Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer — a final chance to relax and enjoy before the busy fall season takes hold.

Fort Collins offers plenty of ways to celebrate and soak up the final stretch of summer. From farmers markets and live music to pop-up shopping and themed parties, there’s something for everyone — whether you’re spending time with family, catching up with friends or enjoying the long weekend solo.

This guide rounds up a variety of events, food specials and activities happening in and around Fort Collins from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1. It is not a comprehensive list but highlights several options to consider.

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Stroll through the Fort Collins Artisan Street Fair

When: Aug. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: 222 Linden St. and Old Town Square

Hosted by Denver Makers Market, this vibrant artisan fair brings together handpicked makers, bakers and artisans from across Colorado. Visitors can browse handcrafted and repurposed goods, sample local eats, check out food trucks and hear live music throughout the day. Admission is free.

Soul Dog Rescue will also be on-site with adoptable puppies, so you might just leave with more than a new candle or piece of jewelry.

After exploring the fair, refuel at Gaku Ramen on Linden St., which is offering 10% off your full bill the day before, the day of and the day after the event. Just mention “Colorado Markets” when you order. Vendors can receive 20% off during the same time frame by showing a vendor badge.

This is the second-to-last Artisan Street Fair of the season. The final fair will take place Sept. 20.

More details and a preview of featured vendors are available via Denver Makers Market on Instagram.

Send off summer at Windsor Harvest Festival

When: Aug. 30 to Sept. 1

Where: Various locations throughout Windsor

Windsor’s biggest event of the year is just around the corner. The Windsor Harvest festival is set to return for its 103rd year, filling Labor Day weekend with hot air balloon launches, food vendors, live music, a car show and the town’s iconic parade. This family-friendly celebration offers activities for all ages.

Here are a few highlights to keep on your radar:

Aug. 30: The festival kicks off early with a balloon launch from 6 to 8:30 a.m. at Boardwalk Park and Eastman Park. The Windsor Farmers Market runs from 8 a.m. to noon at Boardwalk Park.
Aug. 31: Balloon launches continue in the morning, followed by the Windsor Cruise-In car show from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Windsor high school.
Sept. 1: The Labor Day parade begins at 9 a.m., starting at 1st and Walnut streets and ending at Eastman Park Drive. Roads along the route will close by 7 a.m.

For a full schedule, visit the Windsor Harvest Festival website.

Shop fresh at the Larimer County Farmers’ Market

When: Aug. 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: 200 W Oak St.

The Larimer County Farmers’ Market is Northern Colorado’s oldest market and isn’t going away quite yet. You can find fresh produce and enjoy the last of summer flavors like lavender lemonade, Palisade peaches and handmade salsa. This is a great spot to stock up on local goods, meet farmers and makers and soak up the sun with family and friends.

Tour de Fat 2025 brings costumes, bikes and beer back to Fort Collins

Tour de Fat 2025 brought bikes, beer, costumes and community spirit to the streets of Fort Collins

Relive the Y2K era at Aggie Theater’s ‘It’s a 2000s Party’

When: Aug. 30, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Where: Aggie Theater, 400 W. Mountain Ave., Fort Collins

Break out the butterfly clips and get ready to relive the early 2000s at this throwback party celebrating the decade’s biggest hits. Featuring music from icons like Britney Spears, Eminem, Outkast, Black Eyed Peas and more, the event invites guests to embrace Y2K fashion and dance the night away.

Produced by Slacker University’s touring college party, this event is perfect for Colorado State University students looking to kick off the school year with a night of nostalgia, bubbles and LED effects.

Tickets are available online. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Where to find happy hours and food specials in Fort Collins this Labor Day weekend

Not everyone is heading to a concert or festival this weekend. If you’re planning a low-key day out — or just looking for a good spot to eat out — several Fort Collins restaurants and bars are offering happy hours and specials worth checking out.

Local happy hours

Maida Trattoria, 100 N. College Ave.: This family-owned Italian restaurant offers happy hour daily from 2 to 5 p.m. Specials include $5 limoncello and margherita flatbread pizza for $10.
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar, 123 N. College Ave.: The Boulder-born seafood spot offers happy hour daily from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Specials include $2 East Coast oysters and a cucumber lemon press. The light cocktail is perfect for savoring the final days of summer.
The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm, 197 Jessup Drive: This rustic restaurant offers happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Sundays, featuring $5 carnitas tacos, select wines and draft beer.
Illegal Pete’s, 320 Walnut St.: The fast-casual Mexican restaurant offers happy hour daily from 3 to 8 p.m., including $3 off pitchers of beer and $4 off Party Margs.
Tony’s Bar, 224 S. College Ave.: The bar with patio views offers happy hour daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It also offers free pool all day on Sunday. Specials include three pickle shots for $10 and $7 well-mixed drinks.

Chain deals and limited-time specials

Krispy Kreme: Sweeten your weekend with a deal running from Aug. 29 to Sept 2. Buy any dozen doughnuts at regular price and get a dozen Original Glazed for just $2. The offer is part of the chain’s “Go for 2” promotion, timed with the start of college football season.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: On Aug. 30, app users will receive a coupon of $5 off a purchase of $15 or more, valid through Labor Day weekend. Freddy’s pumpkin pie concrete returns Aug. 29 for those eager to kick off fall flavors early.
KFC: KFC is expected to offer Labor Day weekend specials, with past deals including 40% off 12-piece bucket, 50% off chicken sandwiches and discounts on the 40-piece Saucy Nuggets Party pack. Free delivery has also been offered on select orders. To confirm this year’s deals, check KFC’s website or sign up for its app.

Abigail Flores-Johnson covers food, beer and entertainment for the Coloradoan. You can reach her by email at abigailflores-johnson@coloradoan.com

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