Two farmers markets bookend the weekend, a 50th-anniversary milestone is worth knowing about, and fire restrictions are still very much in effect. Here's the fast version of what's worth your time.

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery — Hands-on science and history exhibits plus Northern Colorado's only 360° immersive dome theater, at 408 Mason Ct.
The Gist: Open Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Why It Matters: An air-conditioned, kid-friendly plan that works rain or shine — and it's an easy stop between downtown errands.

New Belgium Brewing — Fort Collins' flagship brewery, with tours and a big patio at 500 Linden St.
The Gist: Tasting room open Friday and Saturday, noon–9 p.m.
Why It Matters: Still the most iconic Friday-evening patio in town, and a solid anchor for an Old Town night out.

Larimer County Farmers' Market — Fresh, local, and celebrating a milestone at 200 W. Oak St.
The Gist: Saturday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. — and this season marks the market's 50th anniversary.
Why It Matters: Northern Colorado's oldest farmers market, free to browse, with around 130 local vendors this year.

Butterfly House at the Gardens on Spring Creek — 400–600 free-flying native butterflies in a 1,700-square-foot sanctuary at 2145 Centre Ave.
The Gist: Open daily; admission (including Gardens access) runs about $11 for adults.
Why It Matters: Genuinely different from the usual weekend rotation, and a good indoor option if it's smoky or hot.

Your Saturday morning ritual?

Fire restrictions extend through Sept. 8 — Larimer County has extended limits on open burning and combustible devices countywide.
Why It Matters: Drought and heat are keeping wildfire danger extremely high — hold off on campfires and fireworks anywhere in unincorporated Larimer County, including areas near Horsetooth and Poudre Canyon.

Farmers' Market marks 50 years — the Larimer County Farmers' Market is celebrating its 50th season with around 130 vendors, 91% based in Larimer or Weld County.
Why It Matters: One of the oldest, largest volunteer-run markets in the state — worth a visit even if you go most weeks.

Canvas Stadium's economic footprint — a new CSU-commissioned study found the stadium drove $60 million in local economic activity in 2025.
Why It Matters: A reminder of how much CSU athletics weekends feed directly into FoCo hotels, restaurants and bars.

The Regional — Locally sourced American plates in a cozy Old Town space; the weekend brunch menu (Sat–Sun, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m.) is a strong reason to go before the farmers market crowd thins out.

Horse & Dragon Brewing Company — A quiet, community-first taproom east of downtown known for its Czech-style pilsner and laid-back patio. Good pick if New Belgium feels too busy.

Sugar Salt Sand — A poke- and Hawaiian-leaning menu with a distinct downtown vibe unlike anywhere else in FoCo. Good for a different kind of Saturday dinner.

This season, the Larimer County Farmers' Market turns 50 — and it's still run largely the way it started: by volunteers. Located in the Larimer County Courthouse parking lot at 200 W. Oak St., the market draws around 130 vendors each Saturday, with 91% based in Larimer or Weld County, according to Larimer County Extension. It leans heavily on Larimer County Master Gardeners, making it one of the largest volunteer-run markets in the state.

Horticulture specialist Alison O'Connor, who has worked with the market since 2006, has watched it grow from a three-month summer stand to a six-month season — evidence, she says, that more vendors can now supply produce and products nearly year-round. It's easy to treat the market as a Saturday errand, but the anniversary is a good excuse to slow down and notice how much of it is still community-run, fifty years in. Visit the market Saturdays through Oct. 31.

A new CSU-commissioned study found that Canvas Stadium generated $60 million in community economic impact in 2025, driven by more than 165,000 visitors whose spending flowed into Fort Collins hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. Visit Fort Collins president Cynthia Eichler called it validation that the stadium is "a true economic engine" for the city, according to CSU Source. The impact came primarily from seven football games, university commencement, and two Professional Bull Riders events. It's a good reminder that a busy CSU weekend does real, measurable good for FoCo's small businesses — not just the ones closest to campus.

Meet Chica! 🐾 —
Hi, I'm Chica! I'm a sweet and affectionate girl who loves being close to my people. If you're looking for a loyal cuddle buddy, I'm your gal! I'm a bit particular about my dog friends and I can also be nervous around children, so I'd do best in a home with no other dogs and adults who can help me feel safe and comfortable. One thing to know about me is that I'm quite the escape artist! I'll need a secure home and a family committed to keeping me safe while I settle in. If you're looking for a loving companion who will happily return all the affection you give, I may be the perfect match. I can't wait to meet you!

Larimer County's fire restrictions are extended through Sept. 8 as drought and heat keep wildfire danger extremely high — skip the campfires and fireworks anywhere in unincorporated Larimer County this weekend, including trips up the Poudre Canyon or around Horsetooth.

Brought to you by Summit Insurance — protecting your home, your weekend, and your peace of mind.

Nothing says "peak Fort Collins summer" like debating whether it's a farmers-market day or a farmers-market-then-brewery day, and somehow always landing on both. (Meme/video link pending — flagged for manual add.)

Larimer County Extension's Alison O'Connor, who's worked with the farmers' market since 2006, says it's grown from a three-month summer stand to a six-month season as more vendors can now supply goods nearly year-round.

Fifty years of one market and a fire season that's not done with us yet — that's Fort Collins in late July. Get outside while the weekend's good, and be smart about anything with a flame. Reply and tell us what we missed, or forward this to someone still deciding on their weekend.