Event Schedule
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
Western Line Dancing Class | Grand Lake Center | 1-3 p.m.
Come learn how to stomp, slide, spin and boot scoot in this beginner line dancing class featuring your favorite country, rock and pop songs from across the eras. No experience or partner necessary. Free to attend at the Grand Lake Center.
Watercolor Sip & Paint with Rocky Mountain Folk School | Grand Lake Center | 3-5 p.m.
All experience levels are welcome as an instructor leads you step-by-step to create a watercolor-inspired cowboy boot scene featuring mountain landscapes and wildflowers in honor of Buffalo Days weekend in Grand Lake. Bring friends, enjoy a beverage (21+ with ID to consume alcohol), and personalize your painting to take home as a unique memento of the community celebration. Cost: $55 per person. Details and registration at rockymountainfolkschool.org/class-calendar (select date August 14, 2026, then scroll down to click on the “Western Watercolor” class)
Buffalo Bingo with the Rotary Club of Grand Lake | Town Park | 7:30-9 p.m.
Head to Heckert Pavilion in Town Park for one of Grand Lake’s favorite pastimes. Cards cost $5 (cash only). All ages welcome. Cash prizes! **Pavilion tables fill up fast and you may need to bring your own lawn chair or picnic blanket!**
Outdoor Movie Night with Lupine Village | Town Park | 8:30 p.m.
Grab a chair and a blanket and head to Town Park for a special outdoor screening of the all-American, family-friendly classic “The Sandlot” under the stars, presented by Lupine Village cabins. Free to attend! Snacks will be served and adult beverages will be available for purchase. NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
Buffalo Run 5k Race | Grand Lake Center | 9 a.m.
Run or walk a scenic 5k loop route through downtown Grand Lake and along a portion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT). Packet pickup starts at 8am, Race starts at 9am. Advanced registration required at buffalorun.itsyourrace.com. Register before August 1 to get a race t-shirt! Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Grand Lake. Proceeds to benefit Colorado Aerolab.
Cornhole Tournament with Vert’s Dispensary | Town Park | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Compete to win a custom Buffalo Days/America 250 cornhole board set complete with bags and carrying case! Beer garden by KFFR Community Radio. Check-in and warmup starts at 9am. Check-in ends at 9:45am. The tournament begins at 10am. $40 per team. Cash prizes for top three teams! Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/79th-annual-buffalo-days-2026-cornhole-tournament-tickets-1994748742185
Carnival Games | Town Park | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Free kids activities including bounce house, obstacle course, Angus McRodeo kiddie bull, axe throwing and more. Fun for all ages! Sponsored by Ted’s Place, Grand Lake Chocolates and Climax Molybdenum, A Freeport-McMoRan Company (Henderson Mill).
Music Festival & Buffalo BBQ with Sagebrush Grill | Lakefront Park | 2 to 9 p.m.
Grab your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and head to Gene Stover Lakefront Park for an entertaining afternoon of live music on the lake! This year’s lineup features four talented bands from around Colorado to keep you groovin’ until sunset–all FREE to attend! A dinner of real buffalo barbecue with scrumptious sides will be available for purchase in the park thanks to our presenting sponsor, the Sagebrush BBQ & Grill, plus ice cold beverages served by the KFFR Radio crew to raise funds for a new satellite radio station location in Grand Lake.
Volunteers are needed to serve drinks and check IDs - must be TIPS certified! Sign up at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenCACAjlgny4TBJf4lvfxElgZkF_jdmRaku47wc9vxZ7H3rQ/viewform
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
Cowboy Church with Community Church of the Rockies | Town Park | 9-10 a.m.
Gather at the gazebo in Town Park to celebrate and worship the Lord together. Whether you are just in town for the weekend or a full-time resident, we would love to connect with you!
Cowpoke Parade | Town Park | 12:30 p.m.
From shiny trucks and high-stepping horses to dancers and first responders, this lively procession down Grand Avenue is not to be missed. Spectators arrive early each year to grab a bite to eat and set up their chairs and tailgates near the announcer’s stand in Town Park. Participants line up at 11:30 a.m. and the parade starts at 12:30 p.m. Parade application can be found here. Registration deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026. Walk up registrations will not be permitted!
Water Zone with Grand Lake Fire Protection District | Lakefront Park | 1 p.m.
End the weekend with a splash at the Water Zone in Lakefront Park immediately following the parade. Wear your bathing suit and bring a towel because you're going to get soaked! All ages welcome.
