Downtown Fort Collins showcased its variety of passionate artists and hardworking business owners at this month’s First Friday Art Walk. The event, held on the first Friday of each month, consists of a self-guided tour through stores and other businesses in the downtown area.

This month’s art walk, held Oct. 3, brought together different kinds of artists for a celebration of community creativity.

Entering Old Town, it’s easy to notice the crowds wandering around the area freely. This was made possible by Linden Street going car-free for the night. The stretch was separated from the roads to hold a block party, complete with live music, vendors and places to sit to watch the action.

The street also featured ramps and obstacles for the night, thanks to a pop-up by Launch Skate. A lack of skate experience didn’t deter visitors, as Launch provided lessons to anyone interested from 5-7 p.m. Launch also handed out loaner boards and safety wear for those with interest in participating. The pop-up park then hosted an open skate from 7-9 p.m., encouraging those who were less inclined to hop on a board to watch the excitement.

While crowds gathered to see the electrifying music groups and skaters, the street-side art vendors began to set up. One such vendor named Nature was selling landscape, seascape and animal paintings. Nature said that First Friday is “a special thing” to him and all of the other artists involved.

“I just really enjoy being able to promote what’s going on in Fort Collins when it comes to the art community and (engage) with people that are trying to create some income from their creative ideas.” -Linda Roth, Walnut Creek owner

The tables of work from individual artists are as much a part of the First Friday experience as the businesses around them. The walk offers a rare opportunity to connect with local artists and hear their stories.

Old Town Square hosted its own pop-up with the nonprofit NoCo Swing Dance and its dance group Horsetooth Hoppers, known for their performances at events like the 1940’s Ball, All That Glitters New Years Eve Ball and the Wild Asparagus Ball. Afterward, NoCo Swing Dance provided a free introductory swing lesson that was followed by an open dance floor until 8 p.m.

For attendees, the highlight of First Friday evenings is often the self-guided tour through participating businesses, one such being Trimble Court Artisans’ gallery. Artist Teddi Parker made an appearance at the gallery.

Known for her paintings of both still and moving life with a focus on color and brush strokes, Parker has been living in Fort Collins for around 20 years and consistently participates in First Friday.

“I want to say I’m a fair-weather art walker, but that’s not true,” Parker said about the tradition of First Friday. “Even when we had babies, we just bundled them up and went out in the winter. The people are fantastic, … (and) the city’s big enough to have tons of artists doing cool things, so I’m inspired by the creativity every time.”

Although First Friday is powered by the returning artists and visitors, there is always room for new members of the community to join in. Even without knowledge of the event, one can find joy in its activities.

CSU students Violet Balestrieri and Alex Benitez noticed the crowd but said they didn’t realize it was part of the art walk. Even though the two psychology majors don’t consider themselves artists, they still recognized the event’s appeal.

The weather that night may have been perfect, but there was certainly no lack of indoor hang out spots around Old Town. One place to relax and meet other visitors was CC’s Flowers. This modern shop shows off fresh arrangements daily and features a wine bar in the back.

Musicians Amy Harron and Jason Hicks also joined forces to perform a mix of bluegrass and country songs for spectators sipping wine and enjoying the store’s features.

First Fridays’ beloved traditions are maintained by the dedicated people and businesses that return year after year. Walnut Creek, located on Walnut Street, is one of them.

“I just really enjoy being able to promote what’s going on in Fort Collins when it comes to the art community and (engage) with people that are trying to create some income from their creative ideas,” said Linda Roth, Walnut Creek owner.

Reach Maiya Kreamer at entertainment@collegian.com or on social media @RMCollegian.