Helping Make Downtown Come Alive
Arts, culture, seasonal programs, and the experiences that make downtown worth spending time in
Investing in experiences that make downtown, downtown
The DDA invests in more than buildings and infrastructure. It invests in things that make downtown feel alive — flowers that go in every spring, lights that come on every winter, public art on every corner, free programs in Old Town Square, and consistent marketing that helps local businesses connect with customers.
The DDA runs some of these programs directly; others were created by the DDA and now run independently with the DDA’s support and continued sponsorship. All of these programs help make a downtown that gives people many reasons to show up and enjoy themselves in every season of the year.
Arts & Culture
Public art, performing arts, and creative programs rooted in Old Town Square and the broader downtown district.
Sculptures in the Square
Sculptures in the Square is an annual rotating exhibition of sculptures in Old Town Square. New works selected each year.
Fort Collins Mural Project
The DDA helped found the FC Mural Project and sponsors annual Spray Paint Workshops for emerging muralists.
Support for Nonprofit Performing Arts Groups
The DDA owns the Backstage Warehouse on Vine Drive and has created a shared facility for nonprofit performing arts groups.
Art for the Heart
Art for the Heart Program distributes free art kits in Old Town Square every Wednesday in June and July. Run by NOLA Creative Company.
Adirondack Chairs & Tables Painting
Artists from the community paint locally crafted wooden chairs and tables each summer. The finished pieces live in Old Town Square for the season.
Supporting Downtown Businesses
The marketing programs, promotions, and platforms that connect people with downtown businesses and events.
Supporting Downtown Businesses
The DDA’s Business Marketing & Communications Program runs DowntownFortCollins.com and the promotions that help local businesses get found.
Downtown Fort Collins Gift Card
Prepaid cards areaccepted at 170+ locally owned downtown businesses. Available in denominations from $10 to $500.
Old Town Square
Our public square is the civic heart of downtown. Owned and maintained by the DDA it’s home to hundreds of events, programs, and activations each year.
Seasonal Activations & Beautification
Downtown Flower Display
ANNUAL — MAY THROUGH FALL
45,000 plants, 270 species, 190,000 sq. ft. covered in colorful blooms. Planting starts the week of CSU’s graduation.
Fountains & Live Music
SEASONAL
Downtown’s fountains and summer concert series bring the district to life on warm evenings.
Downtown Summer Sales
SEASONAL
A seasonal business promotion uniting small businesses around one shared promotion
Downtown Lighting Display
ANNUAL — NOVEMBER THROUGH VALENTINE’S DAY
22 blocks of LED lights from La Porte to Magnolia. First Friday in November through Valentine’s Day.
Santa’s Workshop
ANNUAL
Santa’s annual arrival downtown kicks off the holiday season for families.
Outdoor Skating Rink
SEASONAL
A seasonal outdoor rink brings skating back to downtown each winter.
Great Plates of Downtown™
ANNUAL —WINTER
Prix-fixe menus from downtown’s best restaurants for two weeks each winter, with a non-profit fundraising effort for local neighbors in need.
Old Town Spree
ANNUAL
A winter shopping and dining business promotion spotlighting downtown’s small businesses.
Fort Collins Foodie Walk™
ONGOING
A monthly self-guided tasting adventure through Downtown’s beloved food and drink shops, every third Friday from 5 – 8 pm. Wander, sip, and sample your way through seasonal flavors, and see how deep the foodie rabbit hole goes!
Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk™
ONGOING
A self-guided walking tour for the art lover in everyone, happening every first Friday from 6 – 9 pm. Wander the district to discover fine art, funky finds, and everything in between, celebrating creativity and community with fellow art lovers of all ages!
Find Events, Activities & More
For events, current schedules, and what’s happening right now, visit DowntownFortCollins.com
Events calendar → downtownfortcollins.com/play/calendar
What’s happening downtown → downtownfortcollins.com
Book an event at Old Town Square → downtownfortcollins.org/events-and-vendor-information