Let’s Get Botanical 🌼 + Memorial Day Plans Inside

FoCo’s in full bloom—and we’ve got trails, gardens, and wildflowers waiting for you. Plus: your weekend plans, sorted.

Author

What's Happenin' Team
May 23, 2025

🌸 Your Fort Collins Floral Friday + Long Weekend Vibes

Hey FoCo,

Happy Memorial Day Weekend, FoCo!

Before the grills fire up and the river tubes hit the water, we wanted to make sure you had something fresh and floral to explore. From wildflower hikes to secret gardens in bloom, this Friday’s feature is a self-guided tour of Fort Collins at its prettiest.

And ICYMI—Wednesday’s issue was all about planning your Memorial Day weekend like a local. Check your inbox for that full 3-day guide (or tap here to revisit it!).

But first: let’s go tiptoe through the tulips. 🌷

🧠 FoCo Trivia Time

Which public garden in Fort Collins features over 1,200 varieties of flowers tested for performance in Colorado’s wild weather?

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☑️ Tap to vote—we’ll reveal the answer in the outro!

The Bulletin

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Fun Fact: The Disney Connection

Think Old Town looks a little too charming? That’s because Disney modeled Main Street, U.S.A. in his theme parks after Fort Collins’ very own downtown. Proof that magic really does live in FoCo.

🍳 Craving: The Mayor of Old Town

100 beers on tap. Yep, you read that right. This family-owned favorite mixes world-class brews with small-town hospitality and a solid menu to match. Long live The Mayor!

🌼 Fort Collins in Bloom: Your DIY Garden & Wildflower Tour

We’ve got flower fever—and it’s totally contagious. Fort Collins is bursting with blooms, trails, and botanical gems just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re on the hunt for wildflowers, show-stopping gardens, or tree-filled tranquility, this self-guided tour is your go-to guide for a floral Friday (or any day).

Lace up your walking shoes, pack some sunscreen, and let’s make your weekend bloom:

📍 2145 Centre Ave.

This 18-acre community garden is the crown jewel of Fort Collins flora. Expect blooming gardens, a seasonal Butterfly House, a lush gift shop greenhouse, and frequent events. It’s the perfect place to bring plant-curious friends or just bask in the zen of it all.

📍 1400 Remington St.

Want to see 1,200+ varieties of flowers thriving in wild Colorado weather? Head to CSU’s colorful research garden right outside the University Center for the Arts. Free, wheelchair accessible, and always in technicolor.

📍 Horsetooth Falls Trail – 6550 W County Rd 38 E

This family-friendly 2.5-mile loop winds through wildflower meadows and ends at a peaceful waterfall. Bring lunch, dip your toes in the creek, and soak up the views. Prime wildflower season = right now.

📍 2001 Overlook Dr.

Prairie views, foothills, and a symphony of wildflowers await. Keep your eyes peeled for hawks and eagles while you stroll the trails—it’s like nature’s version of a scavenger hunt.

📍 Lory State Park – 708 N Co Rd 25G

Want to earn your panoramic views? Arthur’s Rock is a wildflower-packed climb with a summit that stuns. Prefer a breezier stroll? Well Gulch is a shorter loop with educational stops and gorgeous wetland flora. Choose your own adventure—both are winners.

📍 City Park, 1500 W Mulberry St.

Fort Collins’ official arboretum is no joke: 1,000+ trees, 223 varieties, and a few state champions in the mix. Take the self-guided tour or simply wander and wonder. It’s shade, serenity, and science rolled into one.

Wherever you wander, bring your camera and your allergy meds—and don’t forget to stop and smell the lilacs (FoCo’s OG flower fame, after all).

See ya out there, sunshine. 🌞

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

🎭 Friday, May 23

🆓 Free Events

🎶 Fourth Fridays at All Sales Vinyl (recurring Friday) 📍 All Sales Vinyl | ⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🎟️ Suggested $

💵 Ticketed Events

Half-Off Horseback Rides: Season Grand Opening📍 Tattered Saddle |  Fri 5/23 ⏰ 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | 🎟️ $45 | Giddy up for scenic trails and sweet savings all weekend.

Robert Mac (Night 1) 📍 The Comedy Fort | ⏰ 6:00 PM | 🎟️ $23 | Dry wit and quirky comedy from a stand-up with razor-sharp timing.

Date Night Cooking: Come Back to Venice📍 Farm Fusion | ⏰ 5:00 PM | 🎟️ TBA | Pasta, passion, and Northern Italian flavors under the stars.

Felted Flower Pop-Up📍 Blue Moose Art Gallery | ⏰ 2:00 PM | 🎟️ $10 | Drop in anytime to make your own soft sculpture floral art.

Yoga for Health: Weeklong Exploration📍 Drala Mountain Center | Begins May 23 | 🎟️ $475–$650 | Daily practice, mindful breath, and mountain views.

Saturday, May 24

🆓 Free Events

🎶 Live Music Saturdays (recurring Saturday) 📍 Breckenridge Brewery | ⏰ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 🆓 Free

Live Music w/ Venture Still📍 Breckenridge Brewery | ⏰ 4:00 PM | 🎟️ Free | Grab a cold one and enjoy the sounds of this local acoustic crew.

Matt Skinner Duo!📍 The Tavern at Red Feather Lakes | ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🎟️ Free | Live acoustic set up in the pines—perfect mountain vibes.

💵 Ticketed Events

Highwater On-River Class📍 St. Peter’s Fly Shop | ⏰ 1:00 PM | 🎟️ $100 | A river readiness course for anglers facing spring’s wildest waters.

Ninety % 90s📍 The Coast | Sat 5/24 ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🎟️ $25.50 | Bring back frosted tips and flannel for this throwback dance party.

Sunday, May 25

🆓 Free Events

🎤 Open Mic @ The Atrium (recurring Sunday) 📍 The Atrium | ⏰ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🆓 Free

♠️ Poker Night at Peculier Ales (recurring Sunday)📍 Peculier Ales | ⏰ 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 🆓 Free

Memorial Weekend Music w/ Lid Dixon📍 The Tavern at Red Feather Lakes | ⏰ 1:00 PM | 🎟️ Free | Kick back lakeside with cold drinks and live country-folk tunes.

💵 Ticketed Events

Comedy Brewers at The Comedy Fort📍 The Comedy Fort | ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🎟️ $10 | Improv crew bringing the laughs with quick wit and audience prompts.

Dichroic Glass Jewelry Class📍 Blue Moose Art Gallery | ⏰ 11:00 AM | 🎟️ $TBD | Turn sparkling glass into wearable art in this hands-on workshop.

📍 Aggie Theatre | Sun 5/25 ⏰ 8:00 PM | 🎟️ $TBD | Alt-country storyteller Red Shahan hits the stage with Texas soul.

Sustainable Plant Medicine Workshop📍 Golden Poppy Apothecary | ⏰ 10:00 AM | 🎟️ $10 | Learn about Siberian Elm’s herbal uses and ecological impact.

SWEMO (Taylor’s Version)📍 The Coast | ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🎟️ $24.79 | A sad-girl-meets-emo dance party for Swifties and scene kids alike.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

We hope your weekend is filled with sunshine, flowers, and a few peaceful moments to reflect and recharge. Whether you’re out on a trail or parked on a patio, Fort Collins is bloomin’ good right now—and we’re glad you’re here for it.

Catch ya next week,

—Your What’s Happenin’ Fort Collins crew 💛🌼 

🧠 Trivia Answer:Answer: C) CSU Flower Trial Gardens

Located outside the University Center for the Arts, this vibrant space is a research hub and a flower lover’s dream. With more than 1,200 varieties of blooms, it’s one of the most colorful corners of Fort Collins—especially in late spring and summer.

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