This past year has seen most of us spending our time in one of two extremes due to the
coronavirus pandemic. With work, school, and social activities transferring to remote
formats and platforms, many of us have been confined to our homes, curled up indoors.
Our home internet has served as our source of connection to the rest of the world.
On the other hand, the great outdoors has provided a refuge and literal breath of fresh air
to allow us to get outside, exercise, and change up the routine from the confines of home.
This summer we get to revel in the best of both worlds. With everything starting to open up
again, we can once again meet friends, eat, drink, and dance outside. Summer could not
be a better season to celebrate. And in Fort Collins, this summer of 2021 promises a host
of fun, family-friendly, and unusual activities.
Let’s take a look at 4 of the best outdoor activities for summer 2021 in Fort Collins below.
1. Go For A Run
The Estes Park Marathon is back and better than ever this year. Fun fact: this gorgeous
run was ranked one of the top 7 most scenic half marathons in the US by Forbes, and it’s
no wonder. Alongside hundreds of other runners and walkers, you will traverse stunning
scenery, with amazing views of the Rocky Mountains all along the route.
The run is open to all, so anyone can register, seasoned athletes and beginners alike. For
experienced runners, there is also a full marathon, and a mini course for kids. The Estes
Park Marathon is part of the Colorado Mountain Half Marathon Series, so you can register
for all three runs as well.
2. Paddle Your Cares Away
If the open water calls to you and you love the idea of spending a sunny day paddling your
way around on a kayak, paddle board, or canoe, then check out the Horsetooth Reservoir.
A man made reservoir created in 1933 to help solve the drought crisis in the Poudre Valley,
you won’t find any waves or tricky currents to navigate here. The reservoir offers tranquil
water, the perfect way to unwind outside. It should be no wonder, then, that according to
Native American legend, this area was called the “Valley of Contentment”.
You can also rent boats for the day at the Inlet Bay Marina if you prefer a less manual
approach. Pack a picnic (and plenty of sunscreen!) and spend the day drifting on calm
waters. Or bring your tent and camp here for the weekend. The reservoir also offers hiking
trails, horseback riding, and mountain biking routes.
3. Get Festive
After a hiatus during the uncertainty and difficulty of last year, Colorado festivals are back
this summer. Music lovers can rejoice; Taste of Fort Collins festival is back this year to
celebrate its 25th anniversary in late July, featuring headliners Nelly and Spin Doctors.
Local breweries will be offering craft beers on tap to festival attendees, you can shop
around from among Northern Colorado’s best artisan products, and the best of Fort
Collins’s food trucks and vendors will be there too.
Then in mid-August, head to Bohemian Nights New West Fest. Bohemian Nights is a
festival that seeks to celebrate Fort Collins as a city of music. The lineup of this free music
fest showcases the best of local Coloradan new, established, and emerging musicians and
singer/songwriters. This year Bohemian Nights is set to offer a scaled-back, Covid-safe
version of the usual festival. But it will continue to present Thursday Night Live, a weekly
series of free summer concerts held in Fort Collins every Thursday. This year the
Thursday concerts will move from Old Town Square to New Belgium Brewing.
4. Let The Music Play
Fort Collins truly is a music city. All summer long, five nights each week, you can find free
outdoor summer concerts. We’ve already mentioned Thursday Night Live presented by
Bohemian Nights. But beyond that, you have got a wide range of options to choose from.
The FoCoMX Drive and Jive is the newest offering from among the bunch. This socially
distanced concert series will take place at the legendary Holiday Twin Drive-In Theater,
where audience members will watch live music on the big screen from the safety of their
cars. Think drive-in movie meets live show. Every Tuesday you’ll be able to see live shows
from NoCo bands projected large on the big screen. Sample foods from the local food
vendors and make a fun evening of it. The shows are free for all to attend.
Nearly twenty years old, the Lagoon Concert Series provides Wednesday evening’s
entertainment. Bring your blanket and lawn chairs and set up your spot at the Colorado
State University Lagoon. Free and open to all, the weekly concert series features local
bands and a warm community atmosphere. Plus you can stick around for outdoor movie
screenings at CSU Stadium after the concert ends.
For families with kids seeking a fun, friendly, inclusive, and educational activity, head to the
Lincoln Center lawn for the annual Children’s Summer Series. The Lincoln Center presents
everything from theater and dance performances to live concerts to magic shows. You can
expect top notch performances in every genre as well; so whether your kids are fans of
jazz, rock and roll, classical, or country music, there will be a show for you.
Outside All Summer Long
Besides the official cultural and sports events presented by the Fort Collins community this
summer, you can always take advantage of the natural beauty that makes Fort Collins
such a sought-after destination. Hike in the mountains, cycle around lakes, go rafting on
rivers, and explore unique canyons and rock formations. There is an endless amount of
things to see and do here in Fort Collins this summer. With so many free, fun, and family-
friendly activities in Fort Collins, we bet you will be hanging out outside all summer long.
We will hopefully see you around at one of the great events Fort Collins puts together every summer!