Fort Collins’ vibrant spirit is on display year-round as the city proudly hosts some of Colorado’s most renowned festivals, events and experiences. From celebrations of craft beer and biking to music and culinary delights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These fun events and exceptional experiences deserve a spot on your 2026 travel itinerary.
EXPERIENCES
1. Genetically Pure Bison
From March-November, spot the Laramie Foothills Bison Conservation herd, established in 2015, at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and Red Mountain Open Space. More info on visiting the animals, all descendants of genetically pure bison, available here.
2. When Trial Gardens Bloom
Colorado State University’s (CSU’s) Annual Flower Trial Garden is a peaceful, colorful utopia open daily and free to the public. The outdoor display and test areas were established to allow people to learn, teach and evaluate through horticultural research and demonstration projects in the unique environmental conditions of the Rocky Mountain/High Plains region. See the annual plants from late May through October.
3. Northern Colorado Holiday Light Trail
The annual Northern Colorado Holiday Light Trail allows visitors to experience festive light displays, free family-friendly activities and even drive-thru options at six Northern Colorado cities known for having some of the best light displays in the state — Loveland, Fort Collins, Boulder, Greeley, Longmont and Estes Park. Garden of Lights returns to the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins in December, along with NoCo Winter Wonderland, a drive-thru holiday light display that runs from late November through New Year’s Eve.
4. Drala Mountain Center
One of only 100 Shambhala centers found in the world is in Red Feather Lakes. The 600-acre mountain valley retreat is surrounded by native forests, gentle meadows and rocky peaks and is home to the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya, one of the most significant examples of sacred architecture in the world. Along with online seminars, the center hosts Buddhist meditation, yoga and more. The Drala Mountain Center was ranked sixth for Best Mediation Center and Best Yoga Retreat Center by USA TODAY 10BEST's Readers’ Choice Awards in 2025.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
5. Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art WalkTM, Every 1st Friday of the month
This free walking tour highlights many Downtown Fort Collins businesses, including the Museum of Art and the Global Village Museum of Arts and Culture. Stroll through town to enjoy a variety of art mediums, including live music. Check out the stops on the Downtown Fort Collins website.
6. Fort Collins Foodie WalkTM, Every 3rd Friday of the month
Fort Collins Foodie Walk is a monthly free self-guided walking tour from 5-8 p.m. on the third Friday of each month. It 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.
7. Ice Sculpture Weekend, February 6 & 7, 2026
Witness the magic of winter at Old Town Square in Downtown Fort Collins when Struckman Sculpture Ice creates stunning ice sculptures live the first weekend of February. Experience the fusion of beauty, art, and nature at this free community event.
8. 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. Expect wonderful menu options from many downtown restaurants. Specials will be announced on Valentine's Day.
9. 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.
10. The Horsetooth Half Marathon, April 19, 2026
The 53rd running of the Horsetooth Half Marathon takes runners on a scenic journey from 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)
11. 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.
12. Earth Day Fort Collins, April 2025
Earth Day Fort Collins is a free event 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. This year's event will be at Odell Brewery from 11 am-5 pm on April 18th.
13. Summertime Concerts in Fort Collins
Summertime in Fort Collins is about good times spent groovin' to live tunes outdoors. Attend events like The Lagoon Concert Series at CSU, Bohemian Nights Thursday Night Live in Old Town Square, Friday Concerts at New Belgium Brewery, and the Food Truck Rally concerts at City Park, among many other regular concert series! Watch the event calendar for more information.
14. 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.
15. Water Recreation on Horsetooth or the Poudre River!
By May-ish or June, the warm temps will be in full swing and there is no better way to cool off then to recreate in our great mountain waters! Horsetooth Reservoir is a popular place for boating, SUPing, floating, and swimming. Slighting north along the Poudre Canyon is the Cache La Poudre River, which is rich for rafting and kayaking.
16. Taste of Fort Collins, September 26 & 27, 2026
This annual two-day festival, hosted in Washington Park, was moved to September this year. 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.
17. Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks Celebration, July 4, 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.
18. 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. Registration is open.
19. Poudre RiverFest, Aug. 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.
20. Fort Collins Peach Festival, Aug. 2026
This annual event features live music, food, (peach themed) drinks and, of course, peaches! Bands will play throughout the event, located at Civic Center Park.
21. Tour de Fat, Aug. 2026
“Bikes, Beer, and Bemusement” is the slogan for this annual costumed bike and beer parade and festival taking place in August of 2026. Hosted by New Belgium Brewing, this bike parade gone wild is an annual 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. Tour de Corgi, October 2026
The 12th Annual Tour de Corgi features 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. Proceeds benefit local dog rescues. Check the Tour de Corgi website for the date and details.
25. Treatsylvania, October 2026
Celebrate Halloween at The Farm at Lee Martinez Park in Fort Collins with Treatsylvania, the largest annual fundraiser for the farm. This event offers a safe trick-or-treat option to families in the Northern Colorado region.
26. Holiday Lighting Ceremony, Nov. 2026
Don't miss the Downtown Fort Collins Holiday Lighting Ceremony. Historic Old Town Fort Collins shines as thousands of strands of holiday lights illuminate the beloved downtown. The dazzling display of low-energy and sustainable LED lights stretches through seven blocks and stay up through Feb. 14.
With all these fantastic Fort Collins events and experiences happening in 2026, it’s time to start planning your visit now. All event activities and dates are subject to change. Please check the event websites for the most up-to-date information. See you in Fort Collins in 2026!
