How is it Labor Day weekend already? Like many holidays in 2020, Labor Day will look a little different this year. But because the day unofficially marks the end of summer, there’s no way we’re letting the long weekend pass without a proper celebration!
There are several ways to celebrate Labor Day weekend in Fort Collins this year, from socially distanced events to solo outdoor adventures. All in all, these activities will allow us to soak up all the things we love most about summer in Fort Collins — including the sunshine, refreshing cold drinks, sparkling lakes and rivers, and more.
Go on a Hike
Hit the trail to soak up one last summer hike. There are plenty of places to go hiking in Northern Colorado, whether you’re looking for a quick walk or a more challenging climb. The easy-to-moderate Milner Pass Trail extends 4.1 miles from Poudre Lake to the Alpine Visitor Center within Rocky Mountain National Park, and offers incredible views along the way. Located along a short spur off the North Boundary Trail, the moderate and lesser-known West Creek Falls pours through tiered granite chutes into sizable pools along West Creek. Or tackle the difficult 7.2-mile Greyrock Trail, which includes some intense bouldering during the last half-mile or so — but also, rewarding views from the top!
COVID NOTE: Take a look at our guide to outdoor recreation for summer 2020 before you hit the trail — or do anything else outdoorsy over Labor Day weekend!
Go Kayaking
Cool off by kayaking at one of the many lakes and rivers in our midst, from Horsetooth Reservoir to the Cache La Poudre River. Consult our kayaking guide so you know where to go, where to get gear, and other tips to know before you go!
Visit a Brewery
Photo Courtesy of Zwei Brewing
Raise a glass to the summer at one of the city’s most beloved establishments — a brewery! Most, if not all, of Fort Collins’ best breweries are “open for business as unusual,” practicing social distancing, offering outdoor seating and following other protocols. Check out our summer 2020 guide to Fort Collins’ breweries before you go!
Run in the Virtual FORTitude 10K
Each Labor Day, the Fort Collins community looks forward to the FORTitude 10K. This year, the race has gone virtual! Run, jog or walk a 10K from any location between Friday, September 4 and Sunday, September 20. Your free registration will include a downloadable BOLDitude bib and a chance to wine a one-year supply of Bobo’s Bars, a $250 gift code from Boulder Running Company, and a $25 gift card from Noodles and Company.
Go Glamping
Photo Courtesy of Arapaho Valley Ranch
Spend a night in nature without the hassle of setting up a tent. There are many “glamping” destinations throughout Northern Colorado, including yurts, canvas tents, treehouses and more unique accommodations. Book your stay over Labor Day weekend for one last summer getaway!
Visit a Farmers’ Market
Celebrate the long weekend with a meal or two made with fresh, locally grown ingredients. There’s no better place to collect your bounty than one of the many farmers’ markets in our midst. Check out our guide to Northern Colorado farmers’ markets in 2020, which includes the various guidelines in place during this unique season. Every single market on our list occurs on either Saturday or Sunday!
Host a Backyard BBQ
If you have more ingredients than you can handle from your farmers’ market visit, consider sharing a meal with friends and family! Earlier this summer, we put together a guide to throwing a backyard BBQ in Fort Collins, which includes businesses offering crucial ingredients to-go and stores selling outdoor patio furniture and various BBQ supplies. Whether you’re hosting a large backyard party with all your friends or an intimate gathering with family, these local resources will help your BBQ go smoothly.
Take a Scenic Drive
One of the best ways to experience our beautiful state — especially in the days of social distancing — is with a long drive through nature. Hit the road on one of these scenic drives in Northern Colorado, from shorter routes you can complete in a couple of hours to multi-state loops covering more than 500 miles. And if you’re feeling extra ambitious (and you have an entire week to spare!), you can even complete this 7-day Colorado road trip itinerary, traveling nearly 1,000 miles in a loop through the western portion of the state.
Splash in a Lake
Cool off by diving into one of the many lakes dotting our landscape. There is certainly no shortage of sparkling lakes in Northern Colorado, from secluded glacial lakes to lakes nestled alongside a bustling mountain town. And the possibilities for recreation at these lakes is endless, whether you prefer boating, swimming, jet skiing, fishing, paddleboarding or simply lying out in the sun. Visit one more lake before the summer ends!
See a Movie at Holiday Twin Drive-In
Did you hear? Holiday Twin Drive-In reopened for business this summer with a number of protocols in place. Check out their calendar to see what movies are playing over Labor Day weekend, purchase your tickets online, and make your way to this beloved drive-in for a nostalgic evening under the stars.
Sip on a Refreshing Summer Drink
Raise a glass to the summer and its glorious warm weather with a refreshing summer drink. Fort Collins is full of crafty bartenders and drink connoisseurs making delicious drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, that go down easy on a hot day. We rounded up some of our favorite chilly beverages in the area — from booze-filled cocktails and refreshing beers to kombucha and mocktail creations.
Shop for Plants at the Fort Collins Nursery Yard Sale
Fort Collins Nursery is hosting their biggest sale of the year from August 29–September 7. The “yard sale” offers huge discounts on all outdoor plants, trees and shrubs, as well as a wide selection of gardening supplies. Shop early on August 29 and 30 for the best selection, but get the biggest discounts later in the sale (August 29–September 1 is 25% off, September 2–4 is 35% off, September 5–6 is 45% off, and September 7 is 50% off)!
Happy Labor Day
Enjoy your Labor Day weekend — and let us know how you’re celebrating this year!
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