Celebrate Father’s Day in Old Town Fort Collins
June 1, 2026 / Tags: Dining • Shopping • Family Fun
Dads, father figures, and those "dad-like" role models deserve the best all year, but Father’s Day is the perfect time to show them some extra local love. Whether your dad is an outdoor adventurer, a music lover, or a master of the backyard grill, Downtown Fort Collins makes it easy to express your appreciation in a genuinely special way.
Dad doesn’t want just ‘stuff’, he wants authentic experiences. From the splash pad in Old Town Square to hidden gems in our art-filled alleyways, here is your guide to making Dad’s day top-notch.
CELEBRATING DAD, THE FAMILY WAY
For dads who love getting out in the fresh air, start the day with a family stroll through our historic downtown. Soak in the vibrant public art, take the kiddos to cool off at the splash pads in Old Town Square or Oak Street Plaza, and stop for a Father’s Day brunch in Fort Collins at a local favorite like The Emporium: An American Brasserie, Rodizio Grill, Silver Grill Cafe, Urban Egg, or Austin’s American Grill. (Did you know downtown has over 35 breakfast and brunch options to choose from to satisfy Dad’s cravings?)
Many Old Town Fort Collins restaurants get incredibly busy, so we recommend booking ahead. Downtown is all about the outdoor-seating lifestyle, with over 90 patio dining spots to soak up the fresh air and sunshine while enjoying a meal. If the sun is shining, grab a patio table at PHILIPPE French Bistro, Coopersmith’s Brewpub & Billiards, Rare Italian, or Maida Trattoria to reminisce about favorite family moments. Enjoy the outdoor seating at The Exchange, where you and Dad are steps away from Yellow Crunch, Vato’s Tacos & Tequila, Penrose Taphouse & Eatery, OldTown Putt, La Piadina, and Little Man Ice Cream.
Breakfast & Brunch in Downtown Fort Collins
Downtown Fort Collins Patio Dining Options
THE GIFT OF DOING: EXPERIENCES HE'LL REMEMBER
Experience gifts are the perfect way to avoid cluttering the garage while creating lasting memories.
- For the History Buff: Book a specialized tour with Fort Collins Tours. They offer everything from Haunted Pub Tours to family-friendly Ghost & Goodies Tours.
- For the Outdoorsman: Sign Dad up for a fly-tying workshop or a guided trip with St. Peter’s Fly Shop or Mountain Fly Shop. For a more active thrill, plan a rafting trip on the Poudre River.
- For the Lifelong Learner: Spend an afternoon at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Any tech-loving dad would love the immersive OtterBox Digital Dome Theater.
- For the Foodie Apprentice: Explore a tea tasting at Happy Lucky’s Teahouse or Ku Cha House of Tea.
- For a sweeter experience, explore Bjorn's Colorado Honey, or a bean-to-bar experience at the local chocolate maker, Nuance Chocolate.
DADS DESERVE THE MAIN EVENT
If your dad is a music lover, check the schedule at iconic venues like the Aggie Theatre, Washington’s, Magic Rat Live Music, The Armory, or The Lincoln Center. For laughs, treat him to a live standup experience at The Comedy Fort or Bas Bleu Theater.
Downtown also boasts free live music during the weekly Bohemian Nights Presents: Thursday Night Live, a free outdoor concert series in Old Town Square, as well as other live music events.
Many Downtown Fort Collins businesses are hosting various Father’s Day Events and specials. Check the website or social media channels of Dad’s favorite places to see if they are hosting something he’d love!
- Golf Bash for Dad at Odell Brewing Company
- Father’s Day Bingo at Pinot’s Palette
- Baking Class With Dad
- Father’s Day Free Beermosa Special at Mug’s
- Bluegrass Family Hour at Salt Road Brewing
- Gii Astorga at Union Bar & Soda Fountain
Downtown Fort Collins Events Calendar
GRILLIN’ AND CHILLIN’
Is your dad the undisputed "Grill Master"? Help him level up his game with local ingredients:
- The Supplies: Downtown Ace Hardware has the latest in grilling tech.
- The Ingredients: Shop for local, organic meats at Lucky’s Market or the Larimer County Farmers’ Market.
- The Flavor: Find unique seasonings and sauces at Old Town Spice Shop, Savory Spice Shop, The Hot Sauce Realm, or The Cupboard.
TREAT DAD TO A FRESH CUT OR BEARD TRIM
Dads need a little pampering too, and what better way than a fresh haircut or a clean beard trim at a local barber shop? Treat him to some well-deserved self-care time, where he can sit back, relax, and enjoy a classic grooming experience. Whether it’s a sharp new style or just a little cleanup, a visit to a trusted neighborhood barber is a simple but thoughtful way to help Dad look and feel his best this Father’s Day. Check out these downtown locations where Dad can book an appointment and feel at the top of his game.
DAD IN MOTION, ACTIVE CELEBRATIONS
As a platinum-rated Bicycle Friendly Community, Father’s Day is a great time to hit the trails. Visit Brave New Wheel or The Gearage for a quick tune-up, then cruise the Poudre Trail. Stop by the Whitewater Park to watch kayakers or take a family bike ride to a local brewery like Odell Brewing Company, Breckenridge Brewery, or New Belgium Brewing Company.
Before you roll, check out these tips, route maps, and bicycling resources.
KEEP COOL WTH A SWEET TREAT
Old Town is an ice cream lover's paradise, with numerous ice cream shops Dad can choose from, all within a few blocks. Enjoy the classic vibes of Walrus Ice Cream, the unique aesthetic of Little Man Ice Cream, and the vintage-inspired parlor experience at Edison’s Ice Cream. Bring him in for a taste at Kilwins Chocolates, Ice Cream, Fudge, & Confections, try rolled ice cream at Tandem Squared, score a classic cone from Ben & Jerry’s, or choose one of 38 flavors from Glacier Ice Cream with their second location opening in downtown.
Sweet Treats in Downtown Fort Collins
GIVE THE GIFT OF DOWNTOWN FORT COLLINS!
Looking for a last-minute option?
Give your Dad the gift of Downtown Fort Collins! With a Downtown Fort Collins Gift Card accepted by over 170 businesses, they can customize their own experience.
Gift cards can be purchased online or in person at three downtown locations.