Spring has sprung! While we still have some colder temperatures on the horizon, we’re already in the spring spirit, celebrating the season with a variety of festivals and events throughout Northern Colorado.
Make this your most memorable spring yet by adding a few of these events to your calendar. There’s something for everyone on this list, from music and film festivals, to art markets and plant sales, to marathons and Earth Day celebrations.
Morning Fresh Dairy Farm Egg-Stravaganza | Bellvue
Where: Morning Fresh Dairy Farm
When: March 27–31, 2024
Photo Courtesy of Morning Fresh Dairy Farm
Celebrate Easter weekend at Morning Fresh Dairy Farm, as you embark on an “egg-stravagant” farm tour, led by their friendly and knowledgeable guides. Each tour guest can participate in the Spring Scavenger Hunt and receive special treats. Plus, you’ll learn about the origin of Morning Fresh Dairy, explore the Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse, see cows being milked in the Dairy-Go-Round, visit the milk processing and bottling plant, and get introduced to the adorable calves. Egg-Stravaganza Tours are $12 and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance! Get more information and sign up here.
Bud Light Rocks the Boat | Steamboat Springs
Where: Steamboat Ski Resort
When: March 30 + April 6, 13 + 14, 2024
Each spring, Steamboat Ski Resort hosts their annual Bud Light Rocks the Boat, a free concert series showcasing a wide range of musical talent. We are already a couple of weeks into the series, but there are several upcoming performances, all taking place around 3:30 p.m. on the stage in Steamboat Springs. See Maggie Rose on March 30, The Goonies on April 6, The Lil Smokies on April 13, and The Wailers on April 14.
9th Annual ACT Human Rights Film Festival | Fort Collins
Where: Colorado State University
When: April 3–7, 2024
The ACT Human Rights Film Festival is the only university-produced, international film festival in the Rocky Mountain region that is dedicated to showcasing human rights issues. This week-long festival brings the best and most recent human rights cinema to Northern Colorado. Through the shared experience of film and conversation, ACT cultivates empathy and new perspectives. Click here for the full event lineup and to purchase tickets!
Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party | Loveland
Where: Budweiser Events Center
When: April 4–7, 2024
Join the excitement as your favorite Disney characters come to life through this captivating ice show at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland! This adventure is packed with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and unexpected stunts. Be sure to look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell as you travel through a variety of colorful, magical worlds, including Coco, Moana, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Aladdin, Toy Story, and The Little Mermaid! The search party is taking place April 4–7, with both matinee and night shows available. Get your tickets here!
Run the Ranch | Loveland
Where: Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch
When: April 5 + 6, 2024
Photo Courtesy of Bobby Florio
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Sylvan Dale Ranch by participating in Run the Ranch, a trail race that will challenge and excite you! Now in its 5th year and benefitting the Heart J organization, this race offers six different distances for you to choose from. On Friday, choose between the 5K and 10K distances, while Saturday offers the opportunity to participate in the 4-hour, 6-hour, 12-hour, and 12-hour four-person relay timed races. As a participant, you will be provided with a meal ticket, and you have the option to purchase an extra meal ticket for friends or family who will be accompanying you, or if you simply want to enjoy two meals. Please note that there is a ranch access fee of $5/person per day for anyone coming onto the ranch. Learn more and register for Run the Ranch here!
Greeley Spring Home Expo | Greeley
Where: Island Grove Event Center
When: April 12–14, 2024
Thinking about remodeling or improving your home or outdoor space in some way? Don’t miss the Greeley Spring Home Expo, where you can explore the latest in home improvement, remodeling, outdoor living, and more! Meet with local contractors and remodeling experts and expect to be inspired — and learn valuable information along the way. The expo is taking place at Island Grove Event Center on Friday from 12–6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission is free!
42nd Annual Cardboard Classic | Steamboat Springs
Where: Steamboat Square
When: April 13, 2024
For the 42nd year, the Cardboard Classic is taking place at the Steamboat Ski Area. Almost a “rite of spring,” this wild and hilarious race features homemade cardboard crafts, constructed only from cardboard, glue, string, water based paint, duct tape, masking tape, balloons and other decorations, racing down Stampede to a hysterical finish. Crafts will be judged in a variety of categories during the Cardboard D’Elegance, including Coca-Cola Classic, Most Creative, Best Individual Craft, Best Reproduction, Judge’s Choice, Best Costumes, Crowd Favorite, and Best Engineering. Click here for more details, whether you want to participate or witness this beloved annual event!
Spring Artisan Market | Fort Collins
Where: Fort Collins Senior Center
When: April 13, 2024
Welcome spring and support local makers at the Spring Artisan Market at the Fort Collins Senior Center! Shop the handmade goods from more than 50 artisan and craft vendors. Admission is free.
Splashdown Pond Skim | Steamboat Springs
Where: Steamboat Resort
When: April 14, 2024
Celebrate another amazing ski season at Steamboat at the Splashdown Pond Skim. This spectacular event showcases brave and costumed skiers and riders who will attempt to cross the icy pond successfully! Admission is free and online registration begins April 1. Get all the details here.
Horsetooth Half Marathon | Fort Collins
Where: Holiday Twin Drive-In
When: April 14, 2024
Participate in the 51st running of the Horsetooth Half Marathon, which takes you on a scenic point-to-point journey from Hughes Stadium to the finish line party at New Belgium Brewery. Along the way, runners will tackle the challenging hills of Centennial Drive running along the shorelines of the shimmering Horsetooth Reservoir. A great option for first-timers and old pros alike, the course offers a challenging but quick 13.1-mile route and a net loss in elevation. For full details and registration, click here.
Greeley Jazz Festival | Greeley
Where: University of Northern Colorado
When: April 18–20, 2024
The UNC Greeley Jazz Festival is the biggest event of its kind in the United States and is a must-see for jazz enthusiasts. The festival attracts internationally renowned artists, award-winning clinicians, and more than 250 college, high school, and middle school big bands, combos, and jazz vocal groups from all corners of the country. With over 7,500 attendees every year, the festival offers a variety of activities, including main stage concerts, after-hours sessions, daytime performances, and educational workshops. Click here for more information and to buy tickets!
FoCoMX | Fort Collins
Where: Downtown Fort Collins
When: April 19 + 20, 2024
Presented each spring at venues all over Fort Collins, FoCoMX is a full weekend celebration of the Northern Colorado music scene. This year, the lineup consists of two full days and nights at more than 30 local venues with performances from more than 350 Colorado bands! For more than 15 years, FoCoMX has earned the unofficial title of “The Biggest Little Festival in America.” To see the full lineup and get your tickets, check out the website here.
Earth Day 5K/10K Loveland Classic | Loveland
Where: Centerra Trails
When: April 20, 2024
Photo Courtesy of Green Events
Celebrating 48 years, the Loveland Classic Race is one of the oldest races in Loveland and this year, it’s taking place on the Saturday before Earth Day! This scenic walking/running event has something for everyone, including a broken 15K, a 10K, a 5K, and a Kids’ 1-Mile! The Loveland Classic benefits the Thompson Education Foundation, a non-profit that supports exceptional educational experiences for students and educators in Thompson School District.
14th Annual Earth Day Fort Collins | Fort Collins
Where: Civic Center Park
When: April 20, 2024
Hosted by the Sustainable Living Association, Earth Day Fort Collins is an all-day celebration that aims to inspire the community to take action in preserving the planet every day. The event has a wide range of activities and events suitable for the entire family, including informational booths and displays, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, live music, speakers, food trucks, a farmers’ market, and a beer garden. The event is free for everyone, but please consider bringing a non-perishable item to donate to the Food Bank for Larimer County.
W.O.L.F. Gala Dinner 2024 | Fort Collins
Where: Hilton Fort Collins
When: April 20, 2024
W.O.L.F. Sanctuary is a Colorado organization that serves to improve the quality of life for wolves and wolf dogs. Their annual gala fundraiser is taking place at the Hilton in Fort Collins, complete with a gourmet vegan or vegetarian dinner and live rock and roll music from the Jukebox Boys. This year, instead of games, there will be a Best Rock and Roll Costume Contest at the after party — so dress accordingly! Plus, hear from one of the W.O.L.F. Sanctuary ambassadors and participate in the live and silent auction. To reserve your seat, click here.
NOCO Half Marathon & 10K | Loveland
Where: Boyd Lake State Park
When: April 27, 2024
The NoCo Half Marathon & 10K is a fantastic way to embrace the season and enjoy the beauty of Boyd Lake State Park. Participants can choose between the half marathon or the 10K. The course is mostly on smooth, paved walkways, with only about three-quarters of a mile being off-road. Runners will be treated to breathtaking views of the lake and its surrounding wildlife throughout the race. With almost no elevation gain, this is a flat course that offers a perfect opportunity to set a new personal record or enjoy a fun, steady-paced morning run. After the race, participants can look forward to exciting post-race festivities, including beer from Loveland Aleworks. Get more details and register here!
Kids in the Park | Fort Collins
Where: Twin Silo Community Park
When: April 28, 2024
Kids in the Park is an annual event organized by the City of Fort Collins to encourage children of all ages to get outside and play. This exciting event offers a variety of recreation activities for children, including kite flying, dancing, playing in the park, and snacking from local food trucks parked on site. The best part? Admission to Kids in the Park is completely free!
Run for the Trees | Loveland
Where: Centennial Park
When: May 4, 2024
Run for the Trees is a 2-mile fun run and festival benefiting the Loveland Parks & Rec Foundation’s tree planting fund. Enjoy food trucks, live music, vendors, sponsors, and of course, a fun run through Centennial Park. Each participant will receive a custom bib, an oak tree seedling, and a reusable Hydro color cup with a lid and straw. Plus, enjoy popsicles and popcorn at the finish line! Click here for more information and to register.
Estes Park Duck Race Festival | Estes Park
Where: George Hix Riverside Plaza
When: May 4, 2024
Since 1989, the Estes Park Duck Race Festival has been held each year on the first Saturday in May. This beloved tradition celebrates the local community and raises funds for various charitable causes — more than $3 million since the event’s inception. The highlight of the festival is a unique spectacle in which thousands of rubber ducks are released into the river and race downstream to the finish line. The first duck to cross the finish line wins a grand prize, and there are also additional prizes for runners-up. People can “adopt” a duck and designate a charity of their choice from the list of participating organizations. Charities receive $23 of every adoption sold! In addition to the duck race, the festival features a variety of other activities, including live music, food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and games for all ages.
Colorado Marathon | Fort Collins
Where: Various Locations
When: May 5, 2024
The Colorado Marathon is a popular marathon that takes place in Fort Collins each year. The marathon is a challenging course that features steep inclines, but the stunning scenery makes it all worth it. In addition to the full marathon, there is also a half marathon, a 10K, and a 5K available for runners of all levels. The event attracts thousands of runners each year from all around the world, and it has become a premier event in the Colorado running community. In fact, the Colorado Marathon has qualified roughly 16-18% of all Boston qualifiers entrants each year. Over the last 21 years, the Colorado Marathon has donated more than $250,000 to local and national charities and other beneficiaries — so your registration is supporting an amazing cause!
Ice Extravaganza 2024 | Fort Collins
Where: Edora Pool Ice Center
When: May 11, 2024
Each year, the Fort Collins Figure Skating Club hosts their spectacular Ice Extravaganza. The two-hour show will feature more than 150 Northern Colorado skaters ranging from beginners to national competitors with special guest appearances from nationally acclaimed guests. Choose from two different shows on Saturday, at 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. Click here for more details and to purchase tickets, which are $20 online or $25 at the door.
2024 Spring Plant Sale | Fort Collins
Where: Gardens on Spring Creek
When: May 18 + 19, 2024
The Gardens on Spring Creek, in partnership with Colorado State University, is preparing for the 2024 Spring Plant Sale with more than 35,000 plants being grown by the horticulture team. The sale will be free to shop, but timed, ticketed admission will be required to manage capacity. On Saturday, timed admission will be available throughout the day, while Sunday tickets will be valid for admission all day. Members will have exclusive access to reserve their time slot ahead of the general public — and Contributing level and above members will receive even earlier access! Visitors are encouraged to bring their own empty boxes or wagons to transport their purchases to their vehicles. Shoppers are welcome to explore the full gardens while enjoying the sale, but the Butterfly House will be closed.
Happy Spring!
What spring events in NoCo are on your calendar this year?
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