October 2026 Events in Estes Park: Fall Festivals, Halloween Fun & More
October in Estes Park, Colorado, is a magical time of year. Golden aspens, crisp mountain air and breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery create the perfect backdrop for a month filled with seasonal celebrations, community gatherings and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you're a local looking for weekend plans or a visitor exploring things to do in Estes Park in October, there's something for everyone. From pumpkin festivals and outdoor adventures to paranormal encounters at The Stanley Hotel, the town is packed with activities worth adding to your calendar.
What events are happening in Estes Park in October 2026? Highlights include Pumpkins & Pilsners on October 10, Fall Skate Fest on October 17, Haunted Mountainside Lodge on October 23 and 24, The Shining Ball on October 24 and several Halloween celebrations on October 30 and 31.
Here are 12 October 2026 events in Estes Park you won't want to miss!
1. Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Bond Park, 170 MacGregor Avenue, Estes Park
Admission: Free entry
Celebrate everything wonderful about autumn at the annual Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival in downtown Estes Park!
This family-friendly event combines seasonal activities, live entertainment and delicious local flavors for a day of fun in the mountains.
Festival highlights include pumpkin picking, pony rides, lawn games, food trucks and live music. Adults can also enjoy craft beer tastings from local breweries while the kids participate in festive activities.
Best of all, the event supports a great cause. Proceeds benefit the Estes Park Education Foundation, helping fund educational programs and resources for local students and teachers.
Whether you're planning a family outing or simply looking for a lively fall atmosphere, this is one of the most anticipated October festivals in Estes Park.
View Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival Details
2. Rocky's Backyard Ultra Race
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Location: YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center
Registration: $100
For runners who enjoy a serious challenge, Rocky's Backyard Ultra offers a mountain endurance experience unlike a typical race.
Set at approximately 7,500 feet in elevation, competitors tackle a 4.167-mile trail loop every hour until only one runner remains.
Each loop includes roughly 500 feet of elevation gain, with spectacular views of Longs Peak and Twin Sisters along trails bordering Rocky Mountain National Park.
The last runner standing earns a $1,000 prize, while athletes who reach 100 miles receive commemorative buckles.
It's an exciting addition to the Estes Park fall events calendar for endurance athletes and outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
Learn More About Rocky's Backyard Ultra
3. Amy Bruni: Walking with Ghosts
Dates: Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM, doors open at 6:30 PM
Location: The Stanley Hotel, 333 East Wonderview Avenue, Estes Park
Admission: Ticketed event
Looking for something spooky to do in Estes Park this October?
Paranormal investigator and television personality Amy Bruni brings her Walking with Ghosts tour to the legendary Stanley Hotel for two nights of supernatural storytelling.
Known for her appearances on Ghost Hunters and Kindred Spirits, Bruni shares fascinating experiences from her career investigating unexplained phenomena.
With The Stanley Hotel's famously eerie atmosphere serving as the setting, this event is especially appealing to fans of ghost stories, paranormal investigations and Halloween season entertainment.
4. Fall Skate Fest at Lawson Skatepark
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Estes Park Sports Complex, 380 Community Drive
Admission: Free
Skateboarding meets mountain-town community spirit at the 3rd Annual Estes Park Fall Skate Fest!
This free event welcomes skateboarders, families and spectators for an afternoon of exciting competitions, music and entertainment.
The celebration features youth and adult skateboarding contests, a best-trick showdown, prizes, giveaways and custom trophy decks.
Attendees can also enjoy live music from The Yeah Dawgs and food from Alchemizza.
Whether you're participating or cheering from the sidelines, Fall Skate Fest is a great way to support Estes Park's local skateboarding community.
5. Why We Love Serial Killers with Dr. Scott Bonn
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: The Stanley Hotel, 333 East Wonderview Avenue, Estes Park
Admission: Ticketed event, currently listed as sold out
True crime enthusiasts can explore the psychology behind society's fascination with infamous criminals during an evening with criminologist Dr. Scott Bonn.
Hosted at The Stanley Hotel, this live presentation examines the motivations behind serial killers and why their stories continue to intrigue audiences.
Combining psychological insights, real-world experiences and audience questions, the event offers an unusual and thought-provoking way to embrace the darker themes of the Halloween season.
View Dr. Scott Bonn Event Information
6. Haunted Mountainside Lodge
Dates: Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, 2026
Location: YMCA of the Rockies, Mountainside Lodge, 1776 Mountainside Drive, Estes Park
Admission: Free for YMCA guests, members and staff; $10 for the public
If you're searching for haunted houses near Estes Park, add Haunted Mountainside Lodge to your Halloween plans.
This immersive attraction invites visitors to explore unsettling stories inspired by 250 years of mountain history and frontier mysteries.
Two experiences are scheduled:
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Friday, October 23 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: A family-friendly haunted experience.
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Saturday, October 24 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM: A scarier experience for ages 16 and older.
Public admission is $10 at the door, with proceeds supporting YMCA day camp scholarships.
Whether you're bringing the family or looking for something a little more frightening, this Halloween attraction offers a memorable evening in the Rockies.
Explore Haunted Mountainside Lodge
7. Pumpkins & Petals Floral Workshop
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Estes Valley Community Center, 660 Community Drive
Admission: $45
Get creative this fall at Pumpkins & Petals, a hands-on seasonal floral arranging workshop.
Led by instructor Julie Bunton, participants will learn how to transform a real pumpkin into a beautiful autumn centerpiece using fresh flowers.
The workshop includes all necessary materials, step-by-step instruction and complimentary fall refreshments.
No floral arranging experience is required, making this a fun activity for friends, couples or anyone interested in seasonal decorating.
You'll leave with a handmade centerpiece that's perfect for a Halloween gathering, Thanksgiving table or thoughtful fall gift.
View Pumpkins & Petals Workshop Details
8. The Shining Ball at The Stanley Hotel
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM
Location: The Stanley Hotel Concert Hall, Estes Park
Admission: Ticket required
Halloween season in Estes Park wouldn't be complete without a celebration inspired by The Shining.
The Stanley Hotel's annual Shining Ball invites guests to dress as their favorite characters from the Stephen King universe for an unforgettable night of costumes, music and spooky entertainment.
The celebration includes a live DJ, costume contests, immersive photo opportunities and tarot card readings.
Guests can compete for prizes in categories celebrating The Shining, Stephen King-inspired characters and the iconic Jack Torrance.
For fans of horror films, Halloween parties and the Stanley Hotel's famous history, this is one of the standout October nightlife events in Estes Park.
Learn More About The Shining Ball
9. Eggplant Festival: A Taste of Sicily
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Estes Valley Community Center, 660 Community Drive
Admission: $55
Food lovers can enjoy a delicious culinary adventure at the Eggplant Festival of Estes Park, also known as Sagra della Melanzana di Estes Park.
Instructor Becky Gilberto shares authentic Sicilian recipes and cooking techniques inspired by her travels to Taormina, Italy.
The menu features Sicilian Eggplant Parmesan, Eggplant and Swordfish Wraps and Eggplant Caponata Pasta.
Participants will learn to prepare these Mediterranean dishes before enjoying a gourmet dinner together.
It's a flavorful way to spend an October evening while discovering new cooking skills and connecting with the local community.
View Eggplant Festival Information
10. Mischief Night with Live Music by Equally Challenged
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM, live music from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: American Legion Post 119, 850 N. St. Vrain Avenue
Admission: Free
Kick off Halloween weekend with a lively evening of music, costumes and community fun at American Legion Post 119.
Mischief Night features a live performance by the rock band Equally Challenged, along with a costume contest celebrating the spookiest and most mischievous looks.
Guests can also enjoy food, drink specials and the Queen of Hearts raffle scheduled for 7:00 PM.
If you're searching for free Halloween weekend events in Estes Park with live music, this celebration is worth adding to your plans.
Explore Mischief Night Details
11. Halloween Walk-In Flash Tattoo Event
Dates: Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM each day
Location: Driftwood Tattoo Studio, 343 S. Saint Vrain Avenue, Unit 1
Admission: Walk-in event; tattoo pricing varies
Looking for a unique way to celebrate Halloween in Estes Park?
Driftwood Tattoo Studio is hosting a two-day Halloween flash tattoo event featuring spooky designs and special discounts.
Guests can choose from themed, ready-to-tattoo artwork, with repeatable flash designs eligible for a 13% discount.
The event operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early may help you secure your preferred design.
Whether you're a tattoo enthusiast or hoping to mark your Estes Park visit with a memorable piece of artwork, this is a creative way to celebrate the Halloween season.
12. DeVotchKa Halloween Costume Ball
Dates: Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: Evening festivities begin at 6:30 PM
Location: The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
Admission: Ticketed event
Close out October with an extraordinary Halloween experience as DeVotchKa returns to The Stanley Hotel for its annual costume ball.
Blending atmospheric live music, elaborate costumes and theatrical entertainment, this celebration transforms the historic hotel into a festive Halloween destination.
The evening includes cocktail gatherings, an aerial performance by the Slavic Sisters, a live DeVotchKa concert and a late-night DJ after-party.
For those looking for a memorable Halloween night out in Estes Park, this event offers a mix of music, masquerade and mountain-town atmosphere.
View DeVotchKa Halloween Event Details
Why Visit Estes Park in October?
Beyond its festivals and special events, October is a beautiful time to explore Estes Park and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
Visitors can stroll through downtown shops, enjoy seasonal dining, take scenic drives and experience the changing colors of the Colorado landscape.
Estes Park also serves as a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, where visitors can explore breathtaking mountain scenery and keep an eye out for wildlife.
October temperatures can vary significantly, especially at higher elevations, so dressing in layers and checking local weather conditions before heading outdoors is always a good idea.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway or enjoying the season close to home, the combination of outdoor beauty and community celebrations makes autumn in Estes Park especially memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions About October Events in Estes Park
What are the best things to do in Estes Park in October 2026?
Popular October activities include attending Pumpkins & Pilsners, visiting Halloween attractions, enjoying live music at The Stanley Hotel, exploring fall foliage and experiencing seasonal community festivals. There are activities for families, couples, outdoor enthusiasts and Halloween fans.
Are there free October events in Estes Park?
Yes! Free-admission events include Pumpkins & Pilsners on October 10, Fall Skate Fest on October 17 and Mischief Night on October 30. Haunted Mountainside Lodge also offers complimentary admission for YMCA guests, members and staff. Some activities, food or beverages may cost extra.
What Halloween events are happening in Estes Park in 2026?
Halloween-themed events include Amy Bruni's Walking with Ghosts on October 15 and 16, Haunted Mountainside Lodge on October 23 and 24, The Shining Ball on October 24, Driftwood Tattoo Studio's Halloween event on October 30 and 31 and the DeVotchKa Costume Ball on October 30 and 31.
Are there family-friendly fall festivals in Estes Park?
Absolutely! Pumpkins & Pilsners is one of the highlights for families, offering pumpkin activities, live music and entertainment for kids. Fall Skate Fest and the family-friendly night at Haunted Mountainside Lodge are other October options.
Is October a good time to visit Estes Park, Colorado?
Yes! October offers beautiful fall scenery, seasonal celebrations, opportunities for wildlife viewing and access to mountain adventures. Visitors should plan for changing weather conditions and check event schedules before traveling.
Make the Most of Fall in Estes Park
From colorful pumpkin displays and creative workshops to live entertainment and Halloween festivities, October 2026 offers plenty of reasons to get out and explore Estes Park.
Gather your friends, bring the family and make time to experience the events that bring this mountain community together.
Planning your October adventures? Save this guide, share it with someone who loves fall and check individual event websites for the latest schedules, ticket information and updates.
And if the beauty and welcoming atmosphere of Estes Park have you dreaming about calling this mountain town home, October is a wonderful time to discover what makes the Estes Valley such a special place to live.
Disclaimer: Event dates, times, locations, admission fees and activities are subject to change without notice. While every effort has been made to provide accurate information, we recommend checking each event's official website or contacting the organizer directly for the latest updates, ticket availability and additional details before attending.
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