Overview:
Celebrate Christmas in July, catch live music across Estes Park, see ‘The Odyssey,’ and enjoy family-friendly events July 24-26.
Christmas comes early in Estes Park this weekend, though you’ll want sunscreen instead of a winter coat. Alongside the Christmas in July Market at the community center, the town offers another packed lineup of live music, family activities, classic cars, and outdoor gatherings, while Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” continues its run at the Historic Park Theatre. Here’s what’s happening in Estes Park this weekend, July 24-26:
‘The Odyssey’ at the Historic Park Theatre
Academy Award-winning director Christopher Nolan’s gritty new adaptation of “The Odyssey” is still playing 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 a haunted ghost tour on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, at 7:30 p.m. Also on the 25th, the venue will host a free screening of “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” at 10 a.m., as well as host a history tour at 12:30 p.m. At 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, the venue will screen the independent film “Winter Hymns,” which is about palliative care/hospice.
‘A Jeweler, a Painter and a Sculptor All Walk into a Gallery’ at the Art Center
The Art Center of Estes Park’s new exhibition, “A Jeweler, a Painter, and a Sculptor All Walk Into a Gallery,” is on view until August 26. The free show features the work of jewelry artist Alice League, painter Diana Wade, and guest sculptor Mike Dwyer, as well as the annual Studio Tour Artists Show. 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 has another full slate of live music on tap July 24-26. Teague Starbuck opens the weekend Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by Warner Parker from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday features Hoss from 1 to 3 p.m. before Wesley Scott & the Silver Dollars take the stage from 6 to 9 p.m. The weekend wraps up Sunday with Neilson & Nicholson performing from 1 to 5 p.m.
Friday Night at the Commons
Start your weekend at Friday Night at the Commons on Friday, July 24, 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.
Flick N Float: ‘Finding Nemo’
Make a splash with a family movie night during Flick N Float at the Estes Valley Community Center on Friday, July 24, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Guests can float in the lap pool while watching Disney and Pixar’s “Finding Nemo” on the big screen, with shave ice available from the Kona Ice food truck. Inner tubes and life jackets are provided, but participants should bring swimsuits and towels. The event costs $18 per person, and advance registration is required. Contact the Aquatics representative at swim@evrpd.com for more information.
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 24, and Saturday, July 25, 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
Laurie & Lorrie performs live in the tasting room at Snowy Peaks Winery on Friday, July 24, 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 24 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.
Parish Heights at American Legion Post 119
Ease into the weekend with live music from Parish Heights, a Northern Colorado-based cover band, at American Legion Post 119 on Friday, July 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. 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 keeps the rooftop stage busy all weekend with three nights of free live music. John Hodges kicks things off Friday, July 24, from 7 to 9 p.m. with a mix of classic rock, Americana, and country favorites. On Saturday, Tahosa brings its blend of Southern rock and classic hits from 7 to 9 p.m. The weekend wraps up Sunday, July 26, as Northern Colorado singer-songwriter Warner Parker performs Americana, country and acoustic favorites from 6 to 8 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.
Christmas in July Market
Trade snow boots for flip-flops at the Christmas in July Market on Saturday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Estes Valley Community Center. The free event features local arts and crafts vendors, tropical drinks, a chance to snap a photo with a summer-ready Santa, and plenty of holiday cheer with a warm-weather twist.
Saturday Artisan Market
Browse handcrafted goods and meet local makers during the Saturday Artisan Market at Cleave Street Commons on Saturday, July 25, 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.
Estes Park Car Club Cool Nights Cruz-In
Classic cars, custom builds and modern rides come together at the Estes Park Car Club’s Cool Nights Cruz-In on Saturday, July 25, from 3 to 6 p.m. at American Legion Post 119. Spectators can browse vehicles of every make, model, and era for free while voting for their favorite club and visitor entries. Drivers can enter a vehicle for $5 to compete for trophies, and guests are invited to stick around afterward for live music and food from the Legion restaurant.
Random and True Acoustic Duo at The Rock Inn
Experience an evening of live acoustic music with Random and True at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern on Saturday, July 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. The duo of Geoff Clark and Steve Tice pairs rich vocal harmonies with acoustic guitar and upright bass, performing an eclectic mix of songs spanning the 1950s to today. Admission is free.
Buster & the Boomers at Elk Meadow Lodge
Buster & the Boomers return to Elk Meadow Lodge on Saturday, July 25, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. for an evening of dancing and live music. The band’s wide-ranging repertoire spans Americana, rock, folk, Western, and jazz, with plenty of room to hit the dance floor inside the historic lodge. Guests should note that the event is BYOE (Bring Your Own Everything), as no food or drinks will be available for purchase on-site.
Sundays at the Commons
Slow down and enjoy a laid-back afternoon at Sundays at the Commons on Sunday, July 26, 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.
Sean Flynn at The Rock Inn
Close out the weekend with live music from Sean Flynn at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern on Sunday, July 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. Flynn brings an evening of live acoustic music to one of Estes Park’s favorite listening rooms, providing the perfect accompaniment to dinner and drinks in the mountain tavern’s relaxed setting. Admission is free.
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.