant Garde Aleworks on Saturday, July 18, with a free performance by Jason Lenz from 6 to 8 p.m. Grab a craft beer, enjoy food from one of the brewery’s rotating food trucks, and settle in on the patio for an evening of live local music.
Listening at the Legion: John John Brown
The Listening at the Legion concert series welcomes acclaimed singer-songwriter John John Brown to American Legion Post 119 on Saturday, July 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. A Kerrville New Folk winner and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist, Brown blends thoughtful folk songwriting with a one-of-a-kind visual presentation he describes as “a graphic novel coming to life with music.” Tickets are $20, and guests are encouraged to enjoy dinner at the Legion Tavern before the show.
Sundays at the Commons
Slow down and enjoy a laid-back afternoon at Sundays at the Commons on Sunday, July 19, from noon to 4 p.m. at Cleave Street Commons. This free community gathering offers a welcoming space to relax, connect with neighbors, and enjoy family-friendly activities.
Sunday Fun-day at Snowy Peaks Winery
Wind down the weekend with live music, wine, and patio dining during Sunday Fun-day at Snowy Peaks Winery on Sunday, July 19, from 2 to 5 p.m. Local musician Andy Eppler provides the soundtrack while guests enjoy wine flights, charcuterie, and the winery’s full food menu on the outdoor patio. Reservations are recommended for this relaxed afternoon of live music and local flavors. Call 970-586-2099 to reserve a table.
Sarah Minto-Sparks at The Rock Inn
Close out the weekend with an evening of country and folk music from Sarah Minto-Sparks at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern on Sunday, July 19, 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
Cap off the July 17-19 weekend with good eats, 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.