It’s rutting season in Estes Park, and from the golf courses to the city streets, the town’s legendary elk herd has taken over. Come celebrate all things elk this weekend at the the 14th Annual Elk Fest in Bond Park.

Estes Park boasts one of the nation’s highest concentrations of wild elk, attracting wildlife enthusiasts from across the nation. The festival is the kick off to “Elktober,” a monthlong extravaganza featuring elk-themed menus in the town’s restaurants and specialty craft beers from Estes Park Brewery (try the Samson Stout, an homage to the unofficial town mascot who was slain by a poacher in 1996).

The festival features artwork, handmade elk-ivory jewelry, a bugling contest, and daily elk education seminars. There’ll be plenty of elk viewing on the town’s two golf courses and at Rocky Mountain National Park (particularly at Moraine Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, and Horseshoe Park). Or, just hang out around town and catch an impromptu show.

Bonus: More ideas for Elk Fest.

—Image courtesy of Shutterstock