🌸 FoCo’s Entering Its Craft Era

Somewhere in town right now, someone is learning to crochet while another person is aggressively convincing themselves they can keep a houseplant alive. Turns out Fort Collins might be entering its cozy analog hobby era just in time for Mother’s Day — and honestly, we’re into it.

In today’s What’s Happenin’:

• Creative Mother’s Day classes around town
• A surprisingly fun return to hands-on hobbies
• Your excuse to finally become a “craft person”

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🧶 Skip the Generic Gift — Make Something Instead

Mother’s Day is sneaking up fast, and Fort Collins is making a strong case for doing something a little more creative than panic-buying flowers at King Soopers (not judging, though) on Sunday morning.

This week, Ginger and Baker is hosting two hands-on Mother’s Day classes that feel way more memorable than another candle gift set.

🌿 Mother’s Day Crochet Class

📍 Ginger and Baker
⏰ Thursday, May 7 | 3 PM – 5 PM
🎟️ $50

This beginner-friendly crochet class with local artist Jaden Scott from JES Creations teaches the basics — magic rings, chain stitches, single crochet, and more — while you make your own lavender bundle project to take home.

And honestly? Crochet is having a moment right now. Somewhere between doomscrolling fatigue and “I should probably have hobbies again,” people are rediscovering analog crafts that don’t involve screens or notifications every 14 seconds.

Your ticket also includes:
🧶 A crochet hook
🧵 Extra yarn to keep practicing
☕ Access to happy hour drinks, coffee, tea, and snacks while you craft

No experience needed. Just vibes and yarn.

💐 Mother’s Day Floral Arranging with CC’s Flowers

📍 Ginger and Baker
⏰ Thursday, May 7 | 6 PM – 7:30 PM
🎟️ $95

If crochet isn’t your thing, there’s also a floral arranging class later that evening where you’ll learn how to build a modern bouquet using seasonal blooms and foam-free floral design techniques.

Translation: your arrangement will look significantly more impressive than the gas station flowers currently fighting for their lives in your car cupholder.

The class includes:
🌸 Fresh seasonal flowers
🏺 A modern vase
✨ Hands-on design instruction
🎁 A finished arrangement to take home for Mother’s Day

Honestly, both classes kind of nail the same thing: spending actual time making something instead of clicking “Add to Cart.”

And in 2026? That somehow feels revolutionary.

Which flower is traditionally the most commonly associated with Mother’s Day?

A) Tulip

B) Carnation

C) Sunflower

D) Daisy

Click an option to vote

What's Happenin' in Fort Collins

Wednesday, May 6

Live Music Wednesdays! - 5 Old Town Square, Fort Collins | | Ticketed

Bingo Night at the Goat - 3500 S. College Avenue #194, Fort Collins | 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Ticketed

Wild Card Wednesday - 1209 N College Ave, 1209 N College Ave, Fort Collins | 9:00 PM | Ticketed

Thursday, May 7

Haunted Pub Tour - 21 Old Town Square, Suite 139B, Fort Collins | 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM | Ticketed

Weekly Evening Flow Yoga - 7 Old Town Square, Suite 100, Fort Collins, CO 80524, Fort Collins | 6:45 PM to 7:45 PM | Ticketed

Bingo Thursdays - 1020 E Lincoln Ave., Fort Collins | 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Ticketed

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.

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💼 Local Jobs Worth Checking Out

You asked for it — we delivered. In our recent poll, a bunch of you said you’d love a tiny job board in the newsletter, so here it is. We believe great communities connect people to great opportunities.

Full-time

Forestry Program Manager at Larimer Conservation District | Fort Collins

Wastewater Collection System Manager at Boxelder Sanitation District | Fort Collins

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👉 More Jobs Here →

💘 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. 💌

👉 Vote for your favorite Fort Collins date spot.

🍽 Not sure where to eat tonight?

Our Restaurant Finder takes the guesswork out of dining by showing you the best local restaurants based on real reviews and vibes, not just ratings. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a date-night spot, we’ve got you. No endless scrolling, no decision fatigue...just solid recs.

🧠 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.

🗳 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.

If there’s a brunch you always recommend, vote here.

💐 Friday’s Mother’s Day Guide Is Coming…

Friday’s issue is going full Mother’s Day mode with brunches, markets, spa ideas, outdoor activities, last-minute events, and ways to celebrate around Fort Collins without waiting until the absolute final second.

Forward this to your sibling who still hasn’t planned anything yet.

Trivia Answer: 🌸 B) Carnation — carnations became the official flower of Mother’s Day in the early 1900s thanks to founder Anna Jarvis.

Keep the recs coming, keep voting, and if you’ve got a park, trail, or tiny green space you think belongs on the shortlist, just hit reply. I read every single one.

See you Friday for more FoCo goodness 💚

— Ben

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