Special Events in Rocky Mountain National Park
Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival
The Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival, named after the Longs Peak Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park, is one of the largest Celtic festivals in the United States. Held annually over a three-day weekend in September, the festival is host to a huge variety of Celtic entertainment. Festival-goers are treated to Irish and Scottish singers and dancers, fiddlers, bagpipe bands, drill teams and military bands. Activities include the unique Celtic hammer toss and caber toss competitions and jousting demonstrations and competitions.
Catch the Glow Parade
The Catch the Glow Parade is an annual event that is held the day after Thanksgiving in downtown Estes Park. This interactive parade welcomes interaction between viewers and costumed parade characters throughout the parade. Free hayrides and visits with Santa Claus are part of the day's festivities.
Estes Park Marathon
The Estes Park Marathon is held in Estes Park, a city located right near the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Due to its proximity to the park, this marathon, held every June, is one of the most scenic marathons in the United States. The event organizers, who strive to make this a family friendly event, offer a multitude of races that are available to people, including a regular marathon, a half marathon, a 5K race, a 10K race and a children's fun run.
Grand Lake Regatta and Lipton Cup Races
The Grand Lake Regatta and Lipton Cup Races have been attracting competitive sailors from all around the world since 1905. Held during the first week in August, the race offers sailboat enthusiasts a thrill of a lifetime and the water and sailboat activities that lead up to the race are fun for all.
Estes Park Heritage Festival
The Estes Park Heritage Festival celebrates the heritage of the pioneer men and women who settled the area back in the country's early years. Every August, the community of Estes Park works to show event-goers a grand old time during the two-day event. Activities include ranch wagon rides, Stanley Steamer car rides, quilting and woodcarving demonstrations, a military camp display and more!
Grand Lake Winter Carnival
The Grand Lake Winter Carnival takes place the first weekend in February and celebrates all things winter-related. This fun family festival has something for everyone! Attendees can watch the colorful Carnival Parade, enter build-a-snowman contests, view breathtaking ice sculpture displays and play winter-themed games. A snowshoe race and the Grand Lake Teapot Curling championship game round out the Grand Lake Winter Carnival. Other events taking place during the carnival include the exciting Bed Sled Race and the Human Bowling Contest.