Hot Chicken, Fast Lanes & Wild Inventions 🔥🏃
🎉 FoCo’s Weekend Is Doing The Most
Happy Friday, FoCo !
Something about this weekend feels like it’s trying to outdo itself. One minute you’re thinking chill vibes, the next you’re debating between a party, a race, or something totally unexpected. Keep reading—you might end up doing all three.
How long is a half marathon?
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🗳 Now Voting: FoCo’s Best Brunch 🍳
Beer had its moment. Now it’s brunch time.
We’re opening voting for Best Brunch in Fort Collins, celebrating the spots that turn late mornings into a full-on ritual. Breakfast burritos, patio hangs, strong coffee, and menus worth showing up early for — you know the deal.
🧠 Need a brain break?
Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend.
🍽️ Craving: Fat Shack
Late-night chaos in sandwich form. Fries, wings, mozzarella sticks—all stuffed into one massive bite.
📍 Near CSU ⏰ Open late 💰 $10–20
🎉 This Weekend in FoCo: Hot Chicken, Makers & Miles
Photo by Monster Mountain - Gregg Gelmis
If your weekend plans are still up in the air, Fort Collins just made the decision for you. We’re talking spicy celebrations, wild inventions, and a race with some serious views. Here’s your game plan for April 18–19 👇
🔥 10-Year Anniversary Party! Party! – Music City Hot Chicken
📍 Music City Hot Chicken (1820 N College Ave)
⏰ Saturday, April 18 | 11 AM – 11 PM
🎟️ FREE
Ten years. SIX MILLION pickles. And somehow, they’re still just getting started.
Music City Hot Chicken is throwing an all-day blowout to celebrate a full decade of bringing the heat to FoCo—and you’re invited. Expect 9 live performers, anniversary specials, and a full-on party vibe from open to close.
The best part? All profits go to Launch Skate, so you can eat, drink, and support the community all in one go. Not bad for a Saturday.
🤖 Rocky Mountain RepRap Festival (RMRRF)
📍 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland
📅 April 18–19
🎟️ FREE
This is not your average “walk around and grab brochures” kind of event.
RMRRF is basically a giant playground for makers—think custom-built 3D printers, wild inventions, and even mini drag races with 3D-printed vehicles (yes, really).
Whether you’re deep into tech or just curious, it’s one of those events where you’ll say, “wait… that was printed?!” at least 10 times.
🏃 Horsetooth Half Marathon
📍 Start: Hughes Stadium → Finish: New Belgium Brewing Company
⏰ Sunday, April 19 | 8 AM – 12 PM
🎟️ $40–$115
Even if you’re not running, this one’s worth knowing about.
The 53rd annual Horsetooth Half is a FoCo classic—runners tackle hills along Horsetooth Reservoir before cruising down to a finish line party at New Belgium. It’s scenic, challenging, and honestly one of the best “cheer from the sidelines with coffee” events of the year.
What's Happenin' in Fort Collins
Friday, April 17
Saturday, April 18
Sunday, April 19
Want more? See the full calendar → Fort Collins Event Calendar
Real Talk ☕
What’s Happenin’ is 100% free and independently run (yep, it’s just us). If this newsletter helps you discover cool things around town, your support helps keep it going and growing. We truly appreciate any and all love. Thank you for being part of the community.
💼 Local Jobs Worth Checking Out
We believe great communities connect people to great opportunities.
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Want more? See the more jobs → Fort Collins Job Board
💘 Date Spot in Fort Collins
Fort Collins dates hit that sweet spot between charming and adventurous. Wander Old Town Fort Collins for coffee, shops, and easy people-watching, or keep it classic with a picnic at City Park. Craft beer lovers can settle in at New Belgium Brewing, while outdoorsy pairs can chase sunset views at Horsetooth Reservoir.
👉 Vote and we’ll share the top picks—chosen by locals—in an upcoming issue. 💌
👀 So… What’s Your Move?
Spicy chicken + live music?
Nerding out over 3D printing?
Or cheering (or running 😅) through one of FoCo’s most iconic races?
No wrong answers this weekend.
Answer: C) 13.1 miles — just enough to feel like a huge accomplishment… without going the full marathon distance 😅
💬 Got ideas for making What’s Happenin’ Fort Collins even better?
I’d love to hear from you. Just hit reply — I read every message and always respond when I can.
See you, Monday!
— Ben
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