Memorial Day Weekend in Estes Park, Colorado: Things to do in 2026
- Morgan Wilde
- May 16
- 8 min read
Updated: May 22
Estes Park is a charming little mountain town nestled against the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Don't let the idea of a small town fool you, there are countless activities for all age groups to enjoy in both Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. If you plan to stay in Estes Park over Memorial Day weekend, keep reading below for events over the weekend and suggestions for visiting RMNP.
VISITING RMNP
Memorial Day weekend events in estes park
Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of tourist season in Estes Park! Every day there are events around the city that are free and paid. Check out these recommendations and let me know if you try any!
Friday, May 22nd
5-Foot Betty: 4:40PM-6:30PM@ Snowy Peaks Winery Who doesn't want to settle in with a glass of wine and listen to free music? Visit Snowy Peaks Winery and join in listening to Denver Bluegrass Conference band winner 5-Foot Betty.
Jon Pickett: 5PM-8PM @ The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern Want to enjoy some of the best food in Estes Park accompanied by a local musician? Try the Devils on Horseback appetizer and enjoy original music and covers with singer-songwriter Jon Pickett.
The Budos Band: 7PM-9:45PM @ The Stanley Hotel - Concert Hall Experience the unique style of the Budos Band at the Famous Stanley Hotel. You can join the fun for one night at $75 per person, or purchase a weekend pass for $200 per person. You can buy tickets HERE.
Starting this Friday, you will need a timed entry pass to enter RMNP CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE to find everything you need to know about the timed entry system
Saturday, May 23rd
Samson's Revenge Trail Race: 9AM-5PM @ YMCA of the Rockies Samson was a celebrity elk in the Rockies and was illegally poached in 1995 on YMCA grounds. The course is a fast single track with a King of the Mountain challenge in the middle. Distances range from 5K to 50K. Prices range from $75-$145 for length of race. Join in on Samson's Revenge HERE. Registration closes Friday, May 22 at11:59 PM.
Silent Comedy Movie Festival: 7PM-9PM @ Historic Park Theatre Join in the LIVE piano stylings of Scott "Flying Fingers" Wilseck to three classic silent movies including "The Vagabond", "Roaming Romeo", and "One Week". Bring the whole family and step back in time to see famous actors like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton on stage. One child is admitted free with each paying adult. You can buy tickets HERE for $17 per person.
Greg Miles 5PM-8PM @ The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern Enjoy local eats and experience Estes Park local singer/songwriter Greg Miles for original tunes and cover songs.
Karaoke Night 9PM-12AM @ Lonigans Pub & Grill Sing along with patrons, friends, and family with Karaoke at Lonigans! While you're there, try the house special of Irish Mac & Cheese.
Sunday, May 24th
Sarah Minto-Sparks 5PM-8PM @ The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
Sunday Fun-Day @ Snowy Peaks Winery
Live Dinner Music with Nicky Wang @ Lonigans Pub & Grill
The Mandalorian and Grogu: 4PM/7PM @ Historic Park Theatre Visit the Historic Park Theatre and enjoy the newest Star Wars movie at two different times. You can purchase tickets priced at $15 per adult and $11 per child HERE.
An aerial view of Estes Park, CO
All Weekend Events in Estes Park
Annual Estes Park Art Market:
This free-to-the-public art market is hosted by The Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies. Over 90 artists from Colorado and surrounding states will be featuring their art work for sale!
Time: Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Place: Bond Park, 170 MacGregor Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517.
Art includes functional pottery, paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, art glass, woodcrafts, fiber art, metal crafts and much more!
Live music and food are available at the event throughout the weekend. The Art Market is completely wheelchair accessible and is free to the public.
Tours and Events at The Stanley Hotel:
The Séance at The Stanley: (multiple time slots) @ The Stanley Hotel - Aiden Sinclair's Underground: Want to join in an immersive experience that will bring you face-to-face with some of the departed guests of the Stanley Hotel? Reserve your tickets and join resident apparitionist Hannibal for a unique opportunity to witness and participate in a Victorian Age séance where anything can happen! You can purchase your tickets HERE for $95 per person. (Age limit 16+)
Historic Daytime Tour: (multiple time slots) @ The Stanley Hotel: Immerse yourself in the vibrant history of the Stanley hotel with an indoor/outdoor walking tour. Learn about the hotel's history, folklore, and pop culture. Book tickets HERE for $25 per adult and $20 for children ages 8-17. (Age limit 8+)
The Nighttime Ghost Tour: (Multiple time slots) @ The Stanley Hotel: Explore the history of spirits at the Stanley hotel after dark. This is a 60 minute walking tour that features an experienced story teller who will explore the documented hauntings and spiritually active locations on the hotel property. Book tickets HERE for $30 per person. (Age limit 8+)
The Shining Tour: (Multiple time slots) @ The Stanley Hotel: Are you a Stephen King fan? Join a knowledgable tour guide to learn about the history of Stephen King's 1977 novel, The Shining. Learn about Stephen King's inspiration for the book and the differences between the novel, Stanley Kubrick's 1980 movie, and the King's mini-series. Book tickets HERE for $30 per person. (Age limit 8+)
The Budos Band: 7PM-9:45PM @ The Stanley Hotel - Concert Hall Experience the unique style of the Budos Band at the Famous Stanley Hotel. You can join the fun for one night at $75 per person, or purchase a weekend pass for $200 per person. You can buy tickets HERE.
Entry sign to Estes Park, Colorado on HWY 36
Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park: Memorial Day Weekend 2026 - Know Before You Go
You will need timed entry for Memorial Day Weekend. Starting May 22nd, timed entry begins for accessing the Bear Lake Road Corridor and the main entrances to the national park. Reservations are released on a rolling monthly schedule (e.g., advanced purchasedJune dates will go on sale June 1st) Additional passes are released for purchase at 7 PM MDT the night before.
The Best Activities for Rocky Mountain National Park During Memorial Day Weekend
Hikes Inside Bear Lake Corridor
If you have a timed entry pass for Bear Road Corridor, there are many short and rewarding hikes. Bear Road hosts some of the most famous hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, seeing thousands of tourists throughout the year.
The Bear Lake Loop is the most famous and notable trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. At only 0.6 miles round trip, it is considered a very easy beginner hike with only 71 ft of elevation gain.
Bear Lake at Sunrise, Rocky Mountain National Park
Emerald Lake Trail beginning at Bear Lake, is a "must do" trail for first time visitors. On this trail, you'll visit four iconic and beautiful Alpine Lakes: Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake.
Emerald Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park
Sprague Lake Loop is low-effort and high-reward hike within the corridor. The trail is 0.8 miles long with only 36 feet of elevation gain. This trail is a great option for those with small children or limited mobility. If you're lucky, you'll see the family of moose who live at the lake!
Moraine Park is a gorgeous viewing area complete with picnic tables and parking. Within the Park, a picturesque scene awaits with elk, a winding river, and sweeping mountain views. If you have mobility issues or don't feel up to hiking, driving to Moraine Park will give you one of the best views of all RMNP has to offer. Within Moraine Park lies the trail head for Cub Lake, outlined below.
Spring in Moraine Park, Rocky Mountain National Park
Cub Lake Trail is a beautiful alpine lake that holds lily pads rivaling those of Monet. The trail starts in Moraine Park where you walk through alpine meadows to reach your destination. This trail can be completed as a moderate in-and-out at 4.6 miles. If you're up for a more of a challenge, complete Cub Lake Loop in 5.5 miles.
Cub Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park
Cub Lake Loop takes you through alpine meadows, fire-scarred forests from the East Troublesome Fire, the Big Thompson River, and Cub Lake itself. (This is my favorite hike in all of RMNP!)
Hikes Outside of Bear Lake Corridor
If you didn't land a timed entry pass for the Bear Lake Corridor, don't fear! Memorable views await for you outside of the Corridor. These trails offer gorgeous views from alpine lakes to sweeping views of the continental divide.
Gem Lake Trail is located outside of the main park off of Devil's Gulch Road. This 3.4 mile in-and-out hike starts with moderate elevation gain of 830 feet. This hike is considered moderate/strenuous, but the views are worth the effort! Along the way, take a break to view Estes Park from above.
Lily Lake Trail is a great option for those who have low mobility, young children, or just like an easy hike with rewarding views! Lily Lake is located off of Highway 7 a few miles outside of Estes Park. The total distance around the lake is 0.8 miles with around 10 feet of total elevation gain. With a hard-packed and mostly flat trail, it is an exceptional option for those with wheelchairs or strollers.
Worried about elevation change and altitude sickness during your stay? Be Prepared!
Check out THIS ARTICLE for prevention tips, signs, symptoms, and treatment.
Deer Mountain Trail is a moderately difficult 6 mile trail in Rocky Mountain National Park with around 1,200 feet of elevation change. Don't let the length discourage you! The panoramic views of Longs Peak, Moraine Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, and Estes Park await you on this popular trail.
Kruger Rock is a great alternative for those wishing to avoid the busy Memorial Day Weekend the national park. The trail itself is 3.8 in-and-out treck with around 1,000 feet in elevation gain. This trail is in Hermit State Park located right off HWY 36 outside of Estes Park. 360 degree panoramic views of Estes Park, Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, and the Mummy Mountain Range await you at the top. This is a trail that locals love and as a bonus, it is dog friendly!
Conclusion:
Estes Park holds many unique events all year round. Spending Memorial Day Weekend in Estes Park will be filled with great memories. Keep a well-rounded itinerary so you can make the most of your trip. Let me know in the comments below if this article was helpful, and if you choose to attend any events or try any of the recommended hikes!
I saw a moose last week at Sprague lake!
Is trail ridge road open this weekend?