For our Memorial Day weekend guide for 2019, check out 9 Events Happening Over Memorial Day Weekend 2019 in Northern Colorado.
Memorial Day is a special holiday honoring the people who died while serving in our country’s armed forces. Offering a day without work, school and other obligations, Monday, May 28th is an important day for Northern Colorado and for the entire country.
Over the years, our community has developed several annual events to both honor our lost veterans, and take advantage of the summer weather and the long weekend. Traditionally, the days are full of BBQ, festivals and community togetherness — and our guide certainly has plenty of that!
Whatever you choose to take part in this year, help us honor our community’s veterans and immerse yourself in our tight-knit NoCo community.
Time To Ride: Demo Days & Kick Off Party | Fort Collins
May 25 – 27, various times | Indian Motorcycle of Fort Collins
Friday through Sunday during Memorial Day Weekend, you can demo the 2018 lineup at Indian Motorcycle of Fort Collins. The first 20 riders each Demo Day will receive a free t-shirt, so be sure to get there at 10 a.m. when the event starts! And don’t miss the Kick Off Memorial Day Weekend Tailgate Party on Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. RSVP to the Facebook event for updates.
2018 Centennial Celebration | Greeley
May 25 – 27, various times | Centennial Village Museum
Memorial Day weekend marks the opening weekend of Greeley’s Centennial Village Museum. The living history experience features more than 35 historical buildings, costumed characters, heritage farm animals and eight acres of landscaped grounds. Admission ranges from $5 to $8 and the museum will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The Murph Challenge | Various locations
May 26 – 28, various times | Various locations
The Murph Challenge is a Memorial Day tradition that pays tribute to LT. Michael P. Murphy and contributes to a prestigious organization founded by the Murphy family. The CrossFit challenge begins with a 1-mile run, then consists of 100 pull-ups, 200 pushups and 300 squats before finishing with another 1-mile run.
In Northern Colorado, you can take the challenge at Big Thompson CrossFit in Loveland, Yeti Cave CrossFit in Fort Collins and CrossFit Endure in Windsor. To find more hosts, check out The Murph Challenge website.
Salute to Our Cold War Veterans | Fort Collins
May 26 – 28, various times | The Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado
The Memorial Day events at The Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado are some of the most notable in the region. In 2018, they’re honoring Cold War veterans with events throughout the weekend, including the All Veterans Gala at Fort Collins Marriott. This ticketed event on Saturday evening includes dinner and presentations followed by live music and dancing.
The official ceremony is on Sunday at 10 a.m. in the plaza and will feature displays set up by veteran-oriented organizations. Highlights include the WWII reenactors and the Colorado Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter. You can come by to meet the crew and learn about their missions!
Memorial Day will be a day of solitude the Veterans Plaza which will be open from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Realities Ride & Rally | Fort Collins
May 26 – 27, various times | Civic Center Park
Photo courtesy of Realities Ride and Rally
For the past 17 years, the Realities Ride & Rally has celebrated and honored those who gave all to defend our freedom. The family-friendly rally takes place Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. in Civic Center Park. Come by to enjoy free admission, live music, the Hot Cars Cool Nights Car Show, a youth ninja obstacle course, motorcycle stunt shows, fireworks, the Schraders Grand Prix, and so much more!
On Sunday, the fun continues with the world’s largest motorcycle poker run kicking off at Loveland’s Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson. Then, finish the weekend back at Civic Center Park with the after-ride party!
CSU BBQ Showdown | Estes Park
May 26 – 27, various times | The Stanley Hotel
For the second year in a row, CSU and the Kansas City Barbeque Society are bringing BBQ to Estes Park! At the historic Stanley Hotel, you can come to compete or come for the drinks, music and, of course, BBQ. General admission is free, but the lineup includes a couple ticketed events as well. All proceeds benefit the CSU Animal Science program. Don’t miss a screening of The Shining on the lawn at sundown on Saturday! See the full schedule here, pricing info here, and RSVP to the Facebook event for updates.
80’s Fest Colorado | Johnstown
May 26, 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. | 4990 Ronald Reagan Blvd.
80’s Fest Colorado is a full day of themed fun in Johnstown. For 2018, the lineup includes live music, the 80’s Rock vs Pop 5K Run/Walk, an 80’s parade and costume contest, food and beer! Follow the team on Facebook for event updates.
Odell Brewing Small Batch Festival | Fort Collins
May 26, 1 – 6 p.m. | Odell Brewing Company
For the fourth year, Odell Brewing is celebrating small-batch brews with a full day of music and beer. For $35 in advance or $40 the day of the event, you can enjoy over 40 different beers, food from some of Fort Collins’ best food trucks, and live music from Gasoline Lollipops, Analog Son, Michael Kirkpatrick & The Honey Rider Band, Rusty 44, and Write Minded. Tickets include two free beers and a commemorative stainless steel pint cup! Buy your tickets here and RSVP to the Facebook event for updates.
Schraders Grand Prix | Fort Collins
May 26, 2 – 5 p.m. | Washington Park
Now a part of the Realities Ride & Rally, the Schraders Grand Prix, hosted by Schrader Oil Co., has become a favorite event in Northern Colorado. This annual tricycle race fundraiser invites adults to race on three wheels around a challenging dirt track which results in some hilarious memories! If you want to compete, you can register here for $50 per person or $200 dollars per four-person team. And if you just want to spectate, be sure to get to the track at the Realities Ride & Rally from 2 – 5 p.m. to enjoy the show, live music, local food and beer from Odell Brewing Co. RSVP on Facebook for updates.
39th Annual Colorado Run | Fort Collins
May 28, 7 – 10 a.m. | Spring Canyon Community Park
The Colorado Run has moved to Memorial Day with a beautiful, Horsetooth Reservoir course and a can’t-miss post-race party. Pricing ranges from $25 for veterans and military to $30 for youth and $40 for adults. This event is for everyone whether you’re a walker, a runner, or you’re just sprinting to the post-race food! Register in advance here.
Where will you be?
In the comments below, let us know where you’ll be over the long weekend!
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