Make the most of your weekend in Northern Colorado with lively community festivals, outdoor events, and family-friendly activities. There’s never a shortage of things to do and see in the NoCo region, so explore the vibrant food and craft beer scene or catch a live music performance at a local venue.
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Northern Colorado
Northern Colorado has something for every interest, so whether you’re passionate about the serene beauty of the environment or you prefer a whirlwind weekend full of events, markets, festivals and more, check out this list of the best activities happening across NoCo.
Hoedown Hill Country Weekend
Where? 1781 Raindance National Drive
When? September 26th & 27th
This September, Hoedown Hill has gone full volume with two awesome back-to-back music festivals. Two genres across one stage and four nights of live music. What could be better? Whether you consider yourself “Team Boots” or “Band Tees,” there’s something for everyone at this second annual festival. Country Weekend is scheduled for this Friday and Saturday in Windsor, so join the crowd and snag your general admission tickets or grab a two-night pass for $95 plus fees. Friday’s performers are slated to be Duey & Unbroken, Avery Anna and headliner Randy Houser. On Saturday, Parker Gentry, Tyler Rich, Dasha and Chris Lane will take the stage. Enjoy sweeping views of Northern Colorado and sip craft cocktails and cold beer as you enjoy the ultimate festival hangout in NoCo this weekend.
PRFOL Fall Used Book Sale
Where? 4616 South Shields Street
When? September 26th-28th
The Poudre River Friends of the Library are excited to be hosting the Fall Used Book Sale for all NoCo readers! Held at the FRCC Student Center next to Harmony Library, the book sale will feature incredible prices that you have to see to believe. Whether you’re on the hunt for a thrilling mystery or a tale of romance, there’s something for everyone and all proceeds will go towards benefiting Poudre Libraries. Hours for the Used Book Sale will run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Sunday. Shoppers can use credit cards and Apply Pay at the sale and there will be a Members Only Sale Preview on Thursday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with memberships available at the door.
Foothills Makers Hive Market
Where? 215 East Foothills Parkway
When? September 27th
The Makers Hive Market will be held at Foothills this Saturday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Come on out this weekend and show your support for 20+ artisans and businesses on the lawn in front of Cinemark. Enjoy a leisurely stroll on the east lawn, where you’ll find an array of unique goods from talented local artists and small business vendors. After all, it’s never too early to get a jump start on holiday shopping! If the weather looks inclement, the market may move indoors near Victoria’s Secret. Join together with the local community and support your neighbors at this curated market event.
Healthy by Nature Fair
Where? 600 North Sherwood Street
When? September 27th
The Healthy by Nature Fair will be held at the Lee Martinez Park this Saturday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This will be the second annual fair, hosted by Nature and Health Northern Colorado in partnership with CSU Extension and Fort Collins Natural Areas. The fair is free to attend and picnic lunches will be provided. The fair will feature an array of activities, including free Zumba at 2:00 PM, a guided bike tour along the Poudre, hands-on activities and interactive booths. The Northern Colorado Wildlife Center will be bringing some critters for visitors to interact with, as well! Attendees can try VR demos, participate in trivia and even make small nature crafts while they enjoy free bites. Don’t forget to enter to win free prizes, including 10 fishing licenses, that are up for grabs!
Autumn Whirl Dance Festival
Where? 1200 Raintree Drive
When? September 27th
The Autumn Whirl Dance Festival will be held at the Fort Collins Senior Center. Join in on the fun for a day of workshops and an evening of social dancing featuring a collaboration of over 10+ NoCo dance organizations. Genres of dance featured at the festival include salsa, ballroom, blues, Lindy Hop, country swing, Argentine tango and many more. No partner or experience is required, so everyone is invited and encouraged to give dancing a whirl this weekend! Organizers request that attendees arrive at least a half hour early to park and register. The full workshop schedule can be found here, so make sure to circle the classes that you don’t want to miss! All workshops are both beginner-friendly and structured enough to challenge experienced dancers. Social dancing will begin at 7:00 PM at Prairie Sage and run through midnight in the dance studios. As always, dress to impress!
Oktoberfest and Lederhosen Fun Run
Where? 1078 Ramona Drive
When? September 27th
The Tavern at Red Feather Lakes is excited to invite you to the Oktoberfest festivities this weekend, which includes a Lederhosen Fun Run on Saturday at 1:00 PM. Complete the 3.6 mile course and support the Caring Hearts of Red Feather Lakes Foundation. The foundation was formed to provide area residents and tourists/guests with essential community functions. Whether you’re participating or spectating the Fun Run, make sure to check out the Oktoberfest expo that will be set up in the parking lot of The Tavern. There will be a biergarten (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM), music, games, food and festivities for everyone to enjoy. Dig into beer, brats, pretzels and more! Registration for the race is priced at $38.10, which includes a $3.10 fee. A commemorative mug will be available for the first 50 participants. Fun run registration can be found here.
The Family Center Fiesta 2025
Where? 1209 North College Avenue
When? September 27th
The Family Center Fiesta is celebrating 25+ years in 2025! This lively celebration will feature food, margaritas and plenty of dancing. Attendees will have a multitude of opportunities to support The Family Center. This annual fundraising event will also offer chances to win auctioned prizes and mingle with the local community, families, donors and board members. The fiesta will be held at The Lyric’s Cinema Cafe in Fort Collins from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The lively event will feature delicious Mexican eats and one of the largest silent auctions in Northern Colorado! Tickets are priced at $35 for young professionals under 35 years of age, $55 for general admission and $80 for VIP guests. Tickets can be purchased here.
Elk Fest
Where? 170 MacGregor Avenue
When? September 27th & 28th
Elk Fest in Estes Park is a free festival celebrating the echoes of the wild in the heart of the Rockies! This Saturday and Sunday, enjoy a fun, educational event brimming with wildlife exhibits, Native American music and storytelling, craft vendors, live entertainment and much more. This annual tradition will even feature a bugling contest! Work up a sweat at the 5K Rut Run on Saturday at 8:30 AM, which is open to all ages and abilities. Remember, Elk Fest is typically one of Estes Park’s busiest weekends, so get to know the town’s free and paid parking options so you can get around with ease. Visitors with valid ADA placards can always park for free in any public space or you can hop aboard the town’s free downtown trolley.
7th Annual Last Call Triathlon
Where? 3720 North County Road 11C
When? September 28th
This Sunday, participate in the 7th Annual Last Call Triathlon if you think you have what it takes. Escape to the lake with beautiful mountain views, great weather and family-friendly fun. You can even extend the adventure by camping! Situated on the east side of Loveland and southeast of Fort Collins, this triathlon race is both intimate and uniquely challenging. The course features a one-of-a-kind layout that ensures participants are adequately challenged and that spectators can view several athlete flybys so they can cheer on friends and family. Campground options are available directly on the Boyd Lake State Park website. Parking passes will also be required for the state park.
Fat Tire Sustainable Swap Series
Where? 500 Linden Street
When? September 28th
New Belgium’s Fat Tire Sustainable Swap Series has been a hit event, so don’t miss out on September’s swap this Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM in Fort Collins. When you bring in an item related to this month’s swap, you’ll receive a free Fat Tire! September’s theme is “Book Swap,” so bring in some of those books that are gathering dust on your shelf. Not only can you leave with new-to-you books, you’ll also enjoy a refreshing beer while you mingle with other readers in the community. Stay up-to-date on upcoming swap themes, including October’s costume/clothes swap and November’s decor swap if you want to refresh your home for winter!
Family-Friendly Activities in NoCo This Weekend
Invite the whole family to these weekend celebrations, festivals and hot air balloon launches in Northern Colorado! This weekend is sure to be one for the books with Oktobrewfest in Downtown Greeley (check out the Kid’s World area!) and a fun-filled afternoon at the Bath Garden Center & Nursery celebrating rabbits.
Downtown Greeley Oktobrewfest 2025
Where? Lincoln Park
When? September 26th & 27th
This Friday and Saturday, Greeley is going all out for Oktobrewfest. Hosted in Lincoln Park near downtown, attendees will have a chance to enjoy the flavors and festivities of Germany with local brews, live bands, delicious eats and family-friendly activities. Admission is free and there’s plenty of space to sit back, relax and enjoy the scene. Raise a toast to the changing season with friends and family this fall and don’t forget to bring your stein and lace up your dancing shoes for a fall weekend that you won’t soon forget. Hours run from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Friday and 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Saturday. Treat yourself to VIP tastings and let the kids have a blast in the Kid’s World area, full of age-appropriate activities and games.
International Rabbit Day Celebration
Where? 2000 East Prospect Road
When? September 27th
If you love all things fluffy fun, then you won’t want to miss the International Rabbit Day celebration at Bath Garden Center & Nursery this Saturday. The event is going to be jam-packed with activities for all ages, with fun additions such as a rabbit wool spinning demo and a craft station. From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, embark on a rabbit adventure as you honor your long-eared friends. Little ones will enjoy a special story time reading of Who Ate My Cactus by Nancy Riley and bunny-themed crafts to take home. If you want to hone your green thumb, check out a class on “Rabbit-Resistant Plants,” filled with expert tips and a curated list of plants that coexist peacefully with garden-munching bunny rabbits. There is no registration required or fee to attend this event.
The Great Aardvark Embark Hot Air Balloon Launch
Where? 5401 West 20th Street
When? September 27th
Get ready for The Great Aardvark Embark Hot Air Balloon Launch in Greeley this Saturday from 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM. This early morning tradition is fun for NoCo families and everyone is invited to watch as professional pilots from the Colorado Balloon Club set up, inflate and launch during the 8th annual Embark. No registration is necessary to attend the event and breakfast burritos and coffee will be available for purchase onsite. Parking will be open to the public at 6:00 AM. The number of balloons varies year to year, with an average of 10-12 hot air balloons launching from the Aims campus at the Great Aardvark Embark. Attendees can expect for balloons to be airborne between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM. Read more about what to expect and “Know Before You Go” info here.
