Honoring Memorial Day + What’s Open, Closed & Hoppin’ in FoCo

From remembrance ceremonies to local events and hours you should know, here’s your guide to Memorial Day Weekend in Fort Collins.

Memorial Day Weekend in FoCo: Honor, Reflect, and Celebrate

Hey FoCo,

Memorial Day weekend in Fort Collins is more than just the unofficial start to summer—it’s a time to honor, reflect, and connect. Whether you’re joining the community at Veterans Plaza, soaking in some sound healing, or hopping between breweries, there’s a little something for everyone. We’ve got the need-to-know events, closures, and weekend vibes wrapped up right here.

Let’s dive in. 👇

📣 Fort Collins Poll – Facebook Group for FoCo?

We’re toying with the idea of a What’s Happenin’ Fort Collins Facebook Group for sharing events, photos, fun finds, and local tips.

Would you want in?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

👉 Tap to vote—we’re all ears 👂

🇺🇸 Memorial Day Weekend in Fort Collins: 8 Ways to Reflect, Relax & Rally

Memorial Day Weekend is almost here—and Fort Collins is ready. Whether you’re honoring heroes, chasing adventure, or just looking for a great view with a cold drink, we built this early guide to help you lock in your weekend plans before the rush.

Here are 8 ways to make the most of your three-day weekend in FoCo:

1. Honor & Remember at Veterans Plaza

📍 Sunday, May 25 at 12 PM | Free

The annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Plaza is one of Northern Colorado’s largest tributes to fallen service members. Expect a powerful, respectful gathering filled with community spirit and gratitude.

2. Go Rafting, Hiking, or Camping in the Poudre Canyon

Whitewater rafting season is in full flow—check out Mountain Whitewater or A Wanderlust Adventure for guided trips. Not into rapids? Drive up the canyon, explore a scenic trail like Greyrock or Hewlett Gulch, or book a campsite under the stars.

3. Picnic with a View at Horsetooth

Whether you’re packing lunch or grabbing sandwiches from Yampa or Fiona’s, there’s no better place to spread out a blanket than Horsetooth Reservoir or one of the shady meadows near Arthur’s Rock. Bonus points for waterfall views.

4. Kick Off Summer with the Odell Small Batch Festival

🎶 May 25–26 | Odell Brewing Co.

Odell’s biggest party of the year is back—with 50+ small-batch brews, wines from OBC, live music, food trucks, and all the good vibes. Plan ahead, pace yourself, and bring a crew.

5. Ride the Historic Trolley

📍 Sat–Mon, every 30 minutes from 12–5 PM

Hop aboard the Fort Collins Trolley and take a charming ride down Mountain Ave. Perfect for kids, history buffs, and anyone who loves a good dose of nostalgia.

6. Catch a Movie at the Holiday Twin Drive-In

There’s something magical about watching a movie under the stars—and the Holiday Twin is one of the last of its kind in Colorado. Grab popcorn, pile into the car, and make it a classic summer night.

7. Explore Live Music & Local Events

From Mishawaka’s Sunday Summer Series to the “From Silence, We Rise” sound ritual, Fort Collins is packed with meaningful and fun events all weekend. Check out live sets, pub crawls, art walks, and outdoor activities across town.

8.🍻 Red, White, & Brew Pub Crawl

Raise a glass and toast to the long weekend. This patriotic-themed pub crawl visits some of FoCo’s favorite breweries—festive outfits encouraged.

🏊‍♂️ What’s Open & Closed in FoCo

City offices will be closed Monday, May 26—but here’s what’s still rollin’:

  • OPEN: City Park Pool (11 AM – 6 PM), The Gardens on Spring Creek, City golf courses, and Transfort (holiday service)

  • CLOSED: Rec centers, Museum of Discovery, and all other City offices + parking services

📅 City offices reopen Tuesday, May 27.

Let the three-day weekend begin!

🗓 What’s Happenin’ in Fort Collins: Event Listings

🎭 Wednesday, May 21

🎤 Weekly Open Mic Comedy (recurring Wednesday)📍 Slyce Pizza Co. | 7:00 PM | 🆓 Free

🎶 Live Music Wednesdays (recurring Wednesday) 📍 CooperSmith’s Brewpub | Evening | 🆓 Free

🎲 Bingo Night (recurring Wednesday) 📍 Horsetooth Tavern | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 🆓 Free

🎲 Bingo Night at the Goat (recurring Wednesday) 📍 Gilded Goat Brewing | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🆓 Free

🎥 Wild Card Wednesdays (recurring Wednesday) 📍 The Lyric | 8:00 PM | 🆓 Free

“Simpsons” Trivia Night📍 Peculier Ales | 5:30 PM | 🎟️ Free | Cowabunga! Test your Springfield smarts at this animated trivia showdown.

Alcohol Ink Flowers Art Class📍 Blue Moose Art Gallery | 2:00 PM | 🎟️ $50 | Blend ink and creativity to craft stunning floral works.

Magic Rat Film Showcase📍 The Elizabeth Hotel | 7:00 PM | 🎟️ $10 | Support local indie filmmakers with this curated short film night.

Thursday, May 22

🧠 Thursday Night Trivia (recurring Thursday) 📍 Jessup Farm Barrel House | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | 🆓 Free

👻 Haunted Pub Tour (recurring Thursday) 📍 Old Town Square | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | 🎟️ $22

🎶 The Positive Spin: Vinyl Night (recurring Thursday)📍 Mobb Mountain Distillers | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🆓 Free

💃 Contemporary Dance Class (recurring Thursday) 📍 The Movement Apothecary | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 🎟️ Donation-based

🎶 Open Bluegrass Jams (recurring Thursday) 📍 Horsetooth Tavern | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 🆓 Free

Campfire Sessions w/ Elise Wunder📍 Riverside Colorado | 7:00 PM | 🎟️ $18 | Live tunes in the canyon, under the stars—does it get more Colorado?

Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen📍 1209 N College Ave | 8:45 PM | 🎟️ $26 | Epic string renditions of Queen hits, by candlelight. Yes, really.

Drag Pop!📍 The Coast | 7:30 PM | 🎟️ $12.88 |Bold, bright, and fabulous—get loud for a night of drag and dance.

Textile Show & Tell📍 Avenir Museum | 5:30 PM | 🎟️ Free | Share your stitches and see rare fabric finds in this community showcase.

Trivia Night @ OBC📍 OBC Wine Project | 6:00 PM | 🎟️ Free | Bring your wine-loving brainpower for an evening of vino and victory.

Sushi Cooking Class📍 Farm Fusion | 5:00 PM | 🎟️ $95 | Learn to roll like a pro at this hands-on sushi class in the countryside.

🇺🇸 Honor, Reflect, and Celebrate

Whatever your weekend holds, take a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate. Here’s to honoring those who served—and enjoying the community they helped make possible.

—Your What’s Happenin’ Fort Collins crew 💛

Did you enjoy this post?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Interested in other What’s Happenin’ newsletters?