Celebrate Dad
May 28, 2025 / Tags: Dining • Shopping • Family Fun
Dads, father figures, and dad-like role models deserve the best all year, but it is especially important to celebrate them on Father’s Day. Downtown Fort Collins makes it easy to express your appreciation in a genuinely special way!
CELEBRATING DAD, THE FAMILY WAY
For dads who like to get out and about in the fresh air, there’s no better way to spend Father’s Day than with a family walk through downtown. Soak in the historic architecture, vibrant public art, and stop for lunch or dinner at his favorite pub. Book ahead because most venues are incredibly busy on Father’s Day. If the sun is shining, choose a restaurant with outdoor & patio dining options to reminisce about your favorite moments together.
THE GIFT OF DOING: EXPERIENCES DAD WILL LOVE
Make Dad’s special day truly unforgettable by giving him an experience he’ll remember for years to come. Experience gifts don’t take up room in the garage and these memories are gifts that can never be lost or broken.
Treat Dad to a taste of local arts and culture. Downtown Fort Collins is the cultural hub of Northern Colorado and offers many great museums and art galleries, including the Museum of Art | Fort Collins, Gregory Allicar Museum of Art, and the Global Village Museum of Arts & Cultures.
Is Dad more of a local history buff? Book an experience with Fort Collins Tours. They offer a variety of options, including a Fort Collins History Tour, Haunted Pub Tour, Ghost & Goodies Tour (which is great for children), and Old Town Breweries & Distilleries Tour. Invite Dad to dive deeper into Fort Collins history with a visit to the Avery House. Or, travel back in time with a ride on the Fort Collins Trolley to City Park.
Does Dad identify as an outdoorsman? How ‘bout an intro to fly fishing class, a fly-tying workshop, or a professionally guided fly-fishing trip?
St. Peter’s Fly Shop, located in a beautiful 1800s Victorian home, offers the gear, guides, and expertise to help Dad transition from beginner to successful angler in no time. Or check out the new Mountain Fly Shop!
DADS DESERVE THE MAIN EVENT
If Dad is a live music-lover, purchase tickets to a show at the Aggie Theatre, Magic Rat Live Music, Washington’s, The Armory, or The Lincoln Center. 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 happening downtown.
Does Dad prefer a good laugh? Take him to The Comedy Fort, for live standup in an intimate theater with a full bar, right in the heart of downtown. Nothing like a good laugh to bring you closer together.
GET IN ON DAD'S HAPPY PLACE
Father’s Day is all about spending time with family so simply dedicate the day to doing activities Dad loves. If he’s an avid golfer, play a round at South Broadway Country Club in Old Town Square or Old Town Putt at The Exchange.
If Dad has a strong interest in local history, spend the day exploring the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. While there, be sure to check out the immersive OtterBox Digital Dome Theater featuring state-of-the-art digital projection systems and booming surround sound that brings shows to life.
Does Dad have a passion for vinyl records? Expand his collection with a shopping trip to Driver 8 Records, and All Sales Vinyl. Father’s Day is a time to indulge Dad’s interests and involve the whole family. You might even find it becomes your new hobby or interest too!
GRILLIN’ AND CHILLIN’
Is Dad keen on grilling? Help him out by making sure he has all the ingredients, tools, and accessories needed to be a grill master! If a new grill is what your dad needs this Father’s Day, Downtown Ace Hardware has what you’re looking for. Shop Lucky’s Market or Mountain Avenue Market to get the right ingredients for that backyard barbecue. Find the perfect seasonings at Old Town Spice Shop, Savory Spice, The Hot Sauce Realm, and Rocky Mountain Olive Oil.
And what would a grill master be without all their gadgets? The Cupboard has everything Dad desires and maybe a few things he didn’t even know he needed! Don’t forget to pick up a six-pack of Dad’s favorite local beer or a bottle of spirits at Mulberry MAX.
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, CELEBRATE THE ACTIVE WAY
Help Dad look and feel great with a membership to a locally owned and operated fitness center downtown, including Anytime Fitness, Grit Fort Collins, or Fit5 Studio.
Fort Collins is a platinum-rated Bicycle Friendly Community and maintains more than 200 miles of dedicated bike lanes and 50 miles of marked or signed bike routes. That means any day is a great day to take a ride, so make sure Dad is geared up and ready!
You can find a variety of biking gear, including helmets, sunglasses, comfortable athletic clothing, water bottles, and other accessories, like bike trailers to tow the kids (or dog!) along for the ride. Visit any of these fantastic local shops to gear up for a great ride: Brave New Wheel, Incycle Fort Collins North, and The Gearage.
Also, there are various rental options available downtown, including popular E-bikes and E-scooters provided by SPIN.
Simply download the SPIN app to get started. Once equipped, invite Dad to have fun exploring on Father’s Day.
Cruise north on the Mason Trail, which provides a connection stretching from the Harmony Transfer Center through Midtown all the way to downtown.
Or, take the Remington Bikeway and make a pit stop at the spectacular CSU Flower Trial Gardens before finishing downtown for a bite to eat. Another popular option is The Poudre Trail which meanders along the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado’s only nationally designated “Wild & Scenic River.” Plan to stop at the Poudre River Whitewater Park to watch kayakers test their whitewater skills.
Before you roll, check out these tips, route maps, and bicycling resources.
KEEP COOL AND SPLASH ON
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Help Dad beat the heat with a hand-scooped cool treat from Walrus Ice Cream, Old Town Churn, Ben & Jerry’s, Kilwins Chocolates & Ice Cream, or the recently opened Edison's Ice Cream.
Even Dad can appreciate there’s nothing quite like indulging in a cold, creamy scoop of his favorite flavor to make Father’s Day special.
Looking for a fun way to cool off? Grab Dad and head to the splash pads in Old Town Square or Oak Street Plaza! Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day (weather permitting), these lively pop jets aren't just for kids; Dad can join the fun, too! Whether he's dodging the dancing fountains, sharing laughs with little-ones, or simply standing in the mist to cool off, it's a chance for everyone to let loose and enjoy the moment. When it's time to take a break, shady trees and bright umbrellas offer the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a sweet treat, recharge, and soak in the joy of summer.
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.