Top 20 Things to do in Fort Collins Tonight

Fort Collins, Colorado, is a vibrant small-city with an active nightlife. Set in Northern Colorado, Fort Collins has a stunning background of the Rocky Mountains, including prominent peaks such as Longs Peak and Mount Evans.

Easy to get to, some 50 miles north of Colorado’s capital city of Denver, Fort Collins has long been loved by outdoor enthusiasts. This easy-to-love city is also home to Colorado State University.

With a historic old town that was developed in the 1800s as a military outpost, Fort Collins is no new kid on the block. With elegant homes, a creative arts scene, and a plethora of bike trails running through Fort Collins, this is a city ready for fun.

Whether you’re in Fort Collins to get some fresh air, or to dance the night away, there is something for everyone in this charming Colorado city. Read on to discover things to do in Fort Collins tonight!

things to do in fort collins tonight

See Also: Best restaurants in Fort Collins

 

1) Grab a Beer at New Belgium Brewing 

Step into the dreamy land of beer-brewing, which is New Belgium Brewing. Free tours mean the price is right, which includes samples for those 21 and over.

Learn about this large-scale brewing process then maximize your time by a meal from the rotating food truck or (another) beer in the indoor bar or on the outdoor patio. 100% employee-owned, your visit to New Belgium Brewing may spark up the brewmaster in you.

Though tours are free, reservations are required. Additionally, furry friends are invited, so bring your pup along! The brewery closes at 8 pm.

Phone: (970) 221-0524
Address: 500 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO 80524-2457
Website: www.newbelgium.com

 

2) Take a Tour at Totally 80’s Pizza & Museum

The ’80s and pizza are two of the best things to get mashed up, so a visit to Totally 80’s Pizza & Museum is a no-fail. With delicious pizza set in a world of ’80s memorabilia, you’ll take a step back into an era that cannot be replaced.

While eating, make sure to scan the room. ’80s celebs have been known to frequent the joint and have included icons such as Corey Feldman (Goonies, Stand By Me) and John Paragon (Jambi the Genie on Pee Wee’s Playhouse).

Check out vintage arcade games, cereal boxes, and all-around awe-inspiring pop memorabilia.

Phone: (970) 867-5309
Address: 1717 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525-1008
Website: totally80spizza.com

 

3) See Live Music at Paddler’s Pub

Connected to Mountain Whitewater Descents, a paddling company that you can try whitewater rafting through, Paddler’s Pub is about as Colorado as you can get. Soak up views of the foothill mountains as you listen to free music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

With local brews on tap and a visiting food truck, this outdoor bar is so much fun.

Head to the sandpit for outdoor volleyball, or let the littles run free on the onsite playground. Paddler’s Pub is laid-back and friendly for visitors of all ages.

Phone: (970) 419-0917
Address: 1329 N US Highway 287, Fort Collins, CO 80524-1080
Website: www.raftmw.com

 

4) Night Stroll at Spring Canyon Community Park

If you adore the simplicity of night walk in the fresh air, Spring Canyon Community Park is the perfect place to be. A skate park, dog park, playground, tennis courts, and picnic facilities all offer the chance to spend a healthy evening outdoors.

Well-maintained walking, biking, rollerblading, and even horse trails run throughout the community park. Safe and well-used, Spring Canyon Community Park should be on your list any time of the day.

Phone: None listed
Address: 2626 W. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526
Website: www.fcgov.com

 

5) Get Cultured at The Lincoln Center

Colorado’s largest center for live performance that includes dance, theater, and concerts, The Lincoln Center is a classy way to spend an evening.

With two theaters, The Lincoln Center offers the best that the world of entertainment has to offer from comedy to classically trained trios. A full listing of the upcoming events can be found on The Lincoln Center’s website, as well as ticket sales.

Additionally, an onsite art gallery is always free when open (currently closed due to COVID).

Phone: (970) 221-6730
Address: 417 W Magnolia St, Fort Collins, CO 80521-2646
Website: www.lctix.com

 

6) Jump Into Fun at Fly High Trampoline Park

If you’ve got the energy to burn, head to Fly High Trampoline Park, which boasts 23,000 square feet of fun! Trampolines, dodgeball, foam pits, and trampoline basketball all melt the hours away with high-energy excitement.

Great for kids and kids at heart, Fly High Trampoline Park will get you feeling young again. The trampoline park closes at 8 pm, and rates are per hour.

Phone: (970) 305-5300
Address: 218 Smokey St, Fort Collins, CO 80525-3871
Website: foco.flyhightrampolinepark.com

 

7) Sip a Spirit at Elevation 5003 Distillery 

In a land where breweries reign king, it’s fun to mix it up and head to a distillery instead. Elevation 5003 Distillery is set in an unassuming strip mall but serves out-of-this-world cocktails that will send you into an absolute euphoria.

Try the lavender sour, a beloved drink by customers, which can be sampled in the tasting room. If Covid’s still got you feeling like a homebody, curbside bottles and mixed drinks can be ordered.

Phone: (970) 568-8356
Address: 2601 S Lemay Ave Unit 8, Fort Collins, CO 80525-2295
Website: www.elevation5003.com

 

8) Soak Up Art at the Center for Fine Art Photography

You’ll have to visit this Fort Collins gem before you hit the town, as the Center for Fine Art Photography closes at 6 pm. However, this small yet impressive collection of color and black and white photography is worth a stroll through.

The center is always free and hosts rotating collections with occasional evening talks. For the art lovers of Fort Collins, but the Center for Fine Art Photography on your map.

Phone: (970) 224-1010
Address: 321 Maple St, Fort Collins, CO 80522
Website: www.c4fap.org

 

9) Skate at Rollerland Skate Center

Old school fun, skating at Rollerland Skate Center is pure magic. With current discounts on skates, Rollerland Skate Center is affordable entertainment for the whole family.

Skate through the laser maze which takes skating to a whole new level, or rock out to the always-DJ’d floor. Adult skate is 8-10 pm on Wednesdays for those 18 and older.

Phone: (970) 482-0497
Address: 324 S Link Ln, Fort Collins, CO 80524-2751
Website: rollerlandskatecenter.com

 

10) Get Your Jam on at Magic Rat

One of the best places to see live music in Fort Collins, be it a small weekday jam or a big headliner, is at Magic Rat. A cool-vibe, Magic Rat, frequently offers free shows to keep your pocketbook happy. Located on the ground floor of the Elizabeth Hotel, Magic Rat is the perfect setting for unwinding with a cold one. Be sure to call ahead before visiting; though Magic Rat has concerts listed for August on the website, those are subject to change due to COVID.

Phone: (970) 999-3494
Address: 111 Chestnut St Firehouse Alley, Fort Collins, CO 80524-2403
Website: magicratlivemusic.com

 

11) Play Pool at Match Up’s Pool Hall 

If billiards is your game, you must visit Match Up’s, Pool Hall. With more than just pool, Match Up’s also has darts, poker, TVs, and free wifi. Play a few games, then enjoy a casual dinner and drinks. A friendly staff makes Match Up’s a place to return to. Tournaments are every weekend and include an $8 entry to play.

Phone: (970) 482-2337
Address: 625 S Mason St, Fort Collins, CO 80524-3007
Website: www.matchupspoolhall.com

 

12) Snap Some Pictures at the Annual Flower Trial Garden 

Set on the campus of Colorado State University, the Annual Flower Trial Garden is an outdoor display area that is created by the staff, students, and researchers of the institution. The garden is free and open to the public and runs from May to October. The first trial that took place here was to see if peonies could overwinter. Now the garden has an annual contest of the trials to see how developers can improve garden-related projects such as annuals, perennials, and cool seasons plants. Beyond the competition, it’s a beautiful place to spend time.

Phone: (970) 491-7179
Address: 1401 Remington Street, Fort Collins, CO 80525
Website: www.flowertrials.colostate.edu

 

13) Plan Date Night at The Gardens on Spring Creek 

Spring Creek is a gorgeous expanse of 12 acres of land, showcasing botanic gardens and a butterfly house. Though usually visits are limited to the daytime, Spring Creek is currently offering a “Date Night at the Gardens,” a lovely Friday-night series. Designed to be socially-distanced, date night at Spring Creek includes live music, an upscaled box dinner, beer and wine, and time to explore the gardens. How much more romantic can you get?

Phone: (970) 416-2486
Address:  2145 Centre Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80526-2087
Website: www.friendsgosc.org

 

14) Have a Picnic at City Park

Set on City Park Lake, City Park is a great place to spend an evening with loved ones. Pack a picnic, and enjoy the many places to put out your blanket. The park includes lighted tennis courts, a playground, a horseshoe pit, and the opportunity to rent paddle boats (through the park system). Additionally, there is an arboretum to check out while in City Park. With easy parking and well-kept grounds, City Park is a free and healthy way to spend your evening.

Phone: (970) 221-6660
Address: 1500 W Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO 80524-3520
Website: www.fcgov.com

 

15) Listen to the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra

The Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra has been making beautiful sounds for 68 years! Excellent addition to the Fort Collins arts community, the symphony plays at The Lincoln Center with their season running from October through May. Concerts for the 2020-2021 season will be listed shortly on the website. The symphony also hosts occasional free open rehearsals as part of their education minded-mission.

Phone: (970) 482-4823
Address: 214 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524-2870
Website: www.fcsymphony.org

 

16) Join the First Friday Art Walk 

A great way to learn more about the art scene in Fort Collins while getting fresh air, join in the First Friday Art Walk. A self-guided tour, which is always free, join in on making the rounds of beautiful downtown Fort Collins. Check the downtown Fort Collins website to learn about which businesses are participating. The walk runs from 6-9 pm, and all participants are encouraged to wear a mask and social distance.

Phone: (970) 484-6500
Address: 19 Old Town Square, Suite #230 Fort Collins, CO 80524
Website: downtownfortcollins.com

 

17) Play Putt-Putt at Old Town Putt

A carefree way to spend an evening in Fort Collins, get ready to tee off at Old Town Putt. An indoor mini-golf course, Old Town Putt, also serves up drinks to make each round a little more fun. Old Town Putt also offers ping pong, beer pong, skee ball, shuffleboard, and an arcade game. Weekly drink specials include a daily happy hour from 4-6 pm.

Phone: (970) 682-2922
Address: 244 N College Avenue, Ste 112 Fort Collins, CO 80524
Website: www.oldtownputt.com

 

18) Take a Beer and Bike Tour

Bike and beer are two trademarks of Fort Collins. Beer and Bike Tours combines these Fort Collins passions. Though the company offers multi-day trips, it is possible to schedule a day or afternoon tour. The Brew Cruise, which stops at three breweries and includes bike rental and a growler, is the company’s most popular tour. If you get hooked, they also offer adventures to exotic locales such as Belgium and Japan!

Phone: (970) 201-1085
Address: 2414 Stanley Ct, Fort Collins, CO 80526
Website: www.beerandbiketours.com

 

19) Rock Out at Mishawaka 

Just outside Fort Collins, this outdoor amphitheater nestled in the Poudre Canyon is worth the view alone. Mishawaka is set on the riverfront and hosts several different musical acts. Enjoy a burger at the restaurant, or come for one of Mishawaka’s Sunday Summer Series concerts. Additional fun draws are outdoor movies throughout the summer. Fall in love with the incredible scenery and lifestyle that Mishawaka capitalizes on.

Phone: (888) 843-6474
Address: 13714 Poudre Canyon Rd, Bellvue, CO 80512
Website: www.themishawaka.com

 

20) Tank Up at the Foco Food Truck Rally

Food trucks are a culinary trend that hopefully doesn’t stop anytime soon. An easy way to sample multiple local bites, head to the Foco Food Truck Rally at North Sheldon Drive. Monday-Thursday from 4-8 pm, four food trucks per week rally to bring you delicious bites. The rally runs from June to September and has a rotating schedule of food trucks.

Phone: (970) 682-4666
Address: 250 Sheldon Dr. Fort Collins, CO 80521
Website: www.focofoodtruckrally.com

 

Conclusion

Fort Collins delights with a wide variety of activities to pique any visitor’s interest. From local brews to exciting ways to enjoy the night air, Fort Collins is a city that knows how to enjoy itself. With this roundup of activities in the Fort Collins area, step out to find your variety of fun tonight! There are so many things to do in Fort Collins tonight!

20 BEST Restaurants in Fort Collins, Colorado [2023 UPDATED]

Fort Collins is a municipality in Colorado state USA. It is a great city, with great scenery including its museum. Fort Collins also is best known for its exquisite dining. Great restaurants, grills, fun things to do, and hotels to satisfy your food fantasies.  Fort Collins restaurants serve delicate cuisines ranging from local, American, and even Brazilian cuisines. Today we will be covering the 20 best restaurants in Fort Collins.

The municipality has over four hundred and twenty dining places but of course, not all are the best. Based on the specials on the menu, the website ratings, and their cleanliness, it is obvious that we had to pick the best restaurants in Fort Collins. Also, these great restaurants have a variety of vegetarian specials, vegan options, and gluten-free dishes that they serve on a daily basis. So are you an animal activist and love your vegetables? Come down to Fort Collins for a great dining experience. Below is a list of the top 20 best restaurants in Fort Collins.

best restaurants in fort collins

 

1. Young’s Cafe

Looking for a great Vietnamese cuisine? Then come on down to the Youngs café. They have a passion for providing high-quality dishes in Fort Collins. Serving Vietnamese shrimp, and a sausage bowl. They also have a variety of Asian cuisines. They serve lunch from 11 am-2 pm on a daily basis whilst dinner from 3 pm-9 pm. Want to relax your mind with a good beer or wine? Youngs has a great selection of beer, wine, and specialty drinks.

Phone: +1970-223-8000
Address: 3307 S COLLEGE AVE FORT COLLINS, CO 80525
Website: www.youngscafe.com

 

2. Lucille’s Restaurant

Since 1980, this cool restaurant has been providing the best breakfast of all time to residents of Fort Collins. Serving also American, creole, and Cajun cuisines, vegan-friendly food, and vegan options for gluten-free special diets. They are open daily from 7 am-2 pm. Visit Lucile’s for either a special breakfast, lunch, or Brunch.

Phone: +1970-224-5464
Address: 400 South Meldrum Fort Collins, CO 80521
Website: www.luciles.com

 

3. Silver Grill Cafe

For the best Taco salads and French toast specialties, come down to Silver Grill café, open daily from 7 a.m.-2 pm. Also serving the best giant Cinnamon rolls in the city. For vegans, the Silver Grill also serves a gluten-free breakfast. Isn’t that exciting? Great beverage, Bloody Mary, with house-infused bacon vodka available.

Phone: +1970-484-4656
Address: 218 Walnut Street Fort Collins, CO 80524. 
Website: www.silvergrill.com

 

4. Rainbow Restaurant

Ever tasted happiness? Well if not and you are in Fort Collins, visit Rainbow restaurant and experience great exquisite cuisines that will make your taste buds just melt away. They are passionate about giving an exceptional dining experience. They assure you of using the healthiest and freshest ingredients in all their dishes. Some say they have the best Bloody Mary in Fort Collins.

Phone:+1970-221-2664
Address: 212 w. Laurel Street, Fort Collins CO 80521-2809
Website: rainbowfoco.com

 

5. Mountain Cafe

Serving great American cuisines, the Mountain Café is just the place to go if you want a relaxed peaceful breakfast or lunch in Fort Collins. Great egg rolls in the house. Space there is awesome and will leave you astonished and want to go back every time. They also have a vegan menu, gluten-free vegetarian-friendly meals, and vegan options.

Phone:+1970-493-9576
Address: 226 W Mountain Ave, F.C, CO 80521-2711
Website: Facebook Page

 

6. Urban Egg

Do you wish for a fabulous breakfast in the morning and you are in Fort Collins? Well, rush down to Urban Egg for a delicious breakfast. They even serve good pancakes if you are a pancake lover. The good news is, they have their own built Bloody Mary bar. Their local ingredients have made them gain an award for the best breakfast and lunch menu in Fort Collins. YUM! They are open daily from 7 am-2 pm.

Phone: +1970-999-5964
Address: 230 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Website: www.urbaneggeatery.com

 

7. Snooze

Snooze is an A.M. eatery in Fort Collins. They serve great American cuisine including the best breakfast burrito as described in one of their ratings. They also serve the best beverages, drinks, and coffee in Fort Collins. Their hot chocolate is just Superb! Visit the restaurant when in Fort Collins and there will be nothing to regret.

Phone: +1970-482-9253
Address: 144 W Mountain Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80524
Website: www.snoozeeatery.com

 

8. The Melting Pot

This is one of the best restaurants in Fort Collins. Serving great local favorites with quality ingredients even their prices are great where everything is priced per person except where noted. They have great American cuisine and vegan-friendly options with gluten-free options as well. Visit their web page for more information.

Phone: +1970-207-0100
Address: 334 E Mountain Ave Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
Website: www.meltingpot.com

 

9. Rodizio Grill

One of the best Brazilian steakhouses in Fort Collins. They have one of the best steak menus and serve great Brazilian and South American cuisines in Fort Collins. Also available is a Brazilian wine and beer menu, specialty drinks, desserts, hot side dishes, grill, and gourmet salads. They also offer a gluten-free option on the menu. Visit this exquisite restaurant for a tasty meal that will leave you craving for more.

Phone: +1970-482-3103
Address: 200 Jefferson St, Fort Collins, CO 80524-2413
Website: www.rodiziogrill.com

 

10. Restaurant 415

One of the most talked-about restaurants in Fort Collins. They vary in the specialty of American, international and contemporary cuisines. With vegetarian-friendly, vegan options, and gluten-free options. They serve lunch, dinner, and Brunch. Their sandwich, Gimme will leave your taste buds wanting more and more as well as their pizza.

Phone: +1970-407-0415
Address: 415 South Mason Street Old Town Fort Collins CO
Website: www.thefourfifteen.com

 

11. Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar

The best seafood place in town. Serving great soups and salads and even having a raw bar that serves a daily selection of East and west coast fresh shucked oysters. Their sandwiches are also sea-oriented ranging from crispy fish sandwiches, tuna burgers, and a lobster sandwich YUM! Visit the restaurant for a great seafood experience.

Phone: +1970-682-2275
Address: 123 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524-4427
Website: www.jaxfishhouse.com

 

12. Austin’s American Grill – North

To describe this restaurant more would be unethical but, wow, tasty savory roasts and chicken, all-natural buffalo seasoned to perfection, and cornbread baked in iron skillets and drizzled with honey and butter. Amazing right? Good beer and one-of-a-kind cocktails with a touch of fresh-squeezed juice to add the perfect amount of sweetness. Visit the restaurant for a satisfactory lunch, brunch, dinner, and late-night meal. Plus the appetizers are superbly delicious.

Phone: +1970-224-9691
Address: 100 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524-2823
Website: www.austinsamericangrill.com

 

13. Cafe Vino

For amazing food and drink, Café Vino is the place to be. The wine and beer collection is superb. Their service as well is exquisite. Serving good meals, breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner as well. It is one of the few places that is termed as the best in Fort Collins.

Phone: +1970-212-3399
Address: 1200 South College Ave, Ft Collins, CO 80524
Website: www.cafevino.com

 

14. The Mayor of Old Town

For the best beers in Fort Collins, food, and upcoming events, there is no other place in Fort Collins that will deliver such great services. There are one hundred beers on tap and currently tapped ones on display on the restaurant website. Great salads, including the roasted beef salad, Arugula salad, and even Cobb salad. They have the best burgers and chicken in the city.

Phone: +1970-682-2410
Address: 632 S. Mason St Fort Collins, CO 80524
Website: themayorofoldtown.com

 

15. Blue Agave Grill

Serving a variety of cuisines, including local cuisines, contemporary cuisines, Mexican cuisines, and southwestern, and Latin cuisines, the Blue Agave Grill is one of the best in Fort Collins. The food there is amazing accompanied by great drinks and beverages. From the mango fish tacos to the angry burger, the Blue Agave Grill will leave you wanting more and visiting Fort Collins more regularly.

Phone: +1970-631-8076
Address: 201 S College Ave Street 100, Fort Collins, CO 80524-3182
Website: www.blueagavegrillcolorado.com

 

16. Jay’s Bistro

Jay’s Bistro is also one of the few places to visit whilst in Fort Collins. It is one of the best in the city. Ranging from wine by the glass to handcrafted cocktails everything here is exquisite. Serving local cuisines, and American, vegan-friendly, vegan options, their food will leave you craving for more. The service here is also superb.

Phone: +1970-482-1876
Address: 135 W Oak St, Fort Collins, CO 80524-2828
Website: jaysbistro.com

 

17. The Colorado Room

This restaurant is also considered one of the best in the city. Serving lunch and dinner their cuisines are American, bar, and pub. They feature takeout, outdoor seating, television, and wheelchair access. They also serve alcohol and have a full bar. Their food is excellent!

Phone: +1970-682-1163
Address: 642 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524-3004
Website: www.thecoloradoroom.com

 

18. Ace Gillett’s Lounge

This is also one of the few restaurants to visit while in Fort Collins. They serve American and bar cuisines. Also serving meals during dinner, late-night meals, and drinks. Everything in Ace Gillett’s is amazing. Also, have live jazz Wednesday through to Sunday. Isn’t that wonderful?

Phone: +1970-449-4797
Address: 239 S College Ave Fort Collins, CO 80524
Website: www.acegilletts.com

 

19. Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewery

From starters and salads to Horsetooth stout beer bread and red feather fingers, there are more delicious delicacies to choose from this restaurant’s menu. Serving American cuisine, bar, pub, and brewpub what more could you ask for from them? They serve meals at lunch, dinner, brunch, late nights, and also drinks. Not forgetting, they have a brewery, and two restaurants in the same location. How amazing is that? Make sure to make a stopover at this fine place.

Phone: +1414-751-6724
Address: 5 Old Town Square, Fort Collins, CO 80524-24446
Website: www.coopersmithspub.com

 

20. Beau Jo’s Pizza

Just as the name suggests, pizza. Everyone loves pizza! Serving Italian cuisine and pizza Beau Jos is the place to be. They even have a special diet for a vegetarian-friendly gluten-free option. They serve food at lunch and dinner time. It is one of the pizza places in Colorado located in this amazing city, Fort Collins.

Phone: +1970-498-8898
Address: 205 North College Avenue Fort Collins, CO, 80524
Website: www.beaujos.com

 

Conclusion

For those of you who like to travel and have a great dining experience, well, visit Fort Collins, and if you get a chance to visit all of the above best restaurants in Fort Collins, You will not have any regrets about any of these places. I wish all the traveling foodies to tag their friends along in order to enjoy these fine meals and drinks. I assure you there is something for everyone. 

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