Overview:
Free Jazz Fest, the new ‘Spider-Man,’ Jurassic Estes Park, live music, and more fill the weekend of July 31-August 2.
This weekend offers an unusual mix of speed and swing. While hundreds of runners tackle the Rocky Mountain Half Marathon, jazz musicians take over Performance Park, dinosaurs roam the Events Complex, and Spider-Man returns to the big screen at the Historic Park Theatre. From early morning races to late-night rooftop concerts, here’s your guide to what’s happening around Estes Park this weekend, July 31-August 2:
‘Spider-Man’ swings into the Historic Park Theatre
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man returns to the big screen for the fourth installment as the titular hero. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” follows Peter Parker as he fights crime in a world that has forgotten who he is as a result of the previous film’s magical events. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is slated to play at the Park Theatre through Thursday, August 20. The Park Theatre also provides a history tour on Friday, July 31, at 2:30 p.m., a haunted ghost tour on Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1, at 7:30 p.m., and a late-night ghost hunt both evenings at 10 p.m. “The Iron Giant” will screen for free on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m.
‘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. 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.
Rocky Mountain Half Marathon & 5K
Lace up for one of Estes Park’s signature running events as the Rocky Mountain Half Marathon & 5K returns July 31-Aug. 1. The weekend begins with a 5K race at 6 p.m. Friday, July 31, followed by the half marathon at 6 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, with both races starting and finishing at Stanley Park. Participants can also take on the Elk Double by completing both races.
Live Music at The Slab
The Slab Outdoor Pub keeps the music going all weekend with another lineup of free live performances. Teague Starbuck opens the weekend Friday, July 31, from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by Jacob Finkbiner from 6 to 10 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 1, 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, Aug. 2, 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 31, 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.
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 31, and Saturday, August 1, 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
Nick Critchlow performs live in the tasting room at Snowy Peaks Winery on Friday, July 31, 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.
A Weekend of Live Music at The Rock Inn
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern offers three nights of free live music to close out July and welcome August. Jon Pickett, bassist and vocalist for Colorado bluegrass band Chain Station, performs Friday, July 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 1, Snow Belt brings its blend of acoustic Americana and folk-inspired music to the stage from 5 to 8 p.m. The weekend concludes Sunday, Aug. 2, with country and folk singer-songwriter Sarah Minto-Sparks performing from 5 to 8 p.m.
Live Music at Bogey’s on the Rooftop
Bogey’s Sports Bar brings three nights of live music to its rooftop stage this weekend. Northern Colorado singer-songwriter Warner Parker kicks things off Friday, July 31, from 7 to 9 p.m. with his blend of Americana, country, and acoustic favorites. Austin-based band The Mammoths then take over for a special two-night engagement, performing Saturday, Aug. 1, from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. Expect an energetic mix of roots rock, Americana, blues, and soulful grooves, all set against the backdrop of a summer evening in Estes Park.
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.
Estes Park Car Club’s Cars and Coffee
Kick off your Saturday with coffee and classic cars at Estes Park Car Club’s Cars and Coffee on Aug. 1 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Estes Valley Community Center. The free gathering welcomes all makes, models, and years of vehicles, from vintage classics and custom builds to motorcycles and everyday drivers. Whether you’re showing off your ride or simply stopping by to admire the lineup, it’s a relaxed morning of cars, conversation, and community.
Jurassic Estes Park
The Estes Valley Library caps off its Summer Reading Program with Jurassic Estes Park on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Estes Park Events Complex. This free, family-friendly celebration features activities for all ages, including trivia, crafts, themed photo booths, roaming dinosaurs, and prizes. Teens can race through the Dino Dash obstacle course in inflatable dinosaur costumes, while younger children can enjoy hands-on activities inspired by this year’s “Unearth a Story” summer reading theme.
Saturday Artisan Market
Browse handcrafted goods and meet local makers during the Saturday Artisan Market at Cleave Street Commons on Saturday, Aug. 1, 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 Jazz Fest
Performance Park Amphitheater fills with the sounds of big band and swing during the free Estes Park Jazz Fest on Aug. 1-2 from 1 to 7 p.m. each day. The two-day festival features performances by the Estes Park Jazz Big Band, USAF Falconaires, John Mills Orchestra, Colorado Swing Big Band, Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, and several other ensembles. Bring a lawn chair, settle in by the river, and enjoy a weekend of live music while supporting scholarships for local high school band students pursuing music in college.
Sundays at the Commons
Slow down and enjoy a laid-back afternoon at Sundays at the Commons on Sunday, August 2, 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 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.