20 Exciting Spring Events in Northern Colorado 2023

Spring is officially here! After the snow melts in Colorado, our region springs to life with an abundance of exciting events and activities for all ages — from the heart of Fort Collins and Loveland to the mountain towns of Estes Park and Steamboat Springs.

We’re showcasing some of the top spring events in Northern Colorado this year, including festivals, concert series, races, plant sales, ice shows, duck races, and more. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season!

 

Bud Light Rocks the Boat | Steamboat Springs

Where: Steamboat Ski Resort

When: March 25 + April 1, 2, 8 + 9

Each spring, Steamboat Ski Resort hosts their annual Bud Light Rocks the Boat, a free concert series showcasing a wide range of musical talent. We are already a couple of weeks into the series, but there are several upcoming performances, all taking place around 3:30 p.m. on the stage in Steamboat Springs. See Cris Jacobs Band on March 25, Joslyn & the Sweet Compression on April 1, MarchFourth on April 2, The Main Squeeze on April 8, and The Wailers on April 9. Click here for more details!

 

6th Annual Spring Equinox Half Marathon & 4 Mile | Fort Collins

Where: Anheuser-Busch Brewery

When: March 26, 2023

Kick off the season with the Spring Equinox Race, which offers both a half marathon distance and a quick 4-mile run. The 4-mile course is a square loop around the brewery on paved country roads, while the half-marathon course runs on a 50/50 mix of paved and dirt country roads. Both races start and finish at The Biergarten, where participants can enjoy post-race food and beverages. Register here!

 

8th Annual ACT Human Rights Film Festival | Fort Collins

Where: Colorado State University

When: March 29–April 2, 2023

The ACT Human Rights Film Festival is the only university-produced, international film festival in the Rocky Mountain region that is dedicated to showcasing human rights issues. This week-long festival brings the best and most recent human rights cinema to Northern Colorado. Through the shared experience of film and conversation, ACT cultivates empathy and new perspectives. Click here for the full event lineup and to purchase tickets!

 

Disney on Ice | Loveland

Where: Budweiser Events Center

When: March 30–April 2, 2023

Join the excitement as 50 of your beloved Disney characters come to life through captivating ice skating at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland! Don’t forget to bring your Mickey ears for an unforgettable adventure. With the help of Mickey’s “Mouse Pad,” show hosts will encourage you to participate in the action and help your favorite Disney friends navigate through their timeless tales. Secure your tickets now for a memorable Disney on Ice experience you wouldn’t want to miss!

 

Run the Ranch | Loveland

Where: Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch

When: March 31–April 1, 2023

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Sylvan Dale Ranch by participating in Run the Ranch, a trail race that will challenge and excite you! Now in its 4th year and benefitting the Heart J organization, this race offers six different distances for you to choose from. On Friday, choose between the 5K and 10K distances, while Saturday offers the opportunity to participate in the 4-hour, 6-hour, 12-hour, and 12-hour four-person relay timed races. As a participant, you will be provided with a meal ticket. You also have the option to purchase an extra meal ticket for friends or family who will be accompanying you, or if you simply want to enjoy two meals. Please note that there is a ranch access fee of $5/person per day for anyone coming onto the ranch. Learn more and register for Run the Ranch here!

 

Horsetooth Half Marathon | Fort Collins

Where: Holiday Twin Drive-In

When: April 16, 2023

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Horsetooth Half Marathon, which takes you on a scenic point-to-point journey from Hughes Stadium to the finish line party at New Belgium Brewery. Along the way, runners will tackle the challenging hills of Centennial Drive running along the shorelines of the shimmering Horsetooth Reservoir. A great option for first-timers and old pros alike, the course offers a challenging but quick 13.1-mile route and a net loss in elevation. For full details and registration, click here.

 

Greeley Jazz Festival | Greeley

Where: University of Northern Colorado

When: April 20–22, 2023

The UNC Greeley Jazz Festival is the biggest event of its kind in the United States and is a must-see for jazz enthusiasts. The festival attracts internationally renowned artists, award-winning clinicians, and more than 250 college, high school, and middle school big bands, combos, and jazz vocal groups from all corners of the country. With over 7,500 attendees every year, the festival offers a variety of activities, including main stage concerts, after-hours sessions, daytime performances, and educational workshops. Click here for more information and to buy tickets!

 

Loveland Classic Race | Loveland

Where: Centerra Trails

When: April 22, 2023

Celebrating 47 years, the Loveland Classic Race is one of the oldest races in Loveland and this year, it’s taking place on Earth Day! This scenic walking/running event has something for everyone, including a broken 15K, a 10K, a 5K, and a Kids’ 1-Mile! The Loveland Classic benefits the Thompson Education Foundation, a non-profit that supports exceptional educational experiences for students and educators in Thompson School District.

 

13th Annual Earth Day Fort Collins | Fort Collins

Where: Civic Center Park

When: April 22, 2023

Hosted by the Sustainable Living Association, Earth Day Fort Collins is an all-day celebration that aims to inspire the community to take action in preserving the planet every day. The event has a wide range of activities and events suitable for the entire family, including informational booths and displays, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, live music, speakers, food trucks, a farmers’ market, and a beer garden. The event is free for everyone, but please consider bringing a non-perishable item to donate to the Food Bank for Larimer County.

 

W.O.L.F. Gala Dinner 2023 | Fort Collins

Where: Hilton Fort Collins

When: April 22, 2023

W.O.L.F. Sanctuary is a Colorado organization that serves to improve the quality of life for wolves and wolf dogs. Their annual gala fundraiser is taking place at the Hilton in Fort Collins on Earth Day, complete with a gourmet vegan or vegetarian dinner and live music from Lucas Wolf. Plus, listen to guest speaker Carter Niemeyer and participate in the live and silent auction. To reserve your seat, click here.

 

Kids in the Park | Fort Collins

Where: Twin Silo Community Park

When: April 23, 2023

Kids in the Park is an annual event organized by the City of Fort Collins to encourage children of all ages to get outside and play. This exciting event offers a variety of recreation activities for children, including kite flying, a bike rodeo with Safe Routes to School, tennis demonstrations, and Skyhawks Sports. Additionally, enjoy live music by Crescent City Connection from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a break at noon, cheer performances, giant bubbles, and more. Food trucks will also be parked on site to satisfy everyone’s appetite. The best part? Admission to Kids in the Park is completely free!

 

FoCoMX | Fort Collins

Where: Downtown Fort Collins

When: April 28 + 29, 2023

Presented each spring at venues all over Fort Collins, FoCoMX is a full weekend celebration of the Northern Colorado music scene. This year, the lineup consists of two full days and nights at more than 30 local venues with performances from more than 300 Colorado bands! Over the last 15 years, FoCoMX has earned the unofficial title of “The Biggest Little Festival in America.” To see the full lineup and get your wristbands, check out the website here.

 

Foothills Taste of Loveland | Loveland

Where: First National Bank Building, Loveland

When: May 4, 2023

Take a tour of Loveland by enjoying tastings from popular restaurants alongside local beverages all in one place at the Foothills Taste of Loveland. This annual event is sponsored by the Foothills Service League and benefits Foothills Gateway and the Namaqua Center. Tickets give you access to this all-inclusive event, which showcases the best of Northern Colorado’s growing restaurant, brewery and spirits scene. Attendees must be 21 and older.

 

Run for the Trees | Loveland

Where: Mehaffey Park

When: May 6, 2023

Run for the Trees is a 2-mile fun run and festival benefiting the Loveland Parks & Rec Foundation’s tree planting fund. Enjoy food trucks, live music, vendors, sponsors, and of course, a fun run through Mehaffey Park. Each participant will receive a custom bib, a Blue Spruce tree seedling, and a reusable baggie. Click here for more information and to register!

 

Estes Park Duck Race Festival | Estes Park

Where: George Hix Riverside Plaza

When: May 6, 2023

Since 1989, the Estes Park Duck Race Festival has been held each year on the first Saturday in May. This beloved tradition celebrates the local community and raises funds for various charitable causes. The highlight of the festival is a unique spectacle in which thousands of rubber ducks are released into the river and race downstream to the finish line. The first duck to cross the finish line wins a grand prize, and there are also additional prizes for runners-up. People can “adopt” a duck and designate a charity of their choice from the list of participating organizations. Charities receive $22 of every adoption sold! In addition to the duck race, the festival features a variety of other activities, including live music, food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and games for all ages.

 

Colorado Marathon | Fort Collins

Where: Various Locations

When: May 7, 2023

The Colorado Marathon is a popular marathon that takes place in Fort Collins each year. The marathon is a challenging course that features steep inclines, but the stunning scenery makes it all worth it. In addition to the full marathon, there is also a half marathon, a 10K, and a 5K available for runners of all levels. The event attracts thousands of runners each year from all around the world, and it has become a premier event in the Colorado running community. Over the last 21 years, the Colorado Marathon has donated more than $250,000 to local and national charities and other beneficiaries — so your registration is supporting an amazing cause!

 

Fort Collins Spring Ice Show | Fort Collins

Where: Edora Pool Ice Center

When: May 13, 2023

Each year, the Fort Collins Figure Skating Club hosts their spectacular Spring Ice Show. The two-hour show will feature more than 150 Northern Colorado skaters ranging from beginners to national competitors with special guest appearances from nationally acclaimed guests. Choose from two different shows on Saturday, at 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. Click here for more details and to purchase tickets!

 

2023 Spring Plant Sale | Fort Collins

Where: Gardens on Spring Creek

When: May 20–21, 2023

The Gardens on Spring Creek, in partnership with Colorado State University, is preparing for the 2023 Spring Plant Sale with thousands of plants being grown by the horticulture team. The sale will be free to shop, but timed, ticketed admission will be required to manage capacity. On Saturday, timed admission will be available throughout the day, while Sunday tickets will be valid for admission all day. Members will have exclusive access to reserve their time slot ahead of the general public — and new this year, Contributing level and above members will receive even earlier access! Reservations will be available the week of May 1, with certain times expected to sell out. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own empty boxes or wagons to transport their purchases to their vehicles. Shoppers are welcome to explore the full gardens while enjoying the sale, but the Butterfly House will be closed.

 

NOCO Half Marathon & 10K | Loveland

Where: Boyd Lake State Park

When: May 21, 2023

The NoCo Half Marathon & 10K is a fantastic way to embrace the season and enjoy the beauty of Boyd Lake State Park. Participants can choose between the half marathon or the 10K. The course is mostly on smooth, paved walkways, with only about three-quarters of a mile being off-road. Runners will be treated to breathtaking views of the lake and its surrounding wildlife throughout the race. With almost no elevation gain, this is a flat course that offers a perfect opportunity to set a new personal record or enjoy a fun, steady-paced morning run. After the race, participants can look forward to exciting post-race festivities, including beer from Loveland Aleworks. Get more details and register here!

 

44th Annual Colorado Run | Fort Collins

Where: Spring Canyon Park

When: May 27, 2023

The 44th Annual Colorado Run is part of the Veterans Plaza annual Memorial Day weekend celebration in Spring Canyon Park. Participants can choose to walk, jog, run, race, or ruck their way through either the challenging 10K course along Horsetooth Reservoir or the flat and fast 5K race through Spring Canyon Park. The 10K course is a favorite among local runners and walkers, featuring an uphill challenge for the first 5K followed by a rewarding downhill cruise for the second half of the race. The 10K Ruck is a unique challenge that requires participants to complete the course while carrying a weighted pack, adding an extra level of difficulty to an already challenging event. For those looking for a flatter course, the 5K race is the perfect choice, featuring paved trails and roads through the park and surrounding neighborhoods. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome in the 5K race, but not in the 10K due to safety concerns in the downhill portion. Register for either race and get more information here!

 

Happy Spring!

What spring evehellonts do we need to add to our calendar? Let us know in the comments below!