Back To Previous PageThe arrival of May means summer is just around the corner, which marks the start of our favorite outdoor events and happenings. This month, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Fort Collins, no matter your age or favorite hobby. Keep reading to take note of all the exciting events happening this May, and mark your calendar so you don't miss out on any of the fun!
Art Week
Unleash your artistic side and celebrate all things art at this year's Art Week, happening May 3rd-12th! During Art Week, the lively arts and culture scene in Fort Collins will come alive! From experiencing vibrant, year-round public art to enjoying collectible and shareable art, uncovering hidden art, and unleashing your inner artist, downtown will be bursting with creativity.
The Trolley Opening for its 40th Year
The Fort Collins trolley opening for the season is special every year - but this year is extra special, as they are celebrating their 40th Anniversary! Opening day is Saturday, May 4th. We can't wait to see you out there on the tracks!
Meet me at The Mish
It's finally Mish season! The iconic Mishawaka Amphitheatre, or “The Mish,” is a bucket-list venue in the pristine Poudre Canyon. Kick off outdoor concert season starting May 4th, with Deep Medi featuring Mala, Commodo, Sir Spyro, Silkie & Sgt. Pokes. On May 11th, see "Head for the Hills: 18th Annual Pickin' on the Poudre" with Pick & Howl and The Friendly Reminders. From May 24th-26th, don't miss the legendary Kitchen Dwellers as they perform for 3 nights. Finally, on May 31st, you can see Buckethead. We can't wait for the start for another amazing Mish season!
Run your way to the Colorado Marathon
Welcome to the Colorado Marathon, one of the most stunning races in the country, happening on May 5th! This annual marathon is held in the verdant Poudre Canyon, nestled in the picturesque Rocky Mountains, just outside of the beautiful city of Fort Collins. The Colorado Marathon has qualified roughly 16-18% of all Boston qualifiers entrants each year, so this is sure to be an epic race. Visit their website for more information and cheer on the runners!
Masks Fundraiser and Exhibition 20th Anniversary at the Museum of Art
Now through June 7th, don't miss the amazing Masks Fundraiser & Exhibition at the Museum of Art, celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year! Over the past twenty years, there have been 3,500 masks created and over 2 million dollars raised by this extraordinary fundraiser and community art project. Make sure you stop by to enjoy the beautiful masks and support our local arts scene!
The Food Truck Rally is Back!
Everyone's favorite Tuesday night activity, The Food Truck Rally, is back! Starting May 14th and running through September 17th, head to City Park every Tuesday evening from 5:30pm to dusk for live music and the best local food trucks. Grab a bite, listen to tunes, and enjoy the beautiful weather!
2024 Spring Plant Sale at the Gardens on Spring Creek
The Gardens on Spring Creek partner with Colorado State University (CSU) to grow thousands of plants for the annual Spring Plant Sale. This year’s popular event takes place May 18th and 19th at the Gardens on Spring Creek. It’s free to shop, but timed, ticketed admission is required on Saturday; Sunday admissions are valid all day. Reserve tickets in advance.
Odell Small Batch Beer & Wine Weekend
Odell Brewing Co is mixing things up this year and celebrating Small Batch all weekend long with no cover, from Saturday, May 25th through Monday, May 27th. They will be pouring over 40 different Odell beers including barrel aged brews, sour beers, experimental IPAs, and some favorite small batch brews from the Sloan’s Lake and Five Points Brewhouses, as well as 12 different types of wine. The music lineup will be bigger than ever with 9 bands over 3 days. And yes, they will even have food trucks all weekend long - so get out there and enjoy one of Fort Collins' most iconic annual festivals!
Theater, music and more at the Lincoln Center
There’s no shortage of great performances planned at the Lincoln Center this month, starting with "Swan Lake", performed with a live orchestra, on May 1st. Catch author and comedian David Sedaris on May 2nd, and legendary play "James and the Giant Peach", performing from the 3rd through the 18th. On May 4th, see a super unique paper puppet performance of "Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster". You can view "Signature Concert 5: Resplendent Rachmaninoff" on the 11th. Catch the play "Dance Nation" from May 11th-26th. On May 12th, you can see "Mother’s Day Extravaganza!". Don't miss superstar comedian Pete Davidson performing for two shows on May 16th. Catch Disney classic "Beauty and the Beast" on May 18th. On the 21st, see "Dancing Through Change" and on the 26th, see "Our Little Stars" as well as "CDA Company Showcase". Finally, on May 31st, end the month on a high note with "Just The Way You Are". For tickets and more information, visit their website!
Laughter is the best medicine
May brings plenty of funny to The Comedy Fort to have you giggling all month long. This May's lineup includes performances by Derrick Stroup, Katherine Blanford, "Moms Unhinged!", Ramon Rivas, Cy Amundson, Dustin Nickerson, Sam Tallent, Robert Mac, Kate Willet, and Caitlin Peluffo. To view the entire month's calendar, get more information, and snag tickets, click here!
Rhythms at the Magic Rat
Magic Rat, located in Old Firehouse Alley adjacent to The Elizabeth Hotel in Old Town, offers swinging sounds on tap weekly, from big-name artists to local late-night jam sessions. The new month brings live music with Patrick Dethlefs on the 2nd, High Country Heartbreakers on the 3rd, and Delta Sonics on the 4th. On the 8th, see Songwriters in the Round and on the 10th, catch Crescent City Connection. Seth Bernard & TMule is on the 11th, Graham Good is on the 15th, and Matthew Wilburn Skinner is on the 16th. Catch David Mesquitic Trio on the 17th, Well Chuned on the 18th, Helligoats on the 22nd, and Matt Skinner Band on the 23rd. On the 24th, see Sugar Britches perform, and on the 25th, see Aquiles & The Latin Groove. Finally, Spectrum They caps off the month on the 30th.
Live Music at 830 North
830 North hosts weekly concerts as part of Live Music at Chippers sponsored by Mishawaka Amphitheatre. Workingman’s Wednesdays with Tumbledown Shack returns on May 1 with a free show. On May 2nd, enjoy Jackson Stokes Band, and on the 4th, catch The Yellow Brick Road Dance Tour: Road to Dancefestopia. May 5th is Karaoke Night, May 9th is Nick Nasty and special guests, and May 10th is Delilah West. Jellyfish Farm and Space Force are playing on the 11th, and see a free "Bass n Bowl" show with Inertia, Beauv, and Grim Mafia on the 15th. Don't miss Zeeceekeely with Ghost.Wav and the Syrup on the 16th, as well as Uncle Jesse's Blues Skillet with Waido Experience on the 17th. Catch No Fauna, Feed Lot, and Paintings of Decay on the 18th, and then see Mickey Avalon on the 19th. On the 22nd, see a free "FoCo Funkjam" show with Caleb D'Aleo and friends, and on the 26th, sing your heart out at another Karaoke Night. On the 29th, catch Dozey Dubs with Smoke Signals, then on the 30th, see "Dog Log: A Tribute to Phish". Finally, on the 31st, don't miss Toni Romiti.
See you at the Sundance
Along with dance lessons, bingo, open mic nights and family nights, Sundance Steakhouse & Saloon hosts live acoustic performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Brett Hendrix takes the stage on the 3rd, and Owl Canyon Outlaws perform on the 4th. See Kelsey Jo & the Wildcards on the 10th and 11th, and then catch Eric Golden on the 17th. The Country Music Project will be happening on the 18th, and Josh Ward will be on the 24th.
Rock out at the Aggie
The historic Aggie Theatre, a live music institution in Fort Collins for over 100 years, plays host to 20-plus shows this month. The Aggie is bursting at the seams with live music throughout the month of May, beginning on the 2nd with An Evening with Start Making Sense: Talking Heads Tribute. On the 3rd, catch Latin Night: Cinco De Mayo Party ft DJ Javi, and then on the 4th, see Fort Carnage ft Abrams, As We Rise, Cure for Color’s, Plastik Mystik, and Reason for Concern. Candy is performing live on the 4th, and Mannequin P*ssy is on the 5th. On the 9th, see Alvvays with Horse Jumper of Love, and on the 10th, see Octave Cat with Not Cool. Catch Double Wide: 90's Country Party with Ain't from Here: Slim & Remy on the 11th, late night drive home with Pleasure Pill and Lady Denim on the 14th, and the Big Bubble Rave on the 17th. School of Rock Equinox Fest is happening on the 18th and 19th, and Madball with Time X Heist and Copper Teeth is on the 22nd. On the 23rd, don't miss Havok with Exmortus, Draghoria, and Last Word, and then on the 24th, see The Buttertones with The Hayds and Sex Wacks. Catch the B*tch Flower Album Release with The Crooked Rugs and Los Toms on the 25th, TX2 on the 27th, Cedric Burnside with Matthew Wilburn Skinner on the 30th, and finally Ash Redhorse & The Midnight Suns with Cactus Cat and The Athletics on the 31st.
Wicked Good Times at Washington's
Washington’s, a historic 900-person venue in Old Town Fort Collins, hosts big names all month long. May music at Washington’s includes That Eighties Band on the 4th as well as Marchfourth on the 8th.
Always Fun at the Armory
The Armory is another amazing music venue located right in the heart of downtown Fort Collins. This month, you can see Tenille Townes on the 2nd, Sean Hayes and Esme Patterson on the 5th, A Tribute to Joni Mitchell on the 11th, and Tim Cook on the 31st.
Movies and so much more at The Lyric
Along with indie film and visual art, see live music performed outdoors at the Lyric Cinema, a Fort Collins staple. Along with screening a wide variety of indie and theatrical films, this creative hub features arcade games, a concession stand and a café and bar. Enjoy karaoke nights, live performances, and more at this venue and theater that is uniquely Fort Collins. Check out their calendar for all their upcoming events!
With all these amazing activities happening this May, you will never get bored in Fort Collins! We will see you out there!
