This August in Fort Collins is booming with exciting concerts, shows, and events you don’t want to miss. From nationally renowned talented musicians and comedians to the diversity of performing arts to festivals every weekend, you’ll undoubtedly find an entertaining and memorable event to attend.
UNIQUE AUGUST EVENTS
Lory State Park's 50th Anniversary Festival - August 2
The Lory State Park 50th Anniversary Festival will be a community-wide event featuring community organization booths/exhibits, food trucks, the grand opening of the Accessibility Trail, a park photo contest, guided hikes, games, crafts, education, and so much more! There will be many opportunities to show your love for your local state park and your community! Come help us celebrate!
Fort Collins Art Festival - August 2-3
The Fort Collins Art Festival is an annual held on Linden Street right next to the historic Linden Hotel. It's Northern Colorado's biggest showcase of fine art, handcrafted goods, fun and live music! There will be painting, sculpture, glasswork, ceramic, and more! The event times are Saturday from 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Poudre RiverFest - August 9
Photo by Eric Tokuyama (@eric.toke)
Hosted at New Belgium, the Poudre RiverFest is an annual event that celebrates the Poudre River and provides educational opportunities about the river and river corridor for individuals of all ages. The Poudre RiverFest is completely free and features a full day of live music, special activities like a painting class and interactive workshops, exhibitor booths, and a Kids Zone. The Poudre River is an important part of Fort Collins history and future. Celebrating it is just the right thing to do!
Fort Collins Peach Festival - August 16
We love our Colorado peaches! So much so that we need a whole day to celebrate! The Fort Collins Peach Festival is a wonderful opportunity to purchase your Palisade peaches and peach-themed drinks and snacks, all while supporting the Rotary Clubs of Northern Colorado as the festival is a fundraiser for the clubs and completely volunteer run. With your $10 entry, you have access to the vendors, peaches, and a day full of live music!
Tour de Fat - August 23
Photo by Dave Cho
It's time to shift gears and get weird! Tour de Fat is a costumed bicycle parade on Mountain Ave. followed by a family-friendly party at New Belgium Brewing with music, entertainment, a bike pit, contests and games. FREE to attend. Beer and swag sold separate. Beer sales benefit local nonprofits including Overland Mountain Bike Association, Bike Fort Collins, Send Town Bike Club, and Fort Collins Bike Co-op. The 2025 headliner is Murder By Death. Be sure to mark your calendar for this iconic Fort Collins event.
Other honorable mentions include: The Gardens of Spring Creek's Garden a'Fare (Aug. 22) and the 3rd Annual Turkish Festival at City Park (Aug. 24).
LIVE MUSIC, FESTIVITIES, & RECURRING CONCERT SERIES
Rock Out at The Aggie
The historic Aggie Theatre, a live music institution in Fort Collins for over 100 years, plays host to national acts and smaller local bands, giving you the full concert experience. And this August, even something to make you laugh! On August 2nd, Lucha Libre & Laughs, the world's finest mix of pro wrestling and stand up comedy, will be flying in from the top rope! An Atlanta band, Improvement Movement, described as "a hostile corporate takeover of your dad's favorite band" plays on Aug. 7. An Aussie group, Babe Rainbow, is slotted for Aug. 15. The Micky & the Motorcars, originally from Idaho, will bring a Texas-based rock vibe on Aug. 17. A Canadian rap group, Swollen Members, will bring the beats on Aug. 21st. Sprinkle in a few DJs, an emo night, a Shrek Rave, an irish rock band and more, the Aggie Theatre has something for everyone this month! Make sure to visit their concert events calendar here for the most up-to-date information about shows and how to get tickets.
Music by the River
Opened in 1916, the iconic Mishawaka Amphitheatre is a music venue, restaurant and bar found in scenic Poudre Canyon. Starting off the 14-concert month for The Mish is a two-day stop of Shadowgrass, a bluegrass jam group, on Aug. 1st and 2nd. Later in the month, The Steeldrivers on their 20th anniversary tour will take to the stage on Aug. 22nd and 23rd. To cap the month, Uncle Lucius plays on Aug. 30th.
But wait, The Mish added two new music series beyond their mothership venue to support local music this summer! Just down the road in the canyon, The Mish along with Riverside Colorado, launched Campfire Sessions, which brings local talent to an intimate outdoor setting by the river and fire — of course. On Aug. 21, the Campfire Sessions will feature Alysia Kraft, known for her projects with Whippoorwill and The Patti Fiasco. Back in town at Visit Fort Collins' Welcome Center, the Foco Unexpected series aims to provide a safe environment for those around us who are unrepresented and ready to rock. On Aug. 15, set to take stage is modrn, a duo consisting of multi-instrumentalists Charlie Montoya and Sofia Ailicez.
Make sure to visit their concert events calendar here for the most up-to-date information about shows and how to get tickets.
Come Sway at Washington's
Washington’s is an intimate 900-person venue in Old Town Fort Collins. This month, Kitchen Dwellers, a Montana quartet, rolls into town on the first on the month followed the next day by Femi Kuti, an Afrobeat band, on their Politics Don Expose Them Tour. An already sold out Clutch concert is pinned for Aug. 3rd, but watch for resale. Bringing southern and classic rock, the Atlanta Rhythm Section is scheduled for Aug. 13th. Washington's partnered with New Belgium Brewing Co., to bring The Wallflowers to the NB stage on August 14th. Rounding out shows at Washington's is Kishi Bashi (Aug. 16) and Saint Motel (Aug. 20). Make sure to visit their concert events calendar here for the most up-to-date information about shows and how to get tickets.
Outdoor Summer Concert Series
During the summer, there are recurring events with music almost every day. To start, The Lyric hosts Open Mic every Monday. The FoCo Food Truck Rally on Tuesdays includes over 20 food trucks and vendors at the spacious City Park. On Wednesdays, check out CooperSmith's Brewpub downtown for their free series. A day later, Bohemian Nights presents Thursday Night Live on the outdoor stage in Fort Collins' Old Town Square. Friday's head to the Foothills Mall for Music on the Lawn with the convenience of a beer garden and shops nearby. Saturdays you can tap your toes at Gilded Goat Brewing's downtown location and at Breckenridge Brewery! For a Sunday funday, head to Odell Brewing Co. for their series!
Shows at The Lincoln Center
At The Lincoln Center this month, you can find live concerts and theatre this month. Michael Cavanaugh with the Fort Collins Symphony performs "The Music of Billy Joel" on Aug. 2nd and the Motown artists, The Commodores, play at the end of the month on Aug. 31st — both a part of The Gardens on Spring Creek concert series. If you are looking for a ballet, see one of two Wayward shows on Aug. 23rd.
Other Ways to Hear Music
Magic Rat, located in Old Firehouse Alley adjacent to The Elizabeth Hotel in Old Town, offers swinging sounds on tap weekly, from big-name artists to local late-night jam sessions. All of these fun concert events are free to enjoy. Check the calendar for all shows taking place throughout the month and current updates. Be sure to check out events page as breweries and restaurants add music on the regular!
Fort Collins Film, Arts & Culture Events
Outdoor Movies, Film Events and Theatre
The Holiday Twin Drive-In, one of only four drive-in movie lots left in Colorado, offers a view of the foothills, mini putt-putt, and a concessions stand. The Lyric, another local iconic cinema, hosts summer outdoor movies in an area that also boosts a playground, eclectic seating, and patio seating with a full kitchen steps away inside.
Launched in this summer, The Elizabeth Hotel has a Magic Rat Film Showcase occurring every third Wednesday of the month, which includes networking, screening, and a Q&A session. For the August 20th slot, the film featured is "Method", which follows an aspiring actor Gideon as he spirals into a haunting confrontation with identity, fear, and obsession—pushed to his limits by a relentless theater director.
The Cinemark Fort Collins has a pre-release screening and special content of Triumph of the Heart on August 14th. Avogadro's Number is hosting two silent film events this month. On August 14th, the Silent Film Jams is featuring David Wohl, an acclaimed composer for film and stage. Imagine a movie night where the soundtrack is being made on the spot—by you and other adventurous musicians. That’s a Silent Film Jam. On August 31st, the Independent Silent Film Festival 6.0 will be from 7-10 p.m. and will include 10 captivating new short films from award-winning international and independent filmmakers.
The show “Special Sauce” makes its debut at Bas Bleu Theatre as part of the brand new Original Works program! The show is guaranteed to sink its teeth into you as it includes vampire pizza delivery workers!
Live Comedy
Hosting regular open mic nights, nationally renowned comedians, and even burlesque shows, The Comedy Fort is Fort Collins' only comedy club and home to events all month long that you can find here. For the first two days of the month, Samuel J. Comroe comes to town with his comedy highlighting his trials and tribulations of living with Tourette Syndrome. The Second Chance Comedy show on August 3rd is a stand up show about life's chaos and 20% of profits support Sobriety House. Chicago's Chris Reed has five shows over three days in mid-August. Other acts include Ryan O'Flanagan, Gareth Reynolds, Nato Green, and Debra DiGiovanni.
Every last Saturday of the month, so August 30th in this case, The Lyric Comedy Show starts at 8 p.m. Another option for laughs is Slyce Pizza's The Speak Cheesy Lounge as they host an open mic comedy night on Wednesdays and a Pizza Party comedy showcase on August 7th.
Art & Museums
First Friday Art Walk is a monthly self-guided walking tour that celebrates creativity, culture, and community in Downtown Fort Collins on the first Friday of every month! Recurring on the third Thursday of each month, The Speak Cheesy Lounge, below Slyce Pizza, hosts the Big Cheesy Art Show.
For museum viewing, The Museum of Art has three current exhibitions including Angle of Draw, a series of collage based black and white photographs focuses on the artists’ fascination with American structures of power and control as well as the interplay of the fossil fuel industry and the environment. The Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures has a few exhibitions, but also are hosting a field trip to the Drala Mountain Center on August 23rd. Are you wondering why fashion trends from yesteryear are resurfacing then check out CSU's Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising's Tiger's Leap exhibition. If you looking for interactive, family friendly, and nature then look no further than the Museum of Discovery as they currently have a Nature All Around Us exhibit along with other animal features!
Food & Drink
Fort Collins Foodie Walk™ is a monthly self-guided walking tour from 5-8 pm on the third Friday of each month (Aug. 15th) and celebrates the culinary culture and thriving foodie scene in Downtown Fort Collins. Join Downtown’s finest culinary shops each month for interactive showcases, seasonal flavors, and exciting taste experiences! Looking to bite off a little bit more to chew? Check out the Old Town Food Tour, which stops at 4-6 restaurants, an adult beverage add-on, a chance to meet chefs, and more!
The Atrium is hosting a Last Night On the Titanic Dinner on August 14th. Join Jack and Rose for a special night!
Looking for an excuse to drink wine? The Taste and Savor Wine Bar is hosting a Merryvale Winery Wine Tasting, featuring a lineup from California’s iconic Merryvale Vineyards—structured, expressive, and built to turn heads.
Shopping
The annual Poudre River Friends of the Library Warehouse Sale event is August 2nd from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Civic Center Park. All books are just $1! Teachers shopping for their classrooms always get 50% off at our used book sales - please bring some form of verification that you are an educator.
August 16th looks to be a big shopping day with options such as the Oak Street Plaza Market, the Summer Meadows Makers Market, and the Verboten Summer Market.
At the end of the month, Linden Street in Old Town will be shut down for the Fort Collins Artisan Fair. The first 50 to arrive at the event that are pre-registered with a complimentary ticket get a VIP Bag of goodies, samples, coupons.
Outdoors, Sports & Wellness
Have you seen the sunset on horseback? Whether you are looking to create an unforgettable family memory or add the perfect romantic touch to a date night, a sunset horseback ride is the adventure for you! Tattered Saddle in Livermore, Colorado – only 35 minutes from downtown Fort Collins and 20 minutes from beautiful Red Feather Lakes – offers a sunset ride every Saturday plus many other rides!
If you're a trail runner, you might already have your sights and shoes set for the Lory Summer Trail Series, happening up at Lory State Park from August 5-26th.
Water sports aren't out of the question and still much needed on a hot August day! St. Peter's Fly Shop hosts a Signature Fly Fishing School on August 9th, which includes classroom and instruction on the water! Whitewater rafting companies are still riding that snowmelt as well.
When it comes to fun events in Fort Collins, there are endless opportunities to enjoy this August. So get out there and take full advantage of this exciting summer season!
