November is upon us, and this month’s calendar is filled with events that will put you in the holiday spirit nearly every night of the week. Here’s a look at just some of what’s on tap for the month ahead. For a full listing of events taking place in Fort Collins this month, visit our online event calendar.
Can't Miss November Events
Nov. 1: 5th Annual Dia de Muertos Community Celebration
Día de Muertos is a time to remember those who have passed on, while also celebrating their lives with color, joy, and connection. Festivities start at 12 pm and go through 5 pm at the Old Town Square. The event is organized by BIPOC, Fuerza Latina FoCo, and Fort Collins Community Action Network. Bring your family, friends, and offerings to participate in this meaningful and festive tradition. Other activations for Dia de Muertos include Los Tarascos, and Foothills Winter Farmer's Market.
Nov. 7: Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony
See 22 blocks of downtown illuminated with thousands of strands of lights in alleyways, along sidewalks, and within treetops in Downtown Fort Collins. The impressive display of low-energy and sustainable LED lights can be enjoyed anywhere along College Avenue, the northern boundary of Laporte Avenue, and continuing south to Magnolia Street. Trees will be lit along Walnut Street, Linden Street, Pine Street, Old Town Square, Oak Street Plaza, and Mountain Avenue as well. Lights turn on November 7th, and will remain on until February 2026! Live music will be performed by Guerilla Fanfare in Old Town Square from 5:30-7 p.m., with a short ceremony taking place at 6:30 p.m. before the lights turn on.
Nov. 7-9: CSU Snow Days
Winter is coming and Colorado State University Snow Days are almost here. CSU is partnering with Ikon Pass on Nov. 7-9 for two days dedicated to celebrating a fresh season of stoke – all leading up to the Rams taking on UNLV in football on Saturday at Canvas Stadium. Activities include a Rail Jam, outdoor recreation industry vendors, an Outdoor Rec Careers Panel, giveaways, a ski movie screening, a fireside chat with CSU President Amy Parsons, and more!
Nov 27: Turkey Trot
The Fort Collins Thanksgiving Day Run, Northern Colorado’s largest four-mile event, returns on Thursday, Nov. 27. The race starts at 9 a.m. Register by Nov. 23. No registration is required for the free kids run that begins at Oak Street Plaza and Mason Street. The Fort Collins Thanksgiving Day run has partnered with RamStrength. RamStrength supports local cancer survivors by providing financial assistance for basic needs, scholarships, programs, and services.
Nov. 28: NoCo Winter Wonderland
Pack the family into your car -- Colorado Youth Outdoors' annual drive thru light show is a must for families of all ages! NoCo Winter Wonderland is open Thursday-Sunday evenings from Thanksgiving to December 17, and every night through New Year's Eve. Enjoy the spirit of the holidays without leaving the comfort of your car. $25 per vehicle and you can secure tickets here!
The Music Scene
Aggie Theatre
November kicks off with a bang at Fort Collins' Aggie Theatre as rapper Yung Gravy brings his Voluptuous Voyage Tour on November 1st, followed by country artist Waylon Wyatt's Out of the Blue Tour on November 2nd. The month features an eclectic mix spanning hardcore metal, Afrobeats, Americana folk, tribute acts, hip-hop, and even Latin dance! Check out their full schedule for more information and to purchase tickets.
Washington's
Washington's presents a select but stellar lineup for November, headlined by post-hardcore pioneers THRICE on Friday, November 14th, followed by the folk-rock energy of Gasoline Lollipops on Saturday, November 15th. The month closes out with Colorado rock legends Big Head Todd & the Monsters taking the stage on Friday, November 28th. The intimate 900-capacity venue in historic Old Town offers excellent sightlines from its tiered balcony level and state-of-the-art sound systems, making it an ideal setting to experience these diverse acts ranging from hard-hitting rock to Americana storytelling.
The Armory
For an intimate setting, The Armory's 200-person listening room offers a unique experience. The month begins with Steph Strings' North America 2025 Tour Part One on Thursday, November 6th, followed by Dean Johnson on Saturday, November 8th. The month continues with Sean Hayes & Sway Wild on Thursday, November 20th, acclaimed folk singer Iris DeMent on Friday, November 21st, and wraps up with Liz Barnez's Album Release celebration on Sunday, November 23rd. Each show promises the kind of memorable, up-close performance that has made The Armory a cornerstone of Fort Collins' thriving music scene.
Other Ways to Catch Tunes
(Magic Rat pictured)
Formerly known as The Coast, Sound Bar has emerged as a community hub for live music and nightlife in the heart of Fort Collins, hosting shows primarily on weekends but expanding throughout the week. The venue's November lineup showcases its commitment to diverse indie, rock, and alternative acts, making it a go-to spot for discovering emerging artists and underground sounds in Northern Colorado's vibrant music scene. 830 North combines bowling and music with a packed lineup for the month of November. Check out their event calendar for their full music schedule.
Join KRFC’s Monthly Happy Hour at The Magic Rat, a free event on November 5th 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. Avogadro's Number is another popular spot that routinely books local talent. 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!
If you want to hear some classical music, the Fort Collins Symphony is hosting an Echoes of Memory and Identity concert at the Lincoln Center on Saturday, November 8th. Additionally, the CSU School of Arts has various concerts scheduled throughout the month. On Sunday, November 9th, don't miss An Event of Note, a soul-stirring celebration of music, community, and generosity — all in support of Off the Hook Arts' mission to provide free and low-cost music education for low-income students.
Film, Arts & Culture
Film Events
The Lyric, our eccletic venue for all things art, film, and culture, is showing Red Fever: The Indigenous Influence on Western Culture on November 3rd. ed Fever is a witty and entertaining feature documentary about the profound yet hidden Indigenous influence on Western culture and identity. The film follows Cree co-director Neil Diamond as he asks, “Why do they love us so much?” and sets out on a journey to find out why the world is so fascinated with the stereotypical imagery of Native people that is all over pop culture. The event is co-presented by CSU’s ACT Human Rights Film Festival, Native American Cultural Center, and The Symposium.
The CSU chapters of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) are hosting a free screening of the acclaimed documentary “The Librarians”.
The second Colorado Film and Media Town Hall is scheduled for November 15th at 1 pm at The Elizabeth Hotel. This is a continuation of a series of community-led events aimed to foster statewide collaboration among creatives and media professionals.This state-wide event will take place simultaneously in SEVEN CITIES ACROSS OUR STATE and with an online option.
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, concludes on November 2nd. A week later, the Moms Unhinged! show The Comedy Fort will also see names like Ali Sultan, Phil Hanley, Akeem Woods, Ben Roy, and Robby Hoffman! The Gateway Show on November 19th is also a unique option for uncontrolled laughter.
Every last Saturday of the month, so November 29th in this case, The Lyric Comedy Show starts at 8 p.m. Additionally, on November 14th, there is a special Comedy Night featuring two local legends and The Comedy Brewers. 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 Lincoln Center has a variety of shows including Dracula (Nov. 1 & 2), The Wizard of Oz (Nov. 14 & 15th) and month-long showing of Misery (Nov. 1-29), which is a Stephen King thriller. Near the end of the month, Warren Miller's "Sno-ciety" and Rock The Halls are on the books for Nov. 25-26th and Nov. 28th, respectively. For a full list of their programming, click here.
A more raunchy option would be The Wasted Wizard of Oz, by Acting Tipsy Theatre Co., on Nov. 21st and 28th at The Lyric. The day of each performance, one actor’s name is drawn at random. Their fate? Get absolutely drunk and play Dorothy. Minutes before curtain, an audience member will be chosen to play Toto with onstage drinking challenges during the musical numbers.
Arts & Museums
First Friday Art Walk (Nov. 7th) 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 (Nov. 20), The Speak Cheesy Lounge, below Slyce Pizza, hosts the Big Cheesy Art Show.
The Art in Public Places 30th Anniversary Celebration! event is slated for November 8th from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Center for Creativity. This milestone event will bring together community members, past and present APP Board members, and the many artists and visionaries who have shaped the program’s vibrant history. It’s a moment to honor the creativity, collaboration, and impact that have made APP a cornerstone of our community.
On November 15th, the Wolverine Farm Publick House turns 10 and will be celebrating with a Fundraiser, Art Exhibit, +10 Year Anniversary Party. On the same night across town is the We Were Never Meant to Disappear | Closing Night Reception With Liz Ortiz at the Cornerstone Gallery inside The Masonic.
Are you curious about fashion history then check out CSU's Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising's Thanks! It Has Pockets exhibit, which shows the evolution of pockets in women's clothing. To go with that, there is a What's In My Pocket: Show & Tell at the Avenir Museum on November 13th.
Food & Drink
Fort Collins Foodie Walk™ is a monthly self-guided walking tour from 5-8 pm on the third Friday of each month (Nov. 21st) 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!
A few brewery events are always happening in Fort Collins! Horse & Dragon Brewing Company is putting on a Sip & Savor: Barrel-aged Beer Tasting Event on Nov. 24th! Another to look for is the Peculier FoCo Anniversary and Barrel Age Release Party on November 28th.
If you are looking to mingle and meet someone, check out Union Bar and Soda Fountain's Singles Social on November 11th.
Shopping & Other Attractions
As the holiday season approaches, the markets become more bountiful and fun! The Holiday Pottery Market takes place from Nov. 7th-Nov. 9th at the Northside Aztlan Community Center. The Foothills - Winter Farmers Market will be every Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Foothills Shopping Center. Ginger and Baker has two markets on tap with a Fall Market on Nov. 9th and a Rooftop Market on Nov. 23rd. The Annual Holiday Open House at Bath Garden Center is salted for Nov. 15-16th and there will be a raffle to win one of three $100 gift cards! The Bath Garden Center will also have a Holiday Makers Market on Nov. 22nd.
Join us for the second annual Visit Fort Collins Holiday Market at the VFC Welcome Center on Nov. 15th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Later in the month on November 28th, a Holiday Artisan Market is going on at the Fort Collins Senior Center.
Support local makers and start your holiday shopping early!
Outdoors, Sports & Wellness
The Colorado State University athletics calendar is in full swing with basketball underway to join the already playing football, volleyball, and soccer teams! The CSU volleyball team has only three remaining home games (11/1-Ag Day, 11/20, and 11/22-Green Out) at Moby Arena. The football team has two remaining games (11/8 vs UNLV, 11/28 vs. Air Force) at CSU Canvas Stadium. Both the men's and women's basketball teams have four home games in November and start their respective seasons at home inside Moby Arena. The men's opener on Monday, Nov. 3rd vs. Incarnate Word, while the women play Weber State on Tuesday, Nov. 4th.
How about some leisure sports like putt putt? The Old Town Putt's has $1 Mini Golf Mondays.
What's Happening at the Fort Collins Welcome Center?
Our speaker series "Ram Talks" with Colorado State University are still 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 November, we have Dr. Francisco Ortega with a talk on Discovering a New Reality to Express Yourself. Improving Virtual Reality Art and Sculpting (11/5), and Dr. Sarah Matlock with a presentation on Beyond Obedience: Understanding Behavior for Better Training and Welfare (11/19).
This blog is by no means comprehensive so let us know what events you're most looking forward to attending in Fort Collins this month!
