As the crisp air settles in and the leaves transform into a dazzling array of colors, Fort Collins becomes a vibrant playground for autumn enthusiasts. The city is brimming with activities that celebrate the season's beauty and spirit. Here’s a curated list of must-do fall activities in Fort Collins that will help you make the most of this time of year.
1. Experience the flavors of the season with an Old Town Food Tour
Old Town Food Tour brings you to 5 locations throughout downtown Fort Collins where you can try different cuisines and flavors, from hot sauce at The Hot Sauce Realm, steak bites from The Still Whiskey Steaks, pizza from Slyce Pizza, and more.
Plus keep an eye out for details on our Holiday Lighting Ceremony Progressive Food Tour, with tickets going on sale in October.
Purchase your tickets for your reservation now by clicking here.
2. Explore the Autumn Trails
Fort Collins is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, and fall is the perfect time to explore them. Head to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space for stunning panoramic views of the changing foliage. The trails here offer a range of difficulty levels, so whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, you’ll find something to suit your needs.
For a more relaxed experience, stroll along the Cache La Poudre River Trail. This flat, scenic trail provides lovely views of the river and the fall colors reflecting on the water.
3. Visit a Northern Colorado Pumpkin Patch
No fall is complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch! The Bartels Pumpkin Patch hosts a fantastic pumpkin patch where you can pick out the perfect pumpkin, enjoy hayrides, and let the kids explore the corn maze. It's an ideal way to spend a crisp autumn day with the family.
Colorado Youth Outdoors will hold their annual Pick Your Own Pumpkin event on October 11th and 12th. Their tractor will deliver you to and from CYO’s pumpkin patch to pick your own. They'll have family fall portrait opportunities, hot cider and more. Suggested donation towards this fantastic program for kids is $5.
4. Savor Seasonal Brews and Ciders
Fort Collins is renowned for its craft beer scene which thrive on the flavors of the season, plus there's nothing better than having a pint of cider from our friends at Locust Cider! If you're looking for a seasonal flavor beer, there are plenty of craft breweries to choose from including Konstruct Brewing, Hello Brew, and Verboten, just to name a few.
5. Celebrate the season with Downtown Fort Collins Festivities
Fort Collins knows how to celebrate the season in style. The annual Tour De Corgi returns on Saturday, October 5, and is a Corgi meet-up and parade through Old Town Fort Collins. The First Friday Art Walk continues through the season and it's free for you to see everything our local artists have created.
When you have kids in your home, Treatsylvania at The Farm at Lee Martinez Park is a non-spooky Halloween event for children to stroll down Trick or Treat Street to collect candy. Treatsylvania is a first-come/first-served event and tickets for the event go on sale on October 2.
For the adults, buy your tickets to the 4th Annual Boo Crawl, which is on Saturday, October 26 this year. This is the Halloween event of the year, complete with killer costumes, wicked drink specials, and an After Party at The Exchange with FREE games and a haunted VR experience!
Don't forget the holiday lights will shine bright in Old Town with the Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 1! The event runs from 5:30 - 7PM, with the lights being turned on around 6:30PM.
6. Take a Scenic Drive
For a leisurely way to soak in the fall colors, take a scenic drive through the Poudre Canyon. The drive offers stunning vistas of the changing leaves and rugged terrain, and it’s a great way to see the natural beauty of the region from the comfort of your car.
7. Relax at a coffee shop
As the temperatures drop, there’s nothing better than warming up at a locally owned coffee shop. Fort Collins boasts numerous charming coffee shops where you can enjoy a hot drink and relax. Bread Fellow, located on Linden downtown, is a perfect spot to warm up on a cool day (plus they serve cocktails as well!). Bean Cycle Roasters, Lima Coffee Roasters, and Starry Night Cafe are also local favorites who give a comfortable spot to meet with friends while serving amazing coffee.
Fort Collins in the fall is a treasure trove of activities and experiences, from outdoor adventures to cultural events. Whether you’re hiking through colorful trails, enjoying seasonal brews, or celebrating Halloween, the city offers something for everyone. So, grab your cozy sweater, embrace the crisp air, and get ready to make the most of autumn in our amazing city!