Summer in Northern Colorado

Summer in Fort Collins sure is sweet! There are so many opportunities for you to get outside, try new things and experience the flare that makes Fort Collins so unique. We highly recommend that you explore Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and Lory State Park for some awesome hiking, mountain biking and water sports during the summer. It can also be fun to venture a little further to experience the majestic beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park and its' hometown of Estes Park. Or a sunny afternoon on the patio is always a treat as well. Here are our top recommendations for summer activities in Fort Collins!

**Garden Sweet | Pick your own!**
Visit Garden Sweet during the summer months for pick-your-own flowers, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. You can enjoy the bounty of your harvest and add a fresh summer-feel to your Fort Collins vacation rental. This is a great family activity and you will be amazed by the selection of flowers!

**Old Town Farmers Market**
The local farmers market is the place to be on Saturday. So head downtown and grab some local farm-raised beef, fresh zucchini or wild mushrooms at the Old Town farmers market and spark up the grill on your patio for a fresh home-cooked meal. And if you need a little afternoon pick-me-up, Butterfly Cafe is just around the corner and perfect for a coffee to go!

**Poudre River Whitewater Park**
The Poudre River Whitewater Park is a section of river that was strategically designed for recreational fun. Most summer days you will find families and children laughing and floating in tubes down this exciting stretch of river. It is also a great place to soak up the sun, have a small picnic and enjoy a beautiful Colorado day!

**Horsetooth Reservoir**
Take a hike or enjoy a scenic drive along Horsetooth Reservoir. You can stop at one of the swim beaches, rent a stand up paddle board or simply soak up the sun and enjoy the views. If you decide to enjoy a hike, Arthur’s Rock in Lory State Park is a great option with scenic views, varied terrain and a great mix of sun/shade. You can see all of our recommended hikes here.

**CSU Flower Trial Garden**
Every year CSU Master Gardeners spend the spring growing and cultivating thousands of flowers for the CSU Trial Garden. After the last freeze (usually at the end of May), the flowers are moved from local greenhouses to the gardens on College and Pitkin. Here you will find a beautiful assortment of unique flowers for your viewing pleasure. Stop to smell the flowers!

**Summer Concerts**
Live music and Fort Collins go together like a beach and sand. Throughout the summer you will have plenty of opportunities to attend large concerts, catch small shows and discover new artists. There is truly something for everyone and we highly encourage you to check out our local events page where you can scout upcoming concerts and plan accordingly!

**CooperSmiths Pub and Brewing**
This historic pub is one of Colorado’s first micro-breweries and continuously provides exceptional experiences. You can visit “Poolside” for a fun evening of pool and beer. Or visit “Pubside” for a delicious sit-down meal. The iconic patio at CooperSmith’s faces the Old Town Square and is the premier people-watching patio of Downtown. Perfect for a warm summer’s day!

**Mishawaka Amphitheater**
People travel from all over the world to experience the magic of the Mishawaka Amphitheater! Located in the Poudre Canyon, about 30 minutes from Downtown Fort Collins, is this fun/funky outdoor amphitheater that hosts shows all summer long. Some even akin this venue to a young Red Rocks Amphitheater!

**Sunset Lounge**
The Sunset Lounge is a rooftop jazz bar with delicious craft cocktails and a seductively lavish ambiance that is perfect for date night. This hidden gem is tucked inside The Elizabeth Hotel and is only accessible through Magic Rat Live Music (see our Winter in FC blog for more info). You will love the views of Downtown and the Foothills at sunset!

**Odell Brewing Company**
There is nothing more Fort Collins than a sunny afternoon at Odell! Grab a bike and head on over to the Odell Tasting Room for a fun and delicious experience. Try a flight or order your favorite straight from the source. You will love their gorgeous outdoor space with patio tables, shade trees and frequent live music. Plus they are pet friendly!

And why stop there? There are tons of breweries to experience around Fort Collins.