Every year, Fort Collins proudly hosts some of Colorado's most renowned festivals and events, showcasing the vibrant spirit of our city. From celebrations of craft beer and biking to music and culinary delights, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Listed below are annual events that deserve a spot on your travel itinerary, so mark your calendars! While a few dates are yet to be officially confirmed, it's never too soon to familiarize yourself with these 18 noteworthy occasions and incorporate them into your plans for an unforgettable Fort Collins experience!
Winter Brewfest
February 28, 2026
The Fort Collins Brewery Alliance Presents the Fort Collins Winter Brewfest at The Drake Centre on February 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM for a day filled with craft beers and great company. Get ready to sample a wide variety of brews from 17 Fort Collins based breweries while enjoying food from local food trucks and music from KRFC.
Great Plates of DowntownTM
March 1-14, 2026
This year will be the 21st year of Great Plates, an award-winning promotion and fundraiser for the Food Bank for Larimer County. Last year, a total of $104,350 was raised for the Food Bank for Larimer County! Expect wonderful menu options from many downtown restaurants. Specials will be announced on Valentine's Day.
ACT Human Rights Film Festival
April 9-12, 2026
Colorado State University’s (CSU) ACT Human Rights Film Festival brings the best and most recent human rights films to Northern Colorado. The annual event, in its 11th year, helps cultivate empathy and new perspectives through the shared experience of film and conversation.
Northern Colorado Intertribal Powwow
April 10-12, 2026
Mark your calendar for the 32nd annual contest powwow and art market. This three day event showcases Native American art, dance, and traditions. Conveniently held at the Northside Aztlan Community Center, it's a great event to add to your list as you explore Downtown Fort Collins.
The Horsetooth Half Marathon
April 19, 2026
The 53rd running of the Horsetooth Half Marathon takes runners on a scenic journey from the ridge of the Horsetooth Reservoir to the finish line party hosted at New Belgium Brewing. The prize purse is $12,000, and the course is challenging and surprisingly fast with +917 ft / -1,154 ft of elevation change (net 237 ft loss)
FoCoMX
April 24-25, 2026
The 18th annual FoCoMX (Fort Collins Music eXperiment), presented by the Fort Collins Musicians Association (FoCoMA), takes place April 24-25, 2026. This unique live music festival showcases 400+ Northern Colorado Bands across 30+ different local venues in a two-day span. Over the years, FoCoMX has garnered national attention and earned the unofficial title of “The Biggest Little Festival in America.” Tickets will be on sale soon on the FoCoMX website.
Earth Day Fort Collins
April 18, 2026
Earth Day Fort Collins is a free event at Odell Brewing Co. to inspire the Fort Collins community to honor the Earth. This event, put on by the Sustainable Living Association, includes informational booths and displays, kids' activities, arts & crafts, live music, speakers, local food trucks and farmers market, and a beer garden.
Global Sounds
May 2026
Celebrate music from around the world during this one-day event in Downtown Fort Collins. Keep an eye on the Bohemian Live Music page for the lineup to be announced.
Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks Celebration
July 4th, 2026
The 4th of July celebration in Fort Collins is quite the spectacle. A multitude of events happen all over town, including the 4th of July Parade. Watch incredible floats, firetrucks and even tractors go down historic Mountain Avenue. The celebration usually concludes in the evening at City Park with live music and fireworks. Watch the official event page for updates.
FoCo Fondo
July 16-19, 2026
As a platinum-level bike-friendly city, Fort Collins offers many events and recreational opportunities for cyclists. July 16-19 is the FoCo Fondo: "A gravel ride, a gravel race, rooted in the insanity of a Fondo with the levity of the Fort Collins community." Check the routes here and register here.
Poudre RiverFest
August 2026
This free festival at New Belgium promotes sustainability and celebrates the Poudre River. Enjoy live music, activities for all ages, and many booths lining the streets.
Fort Collins Peach Festival
August 2026
This annual event features live music, food, (peach themed) drinks and, of course, peaches! Four bands will play throughout the event, located at Civic Center Park.
Tour de Fat
August 2026
Celebrating its 27th anniversary this year, Tour de Fat is an annual Fort Collins summertime tradition that you definitely do not want to miss! "Bikes, Beer, and Bemusement" is the slogan of this annual costumed bike and beer parade and festival taking place in August of 2026. This bike parade gone wild is an annual Fort Collins event that draws crowds from near and far. Dress up in your craziest costumes, hop on a bike, and participate in this downtown bike parade ending in a celebration of New Belgium craft beer, bicycles, and music in a purely fun-loving atmosphere. This event will put you in a fantasy world for the day and give you a good idea of what New Belgium Brewing is all about.
Tour de Farms
September 2026
This annual bicycle charity fundraiser is a fun and festive 30-plus-mile, half-day-ish ride led by Bike Fort Collins representatives. The ride includes a combination of paved and gravel roads, along with two to three stops at local area farms. Each farm stop features light tastings and refreshments along with a few words from each farm owner/representative.
Taste of Fort Collins
September 26-27, 2026
This annual two-day festival was moved to September, but it'll stay at Washington Park. Enjoy family-friendly activities, food trucks, entertainment from acclaimed musicians, and an eclectic display of fine artisanal work. Artists will be announced on the Taste of Fort Collins website.
Northern Colorado Mountain Bike Fest
September 2026
Join Overland Mountain Bike Association for two full days of fun celebrating mountain bikes! Attractions include a poker ride, demo bikes, group rides and a take-a-kid mountain bike ride. All events take place at Lory State Park. Keep an eye on the festival's page for ticket sales to open up later in 2026.
Tour de Corgi
October 2026
Prepare yourselves for the cutest parade you will see all year. The 12th Annual Tour de Corgi will be taking place October of 2026. Tour de Corgi consists of hundreds of costumed corgis that prance their way through Old Town Fort Collins every year. The event includes a corgi meet-up with dozens of vendors and a costume contest that takes place at Civic Center Park before culminating with a trot through Historic Old Town. Best of all, profits are donated to benefit local dog rescues!
Holiday Lighting Ceremony
November 2026
Don't miss the Downtown Fort Collins Holiday Lighting Ceremony which takes place each year in early November! Historic Old Town Fort Collins will shine as thousands of strands of holiday lights "flip on" to illuminate the alleyways, sidewalks, and street-tops of our beloved downtown during this annual event. The dazzling display of low-energy and sustainable LED lights stretches through seven blocks to illuminate Old Town’s canopied treetops, unique storefronts, and historic alleyways. The lights stay up through February 14th and make for quite a nostalgic experience in Historic Old Town Fort Collins. Visit the Downtown Fort Collins website for more information!
With all these fantastic Fort Collins festivals happening in 2026, why wouldn't you start planning your travels now? Remember that all event activities and dates are subject to change. Please check the businesses' event websites for the most up-to-date information. We will see you this year in Fort Collins!
