Estes Park, Colorado is a mountain town known for its pristine beauty, rugged mountains, and for being considered the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, but when most people consider visiting, they tend to do so in the summer and winter months. Fall, however, is when the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains is set on fire, with the trees that grow here turning shades of crimson, orange, and gold, and the weather, while definitely frosty at some points, doesn’t leave your fingers and toes numb, especially when you return home to sit in front of a roaring fire in our Voyago Vacation Rentals seasonal sanctuaries. Life is pretty much perfect in our Colorado hometown in the fall, and we hope this guide to the top fall events in Estes Park will encourage you to check out the charms of the area, giving you more ideas on how to fill in every minute of your fall getaway.
Autumn Gold Festival, September 21 & 22, Bond Park
Say so long to summer while savoring live music, cold beer, and a varied selection of foods served by some of the best food vendors in town. The Autumn Gold Festival has welcomed the new season in all the best ways for 30 years, and as you chow down on the traditional Autumn Gold Brats washed down with homemade lemonade or a frosty beer, indulge your children in the Family Fun Zone, and leave dad to his own devices at the Classic Car Show, you may be wondering, can this event get any better? Of course, it can, when you purchase a raffle ticket for $100 and earn a chance to win up to $10,000 in cash. The proceeds go towards scholarships and community programs, and since only 350 tickets will be sold, there is a 1 in 50 chance your ticket will be a winner!
Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival, October 5, Bond Park
Your exploration of Estes Park festivals and events is going to teach you at least a couple of things about the residents of this stunning spot: 1) We love beer; and 2) Bond Park is a popular event venue, with Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival offering an example of both. Kiddos love this event, giving them the chance to pick a pumpkin to decorate your Voyago escape, playing games, creating arts, and jumping in a bounce house, but never fear, as an adult you are going to wish this event never had to end. Offering live music, cold beer, and the backdrop of the autumn landscape, late September and early October are the best times to see the trees dressed in their autumn finest, making this fall festival one of our favorites.
The Shining Reigns Supreme in Estes Park
The Stanley Hotel is known for its alter ego, the Overlook Hotel, straight out of Stephen’s King imagination, and as you can imagine, Halloween is when it shines bright. Offering two major fall events as listed below, it can be a fun part of your Colorado vacation, and coming home to our decidedly NOT haunted Voyago Vacation Rentals autumn abodes promises to make this trip even better.
• The Shining Ball, October 21, The Stanley Hotel – Offering an early start to your Halloween festivities, this costumed ball is the event of the season, featuring a costume contest, music, entertainment, and an opportunity to be immersed into the world that Stephen King created so effortlessly.
• The Shining, October 22-31, Park Theater – The original movie, The Shining, made the world afraid of the dark, and if it has been a while since you watched it (or you haven’t seen it all), you will be surprised at how well it holds up. The Historic Park Theater is offering showings of that classic horror film during the latter half of October, and if you attended the Shining Ball during your time in town, it can be a fun to see the spaces you were just occupying showing up on the big screen.
Rocky Mountain Craft Spirits Festival, November 2, Estes Park Events Complex
Fall arrives early in the mountains, and some years it feels as if winter arrives even earlier, but when you attend the Rocky Mountain Craft Spirits Festival on November 2, we don’t think you will even notice the weather! Offering the best spirits our local distilleries can produce, there will also be live music, bar games, and even a whiskey seminar that will teach you everything you didn’t think you needed to know about the drink.
Welcome Home
However you spend each fall day in our charming mountain town, coming home to Voyago Vacation Rentals promises to be the highlight of your Colorado adventures. Reserve your favorite fall sanctuary today and discover how comfort and luxury makes every vacation shine even brighter. And don’t forget to enjoy these events in Estes Park, CO!
The town of Estes Park is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and is a popular destination for vacationers. Every year, the town attracts visitors from all over the world who enjoy the many activities and attractions the area has to offer. One of the most popular times to visit Estes Park is spring, when the snow is melting and the flowers are blooming. If you’re planning a trip this spring, check out some of these upcoming events in Estes Park!
The Second Annual St. Patty’s Day Beer Mile
Ready to take your St Patrick’s Day celebration to the next level? Get ready to ditch the leprechaun hat and whisky and put on your running shoes; it’s time for the second annual St Patty’s Day Beer Mile! This unique race starts and ends at Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company, with a pit stop at Avant Garde Aleworks in between. Whether you’re up for competing for your best time or looking for an unforgettable bar crawl, runners of all abilities are welcome – all you need is a festive outfit and plenty of energy! With Good Time Johnny providing some post-race tunes back at Avant Garde Aleworks in Estes Park, Colorado, this is sure to be one celebratory track that you won’t want to miss. So, grab a few mates, grab some beers (responsibly!), and get ready for a one-of-a-kind St Patty’s Day experience.
Frozen Dead Guy Days
If the name of this festival didn’t get your attention then perhaps the details will! Frozen Dead Guy Days was created after Grandpa Bredo Morstoel died from a heart condition in 1989 and was shipped from Norway to Oakland, California. He was then placed in liquid nitrogen for almost 4 years and in 1993 was shipped to his daughter in Colorado. The fun happens from March 17th – March 19th. There will be live music all weekend long, a polar plunge, coffin races, a Deadman fashion show, a Bands and Bloodys Sunday brunch, and many other roaming freak show acts and exciting events in Estes Park that will make this weekend one that you certainly don’t want to miss out on! If you’re a fan of all things creepy, weird, or just plain fun, make your way to Estes Park for Frozen Dead Guy Days this Spring.
Easter Weekend
Easter is a great time to connect with friends and family, so what could be better than heading out of town for some mountain adventures? Estes Park is the perfect solution; it boasts stunning natural beauty, incredible adventure options, and enough shopping and dining choices to satisfy every traveler. The town of Estes Park sits right on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, offering a beautiful gateway to explore one of America’s premier destinations. You can spend your days full of excitement, from hiking, canoeing, and fishing all the way through skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and more. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can test your limits by rock-climbing the nearby sandstone cliffs. Don’t forget about the things to do that are unique to Easter, including egg hunts for all ages, gondola rides for gorgeous views over the mountaintops, or even a candlelight dinner accompanied by live music and dancing. With many cozy cabins to choose from, you can create a wonderful experience your whole family can enjoy!
Bigfoot Days
If you’ve been dreaming up the perfect weekend, look no further than Bigfoot Days in beautiful Estes Park on April 14-15, 2023. Treat yourself to a truly unforgettable experience. On Friday, April 14th attend the Bigfoot BBQ Dinner where you can dine with Bigfoot celebrities, eat a bigfoot-themed meal, and enjoy live music while doing so. Enjoy a buffet-style dinner with food including slow-braised BBQ brisket, mountain fried chicken, green Chile mac & cheese, a mashed potato bar, and more. Then end the meal with a peach cobbler and a special Bigfoot-themed dessert. If you don’t get tickets in time for the dinner or are looking for a free event then you’re in luck! On Saturday, April 15th from 10 AM – 4 PM at Bond Park the free festival is taking place. Enjoy seeing all of the booths and stands from local vendors, spot Bigfoot or Bigfoots wandering the grounds, and enjoy all the Bigfoot activities in the area. Making your way to Estes Park for Bigfoot Days is sure to be a worthwhile experience and one you won’t forget!
Book Your Stay
No matter what your age, you’re sure to find plenty of fun activities to fill your days when you visit Estes Park, Colorado this spring! Make some incredible memories with the people you love most by booking one of our lovely vacation rentals today. At Voyago Vacation Rentals, we feature a range of Estes Park vacation rentals with unique amenities for you to choose from. We can’t wait to welcome you and show you all our beautiful town has to offer! Give us a call now to get started planning your dream vacation.
Estes Park, Colorado is one of THE best spots to go to if you aren’t an outdoor and nature lover. Instead of sitting inside all winter long, trying to warm up by the fire and running in from the crowded city streets, why not head somewhere where you can take advantage of the beautiful snowfall, bright blue sky, and cold days? Estes Park is a fun and exciting place that is right on the edge of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Known as one of the most famous and widely visited parks in the entire country, this area of natural beauty features hiking trails, hills, mountains, and forests that are going to take your breath away.
Head somewhere that nature is really going to take hold of your day. We recommend going somewhere where you can cruise down the ski slopes, go snowboarding, take your kids snowshoeing, brave the cold while hiking the highest peaks, and much more. Sounds fun, doesn’t it? We think so too! There is much more to the holiday season than just sitting inside and having cocktails. Get outside and explore all that there is to see in this incredible vicinity. Colorado is one of the best states to go to for nature lovers who enjoy the incredible mountains, scenery, forests, and wildlife. Check out some of the best December things to do during Christmas in Estes Park and over the holiday season!
Tree Lighting Ceremony
One of the best things to do during your time in Estes Park is go to the tree lighting ceremony. Crowd around with other locals and tourists who are interested in seeing the trees light up in brightly colored lights, decorations, and cheerful music. You might even be able to stand outside in the fresh snowfall if you are so lucky!
Watch the Glow Parade
Another fun Christmastime thing to do is watch the Glow Parade and take part in the festivities! Right after Thanksgiving ends, the Christmas celebrations begin. If you come during Christmas in Estes Park, you can head to the main street to listen to the local bands, watch the live musicians, sing holiday songs to spread holiday cheer, and dance with the other tourists who come to Estes Park in the wintertime.
Holiday Wine Festival
Okay, a few glasses of wine won’t hurt, right? Right! Head to the Estes Park Holiday Wine Festival, where this small town has hundreds of different types of Colorado wines that you can sample during your time here. Have a few sips of the best pinot grigio or cabernet sauvignon during your time in Estes Park!
Pair Wine and Chocolate
Nothing goes better with wine than a nice piece of milk or dark chocolate! Head to the Estes Park Wine and Chocolate Festival at the Estes Park Event Center to sample some of the milky, mouthwatering, or strong chocolate from the local region. Pair your milk chocolate with a soft-bodied wine or try some of your bitter dark chocolate with a deep red wine. You can’t go wrong with any combination!
Try the Pop-Up Bar for Some Strong Drinks
Another fun thing to do during your time in Estes Park is to visit the Miracle Pop-Up Bar. This cool event is a spontaneous thing to do during your time in Colorado, featuring cocktails, drinks, ice-cold beer, hot chocolate, and much more. The Estes Miracle Pop Up Bar is in Cousin Pat’s Pub and Grill, featuring good times, great music, and never-ending drinks that will keep you going all night long!
Accommodation over Christmas in Estes Park
Doesn’t Estes Park sound like one of the places if you are into skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and taking part in local cultural activities? Not only can you have fun doing outdoor sports, but you can take part in some of the nearby events, check out the mouth-watering restaurants, visit the nearby bars, and enjoy annual events with your friends or family.
Browse our properties and choose your ideal luxury and spacious accommodation option that is going to be perfect for your group size. We offer a wide range of apartments, houses, mansions, and cabins that can suit you and your party’s unique needs. Whatever you want, we can get it for you! We have a long-standing reputation of our customers coming back year after year due to our high-end service.
If Estes Park sounds like exactly up your alley for your upcoming winter getaway, don’t hesitate to contact us and book now!