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Group in lawn chairs at a festival
Holiday Inn Estes Park

Estes Park Festivals, Events, & Concerts

Estes Park, CO hosts a wide array of special events throughout the year, and the Holiday Inn Estes Park is your perfect basecamp. Situated just steps away from downtown and within half a mile of the Estes Park Events Complex, our hotel keeps you close to the action. Additionally, there is a free community shuttle that stops at the Holiday Inn for added convenience. Check out some of the popular local events happening in Estes Park below! 

*Indicates an event taking place at the Estes Park Events Complex

Woman running with snowy mountains in the background

Estes Park Marathon & Half-Marathon

The Estes Park Marathon is one of America’s most scenic marathon courses! Runners will enjoy the new road course that is surrounded by glorious 360-degree views of Rocky Mountain National Park. As an added bonus, we will be offering 20% off of food and beverage purchases to folks who come into Latitude 105 Alehouse with their bib or jersey!

Wool baskets and yarn

Estes Park Wool Market & Fiber Festival*

The mission of the Estes Park Wool Market is to bring together natural animal fiber producers, educators, retailers and consumers for the benefit of the industry.

Young girl at the Scandinavian midsummer festival

Scandinavian Midsummer Festival

Be inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Scandinavia! Artisans, organizations, and performers share their cultural heritage through food, crafts, demonstrations, and entertainment. Come for the raising of the Midsummer Pole, peruse the Scandinavian Market, and visit the Fjellborg Viking Village!

Woman on a horse holding the American flag

Rooftop Rodeo

Estes Park’s Rooftop Rodeo is recognized as the best small rodeo in the nation, as well as the #1 summer rodeo in Colorado by Real American Cowboy Magazine! Enjoy nightly professional rodeo performances, a Mutton Bustin’ competition for the kids, and a parade through downtown Estes Park.

Running in the mountains

Rocky Mountain Half-Marathon, 5K, & Elk Double

This is a challenging but scenic run just outside Rocky Mountain National Park. It starts and ends by the lake at the fairgrounds in historic Estes Park, Colorado, which means it has some killer mountain views! With the Rocky Mountain Half Marathon, 5K, and Elk Double (Half Marathon + 5K) you can choose your own adventure. As an added bonus, we will be offering 20% off of food and beverage purchases to folks who come into Latitude 105 Alehouse with their bib or jersey!

Red and white wine bottles

Estes Park Wine Festival

Sip and savor unlimited wine tastings in Bond Park while enjoying live music, local artisans, retail vendors, and delicious food. Stroll through a vibrant atmosphere filled with great flavors, unique finds, and lively entertainment for a perfect day of wine, shopping, and fun!

Scottish socks and kilts

Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival

Immerse yourself in Celtic culture at the Highland Festival in Estes Park, CO. Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival, Inc. hosts the largest such festival in the country, including Scottish athletics, the best in Celtic rock and folks music, and live field performances.

 

Model trains on tracks

Rails in the Rockies

Model trains of every vintage pull in to the Stanley Fairgrounds Event Center Complex in September, showcasing the craftmanship of model railroaders from Colorado and Wyoming. Kids will enjoy running trains, participating in a Seek and Search game (for all ages), a LEGO layout and more. Then bring them back for fun in the indoor pool at the Holiday Inn Estes Park.

Elk in the wild

Elk Fest

The haunting call of the bull elk fills the Estes Valley during the early days of fall. To celebrate the annual elk rut, Estes Park hosts the annual Elk Fest in Bond Park. This free September festival features bugling contests, elk exhibits, the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, elk seminars, elk-inspired arts and crafts, Native American music, dancing and storytelling, and more!

Pilsners in front of pumpkins

Pumpkins & Pilsners

This free October festival has activities and entertainment for all ages. The perfect place to pick your pumpkins with live music and craft beer for the adults, as well as games, crafts, and a bounce house for the little ones. Enjoy food trucks, a beer tent, face painting, free pony rides, lawn games, and more!

Cheers with beers

Autumn Gold Festival

Enjoy bands, brats, and beer at the Estes Park Autumn Gold Festival! Celebrate the changing of the season with this amazing festival in Estes Park’s attractive Bond Park. Enjoy a mustard-smothered bratwurst and a cold beer while listening to talented local musician and award-winning Front Range bands. Free family activities include face painting, soap bubbles, corn bag toss, a bouncing room, and a classic car show.

Bottles of spirits liquor

Rocky Mountain Craft Spirits Festival* 

The Rocky Mountain region is home to a booming craft spirits industry, and on the last weekend in October, distillers and consumers of fine spirits are invited to celebrate this craft at a tasting festival in Estes Park. Enjoy pours from a wide variety of local and regional distillers, bar games, live music, and more.

The Stanley Hotel

The Shining Ball

Step into a world of eerie elegance at The Shining Ball, hosted at the iconic Stanley Hotel—the inspiration for The Shining. This annual event blends mystery and revelry with themed cocktails, live entertainment, and a chance to dress in your most hauntingly glamorous attire. Dance the night away in a setting that echoes the eerie charm of Stephen King’s famous novel.

Christmas parade

Catch the Glow Christmas Parade & Celebration

As dusk falls the day after Thanksgiving, the magic begins to unfold! Experience a lighted Christmas parade with marching bands, floats, dancers, and more. Visit Santa Claus at his workshop near Bond Park and enjoy shopping in magical downtown while holiday music is broadcast throughout the town.

Looking at Christmas lights

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Savor the spirit of the season at the Estes Park Holiday Wine Fest! Sample exquisite wines from local and regional wineries while browsing artisan vendors for the perfect holiday gifts. With live music, seasonal treats, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, this event is the perfect way to toast to the holidays in the mountains.

Christmas cheer

Estes Park Holiday Wine Fest

Savor the spirit of the season at the Estes Park Holiday Wine Fest! Sample exquisite wines from local and regional wineries while browsing artisan vendors for the perfect holiday gifts. With live music, seasonal treats, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, this event is the perfect way to toast to the holidays in the mountains.

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker Suite at the Stanley

Experience the timeless holiday tradition of The Nutcracker Suite in the enchanting setting of the historic Stanley Hotel. This special performance brings the magic of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet to life with dazzling costumes, graceful dancers, and a touch of holiday wonder. Perfect for families and anyone looking to add a bit of seasonal enchantment to their winter in Estes Park.

Couple having sweet treats and cocoa

Estes Park Sweet Stroll Festival

Indulge your sweet tooth and soak up the holiday spirit at the Estes Park Sweet Stroll! Wander through the charming downtown streets, stopping at participating businesses to sample delectable holiday treats, chocolates, and candies. Enjoy twinkling lights, festive music, and a cheerful atmosphere as you shop for gifts and savor the flavors of the season.

Crafted drum with feather on table

First Peoples Festival

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture through art, music, language, and oral traditions. Explore a diverse marketplace featuring cultural vendors representing tribal affiliations from across the nation. Enjoy live music performances, traditional dances, singers, and the rhythmic beats of drumming. Discover the deep Indigenous connection to the Estes Valley and Rocky Mountain National Park and engage in hands-on cultural demonstrations and workshops.

Women skiing in snow

Estes Park Skijor

Estes Park Skijor is a thrilling competition that blends Colorado's skiing legacy with its cowboy traditions. In this high-energy event, a horse and rider team up to pull a skier at top speed through a challenging course filled with gates, jumps, and obstacles. This unique fusion of two iconic worlds delivers an unforgettable experience as competitors race for cash prizes and bragging rights throughout the weekend.

Wine and chocolate

Wine and Chocolate Festival*

A popular February event that sells out regularly, Estes Park’s Wine and Chocolate Festival provides sweet chocolate samples and wine sipping from a variety of local vintners.

Whiskey flight

Whiskey Warm Up

Free shuttles whisk you directly from the Holiday Inn Estes Park to the Whiskey Warm Up at George Hix Riverside Plaza where you can enjoy unlimited samples of a variety of local whiskeys, while enjoying live music and more.

Couple dressed up for event

Frozen Dead Guy Days*

Frozen Dead Guy Days has been one of Colorado’s most beloved annual events for over 20 years. Taking place over St. Patrick’s Day weekend, the Frozen Dead Guy Days features live music and entertainment all weekend long, with activities including coffin races, a polar plunge, fashion show, and more.

Bigfoot in forest

Bigfoot Days*

Join us in Estes Park for a thrilling celebration of Bigfoot! Enjoy exciting activities, engaging events, and entertaining experiences that honor the legendary creature. Don't miss out!

Rubber duck race

Estes Park Duck Race Festival

Estes Park’s annual Duck Race is a tradition to experience! “Adopt” a duck for the race down Fall River in Estes Park, participate yourself in the 5K Duck Waddle race, win prizes, enjoy live music, and more all while supporting local charities and organizations.

Bead necklaces

Estes Park Art Market

Artists from Colorado and surrounding states will display a wide variety of fine arts and crafts. You may find that special treasure or gift item amongst the rows of functional pottery, paintings, jewelry, woodcrafts, and more! Live music and food are available at the event throughout the weekend. The Art Market is completely wheelchair accessible and is free to the public.

Reservations:

101 S Saint Vrain Ave Estes Park, Colorado 80517 United States

Check-in: 4:00 PM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Minimum check-in age: 18