Our Favorite Local Events in Fort Collins and Northern Colorado

Plan your trip to Northern Colorado

Annual Events near Fort Collins, CO

Attending these annual events is a great way to experience the culture and atmosphere of Fort Collins and the surrounding areas. Mark your calendar and plan ahead to attend and experience these exciting local events in Northern Colorado!

Sundance FilM Festival

January 21 - 31, 2027

The Sundance Film Festival is one of the world's premier independent film festivals, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and movie enthusiasts to celebrate new and emerging voices in cinema. Beginning in 2027, the festival will be held in Boulder, where visitors can attend screenings, panel discussions, filmmaker events, and special premieres. The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience groundbreaking films and the creative energy of the independent film community.

Sweetheart Festival

February 12 - 13, 2027

Known as the nation's Sweetheart City, Loveland celebrates Valentine's season with the annual Sweetheart Festival in downtown Loveland. The event features live entertainment, local vendors, themed activities, and plenty of opportunities to embrace the city's romantic charm. Whether you're visiting with a partner, friends, or family, it's a fun winter tradition that brings the community together each February. 

Great Plates of Downtown

March 1 - 14, 2026

Great Plates of Downtown is an annual event where a wide variety of local Fort Collins restaurants offer special prix fixe menus at affordable prices, inviting locals and visitors alike to indulge in a diverse array of flavors and cuisines. This fun 2-week-long annual event is a great way to honoring Fort Collins' local chefs, servers, and restaurant workers, but it also supports those in need by benefiting the Food Bank for Larimer County. 

Horsetooth Half Marathon

April 18, 2027

Run from Hughes Stadium (the former home of the CSU Rams) to New Belgium Brewery and enjoy a scenic running journey along the Foothills. The course ends with a party atmosphere as runners charge down the Poudre River Recreation Trail. The Horsetooth Half Marathon is a challenging yet surprisingly fast course, with stunning views that are worth training for! This half marathon is suitable for all types of runners, especially thanks to the net loss in elevation. 

FOCOMX Music Festival

April 24 - 25, 2026

This fun two-day music festival features a diverse lineup of 400 Colorado bands and musicians from all genres. Check out your favorite bands and explore new artists at 35+ indoor and outdoor venues across Downtown Fort Collins. FOCOMX is a great Fort Collins event that celebrates the diversity of music and sound! The lineup is typically announced in mid-March, and ticket prices vary depending on when you purchase.

Learn more about FoCoMX

Colorado Marathon - Full, Half, 10K, 5K

May 2, 2027

The Colorado Marathon is an annual event that takes place in Fort Collins, CO. It is highly regarded as one of the most scenic courses in the country, with the majority of the race taking place in the vibrant Poudre Canyon (just outside Fort Collins), where runners can take in the incredible canyons walls and rushing Poudre River. This race sells out quickly every year!

Bluegrass & Brews Festival

June 5 - 6, 2026

The Bluegrass & Brews Festival is an annual event held in Loveland, CO, featuring a mix of live bluegrass music, regional craft breweries, food vendors, and local artisans. The festival attracts visitors from across Northern Colorado and provides a relaxed outdoor setting to enjoy live entertainment, local beverages, and community gathering. It's a popular summer event and a great way to experience Loveland's local culture.

PBR | Bulls and Beats

July 10 - 12, 2026

The PBR Bulls & Beats event brings three days of professional bull riding, rodeo action, and live country music to Canvas Stadium at Colorado State University. The weekend will feature the Collegiate All-Star Rodeo and headline performances from country music stars Brad Paisley, Bailey Zimmerman, and Miranda Lambert. With world-class competition and live entertainment all in one venue, it's shaping up to be one of Northern Colorado's biggest summer events!

Cheyenne Frontier Days

July 17 - 26, 2026

Cheyenne Frontier Days is the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration, drawing visitors each summer for thrilling rodeo competitions, major country concerts, parades, and family-friendly events. Known as the “Daddy of ’em All,” this iconic Wyoming tradition blends authentic cowboy culture with high-energy entertainment for an unforgettable experience set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in Cheyenne, WY.

FoCo Fondo Ride

July 17 - 19, 2026

FoCo Fondo is an annual cycling event that caters to gravel cyclists of all skill levels. Whether you're an avid bike racer, or you just enjoy bike culture and all-day parties with great people, the FoCo Fondo is your adventure. Participants embark on a scenic journey through the picturesque landscapes surrounding Fort Collins! Their slogan is "Not Yer Grandaddy's Fondo," so you know it's going to be a good time!

Larimer County Fair & Rodeo

July 31 - August 4, 2026

A cherished Northern Colorado tradition offering family-friendly fun! The Larimer County Fair and Rodeo offers a wide array of carnival rides, fair food, and exciting rodeo events paired with live music and interactive exhibits. Held at the Ranch Events Complex in Loveland, CO, this even is the perfect summertime activity!

Sculpture in the Park 

August 7 - 9, 2026

Each summer, Benson Sculpture Garden hosts one of the nation's largest outdoor sculpture shows and sales events. Featuring work from artists across the country, visitors can browse and purchase original sculptures while exploring the garden's scenic pathways. The event draws collectors, artists, and art lovers alike, making it one of Loveland's most anticipated annual traditions.

Poudre River Fest

August 8, 2026

A free, family friendly event that celebrates the Poudre River as an important natural resource in our community. Held at New Belgium Brewing Company in Old Town Fort Collins, come enjoy hands-on educational activities, live music, dancing, food and beer! The Poudre River Fest is a favorite event for locals and visitors each summer!

Fort Collins Peach Festival

August 15, 2026

A fun family event that takes places at the Holiday Twin Drive-In. It is a fundraiser for the local food bank and involves live music, food vendors, and entertainment. Goes perfectly with a day on the water!

Tour de Fat

August 29, 2026

The New Belgium Tour de Fat of the most iconic events of the year! Join the costumed bike parade, followed by a party at New Belgium Brewing with live music, entertainment, contests, and games. Tour de Fat raises money for a great cause, while encouraging festival attendees to get a little silly and enjoy a cold beer! This annual event put on by New Belgium is definitely worth the trip! 

Taste of Fort Collins

September 26 - 27, 2026

This two-day festival held in Washington Park is a community event that involves food from local restaurants, entertainment from acclaimed musicians & an eclectic display of fine artisans work. Typically held in June each year, the festival organizers have shifted it to September this year. You can still expect delicious food, live music, and buzzing community energy, but with cooler weather and an even better experience. Taste of Fort Collins is tons of fun for the whole family! 

Tour de Corgi

October 3, 2026

Bring your favorite Corgi or simply head to Old Town for a cup of joe and some good ol' wholesome fun. The annual Tour de Corgi is a corgi meetup, a corgi costume contest, and a parade of corgis through Downtown Fort Collins - there are corgis everywhere you look! A Fort Collins classic for dog lovers, benefitting 4 Paws Pet Pantry, Colorado Corgis and Friends Rescue, and Bandits K9 Care.

Fort Collins Weekly Seasonal Events

MONTHLY Events in Fort Collins, co

These recurring monthly events are a great opportunity to discover the small businesses that make Fort Collins such an amazing place to live, work and play. Support local all year long! 

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN FORT COLLINS?

This event calendar is updated and hosted by Visit Fort Collins.