Elk Fest
What kind of festival is it?
Elk Fest® is Estes Park’s signature fall celebration of its most famous residents. Centered in Bond Park (170 MacGregor Ave), this family-friendly festival mixes outdoor fun with wildlife education. You’ll find local vendors, food trucks, live music, Indigenous dancing, bugling contests, and even raptor demonstrations. It’s a full weekend that blends mountain culture with the thrill of fall elk season.
Who’s it for?
Families, nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and anyone who wants a uniquely “only in Estes” kind of experience.
Top attraction?
The elk themselves — this festival coincides with the rut, or mating season, when bull elk guard their harems and bugle across the valley. For the best chance of seeing these dramatic displays, plan to stay overnight and head into Rocky Mountain National Park early in the morning. It’s an unforgettable experience (and one that’s even better with a thermos of hot coffee in hand).
Remember, elk are wild animals and can become aggressive this time of year. Brush up on wildlife etiquette so you can enjoy the show safely and respectfully.
How long has it been around?
Elk Fest began in 1998, making it more than 25 years of celebrating this unique Rocky Mountain tradition.
Make it a weekend:Kick things off Saturday morning with the Rut Run 5K, then spend the day exploring the festival booths, music, and contests downtown. In the evening, settle into your Estes Park lodge, or—if you’re up for adventure—book a campsite in Rocky Mountain National Park (find reservations here) to fall asleep to bugles echoing through the meadows. Not a camper? No worries—Estes Park has plenty of cozy cabins, inns, and resorts where you can relax after a day full of elk encounters.
