CSU Football Game Day
Come for the game, stay for the weekend! The Colorado State University Rams offer a first-class CSU game day experience at the state-of-the art Canvas Stadium. But, besides watching some exciting football, there is so much more to discover and explore during your time in Fort Collins.
As you book your stay for the big game, we want to help you make plans and find fun things to do during your down time. Fort Collins is home to some of the best restaurants, breweries, family-friendly activities and outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado. Not to mention Fort Collins has a downtown area that inspired the creation of Disneyland Main Street USA! Let us help you plan the best game day weekend possible with some of our favorite itineraries.
Choose a game from the schedule below and check out our recommendations to make your game day weekend incredible!
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Give thanks and come cheer on the Rams at their last home game of the season! If you're searching for the perfect place to spend your Thanksgiving weekend, then look no further than Fort Collins. Keep reading for the perfect Fort Collins Thanksgiving weekend itinerary and get inspired to have a fun-filled Turkey Day:
Thursday, November 28th
Arrive in Fort Collins early to beat the traffic and enjoy the town for the holiday! Make this year's Thanksgiving unique by spending it in Fort Collins. There are several places in town that you can order a turkey or ham and other Thanksgiving fixings ahead of time for an easy pick-up and stress-free dinner, like The Honey-Baked Ham Company. You can also go out to eat and enjoy a quality meal with some nice ambiance. As restaurants begin posting their holiday schedules, we will update this here, so keep checking back for more information!
Friday, November 29th
The game time is currently still TBA - but here are some of our recommendations in the meantime!
Pick up a pastry from La Creperie - This unique French bakery provides great tasting food that’s prepared fresh with the highest quality of ingredients. Owner Jean Claude takes pride in baking the artisan way: no preservatives, no mixed powders, no chemicals. As a unique provider of French cuisine and a French bakery in Fort Collins, you are sure to enjoy the great atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious crepes and pastries.
Ice skate in Downtown Fort Collins - Put your ice skates on and enjoy the rink right in the heart of Old Town Square! Soak up the vibrant energy of downtown Fort Collins under the twinkling holiday lights. You can also pay a visit to Santa, window shop, grab a coffee or beer, or view beautiful art murals as you explore our historic "Old Town".
After the game, grab a bite to eat and maybe a drink or two to end your action-packed day. We recommend:
- The Reserve by Old Elk Distillery - Check out this unique spot that serves as a boutique cocktail bar and tasting room for Old Elk Distillery, with over 10 spirits to sip and savor. Located in the heart of Old Town, The Reserve is an intimate space to share happy-hour gatherings, private events, and enjoy the artistry of handcrafted cocktails and small bites amongst imbibers and locals alike. The knowledgeable and hospitable team will leave an incomparable experience for all.
- Café Vino - Café Vino offers the finest, local and organic ingredients for an amazing dining experience. Decadent pastries made from scratch in-house, local craft brew, and over 200 wines in a casual yet classy atmosphere where you are encouraged to stay awhile.
Saturday, November 30th
Morning coffee at Harbinger - Harbinger Coffee was founded in 2012 as a small coffee kiosk serving outstanding quality coffees with equal quality service. They have since grown into two locations in Fort Collins: a cafe at Mason and Mulberry, and a second cafe location with their roastery at Harmony and Lady Moon. In addition to coffee and espresso based drinks, they also serve specialty seasonal beverages, house made chai and almond-macadamia milk, and a selection of fine traditional Chinese teas.
Celebrate Small Business Saturday at the Winter Farmers Market - Step inside Foothills Mall and discover a bustling Winter Farmers Market. From 10am-2pm, this market brings together an incredible group of vendors to showcase fresh local food and handcrafted goodies.
Afternoon bike ride around Horsetooth - After your holiday shopping is done, get some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Horsetooth Reservoir. Explore on two wheels with our amazing biking trails that can be enjoyed all year long.
After this full day of activity, you are sure to be hungry. We recommend one of the following restaurants for your Saturday night dinner:
- Japango - Enjoy amazing quality sushi right in the heart of downtown Fort Collins. Experience this lively, modern space for Japanese tapas, sushi and sashimi, with daily happy hours.
- Little On Mountain - A delicious and charming neighborhood eatery with a gorgeous ambiance. Elevate your dining experience and enjoy their unique dishes that contain fresh, local ingredients.
Evening Activities
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Pinball Jones - This pinball arcade and bar is located in the heart of Old Town Square in Fort Collins, and has been providing fun and entertainment for locals and visitors alike since 2011. With 38 pinball machines, they offer the largest selection of pinball games in the city, including classics, fan favorites, as well as the newest machines on the market. Whether you are a seasoned pinball wizard or a beginner looking to try your hand, our arcade has something for everyone.
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The Lincoln Center - Owned and operated by the City of Fort Collins since 1978, The Lincoln Center is one of Northern Colorado's premier venues for performing and visual arts, speakers, and special events. The Lincoln Center prides itself on bringing people together for shared and diverse experiences that transform individuals into community.
Sunday, November 17th
Brunch at The Farmhouse at Jessup Farms - Experience dining in an old farmhouse that offers delicious farm-to-table brunch on weekends.
Visit the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery - Expand your mind. Engage your world. Come experience Northern Colorado's most immersive, interactive & innovative museum: Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Hands-on and collections-based explorations in science and history await lifelong learners of all ages!
Before you head home, end your memorable weekend on a high note as you stroll under the twinkling holiday lights of Downtown Fort Collins one last time - and then, start planning your next trip to Fort Collins!
CSU Game Day Spotlight
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