Not sure when to plan your summer Colorado vacation? We do follow the belief that it’s always a good time to visit Estes Park, no matter the season, but if you enjoy a plethora of hiking, biking, sightseeing, and everything in between then plan a visit this summer. If the activities aren’t enough to convince you to pack your bags, then check out these upcoming Estes Park summer events to see when you should hit the road.

June events

Rocky Mountain Irish Festival

The Rocky Mountain Irish Festival is a celebration not to be missed and the perfect reason to plan a visit to Estes Park for Father’s Day! This family-friendly event includes music, dancing, food, educational exhibits, and of course fun.

Event dates: June 18 – 21, 2015

Cost: General admission on Thursday is $12 online and $15 at the gate, ages 1- 17 is free on Thursday. Friday-Sunday admission is $15 online and $20 at the gate.

Westernaires Wild West Show

For more than 60 years, the Westernaires have specialized in western riding, horse care, and showing off their talents in precision drills. It’s a day of fun for the whole family, especially if you have an equestrian in the family!

Event dates: June 26 – 27, 2015

Cost: General admission $8 or box seats for $12.

Scandinavian Midsummer Festival

Celebrate the summer solstice in the most beautiful city in Colorado! We’re talking about the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival in Estes Park! There’ll be dancing and kid-friendly activities as well as the chance to learn more about Scandinavian traditions and culture.

Event dates: June 27 – 28, 2015

Cost: Free!

July events

Go 4th Festival and Fireworks

Celebrate America’s birthday in Estes Park! During the day you can delight in our fantastic outdoor activities and then kick off the holiday weekend on Friday, July 3 with live music, a pig roast, and other festivities. On Saturday, July 4 there will be a free concert at the Performance Park Amphitheater at 7 p.m. by the Estes Village Band. Then, stick around for a stellar fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. over Lake Estes!

Event dates: July 3 – 4, 2015

Cost: Free!

Rooftop Rodeo

Yee-haw! It’s almost time for Estes Park’s Rooftop Rodeo! Come see why this rodeo has been named the best small rodeo in the nation July 6 – 12. The event starts with a parade and you won’t be able to miss it as it makes its way toward the Fairgrounds at Stanley Park with hundreds of horses, cowboys and cowgirls, floats, and marching units. You’ll want to pack your best boots for dancing for Saturday night’s Queen’s Dance!

Event dates: July 6 – 12, 2015

Cost: General admission for the rodeo performances is $17 for adults, $5 for children ages 3 – 11. The Queen’s Dance is $12 and includes a cash bar.

August events

Estes Park Wine Festival

Come Saturday, August 15 it’ll be wine o’clock in downtown Estes Park! The Estes Park Wine Festival runs Saturday and Sunday and includes wine tastings from more than 20 Colorado wineries, food vendors, and live music. Tickets are $30 for regular admission and attendees must be 21 and older. You may also purchase a weekend pass at $50.

Event dates: August 15 – 16, 2015

Cost: $30 for one day pass, $50 for weekend pass, VIP for $75. Attendees must be 21 and over.

All summer

Celebrate Rocky Mountain National Park’s Centennial

Estes Park is celebrating Rocky Mountain National Park’s 100 years with a variety of fun activities and events scattered throughout 2015. A few notable events for the summer months include:

  • Run the Rocky Mountain Centennial 5K through historic and scenic areas of Rocky Mountain National Park on Saturday, July 18. There’ll be a breakfast for the runners at Wild Basin Lodge and fantastic mountain views along the trail. Entry fees are $40 until July 1, and then $45 until the day of the race.
  • You may also wish to run in the Rocky Mountain Half Marathon on August 1. An entry fee for an individual is $110 and $100 for a team.
  • Honor the National Park Service’s birthday and enjoy a fee-free entrance day to Rocky Mountain National Park on August 25! The next fee-free entry date is September 26 in honor National Public Lands Day.
  • Enjoy a treat for the eyes and ears at the RMNP Centennial Concert: Sounds of Summer. This free public concert celebrates 100 years of Rocky Mountain National Park and is honored with music from the Denver Brass band. The concert is on Monday, August 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Stanley Hotel Concert Hall.

Don’t worry, we know it’s tough to narrow down what event you want to enjoy in Estes Park, so be sure to check out our specials page to see if you can budget two Estes Park vacations this summer!