What’s the best way to celebrate fall? Come to Fort Collins of course! Northern Colorado has some extra special (and extra secret!) activities when autumn comes. Here’s our list of some of the best things to do in Fort Collins in the fall.
Experience CSU Homecoming
Where: CSU Campus, October 16 – 18
One of our most favorite weekends of the year is Colorado State University’s Homecoming Weekend! Leading up to Saturday’s big game (this year against Hawaii), there are loads of events around campus including Festival on the Oval, Friday Nights Lights and the 5k race. You can’t miss the amazing energy around town and all the green and white everywhere!
Visit A Pumpkin Patch (or two!)
Where: 3424 E. Douglas Road, Fort Collins
Enjoy some festive fun with a visit to The Bartels Farm, home to one of the most charming pumpkin patches in Fort Collins. Open daily through October 31st from 10 am to 6 pm, this spot offers an array of activities perfect for the entire family. Wander through the daytime corn maze, enjoy a leisurely hayride, and hand-pick the perfect pumpkin. The farm also offers a U-Pick experience during the fall months. You can harvest peppers, sweet corn, green beans, dill, and more. And if you’re craving something sweet, be sure to pick up farm-fresh honey and honeycomb!
Enjoy The Tiny Tot Halloween Parade
Where: Downtown Fort Collins, October 31st, 10am-1pm
Join the fun at Fort Collins’ cutest trick-or-treat tradition, Tiny Tot Halloween! On Friday, October 31st, from 10 am to 1 pm, over 90 downtown businesses (including The Armstrong Hotel!) will hand out candy to preschool and kindergarten-aged kids who dress up in costumes. This fright-free celebration is the perfect way for your little ones to enjoy the Halloween spirit in a safe, family-friendly environment. Bring your tiny trick-or-treaters and be part of this sweet community tradition!
Dance The Night Away @ Ace Gillett’s
Where: Ace Gillett’s, beneath The Armstrong Hotel
Ace Gillett’s is calling all creatures of the night!
On Friday, October 31st, we’re resurrecting the spirit of disco for a night of haunted grooves and devilish fun. Join us for a hauntingly good time with a LIVE vinyl DJ spinning the hottest tracks from 7 to 11pm.
Sip on creepy cocktails and munch on spooktacular food specials, while enjoying a night packed with raffle prizes, ghostly good vibes, and surprises you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for this year’s theme!
Indulge Your Senses On The Fort Collins Foodie Walk
Where: Downtown Fort Collins, 3rd Friday of the Month, 5-8pm
Explore the heart of Downtown Fort Collins and dive into its lively local food scene on the third Friday of every month, from 5 to 8 pm. Culinary shops open their doors to foodies, offering samples of seasonal delights like Chai tea, popcorn, fudge, and baked potato soup. Each stop on this self-guided tour emphasizes quality ingredients, with a focus on local, organic, and thoughtfully sourced products. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just curious to try something new, the Foodie Walk offers a unique look into Fort Collins’ food scene.
Enjoy The Fall Colors
Where: Fort Collins & Surrounding Areas
Leaf peeping in Northern Colorado is a sight to behold! The foliage is typically at its best from mid-September through October each year. There are loads of great spots to see the fall colors, including right outside our doors. All are within driving distance of The Armstrong in Fort Collins. Here are a few of our favorite leaf peeping spots!
Get Spooked On A Fort Collins Ghost Tour
Where: Throughout Old Town Fort Collins
The Fort Collins Ghost Tour is one of the most popular attractions during this time of year, perfect for those looking to embrace the spooky spirit of fall. During this eerie journey through Old Town, you’ll experience the city’s underground history and explore places steeped in mystery. Guided by knowledgeable storytellers, the tour takes you to sites rumored to be haunted, where you will hear tales of restless spirits and unexplained events. This tour is an unforgettable way to learn about Fort Collins’ ghostly past.
Peruse The Farmer’s Market
Where: 1001 E Harmony Rd., Fort Collins
Rain, snow, or shine, the Fort Collins Farmers Market runs every Sunday through November 10th, offering the freshest Colorado-grown produce and locally sourced specialty items since 1984. Stroll through the market to find everything from flaky pastries to farm-fresh eggs to crisp apples, perfect for homemade pies. No matter what goodies you take home, you’ll be supporting local farmers and small businesses while enjoying the best of what Colorado has to offer.
2025 Farmers Market Dates
Sundays: May 4th – November 9th
Wednesdays: June 4th – September 24th
Market Hours: 10am – 2 pm (Sundays & Wednesdays)
Delight In The Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Where: Downtown Fort Collins, November 7th @ 6:30pm
The annual lighting ceremony of the Downtown Fort Collins lights is not only a sight to behold, but it’s an unforgettable community event! Stop by The Armstrong Hotel and grab a bite or a drink while you wait for the lights to illuminate the city.
Join us in Old Town Square for the lighting ceremony from 5:30-7 p.m. The lights are expected to turn on after a short countdown, around 6:30 p.m.
There’s a lot more to see and do in Fort Collins, and we’d love to help you make your next visit the best it can be. Come experience an authentic stay with us – right in the heart of Old Town. Visit our recently upgraded rooms and suites and book a room for your stay today!