Celebrate summer in Northern Colorado with these outdoor music performances and family-friendly festivals that are kicking off in and around Fort Collins. Many of the events are completely free, so fill your calendar this summer and make it the best one yet!
Summertime Festivals and Events in Northern Colorado
Summer is a happening time in Fort Collins and the Northern Colorado region. Mark your calendars to check out these area festivals and activities to enjoy with the whole family!
Fort Collins Farmers Market
đˇ Photo courtesy of Fort Collins Farmers Market via Facebook Profile
Where? 1001 East Harmony Road
Farmers market season and the summertime go hand in hand. For many, summer is kicked off when the local farmer’s market opens weekly and locals gather to support farmers, makers, and growers. The Fort Collins market is open for business on Sundays and Wednesdays rain, snow, or shine. Market vendors include C & R Farms, Pope Farm’s Produce, Full Stop Bakery, and Wagner Land & Cattle. Fresh produce and inventory fluctuate throughout the season, so arrive with an open mind and let the selection speak to you. Peaches, for instance, are generally found from July through September!
Night on the Town
Where? Downtown Loveland
This tradition began back in the summer of 2005 and has been a favorite amongst Loveland locals and Northern Colorado residents. Meander around downtown on the second Friday of each month as you visit art galleries, shops, restaurants, and bars that are offering discounts, promotions, and seasonal food and drink specials. There are monthly themes throughout the summer, such as “Sweet Summer” and “80’s Night” for June and July. Additional activities include live musical performances and local artists’ activities such as chalk art demonstrations.
Taste of Loveland
đˇ Photo courtesy of Foothills Service League
Where? 5th Street
On June 27th, visit Loveland’s premier food and beverage event at 5:00 PM between Lincoln and Cleveland streets. Taste of Loveland showcases the best restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and wineries in Northern Colorado. Attendees can take a tour of NoCo by sampling a range of flavors without ever leaving downtown Loveland. The cost per individual is $65 and attendees must be 21 and up. Proceeds from this event go towards supporting the Foothills Gateway and The Namaqua Center programs, which provide care to those with developmental disabilities and vulnerable populations in the region.
Freedom Fest
Where? 1910 Lakeside Resort Lane
This celebration of freedom is scheduled for July 4th through 7th â so keep the good times rolling several days after Independence Day. Campers at the KOA will enjoy a patriotic parade as well as participate in building and blasting rockets. There will be a DJ dance party, as well as family-friendly train rides and of course, everyone’s favorite camping dessert: s’mores! Situated in the foothills of the Rockies, the Fort Collins KOA Holiday offers campers a range of amenities and opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Make reservations for a summertime “staycation” or use it as an excuse to visit Fort Collins and the Northern Colorado region.
Fort Collins Food Truck Rally
đˇ Photo courtesy of FoCo Food Truck Rally
Where? Sheldon Drive
The annual Fort Collins Food Truck Rally kicked off on May 14th but will run until September 17th on Tuesdays. There will be no event on July 2nd, as organizers are putting on a July 4th food truck gathering instead of fireworks and holiday activities. The rallies are free to attend and can be located on Sheldon Drive inside of City Park and are scheduled until dusk, which can vary throughout the season! There’s truly something for everyone at the rally, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Pets are welcome (on a leash) so bring out the whole family and enjoy the lively atmosphere and good eats. Music will be presented by the Mishawaka Amphitheater and includes names such as Heart Medicine, Tonguebyte, Tyler O’Hare, and Bevin Luna.
The Poudre RiverFest
đˇ Photo courtesy of better together Productions
Where? 500 Linden Street
The Poudre RiverFest is back for a 10th anniversary celebration at New Belgium Brewing on August 10th from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This free, family-friendly festival is dedicated to the Poudre River and promotes restoration and education. The river is an integral resource for the river corridor community. The RiverFest will feature activities and entertainment for both children and adults. The 2024 entertainment lineup features Julia Kirkwood, Sol Pride, and Ash Redhorse & the Midnight Suns. This year’s exhibitors can be found set up along Linden Street in front of the brewery and will include the Fort Collins Audubon Society, Poudre Paddlers, and the Colorado State Forest Service.
Downtown Summer Sales
đˇ Photo courtesy of Downtown Fort Collins
Where? Downtown Fort Collins
The ever-popular Downtown Summer Sales are returning to FoCo from July 18th to the 21st. Patrons can snag exclusive offers in-store and on the sidewalks lining downtown â with over 70 businesses participating. The four-day shopping extravaganza includes vintage finds, handmade jewelry, modern furnishings, and an array of trendy apparel. Whatever you’re in the market for, you’re sure to find it at the summer sales! Local business participants include All Sales Vinyl (4 for $1 on select albums), Blue Harvest Apparel (discounts up to 50% off), The Corner Slice (happy hour deals for bites and drinks), and Otter Shop (storewide 20% off).
Tour de Fat
Where? 500 Linden Street
Acclaimed as being the “world’s greatest costumed bike parade,” the Tour de Fat is a summertime event you won’t want to miss. The event is free whether you’re participating or spectating and this year’s theme is “Come as you are” so no pressure on putting together an extravagant outfit (unless you want to, of course). Hosted by New Belgium Brewing on August 24th, the race will kick off at 9:30 AM from City Park and will loop Mountain Avenue until early afternoon. Tour de Fat is followed by a party at the brewery with live music, entertainment, contests, games, and of course â plenty of beer. Despite being held at a brewery, this event is completely family-friendly and there will be various food options, non alcoholic beverages, and a family zone for children of all ages.
Fort Collins Comic Con
đˇ Photo courtesy of Albert Wang via Fort Collins Comic Con
Where? 1200 Raintree Drive
Many NoCo families eagerly await the annual Comic Con at the Fort Collins Senior Center. This exciting summer event is scheduled for August 16th-18th and will feature all your favorite artists, vendors, authors, scientists, and cosplayers. This event is not only dedicated to uniting fans across a spectrum of books, games, movies, and shows, but it also helps to encourage children’s literacy and access to arts and culture within the community. Start getting your costume ready now or simply enjoy the inclusivity of the event, where each attendee is valued and celebrated.
FoCo Fondo
đˇ Photo courtesy of The FoCo Fondo Team via focofondo.com
Where? 500 Linden Street
On Sunday, July 21st, Fort Collins will be welcoming gravel bikers from across the state and beyond to the annual FoCo Fondo race. With five route options, there’s a little something for bikers of all ages and skill levels. The 12-mile route is focused on fun and learning about the Fort Collins bike path infrastructure and the 118-mile “Quadruple Dog Dare You” route isn’t for the faint of heart, with an elevation gain of over 7,400 feet and significant climbs. This year, there will be a Bike and Outdoor Lifestyle Expo at New Belgium Brewery on July 20th to help celebrate FoCo Fondo weekend. Check out bike demos and support local cycling and lifestyle brands. No entry required and everyone is welcome, whether you’re participating in the race or not.
Summer Concert Series in NoCo
If you’re a live music lover, you’re in luck! Summertime in Northern Colorado means an abundance of live shows, many of them free for the family! Kick back and drink a beer at New Belgium while you listen to local artists or bring the little ones out to The Lincoln Center for the children’s entertainment series.
Lagoon Summer Concert Series
Where? 629 West Plum Street
Kicking off on June 12, the Lagoon Summer Concert Series is bringing some of the best acts to NoCo residents throughout the summer season. Voted as the best outdoor concert, use the Lagoon as a midweek escape for live music, food, and plenty of community fun. The venue is set at the scenic lagoon at Colorado State University and will be hosted on Wednesdays from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM until July 24th. For more than three decades, this iconic summer tradition has been uniting music lovers of all ages and backgrounds. Each concert is free and open to the public and there will be a delicious food truck lineup throughout the season.
Bohemian Nights
đˇ Photo courtesy of Bohemain Nights
Where? Old Town Square
Hosted in Fort Collins’ Old Town Square every Thursday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, this free concert series will feature musical acts from Colorado and beyond. This year’s series includes 14 performances beginning on May 30th and running through September 5th. Acts include genres from reggae to bluegrass, soul, salsa, and honky tonk. Whatever gets your feet tapping and you up dancing, you’re sure to find it at Bohemian Nights.
Music on the Lawn
Where? 215 East Foothills Parkway
This summertime music series is a favorite amongst many Northern Coloradans. Head over to Foothills Shopping Center on Fridays at 6:00 PM for a diverse lineup of artists, genres, and activities. Kicking off on June 14th with special Juneteenth vendors and a beer garden, the series continues through September 6th with a finale by Dzirae Gold and the Fort Collins Snow Company providing snow cones for children and adults alike. Other dates include vintage markets and the Walrus Ice cream truck! Registration is not required for any of these events, so just show up and enjoy a good time!
The Lincoln Center Children’s Summer Series
đˇ Photo courtesy of theLINCOLNcenter
Where? 417 West Magnolia Street
This free children’s concert series is made possible with the support of the City of Fort Collins Fort Fund and is scheduled for Thursdays at 10:00 AM during June and July on the Lincoln Center lawn. Children of all ages are encouraged to enjoy these 60-minute entertainment acts, including theater, music, comedy, and culture. Throughout the course of five whimsical gatherings, children and their parents alike are sure to be delighted by the dancers, pianists, storytellers, and puppeteers that keep the crowd energized and engaged. Space is limited, so bring your blanket and snag a spot before the show starts.
Sunday Summer Series at Mishawaka
đˇ Photo courtesy of Mishawaka
Where? 13714 Poudre Canyon Highway
Located in nearby Bellevue, this summer music series is completely free and takes place on the outdoor stage from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Grab some food from the outdoor grill and set up a chair or blanket on the lawn while you enjoy the laid-back ambiance of the gathering. The 2024 summer lineup features Michael Morrow & The Culprits on June 16th, Knuckleball on July 7th, and Amber Baack wrapping up the series on July 14th. There is a free shuttle service that runs from the CSU Tennis Complex, which requires a reservation to ensure there’s a confirmed seat to and from the show.
New Belgium Friday Live Music Series
Where? 500 Linden Street
What better summer combination is there than craft beer and live music? New Belgium Brewing Company is hosting its live music series from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM every Friday on the lawn this summer. Bring out your friends, family, and even the dog! Lay out a blanket and relax in a beautiful setting, with plenty of cold beer on tap for hours of fun. The brewery is also hosting a Summer Solstice Silent Disco on June 21st starting at 8:00 PM â so be sure to snag your tickets and enjoy free tarot readings and custom temporary tattoos!
Kick Off the Summer with Live Music and Good Food in NoCo!Â
When you’re not outside exploring hiking trails or taking your mountain bike up to Horsetooth Reservoir, enjoy these fun festivals, events, and activities around town. There’s always something going on during the summer, so you shouldn’t have a problem filling your social calendar and enjoying all that Northern Colorado has to offer.
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