Elk Festival | October – Estes Park Events

Echoes of the Wild in the Heart of the Rockies!

October 3 & 4, 2026

Saturday 10AM – 5PM | Sunday 9AM – 4PM

Estes Park’s Elk Fest is a fun, educational event that celebrates the majestic elk and the beauty of autumn in Estes Park! This annual tradition features wildlife exhibits, Native American music and storytelling, craft vendors, live entertainment, bugling contest, and educational seminars. Join us for a weekend of fun and fascination in the heart of the Rockies!

2026 Elk Fest Schedule of Events in Estes Park, Colorado. Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., featuring vendor booths, Rocky Mountain Elk educational presentations, an elk talk with Nate Zelinsky, bugling contest, live music by Kelzana, and Native American dancing and music. Sunday, October 4, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., featuring vendor booths, Rocky Mountain Elk educational presentations, nonprofit presentations, live music by Gio Chamba, and Native American dancing and music. Schedule subject to change without notice. Estes Park News is the presenting sponsor.

Vendor applications for 2026 are CLOSED

General information:

Registration & Packet Pickup (race day): 6:30AM outside on the East side of Estes Park Visitor Center, next to where participants will catch the Shuttle to the Start Line.

Shuttle Transportation: “Hiker Shuttle” will transport participants 7:30AM and 8:00AM to Fish Hatchery Road- Estes Park United Methodist Church parking lot.

Parking: The Estes Park Visitor Center Parking Structure and roughly 40 spaces at the Estes Park United Methodist Church.

Restrooms: Estes Park Visitor Center and Estes Park United Methodist Church

Start time: 8:30AM
Who: All abilities and ages! Strollers are welcome!

Start Line Location: Fish Hatchery Road, across from the Estes Park United Methodist Church.