The Great Estes Park Duck Race, presented by The Rotary Club of Estes Park, returns May 2-3, 2025, with an expanded lineup of events, new entertainment, and a celebrity emcee, making this year’s race the biggest yet. A family-friendly tradition for 36 years, the Duck Race continues to grow, bringing the community together while raising funds for local organizations.

Participants can adopt a duck for $25 or purchase a Quack Pack (six ducks for $125) to support a local participating nonprofit of their choice. On race day, thousands of rubber ducks will take the plunge into the Big Thompson River, racing toward the finish line, with prizes awarded to the adopters of the winning ducks. Thanks to generous sponsors, $23 from each adoption goes directly to local charities, contributing to the $3 million raised since 1989.

Beyond the race, enjoy a full day of entertainment with live music on the main stage and at various locations throughout the venue, special grownup games, and local vendors. The Kids Zone features bounce houses, face painting, ceramic painting, balloon animals, mini-golf, and more. Kids can even adopt and customize their own duck to race on a special mini-course, with winners receiving a sweet treat!

A complimentary Duck Shuttle will run continuously throughout the festival, making it easy for attendees to navigate the venue, visit dozens of downtown merchants, attractions, and restaurants, and access remote parking areas.

New for 2025

Celebrity Grand Marshal: Actor + comedian Patrick Warburton, known for Seinfeld, Family Guy, Rules of Engagement, Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Tick, and more.

Race Course + Venue: The race begins with the duck drop into the Big Thompson River from the new Riverside Bridge across from the Estes Park Post Office and ends at the Estes Park Visitor Center.

Format: Five "heats" of ducks will race, with winners from each heat competing in a final round for cash and prizes. The top duck finishers from each heat will compete in one final race for the grand prize.

Integration with Warburton’s Mountain Madness Weekend: Adopt a duck and receive a complimentary ticket to the Burn The Ballroom with Special Guest Patrick Warburton at The Stanley Hotel on Friday, May 2. (Tickets are limited so adopt your ducks now!) Don’t miss a night of Stand-Up Comedy with Patrick Warburton at The Stanley Pavilion on May 3 at 7 + 9 p.m. (This event will sell out fast!)

Duck Duck Jeep Rally: Custom and classic Jeep show.

Expanded weekend activations: Live music on multiple stages, a VIP reception, comedy events throughout town, grownup games, and more.

Festival Weekend Schedule

Friday, May 2

5:30–6:30 p.m.: Duck Duck Dance reception at The Stanley Concert Hall with a dignitary meet and greet, special Duck Race activations, and a special appearance by Warburton.

6:30 p.m.: Live music from Burn the Ballroom with Warburton performing alongside the band. Admission free with duck adoption ($25) or $40 per person without a duck adoption.

Saturday, May 3

9 a.m.: Duck Waddle 5K and scenic run/walk around Lake Estes, welcoming all abilities. Registration includes automatic duck adoption.

11 a.m.: Pre-race entertainment and family-friendly activities.

12–5 p.m.: Great Estes Park Duck Race with Warburton serving as Grand Marshal and releasing the first flight of 13,000 ducks into the river.

7 + 9 p.m.: Night of Stand-Up Comedy with Patrick Warburton at The Stanley Pavilion. This event will sell out fast!

Evening: Comedy events at various locations around Estes Park.

Get your ducks in a row by visiting The Great Estes Park Duck Race for festival details, duck merch, volunteering opportunities, transportation, and more.