It feels as though June just began, yet here we are in August. Life, as someone once wisely compared, is like a roll of toilet paper—the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes. I now find myself nearer to the end than the beginning, and while some days seem to stretch on, others pass in a blink. What I always look forward to, though, is the arrival of fall in Estes Park. The cool breeze returns, the Aspen leaves don their brilliant autumn colors, and the elk begin their mating season, with the hauntingly beautiful sound of bulls bugling echoing through the valleys. But fall in Estes Park isn’t just about the natural beauty—it’s also a time of celebration, with festivals ranging from the Longs Peak Highland Festival to the John Denver Tribute Concert by Brad Fitch. I do my best to attend as many as I can and have shared the schedule below. I hope to see you at one of these events—or if you’d like some company, let me know, and we can enjoy them together.
- Estes Valley Plein Air Paint Out (August 22-28): Artists from across the country paint in the open air around Estes Park, culminating in a gala opening on August 30, where the artwork will be displayed and sold through September 29.
- Handmade in Colorado Expo (August 23-25): This art event in Bond Park showcases a wide range of creations from Colorado artists, offering unique handmade items for purchase.
- The John Denver Tribute Concert (August 31): The John Denver Tribute Concert in Estes Park is an annual event that honors the music and legacy of the iconic singer-songwriter John Denver. The concert is typically performed by Brad Fitch, a local musician known for his heartfelt and authentic renditions of John Denver’s songs.
- Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival (August 31 – September 2): Held in Bond Park, this festival features over 100 tents showcasing original artisan works.
- Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival (September 6-8): A celebration of Celtic heritage, featuring Highland games, dancing, pipe bands, and more.
- Fine Arts & Crafts Festival (September 14-15): A juried art show featuring works from 100 artists, including painting, photography, and sculpture.
- Autumn Gold Festival (September 21-22): Enjoy brats, beer, and live music at this fall festival, which also features classic car shows and kids’ activities.
- Elk Fest (September 28-29): Celebrate the elk rut season with bugling contests, vendors, live music, and more in downtown Estes Park.
These events showcase the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Estes Park, making it a great destination in late summer and early fall. For more details, you can check out the local event calendars on the Visit Estes Park website and the Art Center of Estes Park