If there is one thing Fort Collins is known for, it’s festivals. These events draw thousands each summer and are great ways to meet new people, find new local businesses and discover what Fort Collins truly has to offer. Due to limited parking space, carpooling or public transportation are recommended. Remember, this is summer in Colorado, so hydration will be very important. Since all of these include alcohol, please have fun responsibly.
If you are staying here for the summer or you are new to Fort Collins, here are three local festivals that you should consider checking out while school is out:
Taste of Fort Collins
Date: June 10-12
Cost: $5 before 3 p.m., $10 after 3 p.m.
Taste of Fort Collins is simply a blast. Food trucks will line the streets along Civic Center Park in Old Town, so it is a great opportunity to find your new favorite place to eat. Local art and merchant booths are also available, so you can get your shopping on.
Music is another thing The Taste has to offer. Three bands will headline each night of the festival, ranging from local, Colorado-based bands to huge rock stars. In the past, bands such as AWOLNATION and Smash Mouth have performed. According to The Taste website, The Wombats will kick off The Taste at 7:15 p.m. Friday, June 10. Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue will follow Saturday and Allen Stone will end the festival Sunday.
Colorado Brewers’ Festival
Date: June 25-26
Cost: Free admission
Discover one of the things that Colorado is known for: beer.
This is one that is obviously geared towards the older crowds but everyone is welcome. The Colorado Brewers’ Festival will get crowds acquainted with Colorado beer and local breweries. According to the Downtown Fort Collins website, over 50 different Colorado beers will be available for tasting. Hundreds of Colorado breweries will be there. A tasting package is required to be purchased to take part in beer tastings.
Not 21 or older yet? Food trucks, vendors and live music also will occupy the streets of Old Town, so it will still be a fun time for any age.
Bohemian Nights at New West Fest
Date: August 12-14
Cost: Free admission
This three-day music festival is perhaps the most popular Fort Collins festival, and for good reason. Vendors, food, and activities are the name of the game at this large festival that will take place in Old Town. Thousands will gather of the course of three days to see local Colorado lineups as well as three main headliners.
There is also a family-centered Kids’ Music Adventure for those with families. In the past, bands such as The Flobots and The Steve Miller Band have performed. The lineup for this year will be announced as the festival approaches, so stay tuned. New West Fest is a must-see for anyone who is new to Fort Collins.
Collegian Reporter Megan Hanner can be reached at entertainment@collegian.com.
