Live music in Fort Collins, CO

An outdoor live music series has arrived, offering free concerts on the grass. It features recurring performances in an open-air setting.

An experiment during Fort Collins First Friday Art Walks set the stage for this gathering. Local artists invited community members to take the brush, and what began as live demonstrations grew into three collaborative paintings shaped over several months. The shared canvases, and the conversations around them, inspired Tapestry and its focus on creativity, connection, and collective wellbeing. Presented by NOCO Creative Network, the evening features local artists creating with the community, live music, therapy animals, and participation from community organizations. A handmade tapestry by Henry Haynes is part of the experience. Fundraising activities support the Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County, and participating artists keep 100 percent of their sales. The event is free and open to the public, with participating artists, organizations, and additional details announced throughout the summer.

Presented by 105.5 The Colorado Sound, The Crane Wives headline with special guest Brye. Emerging from the 2010s folk movement and now leaning into a rock-forward chapter of indie folk, the band is known for energetic sets, tight harmonies, and lyrics that face the more vulnerable parts of the human experience. Their listenership tops 1.3 million monthly on Spotify, with more than 150 million streams on their most popular tracks and fans spanning the US, the UK, Australia, Germany, Brazil, Poland, Mexico, and the Philippines. Featured by Michigan Radio and on NPR’s All Songs Considered, they recently released their sixth studio album, Beyond Beyond Beyond, which drew strong critical praise for turning personal hardship into broadly relatable anthems and for its angsty, haunting grit. Since its 2024 release, the record has surpassed 24 million Spotify streams. Onstage, bassist Ben Zito and drummer Dan Rickabus drive the pulse while co-leads Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury trade expansive electric guitar lines, with three-part harmonies softening the emotional punch. With six full-length albums and more than 600 shows across the country, The Crane Wives have shared bills with The Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, Rusted Root, The Dead South, Joseph, and more.

Celebrate First Friday Art Walk with complimentary admission to explore current exhibits and the permanent collection galleries. Enjoy live music by Petrichor Collective while you browse.

An evening with Band of Horses at The Mishawaka highlights a career that began with the RIAA gold certified debut album Everything All The Time and now includes five studio albums spanning more than a decade. This event is sold out.

This community car gathering is built around antique and uncommon vehicles while centering a mission to uplift local children in foster care. Expect a welcoming, family friendly atmosphere with awards chosen by kids, an inflatable play area, live music, and food. Held in the parking lot of Timberline Church, it celebrates the idea that children come first and the cars simply bring people together. There is no cost to attend or to register a vehicle, and support through sponsorships or donations is welcomed so foster youth feel seen and cared for.

Scrumpy’s hosts a karaoke night filled with memorable and often amusing performances. Whether you are a power ballad devotee or prefer a group sing along, the stage welcomes all. With hard cider flowing and a crowd ready to cheer, it is a lively place to take the mic and enjoy an evening of music and laughter.

Party Guru Productions presents Brother Ali with iies. at Aggie Theatre. Brother Ali is a respected hip hop artist, speaker, and community leader with a two-decade career that includes ten critically acclaimed albums. He has been mentored by Chuck D and Rakim, performed on late night television with Jimmy Fallon and Conan O'Brien, and appeared in features such as Rolling Stone's 40th anniversary edition and Source Magazine's Hip Hop Quotables. His music is both challenging and uplifting, and his outspoken advocacy for social justice has placed him on government watch lists. He has lectured at universities from Princeton to Stanford and delivered the keynote address at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum. Beyond the stage at festivals like Coachella, he studies and teaches Islamic spirituality around the world, leads worship services and classes, and co-founded The Gemali Project to help Muslim converts and spiritual seekers access the beauty of the Islamic tradition. He also hosts The Travelers Podcast from his new home in Istanbul, exploring life's journey in conversations with cultural, spiritual, and thought leaders.

The Doohickeys are bringing their brand of red dirt, honky tonk, outlaw country, and americana music to the Moxi Theater for an evening show.

Aggie Theatre hosts a family friendly K-pop dance party from The Kawaii Rave and VNK Entertainment. Dance to remixes inspired by familiar soundtracks and K-pop hits, along with iconic pop anthems from the movies. Costumes are encouraged, the focus is on dancing, and everyone is encouraged to shine.

This open mic brings together musicians, poets, comedians, and storytellers to share their work, hone their craft, and encourage one another in a supportive setting. Performers can sign up to take the stage, with performances following the sign-up period. Those attending to watch can look forward to a varied lineup and impressive talent throughout the event.

A weekly summertime tradition in Fort Collins, the FoCo Food Truck Rally brings a rotating lineup of more than 20 local food trucks to City Park along Sheldon Drive. Enjoy a wide variety of eats, live music, and a relaxed, community-focused vibe that is welcoming to families and pets.

Karaoke Club takes place in the Lyric Lobby and yes, people do talk about it. Hosted by Daphne Starr, there are signups before the singing begins and the format follows a set of rules. The first two are shared up front, and the rest are saved as a surprise for participants.

Blues Fusion FoCo brings its social dance to its new home at Scrumpy’s Hard Cider and Pub, creating a welcoming space for blues fusion dancers of all levels. Music curation will be announced, with a playlist designed for social dancing. The bar serves a wide variety of beverages, including signature ciders, frozen margaritas, beer, a full selection of spirits, and nonalcoholic options like coffee. The kitchen now operates entirely gluten free. Entry is free. No partner is required, and basic instruction can be provided to small groups upon request.

Live music with Summer Resident Musicians String Creek highlights a residency designed to foster collaboration and experimentation while supporting the local music scene. String Creek is a Fort Collins-based acoustic folksgrass duo featuring Jared Heath on guitar and Abby McNamara on fiddle. Their music blends traditional bluegrass, folk, and American roots, reflecting themes of nature and human connection. Abby’s fiddle adds sweet melodies and soaring solos over Jared’s steady rhythm guitar, and together they weave rich vocal harmonies for a heartfelt sound that is rooted in tradition and brimming with energy. Suggested donation is $15 to $20.

Rebirth Brass Band performs at Washington’s with an opening act to start the show. The venue is primarily standing room, and seating is limited and not guaranteed. For additional venue details, please consult the FAQ on Washington’s website.

McKinley James appears at Avogadro's Number in a show presented by Mishawaka. A guitarist and songwriter with a blend of vintage soul and modern edge, he brings together American rock and roll, electrified soul, and raw rhythm and blues, captured on his debut album, Working Class Blues. The music leans on deep grooves and taut guitar work, honed through steady stage time from residencies in Nashville bars to headlining dates around Europe. Teaming with his father and longtime bandmate, Jason Smay, he delivers a lean duo approach to roots-driven, blues-based rock that leaves room for Motown-style hooks and roadhouse boogie-woogie. This event is general admission with standing room only, and the open floor is available on a first come, first served basis.

Old West Americana & 105.5 The Colorado Sound presents Jason Scott & The High Heat, with Keyland and Sugar Britches. The doors open at 7:00 PM, and the show starts at 8:00 PM. This event is all ages.

Gripweed makes a return appearance at Maxline Brewing with a free performance on the patio stage. Early arrival is encouraged, as the space can be lively. Presented by KRFC 88.9FM.

Bohemian Live Music hosts the Thursday Night Live series on the outdoor stage at Fort Collins’ Old Town Square, and this edition spotlights 2MX2. Born from family ties and friendship, the group brings together cousins Owen Trujillo, known as O-1, and Hugo Rodriguez, known as Juice E Hugo, with producer and multi-instrumentalist DMDTheProducer. Their Denver-rooted sound blends rock, hip hop, reggaeton, and Latin pop, delivered in two languages and shaped by a bicultural identity. The broader TNL run features 16 weekly concerts that highlight a wide range of artists from Colorado and beyond. It encourages community discovery across many styles while giving both rising and established performers a platform to share live music with Northern Colorado. Admission is free and all are welcome.