Overview:
Catch outdoor concerts, fresh artwork, classic films, and plenty of fun around town this weekend, August 28-30.
You don’t need Platform 9¾ to find a little magic in Estes Park this weekend.
The Park Theatre is going all-in on Harry Potter, freshly painted views of the Estes Valley are landing on gallery walls, and live music is spilling out of breweries, patios, and taverns across town. Add a race where dogs can join the starting line, an 11th birthday bash, and silent movies with a live pianist, and there are plenty of reasons to get out of the house.
Here’s what’s happening around Estes Park this weekend, Aug. 28-30.
All the ‘Harry Potter’ movies at the Historic Park Theatre
The Historic Park Theatre is trading Estes Park for Hogwarts this weekend as it launches a weeklong marathon of all eight “Harry Potter” films. The festivities begin Friday, Aug. 28, with a 3:30 p.m. 25th-anniversary presentation of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” including special extra content, followed by another screening Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Sunday becomes Harry Potter Day, with “Sorcerer’s Stone” at 12:30 p.m., “Chamber of Secrets” at 3:45 p.m., and “Prisoner of Azkaban” at 7 p.m., plus free Cauldron Punch and an invitation to come dressed in Wizarding World attire. The marathon continues through Sept. 3 with the remaining films in the series. For something decidedly less magical, the theatre is also screening “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” Friday and Saturday and continues to offer history tours, haunted tours, ghost hunts, and psychic readings.
Estes Valley Plein Air Show Opens at the Art Center
See the Estes Valley through the eyes of artists from around the country when the Estes Valley Plein Air Show opens at the Art Center of Estes Park on Friday, Aug. 28. The exhibition features paintings created on location during the annual plein air event, when participating artists spread out across Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding Estes Valley to capture the landscape in real time. The finished works will be on view and available for purchase through Sunday, Sept. 27.
Live Music at The Slab
The Slab Outdoor Pub fills the final weekend of August with five free live performances. Teague Starbuck opens Friday, Aug. 28, from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by Steve Kaplan from 6 to 9 p.m. On Saturday, Bill Taylor performs his Smooth Acoustic set from noon to 3:30 p.m. before Gregg Green takes over from 6 to 10 p.m. Neilson & Nicholson close out the weekend Sunday, Aug. 30, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Friday Night at the Commons
Start your weekend at Friday Night at the Commons on Friday, Aug. 28, 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, Aug. 28, and Saturday, Aug. 29, 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 through the end of September.
Friday Live Music at Snowy Peaks Winery
Paul Collyer performs live in the tasting room at Snowy Peaks Winery on Friday, Aug. 28, 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.
Meggie Lily Beth at The Publick House
Kick off the weekend with an evening of live music at Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.’s Publick House on Friday, Aug. 28, from 5 to 9 p.m. National Pork headlines the night, with folk and Americana artist Meggie Lily Beth providing support. Grab a beer and settle in for four hours of music at the downtown Estes Park taproom.
A Weekend of Live Music at The Rock Inn
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern closes out August with three evenings of live music. Jon Pickett, bassist and vocalist for Colorado bluegrass band Chain Station, performs Friday, Aug. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. Sean Flynn takes the stage Saturday, Aug. 29, from 5 to 8 p.m., before country and folk singer-songwriter Sarah Minto-Sparks wraps up the weekend Sunday, Aug. 30, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Live Music at Bogey’s on the Rooftop
Bogey’s Sports Bar rounds out August with three nights of live music on its rooftop. Nick Wagner opens the weekend Friday, Aug. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. with a rootsy mix of blues, funk, rock, soul, and acoustic folk. Great American Nowhere takes over Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m., blending alternative country, Midwest emo, and Red Dirt music. Warner Parker wraps things up Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. with his mix of Americana, blues, and rock, along with touches of country, funk, and soul.
Live Music at American Legion Post 119
Restless Spirit takes the stage at American Legion Post 119 on Friday, Aug. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. as part of the Legion’s weekly live music series. Admission is free, with happy hour running from 3 to 6 p.m., the tavern menu available until 8:30 p.m., and the Queen of Hearts drawing at 7 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.
Saturday Artisan Market
Browse handcrafted goods and meet local makers during the Saturday Artisan Market at Cleave Street Commons on Saturday, Aug. 28, 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.
Run Like the Wind in Allenspark
Lace up — or grab a leash — for The Old Gallery’s annual Run Like the Wind in Allenspark on Saturday, Aug. 29. Participants can tackle a scenic 5K run or opt for a more leisurely 2K walk, with dogs welcome to join the fun. The mountain course combines fresh air and scenic views with a laid-back community atmosphere. Advance registration is $45 for the 5K and $25 for the 2K, with prices increasing on race day.
Rock Cut Brewing Celebrates 11 Years
Raise a glass to 11 years of Rock Cut Brewing Company during its anniversary party on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The all-day celebration features specialty beer releases, limited-edition merchandise, and food from Rosa Tacos before live music takes over the patio. Alex Thoele & Friends, featuring Dan Andree of Clay Street Unit and Ben Weiss of Pixie & the Partygrass Boys, perform from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by an electronica set from Moonrock C from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Geoff Clark at Avant Garde Aleworks
The Avant Garde Aleworks Summer Concert Series continues Saturday, Aug. 29, with a free performance by Geoff Clark from 5 to 7 p.m. Grab a craft beer and settle in on the brewery’s patio for an evening of live music, with a rotating food truck also on hand for the outdoor show.
Silent Comedy Movie Festival Returns
Step back into the silent era over Labor Day week as the Historic Park Theatre pairs classic comedies with live piano accompaniment from Scott “Flyin’ Fingers” Wilseck. This installment features three shorts — “Bell Boy,” “Haunted Hours” and “Mighty Like a Moose” — with performances at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29; 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31; and 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. Wilseck provides a live soundtrack to the action and begins playing old-time piano music about 30 minutes before each screening. Admission is $17 for adults, seniors, and students, with one child admitted free with each paying guest.
Sundays at the Commons
Slow down and enjoy a laid-back afternoon at Sundays at the Commons on Sunday, Aug. 30, 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
Spend Sunday afternoon on the back patio at Snowy Peaks Winery with live music and Rocky Mountain Paella on Aug. 30. Nick Critchlow performs from 2 to 4 p.m. while guests enjoy the winery’s signature paella and local wines. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended. Call 970-586-2099 to reserve a table.
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.