New Belgium Brewing Company
A bike trip through Belgium in 1988 inspired a young couple to bring the flavors of centuries-old Belgian beer to the town of Fort Collins, CO. The rest is history. Home to the Voodoo Ranger and Fat Tire, New Belgium also offers a great outdoor ambiance and a rotating food truck lineup. The brewery hosts community events like Tour De Fat (a costumed celebration of bicycles and beer) and a weekly run club. Keep an eye out for seasonal fall releases on tap.
Odell Brewing Company
Since its founding in 1989, Odell has been serving cold beers as a local independent brewery. From September 10–13, Odell celebrates Oktoberfest with Oktoberfest, Dunkel, and Festbier on tap, served up in limited-edition steins. If you’d rather sip wine, stop by their sister spot, OBC Wine Project, next door.
Gilded Goat Brewing
Gilded Goat Brewing Company is a family-owned Fort Collins brewery and taproom that keeps a steady rotation of seasonal and classic brews on tap. Pair a cold pint with classic German fare, like a Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese. It doesn’t get much better! Gilded Goat typically throws its own “Goatoberfest” celebration in September, so check their calendar before you go.
CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing
A Fort Collins original, CooperSmith’s has been pouring in the heart of Old Town since 1989, making it the city’s longest continuously operating brewery. The Old English-style pub is known for its two sprawling patios, classic tavern fare (don’t skip the beer-battered fries or the schnitzel), and a beer list with something for every palate. As the weather cools, it’s a great home base for people-watching in Old Town between stops on your brewery crawl. Check out their event calendar for fall seasonal taps and any Oktober-fest style releases.
Hello Brew Co.
A newer name on the Fort Collins brewery scene, Hello Brew Co. has quickly become a regular at local beer events, including CSU’s annual Fort Collins Beer Pairing. It’s a laid-back spot to add to your rotation if you want to try something outside the city’s more established breweries. Check their taproom hours and tap list before you visit, since seasonal offerings rotate.
Equinox Brewing
Equinox Brewing is a mellow, family-owned taproom with no TVs, just good beer and free live music on Friday and Saturday nights. The brewery is known for inventive brews like its Coconut Porter, a dog-friendly patio, and a small biergarten out back that’s perfect for a crisp fall evening. Grab a bite from Santa Elena’s Wood Smoked Mexican Scratch Kitchen on-site and settle in for the live music lineup.