The arrival of May means summer is just around the corner, which marks the start of our favorite outdoor events and happenings. This month, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Fort Collins, no matter your age or favorite hobby. Keep reading to take note of all the exciting events happening this May, and mark your calendar so you don't miss out on any of the fun!
The Trolley Opening for its 41st Year
The Fort Collins trolley opening for the season is special every year as it is a sign of sunny days and exploring the nostalgia of early transportation! Opening day is Saturday, May 3rd. We can't wait to see you out there on the tracks!
Meet me at The Mish
The iconic Mishawaka Amphitheatre—affectionately known as "The Mish"—is a bucket-list venue nestled in the pristine Poudre Canyon. This summer's concert season kicks off with the free Sunday Summer Series on Mother's Day, May 11th, featuring Tumbledown Shack from 1-4 p.m.
The first evening show follows on May 17th with "Head for the Hills: 19th Annual Pickin' on the Poudre," joined by Stillhouse Junkies and Magoo. To close out the month, the celebrated Yonder Mountain String Band will perform for two nights.
We can't wait for another amazing season at The Mish!
Run your way to the Colorado Marathon
Welcome to the Colorado Marathon, one of the most stunning races in the country, happening on May 4th! This annual marathon is held in the verdant Poudre Canyon, nestled in the picturesque Rocky Mountains, just outside of the beautiful city of Fort Collins. The Colorado Marathon has qualified roughly 16-18% of all Boston qualifiers entrants each year, so this is sure to be an epic race. There is also options of a half marathon, 10K and 5K races. Visit their website for more information and cheer on the runners!
Masks Fundraiser and Exhibition 20th Anniversary at the Museum of Art
Now through June 6th, don't miss the amazing Masks Fundraiser & Exhibition at the Museum of Art, celebrating their 21st Anniversary this year! Over the past 21 years, there have been 3,500 masks created and over 2 million dollars raised by this extraordinary fundraiser and community art project. Make sure you stop by to enjoy the beautiful masks and support our local arts scene!
The Food Truck Rally is Back!
Everyone's favorite Tuesday night activity, The FoCo Food Truck Rally, is back! Starting May 13th and running through September 16th, head to City Park every Tuesday evening from 5:30pm to dusk for live music and the best local food trucks. Grab a bite, listen to tunes, and enjoy the beautiful weather!
2025 Spring Plant Sale at the Gardens on Spring Creek
The Gardens on Spring Creek partner with Colorado State University (CSU) to grow over 35,000 plants for the annual Spring Plant Sale. This year’s popular event takes place May 17th and 18th at the Gardens on Spring Creek. It’s free to shop, but timed, ticketed admission is required on Saturday; Sunday admissions are valid all day. Reserve tickets in advance.
Odell's Small Batch Weekend
Odell Brewing Co.'s Small Batch Weekend is back on Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th. They will be pouring over 50 different Odell beers showcasing unique flavors brewed up across our three amazing brewhouses. Plus 12 wines, spritzes and yes, frosés from The OBC Wine Project. The music lineup is dialed in with 8 bands over 2 days – you won’t want to miss a beat! And yes, they will even have food trucks all weekend long - so get out there and enjoy one of Fort Collins' most iconic annual festivals!
Theater, music and more at the Lincoln Center
There’s no shortage of great performances planned at the Lincoln Center this month, starting with "Anne of Green Gables", performing from May 2nd through the 17th. Catch Tony Award winner Patti LuPone on May 4th, and Kids on Broadway on May 10th. On May 11th, there is a special Mother's Day Concert. The Contemporary Dance Academy presents Peter Pan on May 17th. You can view "Bugsy Malone Jr.", a play about gangsters during prohibition, on May 22nd and 23rd. To close out the month, Coppélia, an endearing storybook ballet full of whimsical mischief, preforms May 31st and June 1st. For tickets and more information, visit their website!
Laughter is the best medicine
May brings plenty of funny to The Comedy Fort to have you cackling all month long. This May's lineup includes performances by Cipha Sounds, Doug Stanhope, Luis J Gomez, Conner O'Malley, Colton Dowling, Emma Wilmann, Zahid Dewji, Robert Mac, and Robby Hoffman. To view the entire month's calendar, get more information, and snag tickets, click here!
Rhythms at the Magic Rat
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. The new month brings live music with Rags & Riches on the 1st, Choice City Seven on the 2nd, and Shred the Cowboy on the 3rd. On the 7th, the radio station KRFC is holding a happy hour and open mic night. On the 9th, catch Crescent City Connection and then Lid Dixon on the 10th. Ansel & the Brain Tattoos play on the 15th, Raynes is on the 16th, and Peaches Embry & the Rhythm Train is on the 17th. Catch No Vacancy on the 21st, Max Mackey on the 22nd, Nubass Theory on the 24th, and Matthew WIlburn Skinner on the 29th. Finally, Three Shots caps off the month on the 30th.
Live Music at 830 North
What is better than bowling or music? Bowling AND music! 830 North hosts weekly concerts as part of Live Music at Chippers. Laughing Water, a tribute to the Grateful Dead, start off the month on May 2nd. Every first and last Sunday is Karaoke Night, so that is the 4th and the 25th. The Foco Funk Jam with Caleb D'Aleo & Friends close out the month on May 28th. For the full lineup, head over to the Chippers website.
Rock out at the Aggie
The historic Aggie Theatre, a live music institution in Fort Collins for over 100 years, plays host to 15-plus shows this month. The Aggie is bursting at the seams with live music throughout the month of May, beginning on the 2nd with Selena Night: 5 De Mayo Celebration presented by Vive Latino. On the 3rd, catch Luttrell's Life at Full Speed Tour and then on the 7th, see The Aristocrats' The Duck Tour 2025. A Talking Heads Tribute, Start Making Senses, performs live on the 8th, and no fauna is on the 9th. On the 10th and 11th, the School of Rock hosts its FOCO LOCO Rock Fest. More tribute bands of Jerry Garcia Band and Led Zeppelin can be heard on the 14th and 17th, respectively. A husband-and-wife duo, The War And Treaty, earned their first ever GRAMMY nomination recently and will be at the Aggie on the 15th. For the country fans, catch Red Shahan on the 23rd. Punk fans can get their fix with Plasma Canvas on the 30th. Finally, closing the month is a Pink Pony Club: Chappell Roan Night, which is a dance night special for Pride Month's Eve. For the full calendar, head over to the events page of the Aggie Theatre.
Wicked Good Times at Washington's
Washington’s, a historic 900-person venue in Old Town Fort Collins, hosts big names all month long. May music at Washington’s starts with Big Richard on the 2nd and folk musician Ziggy Alberts on the 3rd. Seun Kuti, a Nigerian musician renowned for his captivating performances, plays on the 9th. Steel Pulse celebrating their 50th Anniversary Tour perform on the 10th. The John Magnie's Grocery Story have an album release party on the 16th. Time reverts on the 17th for That Eighties Band 2025. Lastly, the Southern Culture on the Skids, an eclectic Americana band, plays on the 29th.
Movies and so much more at The Lyric
Along with indie film and visual art, see live music performed outdoors at the Lyric Cinema, a Fort Collins staple. This creative hub features arcade games, a concession stand and a café and bar. Enjoy karaoke nights, live performances, and more at this venue and theater that is uniquely Fort Collins. Check out their calendar for all their upcoming events!
With all these amazing activities happening this May, you will never get bored in Fort Collins! We will see you out there!
