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 27th 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 community.
Centennial Celebration at Centennial Village Museum | Greeley
May 24 – 26, various times | Centennial Village Museum
The Friday of Memorial Day weekend marks the opening day 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. During the special Centennial Celebration on Saturday and Sunday, visitors can enjoy all of this and more for the cost of regular admission.
Colorado Model Railroad Museum 10th Anniversary Celebration | Greeley
May 25, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Colorado Model Railroad Museum
This weekend marks the Colorado Model Railroad Museum’s 10th anniversary! In addition to their amazing exhibits, guests can enjoy cake, celebratory merchandise, and a special scale model display from The Scale Junkiez.
A Salute to Our Persian Gulf War Veterans | Fort Collins
May 25 – 27, various times | 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 2019, they’re honoring Persian Gulf War veterans with events throughout the weekend, including the All Veterans Gala on Saturday evening at the Fort Collins Marriott. This ticketed event includes dinner, presentations and an auction followed by live music and dancing (with dance lessons included!).
The official Memorial Day Ceremony is taking place on Sunday from 12 to 1 p.m. in the plaza and will include the raising of the colors, a prayer and guest speaker Lieutenant William Welser III, retired USAF. After the ceremony, the 101st Army Rock Band will play sing-along and dance-along rock music from the 1970s through today.
Memorial Day will be a day of solitude at the Veterans Plaza, but anyone who wants to help raise funds for the plaza can register for the Colorado Run.
Realities Ride & Rally | Fort Collins
May 25 – 26, various times | Downtown Fort Collins
For the past 18 years, the Realities Ride & Rally has celebrated and honored those who gave their all to defend our freedom. The family-friendly rally takes place Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. in Washington Park. In 2019, the Schrader Grand Prix Trike Races, stunt shows, pin-up and tattoo contests, fireworks and live music will return and Cycle Source Magazine is joining the fun with a Motorcycle Rodeo and their first Ride-In Bike Show in Colorado.
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 Washington Park with the after-ride party! For full details, click here.
Estes Park Art Market | Estes Park
May 25 – 27, various times | Bond Park
Photo courtesy of Art Center of Estes Park
Sponsored by the Art Center of Estes Park, this family-friendly event features the work of more than 90 juried artists and artisans alongside their arts and crafts. Join thousands of visitors at Bond Park over Memorial Day weekend to meet artists, see art, and enjoy food vendors and kid-friendly activities.
Odell Brewing Small Batch Festival | Fort Collins
May 25, 1 – 6 p.m. | Odell Brewing Co.
For the fifth year, Odell Brewing Co. is celebrating small-batch brews with a full day of music and beer. For $40 in advance or $45 at the door, you can enjoy more than 40 different beers, food from some of our best local food trucks, and live music from Brent Cowles, Dragondeer, Whiskey Blanket and Sugarbirds. Tickets include four beer tokens and a souvenir globe glass. To learn more and buy your tickets online, click here.
FoCo Roller Derby Brew Crew vs. Fremont County Cherry Bombs | Loveland
May 25, 5:30 – 10 p.m. | McKee 4-H Building
Photo courtesy of Flash House Photography via FoCo Roller Derby
Since 2006, Fort Collins Roller Derby has operated as a nonprofit organization committed to athletics, inclusion, self-confidence and building an amazing roller skating community. On May 25th, they’re facing off against the Fremont County Cherry Bombs from Wyoming, and you can cheer them on in Loveland! To get your tickets online, click here.
The EPIC MINI Triathlon | Fort Collins
May 26, 7 a.m. | Edora Pool Ice Center
This mini triathlon is a great way to test your skills on a shortened course that explores Fort Collins via a 10-mile bike ride, a two-mile run and a 450-meter swim. All race participants can take home a t-shirt, a finisher medal and a swag bag, and you’ll get to celebrate with food and drinks at the post-race party.
Colorado Run | Fort Collins
May 27, 8 a.m. | Spring Canyon Park
Photo courtesy of Green Events
The 40th Annual Colorado Run is taking place on Memorial Day and proceeds from the event will benefit Veterans Plaza. The beautiful 10K course will explore some of Fort Collins’ most scenic areas around Horsetooth Reservoir, and the race will be followed up by a post-race party. For more information and registration, click here.
Looking for more events?
For even more events happening in all our Northern Colorado communities, check out our event calendar, NoCo Happenings.
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