Top Reasons to Visit Fort Collins for Valentine's Day

Cold weather, cozy vibes, and Valentine’s Day weekend make February a perfect time to fall in love with Northern Colorado. Fort Collins sets the scene with twinkling lights in Old Town, intimate dining spots, craft cocktails, and plenty of ways to slow down and enjoy time together. And with Valentine’s Day landing on a weekend in 2026, it’s an easy excuse to turn a single evening into a full romantic getaway. Here are the top things to do in Fort Collins for Valentine’s Day!

Plan a Romantic Dinner

Fort Collins is a city known for its culinary scene, and Valentine’s weekend is one of the best times to explore our great restaurants. Many local hot spots offer romantic specials or prix-fixe menus for the occasion. Enjoy an intimate evening out at The Emporium, which features a Valentine’s Day pre-fixe dinner with thoughtful wine pairings and seasonal dishes. Or visit one of the classic Fort Collins date night spots like the elegant Cafe Vino or upscale Sonny Lubick’s Steakhouse. The Welsh Rabbit is another local favorite, offering delicious wine and cheese boards paired with world-class wines - the perfect way to enjoy a date night with your significant other. Be sure to make reservations! 

Loveland Sweetheart Festival

Loveland is known as America’s Sweetheart City! Each February, Loveland bursts with Valentine’s Day spirit for the annual Sweetheart Festival. The festive, heart-filled streets of downtown Loveland come alive with ice sculptures, live music, dancing, stage performances, and a 4-mile race.

This festival is a heartwarming way to spend Valentine’s Day, and it’s easy to find an overnight stay close to the action with one of Mountain Time’s Loveland vacation rentals.

Mountain Glow Candle Making 

Looking for a cozy and creative way to spend Valentine’s Day with your partner? The Mountain Glow Candle Bar Experience in Old Town Fort Collins lets you pour your own custom candle together — choosing your favorite scents, selecting a stylish vessel, and blending fragrances that spark memories long after the weekend is over. It’s hands-on, intimate, and a sweet way to connect while you craft something uniquely yours.

Take a Cooking Class

Make your Valentine’s Day celebration delicious and fun with a cooking class at Ginger and the Baker. This beloved local spot is offering a Valentine’s baking class and a surf-and-turf cooking class—perfect for couples who love food and want to cook together. In this hands-on experience, you’ll learn how to make seared scallops, beef tenderloin, and chocolate cake, which you can enjoy with a glass of champagne afterward! Make sure to secure your spot early.

Unleash Your Creativity

Fort Collins paint and sip shop Painting with a Twist puts a playful spin on Valentine’s Day with several themed events from February 13-15. Pick one of their romantic painting options and create art together. Other Fort Collins art galleries like Blue Moose Gallery and Smokestack Pottery host pop-up events with a romantic theme as well!

Go to a Show

For a fun evening out, catch a live show in Fort Collins! Enjoy some belly laughs at a stand-up comedy show at The Comedy Fort or go for something a bit more formal with a performance at the Lincoln Center. Fort Collins is also home to several world-class concert venues, including The Aggie, Washington's, and the Armory. Check the concert schedules and plan a night of great live music. End Valentine's Day on a high note and soak up the moment together!

Stay For the Weekend

 

Make it a full Valentine’s weekend by booking a stay with Mountain Time Vacation Rentals. Location is everything—and our Fort Collins rentals put you close to Old Town, top restaurants, live music, and all the seasonal fun happening around Northern Colorado. From cozy condos for two to spacious homes with hot tubs, fireplaces, and full kitchens, you’ll find the perfect place to relax and unwind together.

Browse our Northern Colorado vacation rentals and start planning your Valentine's weekend getaway!

Posted on 01/13/2026