September in Estes Park: One of the Best Times to Visit!
Plan your visit to Estes Park this September. Here’s what you’ll want to know about events in town!
Highlands Festival
Did you know that Estes Park is the official “Celtic Capitol of America”? Estes Park has hosted the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival for the last 48 years. Purchase your tickets here.
Dates: September 6-8, 2024
Celtic Music & Dance
Experience authentic Celtic music at the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival, including Live Performances on the Festival Field each day. Listen to the best pipe bands in the world, Celtic rock, and folk music. View the performance schedule for Friday-Sunday on all three stages here.
Athletic Games
The Longs Peak Highland Festival offers a full range of traditional Scottish-Irish athletics. Witness hammer throws, putting of the stone, and caber throws – throwing a 19’7″ 140 lb caber end-over-end! Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Estes Park Events Complex.
Dogs and Highland Cattle
Friday-Sunday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. See dog agility, herding, and disc competitions. Also come see the adorable highland cattle up close!
Autumn Gold Festival
A festival of beers, brats, and bands! Admission is free and all events benefit the Sunrise Rotary Club of Estes Park in their focus on “Service above Self”. To purchase raffle tickets in advance click here.
Dates: September 21-22, 2024 at Bond Park in downtown Estes Park
Beers
Beer and other beverages will be on tap at the concessions area in Bond Park from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm on Saturday, and 11:00 am – 5:00 pm on Sunday.
Brats…and other food vendors
Try the famous Autumn Gold Brat! Many treats will be available from shaved ice, to roasted nuts, popcorn, crepes, an Asian-fusion inspired local food truck, and coffee treats. Grab lunch, dinner, or a snack and groove to live music in the park! Bond Park from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm on Saturday, and 11:00 am – 5:00 pm on Sunday.
Bands
Das Wunder – Fort Collins based singer songwriter, Elise Wunder and her band. Saturday, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Wendy Woo – A poly-ethnic, power pop, song-rock, 6 piece band with sweet vocal harmonies and shuddering grooves. Saturday, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Last Man on Earth – One of the most popular variety rock bands in Northern Colorado for over 10 years. Saturday, 4:00 – 6:00 pm
El Loco Fandango – Colorado’s own ZZ Top cover band! Sunday, 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
The Long Run – ‘Colorado’s Tribute to The Eagles’, hails from the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Northern Colorado. Sunday, 2:30 – 5:30 pm
Elk Fest
Celebrate the annual Elk Rut – join some of Estes Park’s most famous resident elk during their mating season. Experience the haunting beauty of elk bugling in person!
Enjoy great family-friendly activities in Bond Park in downtown Estes Park centered around our glorious elk. A favorite highlight is the Native American dancing, storytelling, and music with Danny Many Horses at the main stage.
Dates: September 28-29, 2024
It is worth mentioning that this is one of the best times of year to see the fall colors in Estes Park and RMNP!
Don’t forget to plan your drive on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway for an enjoyable fall drive on one of the nation’s most beautiful roads!