There are many reasons to visit Estes Park in 2020 but we’ve gathered up some of the best things to do every month of this year. From January to December, there is something fun and exciting happening to plan your vacation around.
January
Start the new year off right with a visit to Estes Park. Enjoy our beautiful winter wonderland with snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating, skiing, cross country skiing, and more. Attend local festivals like the Estes Park Winter Festival and enjoy fewer crowds in our picturesque mountain town.
February
Can you feel the love in the air? We can here in Estes Park with the Wine and Chocolate Festival. For three years in a row, the festival has provided chocolate from the area’s finest chocolatiers while you sip on pours from a variety of local wineries. And if you find something you like, bottles of wine and chocolates are available for purchase! A full-price ticket gets you 10 chocolate sampling tickets, a souvenir wine glass, a tote bag, and complimentary pours. The event takes place on February 8th at the Estes Park Events Center.
March
Ring in spring this March in Estes Park with the Whiskey Warm Up festival. Sip and savor selections of Colorado whiskeys from a number of local distillers. Enjoy the ambiance while you sample your whiskey next to the heat of the fire pits at the outdoor George Hix Riverside Plaza. Plus, enjoy live music, food vendors, and an educational booth from Elkins Distillery. There will be a shuttle provided to help connect passengers to the event from participating sponsors. The event is held on March 7th.
April
Every year the National Park Service announces their free entrance days and in April locals and visitors alike will receive free entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. During this week the park will host a variety of events, activities, and educational workshops that highlight the beauty of the park and conservation efforts. Free entrance week runs from April 18th to 26th.
May
Plan to attend the first-ever Roots on the Ridge bluegrass music festival. Enjoy Americana at its finest at this daylong music and arts festival. The event will highlight a variety of music genres including bluegrass, folk, and country. Roots on the Ridge takes place on May 16th at the Estes Park Events Complex.
June
Feel the soul of jazz music at one of Colorado’s most highly anticipated jazz festivals. Jazz Fest weekend in Estes Park is a great way to experience the sound of the music, sample local foods, and beverages. Jazz Fest takes place on June 6th & 7th at Performance Park in Estes Park.
July
What better way to celebrate the birth of our nation than with fireworks over majestic mountain peaks? Watch as fireworks light up the sky over the Rockies for a truly unique 4th of July experience. Start the evening with a performance at the Big Bang Concert. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. at the Estes Park Fairgrounds.
August
Sample Colorado-made wine in the heart of downtown Estes Park at the Estes Park Wine Festival. With a purchased ticket, attendees will receive a commemorative wine glass, a handy tote, and unlimited tastings. To complement the wine tastings there will be live music, retail vendors, and food vendors. The Estes Park Wine Festival is held at Bond Park, August 8th & 9th.
September
Enjoy bands, brats, and beer at the Autumn Gold Festival in Estes Park. Soak up the beautiful fall weather and autumn colors with a weekend full of food and drinks. The Autumn Gold Festival is held at Bond Park, September 26th & 27th.
October
Maybe the most popular reason to visit Estes Park in 2020, Elk Fest is a true treat for locals and tourists alike. Every fall in Estes Park the annual elk rut takes place and the town holds a festival to celebrate this event. While elk are the real show throughout the town and Rocky Mountain National Park, Elk Fest is the other main attraction. The festival offers the opportunity to sample local foods & beverages, view, and shop elk-themed goods, and even bugle like an elk. Elk Fest is held at the Estes Park Events Complex, October 3rd, and 4th.
November
The holidays in Estes Park are a truly magical time of year. With snowy mountain peaks, dazzling lights that light up downtown, cozy restaurants, and holiday events, there are plenty of reasons to spend the holidays with us. Kick off the Christmas season the day after Thanksgiving at the Catch the Glow Christmas Parade and Celebration. Santa Claus makes an appearance while you listen to carolers and watch the parade – all in downtown Estes Park.
December
This December, celebrate the holidays in Estes Park. With Christmas lights that fill the streets of downtown, a winter wonderland landscape, cozy fire pits, hot chocolate, mountain views, a New Year’s celebration, what more could ask for? Plan to spend the holidays with us and be sure to book your stay at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn!
Stay at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
No matter what time of year, Alpine Trail Ridge Inn is your place for Estes Park accommodations. Our affordable and comfortable rooms complete your perfect getaway with our convenient location to downtown Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Rooms fill up fast during popular events such as Elk Fest, so be sure to plan ahead for your visit to Estes Park in 2020.
