Graduation is a major milestone worthy of epic celebration. It’s the moment full of excitement and glowing pride that parents, guardians, and role models have been waiting years for!
Planning this special moment can feel overwhelming so look to Downtown Fort Collins to make graduation celebration planning a breeze. With some help, it’s easy to pull out all the stops to recognize graduates as they commemorate this outstanding achievement.
BRING THE GRAD VIBES AND PLAN A CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER
No matter what you need, Downtown Fort Collins makes it easy to honor your graduate’s accomplishments, at any level, in a truly special way. From off-site catering to indoor and outdoor dining venues, local restaurants are ready to help you feed the crowd.
Many locally owned and operated restaurants in Downtown Fort Collins offer catering options including: Avogadro's Number, Ben & Jerry’s, Big City Burrito, Blue Agave Grill, Butterfly Cafe, Cheba Hut, Comet Chicken, FoCo Cafe, Illegal Pete’s, Pure Green, Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, Silver Grill Cafe, Taste of Philly, The Urban Egg, Walrus Ice Cream, Yampa Sandwich Shop, and Yellow Crunch. Leave the prep work to the professionals so you can enjoy celebrating.
Prefer to host at a restaurant where someone else does the clean up? There are a variety of hospitality venues that accommodate large groups:
- Penrose Taphouse & Eatery
- The Emporium: An American Brasserie
- Silver Grill Cafe
- Union Bar & Soda Fountain
- Beau Jo’s Colorado Style Pizza
- CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing
- Ginger and Baker
- Pueblo Viejo
- Restaurant 415
- Rodizio Grill
- Japango
Colorado weather in May sometimes leaves us guessing, but those warmer days present options to explore restaurants that offer outdoor & patio dining options. Soak up the sun while reminiscing about your favorite moments together.
HOSTING FAMILY AND FRIENDS FROM OUT OF TOWN
Have out-of-town guests visiting for the big day? Suggest they stay downtown with two luxurious lodging options at the historic Armstrong Hotel or The Elizabeth Hotel, both pet-friendly! These locations are nestled right in the heart of downtown with easy access to various family activities, local boutiques, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities that showcase the charm and quaint character of Downtown Fort Collins.
Need ideas for fun things to do with your visitors? Visit Fort Collins created themed CSU Commencement itineraries with activities, dining, and shopping recommendations in downtown and throughout Fort Collins.
MEMORIES MADE, MOMENTS CAPTURED
Downtown is home to some of the best photo backdrops. Snap a few selfies on your own or hire a professional photographer to capture the day’s memories. A few local favorites specializing in senior portraits and family photography include: Ben Bradley Photography, Bob Younger Images, Craig Vollmer Photography, Machmer Media, PHOCO, and Tina Wood Photography.
Need some family photo background suggestions? Check out the top 5 favorite locations:
- Old Firehouse Alley
- Oak Street Plaza
- Old Town Square
- Tenney Court Alley
- Poudre River Whitewater Park
RAM-TASTIC LIGHT SHOW: DON'T MISS THE GREEN & GOLD POP-JET FOUNTAINS AT NIGHT
A special bonus during CSU Graduation weekend, May 15 - 18, catch the evening green and gold splash pad pop-jet light show in Old Town Square! Pop-jets are on daily (weather dependent) from 8:00 am – midnight; evening light show from 8:00 pm – midnight. Plus, check out green and gold lights throughout downtown, including in many of the alleys.
GIVE THE GIFT OF DOWNTOWN FORT COLLINS!
Looking for a last-minute option?
Give your grad 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.