PRINT EDITION

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Have a strong opinion about something happening on campus or in Fort Collins? Want to respond to an article written on The Collegian? Write a Letter to the Editor by following the guidelines here.

Print Edition

Letter to the editor submissions

Have a strong opinion about something happening on campus or in Fort Collins? Want to respond to an article written on The Collegian? Write a Letter to the Editor by following the guidelines here.

Don’t miss out on these venues, bands at 2025 FoCoMX

Ruby Secrest, Arts and Entertainment Editor

April 17, 2025

Collegian | Isabella Trinchero

The time has arrived: The much-awaited annual Fort Collins Music Experiment, most commonly known as FoCoMX, is almost here. For some, the two-day festival is faced head on, embracing the chaos and all that comes with. But for others, an event featuring more than 35 stages and 400 musical talents needs to be met with a little bit more guidance.

FoCoMX kicks off April 18. Events begin at 3 p.m. and run until around 2 a.m., and then the fun starts right where it left off April 19. Saturday’s events will run from 11 a.m. to — once more — just around 2 a.m.

So from one Type A personality to another, here is your Hail Mary of guidance as you plan for what is looking to be a promising, amazing two days in Old Town Fort Collins.

Wolverine Farm Publick House

Wolverine Farm Publick House, located just outside of Fort Collins Old Town on the northeast side, is the perfect start to a long and fun day. The venue is both inside out, with a classic coffee shop menu as well as local brews for those ready to ease in. The musical talents showcased — Lois and the Lantern, Lefevre, Schleicher and Clarendon and Dominique Christina — match that same tune, giving the audience an experience chock-full of R&B, singer-songwriter and, of course, some bluegrass and folk performances. If you’re looking to enjoy some music while drinking a beer with friends, Wolverine Farm will meet that pace.

The Coast

The Coast is for those who want to be close to both the audience and the band. While The Coast is one of the more intimate venues on this list, it makes for excellent shows. Playing to the more alive-and-ready-to-mosh audience, I recommend ending your Friday at The Coast, with local bands like Los Toms, Velvet Daydream and The Crooked Rugs playing psychedelic rock and DRUMNASS at 12:45 a.m., ending the night with an electronic dance music set for those not quite ready to call it a night.

Avogadro’s Number

While often overlooked unless you’re a local, Avogadro’s Number is not a spot to dismiss. If you find yourself needing some food and a drink mid-way through either day, Avogadro’s brings the jam to jam bands, no matter the genre. A Brother’s Fountain, West Side Joe & The Men of Soul, Guerrilla Fanfare Brass Band and Angie Stevens & the Beautiful Wreck will all be performing.

New Belgium Brewing Company

Family friendly and a good time no matter your age, New Belgium Brewing Company will feature a wide variety of genres to what is traditionally a folk and bluegrass venue. New Belgium will be hosting JuiceBox, a funk music band, Kaitlyn Williams, who will showcase pop, The Holler! with a blues rock performance and so many more.

Washington’s

Washington’s is my biggest recommendation for anyone that is 21 or older and wants to have a full-on concert experience. Washington’s is one of the oldest venues in Fort Collins, and this year has an amazing lineup. Some shows to not miss are happening Friday, with Hand Turkey, Horse Bitch and Ritmo Cascabel, and Saturday, with DubSkin, Flobots and Jesus Christ Taxi Driver.

Aggie Theatre

The Aggie Theatre is never overlooked but for good reason, as it is very well known and provides a great time for everyone in attendance. Similar to Washington’s in atmosphere and experience, the Aggie has a great lineup and welcomes all ages. Local musicians who are no stranger to FoCoMX regulars, Elka, Ash Redhorse & The Midnight Suns and Bitchflower are not acts to miss.

No matter where you end up, you’ll meet new people, have an amazing time and be exposed to a new band or genre that you never thought you’d enjoy, and at its core, that is what FoCoMX is all about.

For live updates and content the whole weekend, follow The Collegian on Instagram.

Reach Ruby Secrest at entertainment@collegian.com or on Twitter @CSUCollegian.

About the Contributors

Ruby Secrest, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Ruby Secrest is the editor of the arts and entertainment desk for The Collegian. She is a third-year student at Colorado State University, pursuing a major in journalism and media communication and a minor in film studies. Born and raised in Denver, Secrest has always had a love for fine art and live music. When joining The Collegian in fall 2023 as a writer and photographer, she took a special interest in concert photography, reporting on the live music and local art that takes place in Fort Collins. During her time at The Collegian, Secrest has sought out stories with artists and business owners who have a deep passion for their work and are interested in growth. She has been fortunate to report on local businesses, mural reveals and concerts, such as Odie Leigh, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and last year’s Fort Collins Music Experiment festival. Secrest’s taste in art and music follows a broad range, from Picasso’s Blue Period to the early work of Annie Leibovitz with Rolling Stone magazine and music from Foxygen, Big Thief, Ron Gallo, Frazey Ford and, of course, Bruno Mars. She encourages people to have a guilt-free love of today’s top hits while also buying tickets to shows with an audience of 10. Secrest is grateful for the platform The Collegian gives young reporters and photographers and is excited to take on her new role as the A&E editor. Her goal is to encourage passion within the arts and help grow an environment within the A&E desk where any special interests of the reporters are heard and fostered, just as her mentor did for her.

Isabella Trinchero, Social Media Coordinator

Isabella Trinchero is the social media coordinator for The Collegian, and she’s absolutely thrilled to be part of the team amplifying the student voice at Colorado State University. She is excited to flex her creative muscles by managing The Collegian’s digital presence and crafting content that keeps students informed and engaged. Currently a third-year student at CSU, Trinchero is majoring in graphic design with a minor in business administration. She’s passionate about design and marketing, and she loves combining art and strategy to make social media magic happen. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Trinchero credits her love of creativity to her family and her experience traveling the globe. When she’s not busy making The Collegian’s social feeds shine, she’s likely hanging out with friends, chasing powder on the slopes, experimenting with plant-based dishes and befriending all dogs in her proximity. Trinchero is passionate about making an impact through her work and is stoked to be part of The Collegian‘s team. She’s looking forward to keeping CSU’s digital community lively, connected and cultured.

Comments (0)

When commenting on The Collegian’s website, please be respectful of others and their viewpoints. The Collegian reviews all comments and reserves the right to reject comments from the website. Comments including any of the following will not be accepted. 1. No language attacking a protected group, including slurs or other profane language directed at a person’s race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social class, age, physical or mental disability, ethnicity or nationality. 2. No factually inaccurate information, including misleading statements or incorrect data. 3. No abusive language or harassment of Collegian writers, editors or other commenters. 4. No threatening language that includes but is not limited to language inciting violence against an individual or group of people. 5. No links.

Share your thoughts...

All The Rocky Mountain Collegian Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest