Welcome Home Rams
August 3, 2023 / Tag: CSU
Located just 1.3 miles and less than 10 minutes from campus, Downtown Fort Collins is ready to welcome you!
Plus, getting here is SO easy! Simply pedal your bike, hop on a SPIN scooter or e-bike, longboard, Onewheel, or ride the MAX north along Mason Street to Mountain Avenue. You’ll discover Downtown is a playground just waiting to be enjoyed, even if you’re not 21 yet.
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 5:00 - 8:00 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 6:00 - 9:00 pm 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 and showcases a spectrum of artistic styles and mediums. Plus, enjoy live music at select locations, as well as visual art!
DANCING FOUNTAINS OF GREEN & GOLD
Downtown Fort Collins is Ram Country. As the proud home of Colorado State University and on behalf of local businesses, we want to extend a warm welcome to YOU as a new or returning student. Whether you’re just starting your college career or this is your last year, we’re excited to welcome you home to Fort Collins.
As a treat during CSU Welcome Week, August 14 - 20*, catch the special evening Green & 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.
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.
Also on Mondays, test your knowledge with Trivia Night at the new Speak Cheesy Lounge from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Tucked off Mason Street, this basement ‘pizza speakeasy’ is connected to Slyce Pizza Co. So assemble a team, grab a slice of pizza, 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 7 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.
SHOW OFF YOUR (FREE) SPIRIT
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, this limited edition giveaway is exclusive to CSU students, no strings attached! Just stop by the Downtown Visitor Information Center between Tuesday, August 15 - Saturday, August 19 and show your CSU student ID. But don’t delay because patches are limited and available first come, first served while supplies last.
BONUS: While you're there, sign up for the Destination Downtown newsletter between August 15 and August 19 and receive a sweet infinity sticker for FREE. Local artist, Kristin Vohs, created this custom 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 operate their businesses in a place they love to call home and support the local green and gold community.