Family-friendly harvest festivals and spooky ghost tours, scary campfire tales, the last hurrah (for the season) at the Drive-In, and even a spooky organ music recital; Fort Collins has plenty to keep you entertained this month. Here’s some of what’s on tap when it comes to Halloween and harvest celebrations in Fort Collins:
Can't Miss October Events
Oct 4: Tour de Corgi
Join us for one of Fort Collins' most iconic events, the 11th Annual Tour de Corgi! Head over to Civic Center Park for the happiest day in Fort Collins! Corgis and Corgi mixes are welcome in the costume contest, and everyone is welcome to join the parade and gathering. This event is free to attend!
Oct. 9-11: Bluebird Music Festival - Northern Flight
From the creators of the Bluebird Music Festival in Boulder, Colo., comes Northern Flight, a magical weekend of some folkin’ great music. Events will be held at three different locations, OBC Wine Project, Washington's, and The Armory. Headliners include Langhorne Slim, Birdtalker, Nathaniel Riley, Heavy Diamond Ring, Downey Chase, Sun Jr., and Alysia Kraft. VIP weekend passes, including early entry and a VIP kickoff party, available at www.bluebirdmusicfestival.org.
Oct 11-12: Foco Fall Fest
The inaugural Foco Fall Fest will be taking over Downtown Fort Collins on Saturday, October 11th and Sunday, October 12th from 10 am-6 pm! Music stages with local talent will be set up on Mountain Ave. and the Old Town Stage. Artisan craft vendors and food vendors will be plenty! Other fun activities such as a scarecrow scavenger hunt, pumpkin painting, inflatables, and a Gilmore Girls costume contest fill the afternoons!
Oct 23-26: Pumpkins on Parade
Join us for the Pumpkins on Parade Halloween Celebration at The Gardens on Spring Creek, where glowing gourds and spooky fun light up the night! Experience the magic of dazzling displays, festive fall activities, and family-friendly frights.
Explore the new whimsically themed zones, snap photos with larger-than-life pumpkin art, and enjoy seasonal games and nightly live entertainment along the way. With an earlier start time perfect for the youngest ghosts and goblins, families can celebrate before bedtime, while night owls soak in the sparkle under the stars.
Whether you’re here for the pumpkins, the costumes, or the autumn vibes, Pumpkins on Parade is the ultimate fall tradition you won’t want to miss!
Oct 31: Tiny Tot Halloween
Photo provided by the Downtown Development Authority
It's time to scare up some new costume ideas for your little ones! The annual Tiny Tot Halloween will be held on Friday, October 31 from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. All children under the age of seven and their parents/guardians are invited to enjoy a safe trick-or-treating experience in Downtown Fort Collins.
Other Honorable Mentions:
Masonville Days (Oct. 11th), Laurel Fest (Oct. 18th-19th), 5th Annual FoCo Boo Crawl (Oct. 31)
Live Music, Festivals, & 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 several great shows this month. To kick it off, Gimmie Gimmie Disco brings the the magic on Oct. 2nd. The American blackgaze band, Deafheaven, plays on Oct. 7th. Folk duo Penny & Sparrow bring their melody on Oct. 18th. To cap the month, go back in time for the It's a 2000's Party: Halloween Edition. Check out their website for the full lineup and more information.
Come Sway at Washington’s
Washington’s is an intimate 900-person venue in Old Town Fort Collins. This month, some names you'll see pass through the doors are: The Oh Hellos, Dawes, Wilderado, and the previously mentioned Bluebird Music Festival: Northern Flight. Additionally, they close out the month with two different Halloween-themed shows. Make sure to visit their concert events calendar here for the venue's full lineup.
The Armory is Back
After being closed for the Summer for a remodel, The Armory, located in Old Town, returns to hosting shows at the start of the month with The Steel Wheels on Oct. 1st. Portions of the Bluebird Music Festival: Northern Flight will also be hosted at The Armory. Later in the month, catch Birdtalker and The Milk Carton Kids. For the full venue lineup, click here.
Music at The Mish
The iconic Mishawaka Amphitheatre (called “The Mish” by locals) still has some outdoor shows at their main location or down the road at Riverside Colorado before the end of the season! On Oct. 11th, enjoy a free show by Magic Beans with The Bramblers. The Campfire Sessions, which brings local talent to an intimate outdoor setting by the river and fire, continue with Luke Hahn-Zollo (Oct. 2nd) and Katya Grasso (Oct. 10th). However, Riverside is also hosting a Fall Festival on Oct. 24th-25th, featuring A Brother's Fountain, The Mountain Buddies, Boredom Fighters Instrument Gardens, a movie screening, and more!
Other Ways to Hear Music
If you want to hear some classical music, the Fort Collins Symphony's season starts in October with two shows (Oct. 4 and Oct. 23rd) at the Lincoln Center. The second one is Hauntings: Melodies of Mystery, putting eerie vibes on popular works.
Join us for KRFC’s Monthly Happy Hour at The Magic Rat, a free event that offers a taste of the vibrant local music scene and a chance to mix and mingle with your favorite KRFC DJs, volunteers, staff, board members, and fellow music lovers. Magic Rat, located in Old Firehouse Alley adjacent to The Elizabeth Hotel in Old Town, offers swinging sounds on tap weekly. All of these fun concert events are free to enjoy. 830 North combines bowling and music with a packed lineup for the month of October. With a combination of free and paid shows, you're sure to find something you like! Remember to check out our 20+ breweries as they also host smaller live shows!
Fort Collins Film, Arts & Culture Events
Film
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. Movies will still be running on Friday and Saturday until the end of October! Get in the autumn mood with Hocus Pocus at The Lyric's Outdoor Theatre on Oct. 4th!
On Oct. 10th, the Aggie Theatre is showing Teton Gravity Research: Pressure Drop, a film that follows some of the world’s best skiers and snowboarders, intertwining past and present sends through Alaskan spines, stacked pillow lines, massive cliffs, giant couloirs, deep powder, and insane jumps.
Launched 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 Oct. 15th slot, the film featured is "Scoring for Film", which will feature acclaimed composer Davis Harwell as he brings a film to life through live scoring—composing in real-time while the film plays.
At the Lory Student Center Theater, The 2025 Wild & Scenic Film Festival is scheduled for Oct. 3rd. The films offer a journey into some of the most beautiful places on earth, complemented by stories of inspiration, activism and finding solutions to restore our planet. This year’s event features special guest speaker Mikah Meyer from the film "Canyon Chorus", as well as the premiere of "Generations of Dirt: Stories from the Larimer County Conservation Corps".
On Oct. 14th, there will be two screenings of Who She Is at the Museum of Discovery. Who She Is tells the story of four individual women caught in the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) epidemic. By bringing these missing women to life on screen, through animation and first-person storytelling, the documentary aims to humanize the people behind the statistics.
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. The Forts Funniest, a stand up comedy tournament, continues into October with shows on the 1st, 8th, and 22nd. It is a chance to vote for Northern Colorado's funniest! The Comedy Fort will also see names like Carmen Lagala, Colum Tyrrell, Chris Turner, Alvin WIlliams, and more! The Gateway Show on Oct. 15th is also a unique option for uncontrolled laughter.
Every last Saturday of the month, so October 25th in this case, The Lyric Comedy Show starts at 8 p.m. The Lyric is also hosting a Colorado Queer Comedy Festival on Oct. 3rd. 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 Oct. 23rd.
Theatre
The organ studio, with faculty artist Dr. Joel Bacon, presents the 20th annual Halloween Organ Extravaganza, with classic (and not-so-classic) works, including the famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor by Johann Sebastian Bach. Don’t miss the anniversary event by the CSU School of Music, Theatre, and Dance on Oct. 31st with three different show times!
The Lincoln Center has a variety of shows including Unboxing (Oct. 3-4), Ballet Hispanico: CARMEN.maquia (Oct. 7), Nancy Drew: Detective (Oct. 10-25), and more. For a laugh, see Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through 'The Change' on Oct. 16th. Two timely-themed shows available are The Addams Family (Oct. 10-12) and Dracula (Oct. 31-Nov. 2).
The CSU School of Arts hosts a Concert Orchestra: A Trick or Treat Spooktacular! on Oct. 29th!
At Bas Bleu theatre, continuing until Oct. 12th is Mr. Burns, a post electric play that is part post-apocalyptic thrill ride, and part light opera musical with The Simpson's settings.
Art & Museums
First Friday Art Walk (Oct. 3rd) 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 will have two new exhibits - both starting on Oct. 3rd. A short film, fulcrum by Timothy David Orme, who is known for his experimental and cross-genre films and animations, opens up a space for quiet reflection and meditation. The other new exhibit is Indigenous Voices: A Contemporary Art Exhibition. Additionally, MoA hosts an Art After Dark: A Classic Horror Costume Party on Oct. 25th. The Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures has a new exhibition, starting Oct. 2nd, on Clay Metamorphosis. Are you curious about fashion history then check out CSU's Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising. Thanks! It Has Pockets exhibit. shows the evolution of pockets in women's clothing. If you looking for interactive, family friendly, and nature then look no further than the Museum of Discovery as they currently have a First Peoples 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 (Oct. 17th) 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!
New Belgium Brewing Co. says goodbye to summer with Voodoo Ranger presents Darkness Pours: Slasher Summer Camp — Think creepy cabins, masked maniacs, and killer beats on Oct. 18th!
Friendly Nick's Butcher and Old Town Spice Shop, are hosting Community 'Cue, a one-of-a-kind BBQ competition at New Belgium on Oct. 4th. Teams will be comprised of one local, professional chef, and one amateur backyard grill-master.
Local staple Ginger & Baker hosts a Rooftop Oktoberfest Party on Oct. 5th. Farm Fusion hosts a variety of classes including a Sourdough 101 Workshop on Oct. 14th.
Looking for a show and dinner experience? The Marriott hosts The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show on Oct. 4th. Also a festive way to bar hop is The Haunted Pub Tour, which happens every Thursday in Old Town.
Shopping & Other Attractions
Fort Collins Tours, LLC offers a range of tours, from ghost and history to a Ghosts & Goodies tour that's kid-friendly and includes some sweet surprises. Their best known for their classic ghost tour which includes a guided evening journey into and under Old Town Fort Collins. Along the way, you will learn about local legends, hauntings, ghostly sightings and strange happenings. Tours run every Friday and Saturday.
The Halloween Candlelit Tours at the 1879 Avery House (Oct. 24th-25th) are for brave souls wanting to uncover the eerie origins of Halloween and the secrets behind Victorian supernatural obsessions.
How about some night shopping at the Moonlight Market on Oct. 17th! The Bath Garden Center & Nursery is hosting a Harvest Makers Market and Chili Fest on Oct. 18th. If you want to also get a festive beer and shop then maybe the Salt Road Brewing Fall Market, also on the 18th, is your move or the Maxline Brewing Fall Market on Oct. 26th.
Get ready for colder weather with a Build your Own Beanie night at Akinz on Oct. 3rd.
Harvest Fun Extravaganza
Here are a few of our favorite local pumpkin patches, and farms offering all sorts of fall family fun:
- The Bartel’s Farm – a huge selection of pumpkins, corn mazes, and hayrides.
- The Farm at Lee Martinez Park – visit the farm animals and take a hayride. There’s also a pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect future jack-o-lantern.
- Northern Colorado Corn Maze – Jack Lantern’s Corn Maze is a Colorado favorite.
- Spooky’s Pumpkin Patch — Choose from a variety of pumpkins, gourds, carving kits, and even straw bales and corn stalks for your fall decorating needs at this patch, located on South College Avenue.
- Halloween Farm Tours at Morning Fresh Dairy - Go on a spook-tastic journey around a family-owned and operated dairy farm collecting treats along the way in a special Morning Fresh Dairy goodie bag!
- Fort Collins Nursery’s Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off & Fall Jamboree – Fort Collins Nursery’s 17th Annual Giant Pumpkin Contest on Saturday, October 11th. We are an officially sanctioned contest site for the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth which brings a whole new level of competition and some truly staggering entries!
- Pumpkin Palooza: A Harvest Celebration at Farm Fusion – Join us for a delightful culinary adventure celebrating the rich flavors of autumn with our "Squash Bash" cooking class! Dive into the world of pumpkins and winter squash as we guide you through a menu that highlights the versatility and warmth of these seasonal favorites.
- The Stained Page Project Pumpkin Patch – A free pumpkin patch at Roger's Park on Oct. 27th, starting at 3 p.m.
- Second Annual Trunk-or-Treat at NoCo Wildlife Center – Enjoy decorated trunks, trick-or-treating, games, a haunted house, live animal meet-and-greets, food trucks, and a Touch-a-Truck zone featuring service vehicles and emergency responders on Oct. 18th.
Outdoors, Sports & Wellness
The Colorado State University athletics calendar is in full swing with football, volleyball, and soccer underway, but basketball is gearing up as well! The CSU women's soccer team and women's volleyball each have five home matches. On the gridiron, the football team has a Friday game on Oct. 10th versus Fresno State and then play Hawai'i on Oct. 18th for the annual Homecoming and Family Weekend.
For runners, check out the Blue Sky Marathon & Half as it weaves through the beautiful foothills to our west! If you are looking for a slower pace then maybe try the Walk to End Alzheimer's on Oct. 4th at Canvas Stadium. The Run Fur Fun Spooktacular (5K) is slotted for Oct. 18th at Odell Brewing Co. and benefits Animal Friends Alliance.
How about some leisure sports like putt putt? The Old Town Putt's Fall 2025 Putters & Pints Mini Golf League starts Oct. 13th.
What's Happening at the Fort Collins Welcome Center?
Our speaker series "Ram Talks" with Colorado State University are back and underway! Ram Talks (5-6:30 p.m. every other Wednesday) are a mashup of CSU expertise and active community conversation, unleashing the creative insights and eye-opening shakeup that comes from taking a fresh look at the world around us. For October, we have Ethan Billingsley (Oct. 8) speaking on "Wilderness Risk, Rescue and Readiness" and Dr. Ronnie Banerjee talking on "In Healthcare, Every Nanometer Counts" (Oct. 22nd).
