Estes Park to Host "Earth Week" April 20–28

Earth Day is now a global phenomenon.

And in Colorado, you're going to be able to celebrate Julian Koenig's birthday (April 22) everywhere. But one Colorado town that's laying on the events and activities extra thick and heavy is Estes Park.

" Estes Park is gearing up for an exciting Earth Week (April 20–28) celebration that promises a diverse array of activities to engage and inspire," said a recent statement from Visit Estes Park. "Residents and visitors alike are invited to join in a week-long series of events, including an appearance and educational session with a former astronaut, film premieres, and astronomy programs."

I'm used to photographing the local elementary school's Earth Day parade, but Estes Park is rolling out what looks like the biggest Earth Day firehose in history. Trying drinking all this in!

Here's a look (culled from a press release):

• Astronaut Loren Shriver’s Space Shuttle Mission (April 24, 6-8pm): Join former astronaut Loren Shriver at the YMCA of the Rockies ’ Hempel Auditorium for an immersive experience where you will learn about the intricacies of space missions, dark skies and more. Shriver was one of the men behind the deployment of the legendary Hubble Telescope, and he’ll reveal the secrets of this boundary-breaking achievement. Free to attend, RSVP here.

• Environmental Film Festival (April 26-27): Acclaimed documentarian Nick Molle has hiked, documented and filmed Rocky Mountain National Park for 30 years. During this two-night event, Molle will premiere two new films: “Wild Ride: The Peak to Peak Highway” (April 26) and a never-before-seen sneak peek to “Water, The Sacred Gift” (April 27), exploring watershed history among indigenous cultures. Both evenings will feature guest speakers and an opening reception. Attend on the 27th for a meet and greet with Denver’s famed meteorologist Mike Nelson before the film. Single-night and package tickets are available. Purchase tickets here .

• National Park Week at Rocky Mountain National Park (April 20-28): Celebrate National Park Week and Earth Week in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Rocky Mountain National Park . What is National Park Week? Kicking off with a fee-free day and ranger-led experiences on April 20, this week-long celebration of our national parks also includes National Junior Ranger Day on April 27, offering fun and interactive activities for all ages at Kawuneeche Visitor Center and the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Get more National Park Week info .

• Stories Behind the Stars: Looking Up From Earth (April 22, 6-8pm): At the Estes Park Memorial Observatory , join professional and award-winning nature photographer and local guide, Dawn Wilson, for an evening not just looking at the stars but hearing the stories behind her night photos. In honor of Earth Week, she will also discuss the significance of dark skies, and impacts light pollution has on wildlife, humans and our planet. Learn more about attending this free event here . Tip: You can find out when the skies in Estes will be darkest by visiting here .

• Student Environmental Film Festival (April 25, 5-8pm): During this event, students will find inspiration from open spaces in the Estes Valley to create films related to the environment. Films approved for submission are screened for a local audience and students will have the opportunity to share their perspectives with the community. Learn more here.

• Water Is Finite, A Symposium (April 27, 12:30-4pm): Join the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition for an afternoon of wonder. Their team of speakers – renowned meteorologist Mike Nelson, the state climatologist, a water commissioner, and engineers – will take you through the story of water in Colorado, from our local weather to our changing climate and snowpack to human engineering to address the issue of supply and demand of water in the Rocky Mountain region. Free, RSVP here . (Mollie Burns you're going to that one!)

• Earth Week Story Slam (April 28, 2pm): Share your own story or just enjoy a fun, story-filled afternoon at the Historic Park Theatre . In honor of Earth Week, the theme for this event is Call of the Wild. Storytellers will be selected at random, similar to The Moth's process, with prizes at stake for the winner and runner-up. Get tickets here .

For those who arrive in electric vehicles, Estes has put in an effort to make sure you don’t run out of charge.

There are several EV charging stations throughout the town, including Estes Park Visitors Center , the Historic Stanley Hotel , the Estes Park Events Complex and others. For a complete list, visit Chargehub.com . Or, ditch your car and rent an e-bike at such local spots as Backbone Adventures , Ride Colorado , or Estes Park Mountain Shop .