Old Town Square

Old Town Square, Fort Collins: 2026 Visitor Guide

Old Town Square serves as the historic and cultural heart of Fort Collins. In 2026, the plaza continues to evolve with a focus on pedestrian-first experiences, sustainable local art, and a revamped seasonal event calendar.

📅 Major 2026 Events in the Square

Unlike previous years, several major festivals have shifted dates for 2026. Ensure your travel plans align with these updated schedules:

• FoCoMX (Fort Collins Music eXperiment): April 24 – 25, 2026. Over 300 local bands perform across downtown, with the main stage often centered near the Square.


• Sculpture in the Square Installation: April 25, 2026. Watch live as six new curated sculptures are installed for the year-long outdoor exhibit.


• Lagoon Concert Series: Wednesday evenings, June 10 – July 22, 2026. Free live music under the stars.


• Fort Collins Art Festival: August 1 – 2, 2026. Linden Street and the Square transform into an open-air gallery.


• Taste of Fort Collins (New Dates): September 26 – 27, 2026. Note the shift from June to late September for cooler fall vibes and local harvest flavors.

💡 Tactical Tips for 2026 Visitors

🚗 Updated Parking Rules (Effective June 2026)

The City of Fort Collins implemented new parking management in 2026. The Courtesy Notice for first-time violations has been removed.
Our Tip: Use the Old Town Parking Garage (Remington St). The first hour is still free, and it avoids the 2-hour strictly enforced limit on the street which now carries higher fines as of June 1, 2026.

💳 Cashless Landscape

Following the 2025 trend, nearly 90% of vendors in Old Town Square are now 100% cashless. Ensure you have a mobile wallet (Apple/Google Pay) or a contactless card ready for the kiosks and shops.

🎹 The Public Piano Experience

A local favorite: keep an eye out for the community-painted pianos. In 2026, the Square features a newly designed piano by a local CSU artist. Anyone is welcome to sit down and play.

🍽️ Quick Comparison: Old Town vs. Peripheral Dining

❓ Frequent 2026 FAQs

Is the splash pad open? Yes, the interactive water feature in the Square typically runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.

Is there public Wi-Fi? Yes, the City-Public Wi-Fi has been upgraded for 2026 to support higher speeds throughout the plaza.

Are dogs allowed? Yes, the Square is very dog-friendly, though many restaurants only allow dogs on the outer patio areas.