Your Ultimate Northern Colorado Weekend Guide

May 16–18, 2025

Northern Colorado is PACKED with things to do this weekend — and honestly, this may be one of the best spring weekends yet. 🌷✨

From foodie walks and live music to outdoor adventures, art shows, family events, and unique date-night experiences, there’s something happening from Fort Collins to Estes Park and everywhere in between.

Whether you’re planning a girls’ day, family outing, romantic weekend, or simply looking for an excuse to get outside, here’s your curated guide to what’s happening around NoCo this weekend.

🍴 Foodie Events & Local Favorites

Fort Collins Foodie Walk™

📅 Friday, May 16 | 5–8 PM
📍 Downtown Fort Collins
💲 Free to Attend

Downtown Fort Collins transforms into a foodie paradise during this self-guided culinary experience featuring local tastings, specialty products, artisan foods, desserts, oils, spices, chocolates, and more.

Participating businesses include:

• Nuance Chocolate
  
  
• Rocky Mountain Olive Oil
  
  
• Old Town Spice Shop
  
  
• Savory Spice
  …and many more.
  
  

🔗 Info:
https://downtownfortcollins.com/events/foodie-walk

Downtown Loveland Foodie Walk: Cinco de Mayo Edition

📅 Sunday, May 18
📍 Downtown Loveland
🎟 Limited Tickets Available

This month’s themed foodie walk celebrates Cinco de Mayo flavors throughout Downtown Loveland with tacos, margaritas, churros, Mexican street corn flatbread, craft beer pairings, and more.

Participating stops include:

• Sky Bear Brewery
  
  
• The Flipside
  
  
• Additional downtown eateries
  
  

🎟 Tickets:
https://downtownloveland.org/events

🎨 Arts, Culture & Live Entertainment

Colorado Governor’s Art Show & Sale

📅 May 16–18
📍 Loveland Museum & Downtown Loveland

One of Colorado’s premier fine art events featuring nationally recognized artists, gallery exhibits, and downtown art experiences.

🔗 Info & Tickets:
https://governorsartshow.org

“Explorations” at Art Center of Estes Park

📅 Through June 8
📍 517 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park
💲 Free

Explore vibrant and layered works from artists Jenifer Cline and John Long featuring oils, abstract pieces, geometric designs, and mixed materials.

🔗 More Info:
https://artcenterofestes.com

Beyond Fear: Public Talk at Bas Bleu Theater

📅 Friday, May 16 | 7–8:30 PM
📍 Bas Bleu Theater | Fort Collins
🎟 Ticketed Event

A thought-provoking evening discussion with Buddhist Nun Gen Kelsang Gomlam focused on mindfulness, fear, and emotional wellness.

🎟 Tickets:
https://meditationincolorado.org

Music at the Mothership – New Belgium Brewing

📅 Friday, May 16 | 5–7 PM
📍 New Belgium Brewing | Fort Collins
💲 Free

Grab a drink and enjoy live music on the lawn at one of Fort Collins’ favorite summer music series.

🎶 This week’s featured band: May Be Fern

🔗 Event Info:
https://www.newbelgium.com/events

🌿 Outdoor Adventures & Spring Activities

Spring Plant Sale

📅 Saturday & Sunday, May 17–18
⏰ 9 AM–5 PM
📍 Gardens on Spring Creek | Fort Collins
🎟 Free Admission | Tickets Required

Shop more than 38,000 plants including:

• annuals
  
  
• perennials
  
  
• herbs
  
  
• vegetables
  
  
• hanging baskets
  
  
• hard-to-find varieties
  
  

Saturday offers the best selection, while Sunday is more relaxed and family-friendly.

🎟 Reserve Tickets:
https://www.fcgov.com/gardensonspringcreek

Starry Sky Soiree

📅 Saturday, May 17 | 9–11 PM
📍 Red Mountain Open Space | Wellington
💲 Free | Registration Encouraged

View galaxies, stars, and planets with the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society during this magical evening under the stars.

🔗 Registration:
https://www.larimer.gov/events

Environmental Film Festival

📅 May 16–17
📍 Historic Park Theatre | Estes Park
🎟 Single-Day & Weekend Passes Available

A powerful weekend of films, conservation conversations, live music, and environmental storytelling benefiting Rocky Mountain Conservancy.

🎟 Tickets:
https://www.epenvironmentalfilmfest.com

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Fun

Kids to Parks Day

📅 Saturday, May 17 | 11 AM–2 PM
📍 North Lake Park | Loveland
💲 Free

A fun-filled day featuring:

• superhero obstacle courses
  
  
• train rides
  
  
• crafts
  
  
• chalk art
  
  
• Legos
  
  
• family games
  
  
• picnic-friendly vibes
  
  

🔗 Event Info:
https://www.lovgov.org

LEGO Build Club

📅 Friday, May 16 | 1:30–3 PM
📍 Old Town Library | Fort Collins
💲 Free

Perfect for elementary-aged kids who love to build, create, and engineer with Legos.

🔗 Library Events:
https://poudrelibraries.org

Let It Go: A Tale of Two Sisters

📅 Saturday, May 17
⏰ 2 PM & 7 PM
📍 Fort Collins
🎟 Tickets Required

A family-friendly stage production inspired by a beloved icy fairytale adventure.

🎟 Tickets:
https://lctix.com

✨ Specialty Experiences & Date Night Ideas

Stanley Hotel Paranormal Tours

📅 Friday & Saturday Evening Tours
📍 Estes Park
🎟 Reservations Recommended

Ghost tours, paranormal investigations, and immersive experiences at Colorado’s iconic Stanley Hotel.

🎟 Reservations:
https://www.stanleyhotel.com/tours

Baby Goat Yoga

📅 Saturday, May 17
📍 Northern Colorado
🎟 Advance Registration Required

A yoga class featuring adorable baby goats? Enough said.

🎟 Reservations:
https://www.eventbrite.com

Pottery Wheel Throwing Experience

📅 Friday, May 16 | 6:30 PM
📍 Loveland
🎟 Registration Required

Get creative during this hands-on pottery workshop perfect for a unique date night or girls’ evening.

🎟 Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com

🛍 Community Events

2026 Spring Shred Event

📅 Saturday, May 17 | 10 AM–2 PM
📍 Forge Campus | Loveland
💲 Free

Safely shred old documents while helping support recycling efforts in the community.

🔗 Event Info:
https://www.lovgov.org

Larimer County Farmers’ Market Opening Weekend

📅 Saturday, May 17 | 9 AM–1 PM
📍 Old Town Fort Collins

Celebrate the 50th season of one of Northern Colorado’s favorite farmers markets featuring local produce, flowers, artisan foods, and handmade goods.

🔗 Market Info:
https://www.larimer.gov/extension/larimer-county-farmers-market

No matter your vibe this weekend — adventurous, artsy, foodie-focused, family-oriented, or laid back — Northern Colorado has something happening worth getting out for.

❤️ Live Local. Love Local. Explore Northern Colorado.