Back To Previous PageForget just one day focused on love — why not celebrate friendship the whole month of February? In Fort Collins, we like to call it Palentine's! Plan ahead - there are plenty of upcoming events and activities taking place in February that are the perfect way to show your palentine a little love.
Beers with your Pal
Fort Collin is known for beer. With big players in the industry, like New Belgium and Odell, calling Fort Collins home and countless microbreweries throughout town, there is always somewhere to go and something to do. If you're out with your pal on Monday, check out Maxline's evening bingo. Stodgy holds board game nights every Thursday, and Horse & Dragon holds a community potluck the evening of February 1st. If you're just trying to enjoy a cozy night out, Equinox and The Forge have fireplaces and Peculier Ales has a homey taproom.
Thrill of the Chase
Does your friendship thrive on a little light-hearted competition? You definitely need to visit one of Fort Collins' escape rooms! Escape rooms are the perfect way to test any friendship and a perfect way to escape the wintertime chill. The Looking Glass Escape Lounge, located in North Old Town, is a perfect stop to grab a cocktail or appetizer and enjoy a shorter, 30-minute escape room. If you want a longer escape adventure, check out Somewhere Secret (located above Walnut Creek in Old Town), the highest rated escape room in Colorado.
Stargaze Away or Watch Bald Eagles Soar
Looking for a romantic date night that’s a little outside the typical dinner-and-a-movie box? The areas around Fort Collins offer some of the best stargazing hot spots in Colorado and city leaders are working toward dark-sky certification for all the Natural Areas, some of which are among the darkest in the county. Envision snuggling up under a blanket beneath the stars while looking for and hearing about distant planets and galaxies. On Feb. 16, join volunteers from the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society at the Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area. They’ll provide telescopes and their knowledge — you just bring a blanket and a pal. Meet in the parking lot off Carpenter Road at 7 p.m. Free; registration required.
Bald eagles from the north make Fort Collins their winter home. They spend nights in communal roosts in cottonwood trees at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area. Drop-in to visit with the volunteer Master Naturalists who are stationed at the viewing pier Fridays and Saturday afternoons, now through Feb. 24. Learn about the eagles’ natural history and view them through spotting scopes and binoculars. Free, no registration required.
Soak in Some Art at First Friday Art Walk
Bundle up for a self-guided walking tour of some of Fort Collins best art galleries. Multiple galleries display new showings and open their doors for the tour, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 2. While the tour takes place on the first Friday of every month, it’s especially fun to wander through Old Town when the trees are still lit up and sparkling with festive holiday lights, and since the lights come down mid month, this is your last chance for awhile. And don't forget to stop by the Visit Fort Collins stop on the Art Walk. We are located at 1 Old Town Square, Suite 107. To see a map of the participating galleries, visit Downtown Fort Collins' Art Walk page.
Love Live Music
Did you know Fort Collins is nationally recognized as a hot spot for creative music and talented new musicians? Add a live music show to your calendar this month. If you haven’t checked out Washington’s, now is the time. February’s lineup is stellar and includes 4 shows, highlighted by a performance on Feb. 8 by Lettuce. Take a look at Washington's concert calendar to see all the upcoming shows.
The Aggie Theatre has a boatload of shows coming up in February, highlighted by RJD2 (Feb. 8), Minnesota (Feb. 15), SABAI (Feb. 16), and Little Stranger & DENM (Feb. 29).
The very refined-yet-offbeat Magic Rat Live Music, located inside the luxury Elizabeth Hotel in Old Town, hosts big name artists and local late night jam sessions. Eleven free shows are on tap for February. Check out their calendar to see what nights work for you.
Calling All Foodies
If your pal one fancies himself or herself a foodie, check out the Fort Collins Foodie Walk together on Feb. 16. Taking place from 5 to 8 p.m. in Old Town, you can meander into places like Old Town Spice, where they're always happy to great you and showcase their latest creation. Or swing into Happy Lucky’s Teahouse, which features the largest tea selection in the state. Visit the Foodie Walk's page for the scoop on each participant and what they’re offering at February’s event.
Candlelit History at the Avery House
Do you and your pal love history and architecture? Join the Poudre Landmarks Foundation for a candlelit Valentine-themed tour of the historic 1879 Avery House in Old Town Fort Collins. The tour goes through the historic house, which was constructed by Franklin Avery, Fort Collins' surveyor, and focuses on the history of Saint Valentine and Valentine's Day traditions. The evening tours are one-hour long and available on Saturday, February 10th. Tickets can be purchased on Poudre Landmarks Foundation's website. Participants will be treated to decadent hot cocoa, gourmet chocolate and a flower.
