Overview:
Elk Fest, First Friday art, karaoke, comedian Adam Carolla, and live music fill Estes Park's October 2-4 weekend.
The elk are bugling, the ghosts are stirring, and Tim Burton’s “Corpse Bride” is getting married on the big screen. You know what that means — it’s officially October in Estes Park.
This weekend, Elk Fest returns to Bond Park, while the Historic Park Theatre embraces spooky season with haunted tours, ghost stories, and a free Saturday morning movie. Elsewhere, Adam Carolla brings stand-up comedy to The Stanley Hotel, First Friday fills local galleries with art and jazz, and live music keeps the town’s patios, pubs, and tasting rooms busy all weekend.
Here’s what’s happening around Estes Park this weekend, October 2-4.
Spooky Season Begins at the Park Theatre
The Historic Park Theatre kicks off October with movies, haunted history, and a free family screening Oct. 2-4. The first-run film “Primetime” starring Robert Pattinson continues throughout the weekend, while Tim Burton’s “Corpse Bride” screens for free Saturday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m. Filmmaker E.S. Knightchilde presents “The Haunted West” at 4 p.m. Saturday, exploring ghost stories from Colorado and beyond, followed by a Q&A. Haunted tours of the 1913 theater are also scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m. Saturday.
‘Pots and Paint’ Opens at the Art Center
The Art Center of Estes Park opens “Pots and Paint,” a new exhibition featuring pottery by Wynne Wilbur and watercolors by Ann Sneary, on Friday, Oct. 2. A free opening reception takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibition runs through Nov. 9 and is open Fridays through Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Live Music at The Slab
The Slab Outdoor Pub has five live performances lined up Oct. 2-4. Teague Starbuck kicks things off Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by Mark Gerganoff from 6 to 9 p.m. Steve Kaplan performs Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., before Warner Parker takes over from 4 to 8 p.m. Gregg Green closes out the weekend Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Friday Night at the Commons
Start your weekend at Friday Night at the Commons on Oct. 2, 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.
Friday Live Music at Snowy Peaks Winery
Andy Eppler performs live on the back patio at Snowy Peaks Winery on Friday, Oct. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. Reservations are recommended for those planning to attend. Call 970-586-2099 to reserve a table.
A Weekend of Live Music at The Rock Inn
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern has three evenings of live music lined up Oct. 2-4. Jon Pickett of Chain Station performs Friday, Oct. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m., followed by Sean Flynn at the same time Saturday. Geoff Clark closes out the weekend, Sunday, Oct. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m.
First Friday Art Groove
Explore Estes Park’s creative spaces during the free First Friday Art Groove on Oct. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. This self-guided walking tour includes an artist meet-and-greet with fused-glass artist Kathi Dougherty and live jazz from Max Wagner and Stu MacAskie at Earthwood Collections. Aspen and Evergreen Gallery hosts live music by Neilson/Nicholson, refreshments, and 10% off purchases, while the Art Center of Estes Park celebrates the opening of its new “Pots and Paint” exhibition. Check out the full route here.
Friday Night at American Legion Post 119
Buster & The Boomers perform live at American Legion Post 119 on Friday, Oct. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. A Queen of Hearts raffle runs from 6 to 7 p.m., and food and drinks will be available for purchase. Admission is free.
A Weekend of Music at The Velvet Lounge
The Velvet Lounge, the speakeasy hidden inside Estes Perk Coffee at 145 E. Elkhorn Ave., hosts three nights of live music Oct. 2-4. Tristan performs Friday, followed by Hoss on Saturday and Kae Morgan on Sunday, with all shows running from 7 to 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy craft cocktails and European charcuterie boards while listening to the music.
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.
Elk Fest 2026 in Bond Park
Estes Park celebrates its most famous four-legged residents during Elk Fest on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3-4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Bond Park. The annual festival features wildlife exhibits, Native American music and storytelling, craft vendors, live entertainment, educational seminars, and a bugling contest. The family-friendly event celebrates elk and the fall season in the Rockies. Admission is free.
Saturday Artisan Market
Browse handcrafted goods and meet local makers during the Saturday Artisan Market at Cleave Street Commons on Saturday, Oct. 3, 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.
Adam Carolla Live at The Stanley
Comedian, podcaster, and bestselling author Adam Carolla brings his unfiltered humor to The Stanley Hotel on Saturday, Oct. 3, with two performances at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Known for “The Adam Carolla Show” and his television work, Carolla brings his signature brand of comedy to Estes Park for one night only. Tickets are available through The Stanley Hotel.
Sundays at the Commons
Slow down and savor a laid-back afternoon at Sundays at the Commons on Sunday, Oct. 4, 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 Oct. 4. Denny Driscoll performs from 2 to 5 p.m. while guests relish 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.