Back To Previous PagePlanning to spend your spring break in Fort Collins? Let us be your inspiration! Whether you are looking for an eventful staycation with the family or a unique outdoor getaway, Fort Collins is the ideal destination for your spring break. Check out this guide for exciting activities in Fort Collins this spring season.
Outdoor Activities
Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, or climbing, enjoy the beautiful springtime weather and experience Fort Collins outdoors. Our wide range of outdoor recreation and scenic natural landscapes are sure to please people of any age or fitness level.
Bike Your Way Through Fort Collins
Did you know that Fort Collins is one of only five Platinum Level Bicycle-Friendly Communities in the nation? Our 285+ miles of paved and unpaved biking trails, along with bike racks all over town, prove it. The preferred method of transportation in Fort Collins is by bike, and this is evident when you tend to see more bikes out and about than cars during the spring and summer months. Whether you're into road, gravel, or mountain cycling, you are sure to find the perfect trail for your next biking adventure in Fort Collins.
Explore the Poudre River
The Cache la Poudre River Canyon is full of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Score the perfect catch when you try fly fishing in the river - stop by St. Peter's Fly Shop to grab gear or even take a class beforehand. You can also book a guided fishing trip with Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters. Just make sure to follow the rules and regulations regarding fishing the Poudre River - click here to find these along with a useful map. Besides fishing, experience the beauty of Poudre Canyon when you try kayaking, hiking, or camping. Also, make sure you stop by The Mishawaka Amphitheater for a scenic dinner on the river!
Catch a Scenic Sunrise or Sunset at Horsetooth Reservoir
Experience the vibrant hues of pink, blue, purple, and red that often grace the morning and evening skies of Fort Collins. While any spot offers a great view, some prime locations provide a front-row seat to the painted sky. Horsetooth Reservoir, a beloved choice for locals and visitors, offers easy access, excellent overlooks, and reflective waters that mirror the captivating colors. Multiple paid parking lots surround the reservoir, allowing you to park and immerse yourself in the beauty of the sunrise or sunset. For a rewarding hiking adventure culminating in a breathtaking sky panorama, don't miss the trek to Horsetooth Rock. As the highest overlook spot in the Fort Collins area, it's perfect for enjoying both sunrise and sunset—just ensure you plan according to the specific times.
Eat & Drink
If you're hungry or thirsty, you are in luck in Fort Collins! Our city contains endless options for foodies and liquid arts lovers alike. Make sure you mark your calendar for Great Plates of Downtown Fort Collins, happening March 1st-14th, 2024.
Try a Seasonal Beer at a Local Brewery
Is there anything better than a light, refreshing craft brew on a sunny, spring day in Fort Collins? Check out our fantastic local breweries for their spring seasonals, handcrafted to match their take on spring in Fort Collins, like the seasonal Sippin' Lemonade Sour at Odell Brewing Co. Be sure to check out our brewery event calendar for all spring events, or even learn as you sip when you take a tour at a local brewery.
Appreciate Liquid Arts (Besides Beer!)
If beer isn't your drink of choice, discover our amazing liquid arts scene featuring local wineries, cideries, and distilleries. Try a whiskey or bourbon flight at The Reserve at Old Elk in Old Town, or head over to speakeasy Social for a gourmet cocktail in a classic ambience.
Eat Your Way Through Fort Collins
Wake up happy when you choose to enjoy breakfast or brunch at the city's historic Silver Grille Cafe or legendary Ginger and Baker. Head over to lunch at the outdoor patio at Austin's American Grill or at Avogadro’s Number, which features a variety of vegan and gluten-free options. To cap off your foodie day with a fabulous dinner, try Rare Italian for delicious hand-made cheeses and pasta. If you're looking for a snack, or simply want charcuterie as a meal, head over to The Welsh Rabbit Cheese Shop in Old Town.
Arts & Culture
Whether you are into the arts, music, or just some good window shopping, the wide variety of pastimes in Fort Collins makes this city ideal for every hobby and interest.
Revel in Fort Collins' Public Art
Fort Collins boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene, and the spring season offers a delightful opportunity to immerse yourself in local art amid the beautiful outdoor weather. Art in Public Places provides a self-guided tour that takes you across town, showcasing art created to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the Fort Collins community. Whether you're exploring from north to south or east to west, you'll encounter painted wall murals, transformer boxes, planters, captivating sculptures, and even vibrantly painted Pianos About Town that often resonate with melodies from local passersby. It's a fantastic way to delve into Fort Collins' public art scene while relishing the joys of spring in Colorado. Also, be sure to mark your calendar for Art Week happening downtown May 3rd-10th, 2024!
Catch a Live Concert or Performance
Get a taste of Fort Collins' exciting nightlife and thriving music scene by attending a live show this spring. Head over to the Fort Collins Symphony for exceptional live orchestral music. No matter what genre you are into, catch a concert at Washington's, The Aggie, The Magic Rat, The Sunset Lounge, or The Armory. Also, be sure to mark your calendar for Fort Collins' local music festival FoCoMx - happening downtown April 19th-20th, 2024!
Go On a Spring Shopping Spree
Spring beckons a season of rejuvenation, new beginnings, and the perfect opportunity for some spring cleaning. It's also an ideal time to embark on a shopping adventure to infuse a fresh perspective into your everyday life. Old Town presents a charming array of local, boutique-style shops where you can revamp your wardrobe at unique boutiques, explore culinary possibilities with new spices from The Old Town Spice Shop, or enhance your backyard BBQ experience with tools from The Cupboard. Elevate your style with the latest threads from Akinz and embellish your garden with statues and keepsakes from The Perennial Gardner. Extend your spring shopping spree by exploring Foothills Shopping Center in midtown and Front Range Village in south Fort Collins.
No matter what activity you are searching for this spring break, Fort Collins has it all! For more inspiration, click here for a recommended Fort Collins week-long spring itinerary.
