One of the busiest weekends in the Estes Valley is upon us, especially with July 4 falling on a Friday, an occurrence that happens every six to seven years. The last time July 4 fell on Friday was in 2014, and the next time it will occur will be in 2031.
For those keeping track, the country is celebrating its 249th birthday this weekend. Next year, the nation will celebrate its semiquincentennial, which is also known as a sestercentennial, a bisesquicentennial, and a quarter millennium. The 250th anniversary will also be observed as a three-day holiday.
Annually, the Town of Estes Park hosts a July Fourth fireworks show over Lake Estes, and this year, with Loveland canceling its fireworks display due to budget cuts, even lJularger crowds are expected to be in town to see the fireworks.
The show is scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m. with 1,800 fireworks lighting up the night sky. Shooting off fireworks in any other location in the Estes Valley is prohibited, including Rocky Mountain National Park.
To park at Lake Estes, however, you’ll have to pay for parking. For $30, you can park at Cherokee Draw, on the south side of Lake Estes. Parking at Stanley Park will be available for $15. Free parking is always available at the parking garage. Parking at the Community Center, however, will be limited due to a private event. The Town’s shuttle service, The Peak, will offer free rides around town throughout the day and will extend for about an hour after the fireworks are concluded.
Fisherman’s Nook, on the north side of the lake, will close at dusk, and the Lake Estes Marina rentals will close early in the day. No watercraft will be allowed on Lake Estes after sunset, and the nine-hole golf course will close at dusk, as well.
To find out live information about July 4, text EPEVENTS to 888 777 to receive event information, parking and shuttle tips, and traffic updates from local officials.
Celebrations
Several Independence Day celebrations will take place at various establishments in Estes Park and are open to the public.
The American Legion Post 119 invites everyone to join together for a day of classic fun, food, and festivities on the Fourth, beginning at 9 a.m. and culminating in a clear view of the fireworks over Lake Estes. American Legion Post 119 has been a cornerstone of the Estes community since its founding on May 10, 1920. With a proud history rooted in service, the Legion remains committed to honoring veterans, supporting the community, and remembering the sacrifices of American service members. The Legion has also updated its interior and is proud to show off the remodeling and decorating to the community.
The celebration kicks off at 9 a.m. with a car show and a hearty breakfast featuring burritos hot off the grill. At noon, the grill will be fired up again to serve the all-American favorites, burgers, brats, and hot dogs, fuel for an afternoon of entertainment and games. From 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., enjoy live music from the Lost Penny Duo, followed by a lively set from Blue Sky Mountain Band from 6 to 9 p.m. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy a variety of family-friendly games and activities, including Giant Jenga, board games, Bocce ball, cornhole, and crafts for kids. These activities, including the food, are included in the ticket price. Tickets vary, with adults paying $30 and children under 12 years old paying $15. Packages are also available for groups. The Legion Post 119, located at 850 N St Vrain Ave., is open to the public.
Post 119 also hosts regular weekly events, including Bingo every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. and live music paired with the Queen of Hearts raffle every Friday.
Avant Garde Aleworks is celebrating its sixth anniversary at 920 Dunraven Street from July 4 to 6. The celebration will feature food trucks, live music, and plenty of craft beer, including exclusive new releases. Avant Garde’s patio has a great view of the fireworks over the lake, and food will be available from the Mexico al Norte food truck.
Mangia Mangia Pizzeria food truck will be on-site on Saturday, along with a performance by Mountain Duo. To round out the weekend of celebration, Wesley Scott will take the stage on Sunday with food offered from the Way Finder Express food truck.
When Christian Newendorp founded Avant Garde Aleworks in 2019, he had one simple mission: to create the beers he craved but couldn’t find in Estes Park. With a deep passion for Belgian and French brewing styles, his travels inspired him to blend the rich history, science, and artistry that make these styles so unique.
The name Avant Garde itself came from a serendipitous discovery. After considering several names, the perfect one appeared when they learned that a former tenant of their location was a landscaping company called “Avant Garde’n.”
Now, six years later, the brewery has expanded its offerings from the original four beers to a rotating assortment of saisons, strong ales, IPAs, hard seltzers, and more. Events include open mic nights and the “Beers for Queers” event, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. The brewery is a family-friendly destination, so kids and dogs are welcome.
Another local brewery is celebrating its tenth annual Fourth of July party. Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company, located at 531 South Saint Vrain Ave, will host the band Buster and the Boomers. The food truck Street Noods will be on-site for the day.
Located in a converted gas station with stunning views of Lumpy Ridge, this spot is ideal for watching the fireworks. The brewery opens at noon on the Fourth, so arrive early to secure the best seats on their patio.
Other events this week
- Live music and dancing will be available at Elk Meadow RV Park from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on July 3 and 4. Guests are welcome to bring their own food, beverages, and alcohol.
- Trivia at Snowy Peaks Winery starts at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, hosted by Jenn Bass. Reservations are strongly encouraged, 970-586-2099.
- Rock Cut Brewery hosts live music on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. On July 3, Snowbelt, an Estes Park bluegrass duo, will perform. Mangia Mangia pizza truck will be available onsite.
- The First Friday Art Groove takes place on the Fourth of July this year, and a variety of art galleries and studios around town will participate, starting at 5 p.m. To check out the schedule, visit the Estes Art District’s website.
- Nick Molle will perform at Snowy Peaks Winery’s Friday Live Music series on July 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. on the back patio. Reservations are recommended, 970-586-2099.
- Max and Heather Stalling will be performing in the singer/songwriter series at Seven Keys Lodge on July 4 and 5, from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased on Seven Keys’ website.
- The Rooftop Rodeo will be held every night for six days at the fairgrounds, starting July 5. Included in the opening night festivities is a post-rodeo concert by Eric Golden, playing his country honkytonk music in the arena, open to those with tickets for the rodeo that day. Rodeo tickets can be purchased online. The Rooftop Rodeo parade will be held on Monday, July 7, starting at 10 a.m. in downtown Estes Park. This year, the theme is “Paint Estes Park Pink,” in honor of the organization’s partnership with the Estes Park Health Foundation to raise money for breast cancer care.
- Chain Station, a favorite local bluegrass band, will be playing in the Marina Live Music Series on July 8, with Nick Critchlow opening at 5:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Parking is $5 at the Marina. Bring your blankets and chairs to enjoy the show comfortably.
- Wednesday, July 9, is Open Mic Night, hosted by Marty R., at Snowy Peaks Winery. From 5:30 to 7 p.m., musicians can sign up to play, and guests can enjoy listening while savoring some wine and charcuterie.
The Estes Valley Voice A&E: This Weekend will be published every Thursday and covers arts and entertainment events in Estes Park through the following Wednesday. If you have an event you’d like included in our weekly roundup or if you have an idea for an A&E feature, please email news@estesvalleyvoice.com or call the newsdesk at 970-586-1888