Downtown Fort Collins Ram Welcome Week
July 31, 2026 / Tag: CSU
Downtown Fort Collins Ram Welcome Week is here, your guide to exploring the historic heart of the city!
Located just 1.3 miles and less than 10 minutes from campus, downtown is your home base for free bites, art, music, and Ram pride all season long.
Getting around is easy! You can bike, hop on a SPIN 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.
Taste, Stroll, Admire, Repeat: CSU Welcome Week Edition
Being a college student on a budget doesn't mean you can't enjoy Downtown Fort Collins. Throughout the year, downtown comes alive with public art, free concerts, festivals, signature business promotions, and monthly events and community happenings. On the first Friday of each month, Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk™ fills local spots with artworks by local artists from 6 - 9 pm. This FREE self-guided walking tour celebrates creativity, culture, and community each month, showcasing a spectrum of artistic styles and mediums.
Then every third Friday, Fort Collins Foodie Walk™ offers FREE samples from more than 10 culinary retail shops. This year, that lands on Friday, August 21, right in the middle of Welcome Week! Stroll from 5 - 8 pm and savor your way through downtown as you experience the flavorful world of food and drink.
Downtown Fort Collins is one of Colorado's official Creative Districts, and honestly, it shows. Thanks to the City of Fort Collins Art in Public Places program and the nonprofit Fort Collins Mural Project, the art never really stops.
Wander the art-filled alleys any day of the week and you'll find murals around every corner. Explore more than 400 hand-painted transformer cabinets and pedestrian pavers stamped with local kids' artwork, including a “Music and Art” collection along Dalzell Alley, right between Myrtle Street and CSU's campus.
Take a seat at one of the Pianos About Town scattered through downtown and play a few bars, or vote for your favorite of six sculpture pieces each year for the annual Sculptures in the Square exhibition.
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 18 - 23, 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 $8 at the door gets you free play all day on dozens of pinball machines and arcade games. Pinball machines range from vintage 1960s classics to the hottest new games of today. Arcade games include a 4-player Pac-Man, racing units, and air hockey tables 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 - 9 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.
Craving more brain games? Head to The Corner Slice on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm for Jeopardy Night, hosted in partnership with Jeopardy Bar League. Round up your smartest friends to compete for gift cards and prizes, plus a shot at free pizza and beer.
Who doesn’t love FREE live music? Get your fill every Thursday through September 10 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 Events 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 enamel pin that glows after dark created by local artist Efrat Dalton! 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.