Summer has come to a close. School is well underway, splotches of yellow or orange fall leaves are just now peeking out from the green, and the temperatures are starting to drop. Some towns might start to slow down this time of year, preparing for winter. Cooler temperatures don’t slow down the communities in Northern Colorado much though, and Fort Collins is no exception.
There are many things to do during the autumn season when visiting Fort Collins. Fall Farmers markets and local pumpkin patches make delightful detours for an afternoon, it’s still warm enough to enjoy a hike or swim at Horsetooth Reservoir, and there is a plethora of special events on the calendar. If your October activity calendar is looking a little sparse, check out these great October offerings in Fort Collins.
Fall Festivals and Parades
Tour de Corgi
October 1, 2022 — 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Civic Center Park and Old Town Fort Collins
The Tour de Corgi is an event like no other. Dozens of costumed corgis descend on Civic Center Park to support canine-centric charities 4 Paws Pet Pantry, Bandits BandAid, Colorado Corgis and Friends Rescue, and Wyoming Dachshund and Corgi Rescue. Corgis and their human family members begin the festivities at the Civic Center Park with a costume contest, then conclude with an adorable parade of long, low-slung dogs showing off those colorful and clever costumes.
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Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off and Fall Jamboree
October 8, 2022 — 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Fort Collins Nursery
2121 E Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Fort Collins Nursery on Mulberry is hosting the 14th Annual Pumpkin Contest, where growers compete for prizes of up to $6000.00. While the largest prizes are for the largest pumpkins, there are also prizes for the heaviest tomato, the tallest sunflower, and the prettiest pumpkin. The Fall Jamboree that accompanies the weigh-off includes face-painting, hayrides, and an all-ages interactive instrument garden, hosted by boredom fighters. This event is free to attend, and no tickets are needed.
Pumpkins on Parade
October 20-23, 2022 — 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The Gardens on Spring Creek
Pumpkins on Parade at the Gardens on Spring Creek is a costume and family-friendly celebration featuring hundreds of autumn pumpkins and gourds. Activities include a carved pumpkin contest, viewing artistic displays, and kid-friendly games like pumpkin bowling. Tickets to this event can be purchased at the gate or in advance online. The Gardens recommends buying the tickets in advance, as there are a limited number of tickets available.
Dia de Muertos Community Celebration
October 28, 2022 — 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Old Town Square
Dia de Muertos is a Mexican tradition that honors the dead. Festivals and family celebrations are centered around beautifully decorated altars strewn with meaningful mementos and photographs. Old Town Fort Collins, along with the BIPOC Alliance, is hosting the second annual Dia de Muertos Community celebration toward the end of October. This free event brings the community together in celebration to honor their ancestors and share fond memories. If you would like to place a photo, song, or poem on the virtual altar, you can submit your digital file to the altar submission page.
Marathons
Longview Marathon
October 1, 2022 — Start at 7:30 AM
This marathon has a full and half marathon option. Both start at 7:30 AM, the full marathon at the Edora Pool Ice Center at 1800 Riverside Ave and the half marathon at Fossil Creek Park at 5821 S Lemay Ave. Both will finish at the Fairgrounds Park in nearby Loveland, CO. The course and finish will close six hours after the start of the races. Free shuttles from the end of the race back to the beginning will be available from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM.
Blue Sky Marathon
October 15, 2022 — Start at 7:00 AM
Horsetooth Mountain Park
Registration is open for the October 15th Blue Sky Marathon, as well. The Blue Sky Marathon is a picturesque run hosted by GnarRunners that takes place on the trails between Horsetooth Mountain Park and the Devil’s Backbone Open Space. Once they’ve reached the Devil’s Backbone Open Space, participants can relax and enjoy the sponsor giveaways, BBQ, and awards.
Halloween Happenings
Treat Street
October 22, 2022 — 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Front Range Village
On Saturday, October 22, the shops at Front Range Village will be hosting a free trick-or-treating event that includes not only candy, but festive music and face-painting as well.
Treatsylvania
October 28, 2022 — 5:30 PM to 7 PM.
October 29, 2022 — 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
October 30, 2022 — 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Hosted at the Farm at Lee Martinez Park, this Halloween celebration is designed to delight the under 10 set. With hayrides, a not-so-spooky barn, great photo opportunities around every corner, and, of course, a treat bag with all sorts of goodies, this is a family fun event without the fright. Reservations for participating children attending Treatsylvania can be made online starting on Wednesday, October 5. Parents do not need a ticket.
Upside Down Prom
October 28, 2022 — Start at 7:00 PM
Aggie Theater
204 S College Ave
Slightly spookier happenings are going on at the Aggie theater. To celebrate Halloween in 2022, the popular theater is hosting an 80s prom-themed Halloween party, based on the popular demon-riddled series on Netflix, Stranger Things. Participants will get to enjoy bands covering 80s hits, a costume contest, and other “Totally Bitchin” surprises.
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In addition, when you shop in downtown Fort Collins this month, you can participate in the All For Fall benefit and round up your purchases at participating stores to benefit local charities like the Food Bank for Larimer County and the Animal Friends Alliance. As you can see, a lot is going on in Fort Collins during October. From full marathons on mountain paths to kid-friendly candy-fests, there’s an activity happening this month to make anyone smile.
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
Penny Leigh Sebring is a Cohere member, experienced freelance writer, neophyte speculative fiction author, and gatherer of information and imaginary friends.