šŸŽ‰ Free Fest, Fresh Brews & River Vibes This Weekend!

Poudre RiverFest is back this Saturday with live music, kids’ activities, local exhibitors, and craft beer—all at New Belgium and all for free.

Celebrate the Poudre: Music, Brews & River Views

Hey there, FoCo,

Looking for something fun and meaningful this weekend? Head to New Belgium Brewing this Saturday, August 9, for Poudre RiverFest, a free, family-friendly celebration of Fort Collins’ beloved Cache la Poudre River. It’s an afternoon full of live local music, hands-on river-themed activities, food trucks, craft beer, and 60+ local exhibitors working to keep Northern Colorado sustainable and thriving.

🧠 Fort Collins Trivia Time

Which Colorado river was the first in the state to be designated a National Wild and Scenic River?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

The Bulletin

Have something meaningful to share with the community? Showcase your business, event, opportunity, or announcement with a growing list of 4,200+ readers.

🌮 Who’s Got the Best Tacos in FoCo?

We’re on a mission to crown FoCo’s top taco spot—from OG taquerĆ­as to bold fusion joints. Vote for your favorite and help settle the salsa-fueled debate once and for all. šŸŒ¶ļø

🧠 Need a brain break?

Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend.

šŸ° Craving: Little Bird Bakeshop

šŸ“ 613 S College Ave

ā° Open daily ā€˜til 3PM

Nestled between Old Town and CSU, Little Bird Bakeshop is a cozy hideaway where everything is made from scratch—pastries, pies, cakes, you name it. Enjoy buttery croissants, cinnamon rolls with orange cream cheese frosting, or a slice of quiche in one of their charming nooks. They’ve even got an espresso bar, tea, and yes—beer and wine too. Perfect for a pastry-and-latte break or a sweet little lunch.

Celebrate the Poudre: Music, Brews & River Views

This festival doesn’t just talk the talk—it flows with purpose. Whether you’re grooving to the bands, getting your hands messy in the Kids Zone, or painting with Pinot’s Palette, you’ll learn how our river supports wildlife, recreation, clean drinking water, and so much more. Come thirsty for knowledge (and beer)!

šŸŽ¶ Live Music Lineup

All performances at New Belgium’s outdoor space!

  • 12:15 PM – Veronica May

  • 1:30 PM – Heart Tribe

  • 2:45 PM – Rosebay

  • 4:00 PM – Johnny & The Mongrels

🌊 What Else You’ll Find

  • River Fun Zone & Poudre River Experience – Educational exhibits and interactive activities

  • Painting Station – Hosted by Pinot’s Palette

  • Kids Zone – Face painting, games, and fun for the littles

  • 60+ Exhibitors – Learn from local nonprofits, community orgs, and eco-friendly businesses

  • Food Trucks + New Belgium Beers – Sip and snack your way through the afternoon

🐟 Why the Poudre Matters

The Cache la Poudre River isn’t just pretty—it’s our lifeline. This river powers recreation, provides drinking water, supports local agriculture, and sustains diverse wildlife. Events like Poudre RiverFest remind us to celebrate it, protect it, and enjoy every ripple.

šŸ—“ What’s Happenin’ in Fort Collins: Event Listings

šŸŽ­ Friday, August 8

šŸŽµ Drake Bell LivešŸ“ 830 North College Avenue | ā° 8:30 PM | šŸŽŸļø Ticketed

šŸŽØ For the Love of StrangersšŸ“ 7 Old Town Square, Suite 100 | ā° 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM | šŸŽŸļø Ticketed

šŸ“… Ren Fest at The Atrium with FunscreenšŸ“ 120 1/2 W Laurel St, Suite B, 120 1/2 W Laurel St | ā° 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM | šŸŽŸļø Ticketed

Saturday, August 9

šŸŽµ CHYL Pretty Race Girl TouršŸ“ 204 S. College Ave | ā° 7:00 PM to 11:55 PM | šŸŽŸļø Ticketed

šŸŽØ CarHop's Pit Stop Party: Free BBQ + Raffle!šŸ“ 1437 E Mulberry St, | ā° 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM | šŸ†“ Free

šŸŽµ RonjoV / Something Slight / Jacob RussošŸ“ 120 1/2 W Laurel St, Suite B, 120 1/2 W Laurel St | ā° 7PM | šŸŽŸļø Ticketed

Sunday, August 10

šŸŽØ Scam Likely Improv ShowšŸ“ 120 S. Mason St. | ā° 7:00 PM | šŸŽŸļø Ticketed

šŸ›ļø The Soulful Exchange: A Market for Makers & MysticsšŸ“ 2721 S. College Ave., Unit 3 | ā° 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM | šŸŽŸļø Ticketed

šŸ“… Scratch & Ride Horseback ExperiencešŸ“ 108 eiger road | ā° 8:30am | šŸŽŸļø Ticketed

Want more? See the full calendar → Fort Collins Event Calendar

Come for the tunes, stay for the river love

Bring your crew, your kiddos, or just your curiosity—and let’s raise a pint to the Poudre! šŸŒŠšŸ»

Answer: āœ… C) Cache la Poudre River

In 1986, the upper stretch of the Cache la Poudre River earned the honor of becoming Colorado’s first National Wild and Scenic River, recognized for its outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values. 🌊

—Your What’s Happenin’ Fort Collins crew šŸ’›

Did you enjoy this post?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Interested in other What’s Happenin’ newsletters?