Getaway idea: The Shining Ball

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, the hotel that inspired Stephen King's The Shining, hosts its Shining Ball on Saturday, Oct 24, 2026. Doors are at 7 PM in the Concert Hall at 333 Wonderview Ave.

Visit Estes Park's listing describes a DJ, a photo booth, tarot readings, specialty cocktails (including a Redrum), and a costume contest. New this year: a Best Jack Torrance prize, alongside Best Overall Stephen King costume and Best Shining costume. Prizes include cash and overnight stays. Tickets are limited. We did not find a published price in that listing, so none is printed here.

The hotel takes stay reservations at 970-577-4000, option 1. Estes Park is about 1.5 hours from Denver, a general estimate. We would rather book the room than drive the canyon home late. We have not stayed yet, so The Stanley is On Our List, not a review.