Photo Credit Paul Marcotte Photography
November might be one of Fort Collins' most underrated months.
The summer crowds have disappeared, the trees have dropped most of their leaves, and Old Town is settling into a quieter rhythm. But don't mistake quieter for boring. November brings holiday lights, live theater, art walks, locally made treasures, and plenty of reasons to spend a weekend exploring.
And with Remington Flats conveniently located between Old Town and Colorado State University, you can enjoy much of it without ever moving your car.
Here's what's happening around Fort Collins this November.
Old Town Lights Up — November 6
One of our favorite Fort Collins traditions returns Friday, November 6, when thousands of holiday lights illuminate historic Old Town.
The Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. with live music in Old Town Square, followed by the official countdown at 6:30 p.m.
The lights wind through the trees and historic streets, transforming downtown into something resembling a holiday movie set. And the best part? They stay illuminated through February.
We recommend arriving early, exploring a few shops, enjoying the festivities, and making dinner reservations somewhere downtown.
Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony
First Friday Art Walk — November 6
Photo Credit Downtown Development Authority
November's First Friday Art Walk happens to fall on the very same evening as the lighting ceremony.
From 6–9 p.m., galleries and creative spaces throughout downtown welcome visitors for a free, self-guided evening of art.
Fort Collins has a wonderfully independent arts community, and First Friday is a terrific way to experience it.
Stop into the Museum of Art Fort Collins, housed in the historic Old Post Office building, or explore smaller galleries and creative spaces throughout Old Town.
You don't need to be an art collector to enjoy it. Just bring a little curiosity.
Holiday Pottery Market — November 6–8
Photo Credit Visit Fort Collins
Here's an event we particularly like.
More than 40 potters will gather at the Northside Aztlan Community Center for the annual Holiday Pottery Market, offering handmade mugs, bowls, vases, sculptures, ornaments and other ceramics.
It's a wonderful opportunity to purchase something genuinely unique while supporting regional artists.
And let's face it, another mass-produced holiday gift from a giant online retailer isn't exactly thrilling.
Holiday Pottery Market details
A Little Theater, Music and Culture
November is also a wonderful month to explore Fort Collins' performing arts scene.
The Lincoln Center has several interesting performances scheduled:
November 7: Fort Collins Symphony presents Dance & Music in Motion.
November 7–28, select dates: OpenStage Theatre presents Dracula.
November 12: National Geographic LIVE presents Adventure for Change.
November 14: Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE.
And for live music in a more intimate setting, check the calendars at Washington's and the historic Aggie Theatre downtown.
There's almost always something interesting happening, even when you haven't planned ahead.
Explore Lincoln Center performances
Fort Collins Foodie Walk — November 20
Photo Credit DDA
If you believe exploring a new city should involve eating your way through it, we are entirely on the same page.
The Fort Collins Foodie Walk takes place Friday, November 20, from 5–8 p.m.
This free, self-guided culinary adventure invites visitors into participating downtown food businesses for tastings, demonstrations and seasonal specialties.
It's an entertaining way to discover places you might otherwise walk right past.
Our suggestion? Make an evening of it. Sample your way around Old Town, then settle into one of our independently owned restaurants for a proper dinner.
A Few Fort Collins Favorites Worth Discovering Anytime
Photo Credit Remington Flats Hotel
Not everything requires an event ticket or a particular date.
November is a terrific month to explore some of the places that make Fort Collins interesting.
Trimble Court Artisans: Tucked into a charming Old Town passageway, this artist-run gallery features handmade pottery, jewelry, art and gifts. It's one of our favorite kinds of shops: somewhere you might discover something you didn't know you needed.
Wolverine Farm Publick House: Part bookstore, part café, part community arts gathering place, this wonderfully unconventional spot on Willow Street feels very Fort Collins. Browse books, enjoy a coffee or glass of wine, and see what's happening on their events calendar.
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery: A fascinating combination of science, history, music and interactive exhibits. Its immersive Digital Dome Theater makes it particularly appealing when November weather decides not to cooperate.
Gregory Allicar Museum of Art: Located on the CSU campus, this free museum is a lovely, often overlooked stop for visitors interested in art and culture.
And when the sun is shining, which happens more often than visitors might expect, take a walk along the Poudre River Trail or explore the foothills around Horsetooth Reservoir.
November weather can be unpredictable, so we recommend bringing layers and keeping your plans flexible.
Visiting Family for Thanksgiving? We Have a Suggestion.
Photo Credit Remington Flats Hotel
We love family gatherings.
We also believe they're sometimes more enjoyable when everyone has their own place to sleep.
If you're coming to Fort Collins for Thanksgiving, a CSU visit or an early holiday gathering, Remington Flats offers a comfortable alternative to the guest bedroom, pullout sofa or inflatable mattress.
With just four individually designed studio apartments, our little property offers something quite different from a conventional hotel.
Each studio includes its own kitchen and thoughtful amenities, giving you the privacy and independence to settle in and make yourself at home.
We're conveniently located near both Old Town and CSU, with easy access to the restaurants, shops, galleries and neighborhoods that make Fort Collins such a wonderful place to visit.
November may not have the flashy reputation of Colorado's summer or peak fall season, but we think that's part of its appeal.
Come for the holiday lights, discover a new artist, enjoy a wonderful meal, or simply spend a few days experiencing Fort Collins at a slower pace.
We'd love to welcome you to Remington Flats.
Four Studios. Four Personalities. One Fort Collins Experience.