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Welcome Home Rams

June 29, 2024  /  Tag: CSU

Located just 1.3 miles from campus, Downtown Fort Collins is ready to welcome you!

Getting downtown is SO easy! Only a 10-minute bike cruise away. Feeling electric? Grab a SPIN scooter, e-bike, longboard, or one-wheel. Feeling eco-conscious? The MAX bus lets you chill and chat with fellow Fort Collins friends and fam on the way down Mason St. to Mountain Ave. Downtown Fort Collins is a vibrant playground waiting to be explored, even if you're not 21 yet!

Photo: Chris Fuller

RAMS RUN ON FREE FOOD & ART 

Just because you’re a college student on a tight budget doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy Downtown Fort Collins. On Friday, August 18, and every third Friday from 5 - 8 pm, stroll and sample free tastes from ten culinary businesses during Fort Collins Foodie Walk™. Taste and savor your way through downtown as you experience the flavorful world of food and drink.

There is more fun to be had every first Friday from 6 - 9 pm during Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk™. This self-guided walking tour celebrates creativity, culture, and community each month and showcases a spectrum of artistic styles and mediums. Plus, enjoy live music, art demonstrations, and meet the artists at select locations. 

Photo: Valerie Mosley Photography

DOWNTOWN BLEEDS GREEN & GOLD!

During CSU Welcome Week, from August 12 - 18*, experience the vibrant evening light displays of green and gold throughout downtown. Witness the dancing "RAMS spirit" splash pad pop jets in Old Town Square, and stroll through the illuminated alleys adorned with public art and hanging flower baskets, adding a touch of enchantment to the atmosphere.

*Pop jets are on daily (weather dependent) from 8 am - midnight; evening light show from 8 pm - midnight.

Photo: Downtown Development Authority
illuminated public art installation inspired by csu ram horns in east myrtle alley
Photo: Downtown Development Authority
illuminated ribbons public art installation over the west olive alley in downtown fort collins
Photo: Downtown Development Authority

THERE'S ALWAYS SOMETHING (FREE) HAPPENING DOWNTOWN

Looking for more budget-friendly and free fun? Downtown Fort Collins has it! 

Every Monday at Pinball Jones, just $5 at the door gets you free play all day on dozens of pinball machines and arcade games. Pinball machines range from vintage 1960s era classics to the hottest new games of today. Arcade games include a 4-player PacMan, racing units, and air hockey table so grab your roommates and check out this underground hidden gem.

Mark your calendar for "Trivia at The Muse" every Tuesday evening from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at CopperMuse Distillery, located in The Exchange, a downtown community plaza that fosters interaction between people, restaurants, services, and entertainment. The best teams stand a chance to win exciting prizes!

Who doesn’t love FREE live music? Get your fill every Thursday through September 5 from 7 - 9 pm with Bohemian Nights Presents Thursday Night Live concerts. Visit Old Town Square’s outdoor stage to catch performances from a diverse lineup of emerging and established artists spanning many genres and styles.

For even more free events and activities, check out the Downtown Community Event Calendar.

Photo: Richard Haro

SHOW OFF YOUR (FREE) SPIRIT

Photo: Downtown Development Authority

Originally constructed in 1984, Old Town Square is THE heart and soul of Downtown Fort Collins. Central to the plaza is the iconic “Spirit of Fort Collins” water fountain with bronze geese sculpture.

Show off your community pride with a FREE custom embroidered iron-on patch, created by local artist, Taylor Blacklock. Or choose a custom vinyl infinity sticker that captures the essence of Old Town, created by local artist, Kristen Vohs. It makes a great addition to a laptop lid, Hydro Flask, guitar case, and much more!

Just email info@downtownfortcollins.com to find out how students can receive one of these items for FREE. 

Discover Downtown Businesses with Shining Green & Gold Hearts

Remember to drop by and say hi to your fellow CSU alums when you're in the downtown area! They will be thrilled to share their experiences pursuing opportunities that led them to opening and operating their businesses in a place they love to call home and support the local green and gold community.

CSU Alumni-Owned Businesses