It's Time To Get Excited About
The Great Estes Park Duck Race!
The Great Estes Park Duck Race of 2025 features an exciting new route down the Big Thompson River, winding through the heart of downtown Estes Park. This year’s venue stretches along the riverwalk from start to finish and is divided into three main zones, each offering a unique slice of race-day fun.
The Thompson Group Starting Line
This is where all the action begins! Each race flight kicks off with a dramatic duck drop from the Rockwell Street bridge, located next to the Riverside parking lot. Once those ducks hit the water, the race is on!
The first race will be launched by our 2025 Grand Marshal, Patrick Warburton, a celebrity actor and comedian who is in town to perform at several Stanley Live events over the weekend.
Five races will be run throughout the afternoon. The “call to post” for each race is announced over the audio system so you’ll know when to take in the excitement of the starting line.
The Kid Zone – Fun for the Whole Family
Located in Riverside Plaza, the Kid Zone offers a range of activities, including:
- A special duck race just for kids and their families
- Bounce houses
- Street performers and Lucky Duck encounters
- Craft stations and more!
The Kid Zone is operated by the Estes Park Education Foundation, a community supporter of the duck race.
Poppy’s Plaza – Music and Community Vibes
Just a short stroll down the scenic riverwalk, Poppy’s Plaza features:
- Live music and entertainment
- Wildlife presentations
- Live interviews with the people behind the duck race
Several Merchant Partners are found in Poppy’s Plaza and throughout Estes Park, offering special deals to duck racers for food, treats, shopping and attractions.
You might even stumble upon a community drum group performing outside a local coffee shop!
The Prize Zone – A Finish Line and a Big Stage!
The journey down the riverwalk ends at the Prize Zone, located next to the Estes Park Visitor Center. Here, you’ll find:
- The Wildfire Finish Line, where ducks race to victory
- Live dance and music performances on the Main Stage
- A chance to meet the nonprofit and civic organizations participating in this year’s race
- Watch as hundreds of prizes are awarded to the adopters of the fastest ducks!
And even more – take your chances with the legendary Duck Squat Game. And make sure to “duck” your favorite in the Duck Duck Jeep Showcase, hosted by Backbone Adventures.
Additional Info
Free public parking is available throughout Estes Park. The parking garage on Highway 36 is especially convenient for this event.
As shown on the venue map above, the event is spread across three separate zones, all connected by the riverwalk – about a five-block walk end-to-end. For added convenience, a shuttle bus will run continuously between the zones while the event is open. Shuttle stops are indicated on the map.
What's Happening In The Kid Zone:
The Kid Zone is packed with fun activities for all ages:
- The Kid’s Race is something new this year. Kids get their own souvenir duck that races down a short stretch of the Fall River. Didn’t win? Race again!
- Bouncing Fun – Two bounce houses are setup to burn off some real kid energy – one for the bigger kids and one for the littles.
- Sunny Boy Jim Jack Jones will be performing live as well as hosting a special engaging activity for the kids.
- Get Creative & Artsy – hosted by Creativity Cabin, this activity will fuel kids’ interests in art and creativity.
- And More! – Putt-putt golf, Blow-up Bowling, face painting and more to keep the fun rolling for the kids.
The Kid Zone operates from noon to 4:00pm, offering entertainment and activities for families with kids aged 2 to 12. Separate admission ($10) entitles each child to all day play in the Kid Zone. Child admission can be purchased at any of the hospitality tents located throughout the venue. All kids must be accompanied by an adult. Proceeds benefit the Estes Park Education Foundation.
What's Happening In The Prize Zone:
The Prize Zone has even more activities to enjoy
- Adopt More Ducks! Duck sales run through the start of the fourth flight.
- The Wildfire Finish Line picks the winners from each of the five races. Lots of duck racing action!
- The Main Stage has live music, dance and community discussions. See the entertainment schedule for acts and times.
- Duck Squat Game is a duck race legend. Purchase a ticket, pick your favorite square on the game board, then see if a live duck squats on your square. If he does, then you win half the pot. Remainder of ticket sale proceeds go to the Rotary Club Foundation of Estes Park.
- Meet The Organizations – many of the nonprofit and civic organizations that participate in the duck race will be on hand to talk about their mission and purpose for duck race funds.
The Prize Zone is open from 11 to 5pm.
Entertainment Schedule
FRIDAY, MAY 2
5:30 PM
Duck Duck Dance!
The Duck Race Launch Party, sponsored by Stanley Live, is the perfect way to start your weekend of duck racing!
Experience international rock project Burn The Ballroom with Special Guest Patrick Warburton at the iconic Stanley Concert Hall.
Complimentary tickets are available to Duck Adopters. But only while they last!
Get The Details on Launch Party Tickets
Happening at the Stanley Hotel
SATURDAY, MAY 3
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
Prize Zone Opens
Checkout the activities in the Prize Zone
Located Adjacent To The Estes Park Visitor Center, At The East End Of The Venue
12:00 PM
The Races Begin!
The Bank of Estes Park Race is the first of four qualifying flights that drop from the Rockwell Street bridge next to the Riverside parking lot.
For all qualifying flights, the first 25 ducks who make it to the Wildfire Finish Line will qualify for the final race later in the day. In addition, the next several dozen finishers will be awarded prizes as well.
Located At The Thompson Group Starting Line
Kid Zone & Poppy's Plaza Open
Check out the activities going on in the Kid Zone
Kid Zone is Located In Riverside Plaza, At The West End Of The Venue
Poppy’s Plaza is Located In Benbrook Plaza, Near The Mid-point Of The Venue
Ballet Renaissance Performs
Enjoy the artistry of Ballet Renaissance as they kick off the afternoon’s entertainment.
Located On The Main Stage in the Prize Zone
Meet The Raptors
Discover the wonder of the magnificent birds that inhabit the region. Get up close and personal with live raptors as the Rocky Mountain Raptor Rescue presents their mission and passion for these animals.
Located on Mama’s Patio at Poppy’s Plaza
12:30
Who's Who Here - Part 1
Take in the live interviews of the key people and organizations that make the The Great Estes Park Duck Race possible.
Located on Mama’s Patio at Poppy’s Plaza
12:45
Duck Squat Game One
Pick your favorite square on the game board and see if a live duck squats on it to win!
Located on the Grass Area of the Prize Zone
1:00
Second Duck Race Drops
The Trailblazer Race is the second of four qualifying flights that drop from the Rockwell Street bridge next to the Riverside parking lot.
For all qualifying flights, the first 25 ducks who make it to the Wildfire Finish Line will qualify for the final race later in the day. In addition, the next several dozen finishers will be awarded prizes as well.
Located At The Thompson Group Starting Line
Let's Talk Community
Join our host Estes Nonprofit Network as they lead a panel discussion to discover the impact our participating organizations are having on the Estes community.
Located on The Main Stage in the Prize Zone
Meet The Raptors
Discover the wonder of the magnificent birds that inhabit the region. Get up close and personal with live raptors as the Rocky Mountain Raptor Rescue presents their mission and passion for these animals.
Located on Mama’s Patio at Poppy’s Plaza
Djembe Jive Performs
Djembe Jive brings the magic and healing power of drumming to the duck race.
Located In The Grass Area Next To Kind Coffee
1:30
Riverside Ramblers Perform
Located On The Main Stage in the Prize Zone
Who's Who Here - Part 2
Take in the live interviews of the key people and organizations that make the The Great Estes Park Duck Race possible.
Located on Mama’s Patio at Poppy’s Plaza
2:00
Third Duck Race Drops
The State Farm Race is the third of four qualifying flights to drop from the Rockwell Street bridge next to the Riverside parking lot.
For all qualifying flights, the first 25 ducks who make it to the Wildfire Finish Line will qualify for the final race later in the day. In addition, the next several dozen finishers will be awarded prizes as well.
Located At The Thompson Group Starting Line
Restless Spirit Performs
Located on Mama’s Patio at Poppy’s Plaza
2:30
Duck Squat Game Two
Pick your favorite square on the game board and see if a live duck squats on it to win!
Located on the Grass Area of the Prize Zone
Let's Talk Community
Join our host Estes Nonprofit Network as they lead a panel discussion to discover the impact our participating organizations are having on the Estes community.
Located on The Main Stage in the Prize Zone
3:00
Fourth Duck Race Drops
The Bank of Colorado Race is the fourth and final qualifying flight to drop from the Rockwell Street bridge next to the Riverside parking lot.
For all qualifying flights, the first 25 ducks who make it to the Wildfire Finish Line will qualify for the final race later in the day. In addition, the next several dozen finishers will be awarded prizes as well.
Located At The Thompson Group Starting Line
Sugar Mountain Performs
Located On The Main Stage in the Prize Zone
3:30
LiveStream Broadcast Begins
The Rocky Mountain Channel begins the live coverage of the Duck Race from Poppy’s Plaza. The broadcast will include a recap of the day’s events and close with the announcement of the grand prize winners!
Located on Mama’s Patio at Poppy’s Plaza
4:00
Final Duck Race Drops
Located At The Thompson Group Starting Line
4:30
Grand Prize Announcements
Grand prize announcements will be made via audio broadcast throughout the Prize Zone, as well as being posted later in the day on www.EPDuckRace.org
Located At The Wildfire Finish Line
5:00 Event Closes
