Arts & Entertainment

Fort Collins breathes life into the arts in the form of theatre, musical performances, dance, public art, galleries, photography and more. From the innovative to the classic, explore the unique and diverse cultural arts scene Fort Collins has become accustomed to. The city richly deserves its reputation as the cultural capital of Northern Colorado. With a half-dozen live theatre stages in production throughout the year, facilities that accommodate a wide range of national touring shows and concerts, and galleries and museums mounting exhibits of everything from animation art to historical kimonos, there’s always something interesting going on.

Live Theatre

A performance at Bas Bleu with a person sitting on railroad tracks with a sun being projected on the wall behind them

Between CSU’s world-class performing arts center, local community and professional acting troupes, traveling Broadway shows, venues devoted entirely to musical theatre (with and without dinner), long-standing children’s theatre companies and summer performances under the stars it’s no wonder Fort Collins boasts more opportunities to see live theatre, music and art than any other place in Northern Colorado!

Public Art & Murals

Fort Collins Gateway Mural

Fort Collins is a city where art awaits around every corner — thanks to a deep community commitment to the arts, vibrant installations and projects are woven throughout its streets and alleyways, free for everyone to enjoy.

Don't miss some of our larger public art pieces — our murals. These murals are the result of efforts by several organizations: Fort Collins Mural Project, Art in Public Places, the Downtown Development Authority, and independent artists. Between them all, there are over 100 murals in our community! For more information, check out our murals page here!

The City of Fort Collins' Art in Public Places program brings life to the city through popular projects like Pianos About Town, Transformer Cabinet Murals, and Pedestrian Sidewalk Pavers. Pianos About Town with the help of Bohemian Foundation and the Downtown Development Authority is a yearly program in which about a dozen artists paint pianos from May through October in Old Town Square. The completed pianos are then placed throughout town in public spaces for budding and seasoned musicians to play. The Transformer Cabinet Mural project adds bright colorful art in unexpected places and the Pedestrian Paver project has worked to incorporate granite pavers with drawings by Fort Collins youth into City sidewalks. Follow along on their Instagram channel (@focoart).

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) presents Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk™ every first Friday of the Month from 6-9 pm. The event is a free, self-guided walking tour to various businesses to celebrate creativity, culture, and community in the heart of the city. Each year, Old Town Square gets a fresh look thanks to the DDA's Sculptures in the Square — a loan program that embraces art as part of everyday life and promotes downtown Fort Collins as an arts destination.

Live Music

Fort Collins symphony playing at the Holiday Twin Drive inn Theater

If you love music, Fort Collins is your perfect destination. The Fort Collins music scene is thriving all year long, but summer is one of the best times to enjoy a variety of festivals, concerts and other musical events. With unique ways to enjoy tunes such as iconic live music venues and pianos scattered throughout town, you'll find countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant music scene.

So, step out, listen, dance, and enjoy everything Fort Collins has to offer!

Museums & Art Galleries

Two girls play music at the Museum of Discovery

Museums in Fort Collins feature everything from hands-on activities to cultural exhibits. Multiple art galleries showcase a plethora of styles and talent. It’s easy to spend an entire day exploring the art, history, culture, and science of Fort Collins.

Fort Collins has a collection of unique museums dotting its historic Downtown area, focusing on everything from folk art to the intersection of history and science. Patrons can enjoy works by artists such as Andy Warhol, experience magnificent glass art sculptures by William Morris, and in the same day sample international folk art miniatures.

Explore a vast number of subjects in each Fort Collins museum, including some related to the heritage of the area. The history of our area’s settlement, agricultural, and cultural heritage is explored in exhibits hung perennially at several locations.