Overview:
Eight ensembles will perform during two days of free music at Performance Park while raising money for local student scholarships
Ya like jazz? Well, if so, you’re in luck, as Performance Park will fill with brass, rhythm, and big-band swing this weekend as the 2026 Estes Park Jazz Fest returns for two days of free outdoor concerts.
Eight jazz ensembles will perform from 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2, at the Performance Park Amphitheater, 435 W. Elkhorn Ave. The lineup includes local musicians, regional big bands, and the United States Air Force Academy Falconaires.
Admission is free. Organizers encourage attendees to bring lawn chairs, family, and friends for either a single set or a full afternoon beside the Big Thompson River.
The Estes Park Village Band and Jazz Big Band, the nonprofit organization behind the festival, presents the weekend both as a community celebration and as a fundraiser for young musicians. Donations and event proceeds support scholarships for Estes Park High School instrumental music students who plan to continue playing in college, whether as music majors or ensemble participants.
The organization has awarded $10,000 in scholarships to Estes Park High School seniors during the past two years. Here’s who’s playing at the third annual Estes Park Jazz Fest:
Saturday’s lineup
The Estes Park Jazz Big Band opens the festival at 1 p.m. Saturday. The homegrown ensemble is followed by the John Mills Orchestra at 2:30 p.m. Groove ’n Motion Rocky Mountain Horns takes the stage at 4 p.m., followed by the USAF Falconaires at 5:30 p.m.
The complete Saturday schedule is:
1 p.m. — Estes Park Jazz Big Band
2:30 p.m. — John Mills Orchestra
4 p.m. — Groove ’n Motion Rocky Mountain Horns
5:30 p.m. — USAF Falconaires
Sunday’s lineup
Kream of the Krop begins the second day of music at 1 p.m. Sunday. The Don Elwood Big Band performs at 2:30 p.m., followed by the Colorado Swing Big Band at 4 p.m. The Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra closes the festival with a 90-minute set beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The complete Sunday schedule is:
1 p.m. — Kream of the Krop
2:30 p.m. — Don Elwood Big Band
4 p.m. — Colorado Swing Big Band
5:30 to 7 p.m. — Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra
What to bring
Festivalgoers should bring their own lawn chairs or other portable seating. With six hours of music scheduled each day, attendees may also want sun protection, water, and layers for changing mountain conditions.
The concerts are presented outdoors at the Performance Park Amphitheater. Admission is free, although donations and all other proceeds from the event will go toward scholarships for local high school band students who will continue to play their instruments in college.
Getting there
Performance Park is at 435 W. Elkhorn Ave., west of downtown Estes Park.
Drivers arriving on U.S. Highway 34 should turn right at the stoplight near McDonald’s onto Wonderview, which serves as the U.S. Highway 34 bypass. Turn left at Far View or James Street, then turn left onto West Elkhorn Avenue.
Drivers arriving on U.S. Highway 36 should continue straight at the McDonald’s stoplight onto Wonderview. From there, turn left at Far View or James Street, followed by another left onto West Elkhorn Avenue.
Parking is available in the Performance Park lots near West Park Center and in the town lot just past the Bighorn Restaurant.
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