Each January, Estes Park gathers to honor Indigenous culture, history, and community through the annual First Peoples Festival. In 2026, Taharaa Mountain Lodge and Twin Owls Steakhouse were proud to once again host the First Peoples Festival Dinner, held on January 16, 2026.
This Indigenous inspired, four-course dining experience brought community together through food, storytelling, and cultural celebration.
Honoring Indigenous Foodways Through a Chef-Inspired Menu
The First Peoples Festival Dinner featured a thoughtfully crafted menu inspired by Indigenous foodways and created by Chef Cole of Twin Owls. Each course highlighted traditional ingredients sourced from Indigenous farms through NATIFS, honoring sustainability, seasonality, and the deep ecological knowledge rooted in Indigenous traditions.
Rather than following a rigid menu template, the evening allowed for creative interpretation — celebrating Indigenous ingredients while respecting the cultural significance behind them.
Cultural Programming and Performance
Beyond the dining experience, the evening included meaningful cultural programming that added depth and artistry to the celebration. A hoop dancer performance offered a powerful moment of movement and storytelling, underscoring the importance of tradition, resilience, and cultural continuity.
These moments reminded guests that the First Peoples Festival is not only about celebration, but also about listening, learning, and honoring Indigenous voices.
Presenting Sponsors: Sandra Huerta and Thadd Eggen
Sandra Huerta and Thadd Eggen, owners of Taharaa Mountain Lodge and Twin Owls Steakhouse, have called Estes Park home since 1999. For the third year, they were honored to host the First Peoples Festival Dinner and serve as presenting sponsors for the festival.
Their continued support reflects a commitment to creating space for cultural celebration and meaningful community connection in Estes Park. We are grateful to partner with them in supporting an event that honors Indigenous traditions and strengthens cultural awareness.
A Meaningful Evening of Community and Connection
The First Peoples Festival Dinner has become a cherished part of the annual festival — an evening rooted in intention, respect, and shared experience. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us and helped make the 2026 event such a meaningful success.
Taharaa Mountain Lodge and Twin Owls Steakhouse are proud to continue supporting events that celebrate culture, history, and community in Estes Park.
