Welcome Home Rams
July 31, 2025 / Tag: CSU
Located just 1.3 miles and less than 10 minutes from campus, Downtown Fort Collins is ready to welcome you!
Getting here is easy! You can bike, hop on a scooter, e-bike, longboard, one-wheel, or ride the MAX north along Mason Street to Mountain Avenue. Downtown is a playground waiting to be enjoyed, even if you're not yet 21!
FREE BITES & ARTSY NIGHTS
Being a college student on a budget doesn't mean you can't enjoy Downtown Fort Collins. On Friday, August 15, and every third Friday from 5:00 - 8:00 pm, stroll and sample free tastes from culinary businesses during Fort Collins Foodie Walk™. See, smell, and savor your way through downtown as you experience the flavorful world of food and drink.
The free fun continues during Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk™ from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. This self-guided walking tour celebrates creativity, culture, and community each month, showcasing a spectrum of artistic styles and mediums.
RAM PRIDE LIGHTS THE NIGHT
Downtown Fort Collins is Ram Country! As the proud home of Colorado State University, and on behalf of downtown businesses, we extend a warm welcome to you - whether you're a new or returning student. During CSU Welcome Week, August 19 - 24, downtown is shining bright in Ram pride!
Make your way to Old Town Square each evening to catch the green & gold splash pad pop jet light show. And don't miss the nearby alleyways glowing in CSU colors. With public art, hanging flower baskets, and fresh bursts of green and gold lighting, these passageways add a little magic to your stroll through downtown.
*Pop jets are on daily (weather dependent) from 8 am - midnight; evening light show from 8 pm - midnight.
DOWNTOWN ON A BUDGET: FREE & FUN EVENTS
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.
Also on Mondays, test your knowledge with Trivia Night at Speak Cheesy Lounge from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Tucked off Mason Street, this basement 'pizza speakeasy' is connected to Slyce Pizza Co. Assemble a team, grab a slice, and put all your miscellaneous and obscure facts to use as you compete for pizza-themed prizes.
Who doesn’t love FREE live music? Get your fill every Thursday through September 4 from 7:00 - 9:00 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.
FLAUNT YOUR (FREE) FORT COLLINS FLAIR
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!
Or snag a Downtown Fort Collins pin that glows after dark! Featuring the iconic Linden Hotel and the beloved fountain sculpture in Old Town Square, it’s the perfect flair for your bag, hat, lapel, or jacket. With that glow-in-the-dark charm, you’ll shine even when the lights go out.
Just email info@downtownfortcollins.com to find out how students can receive one of these items for FREE.
BONUS: Sign up for the Destination Downtown newsletter and receive a sweet hydroscape sticker for FREE. Local artist, Kristin Vohs, created this custom infinity design capturing the essence of Old Town. It makes a great addition to a laptop lid, Hydro Flask, and much more!
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.