Fort Collins gearing up for Tour de Fat 2025, a festive blend of costumes, bikes and live music
A beloved Northern Colorado event makes its return this weekend as Tour de Fat rolls back into Fort Collins, a quirky celebration put on by New Belgium Brewing. The day mixes a colorful costumed bicycle parade with a lively festival at the brewery, offering fun for all ages while supporting local bike nonprofits.
Date and location
– When: Saturday, August 23, 2025
– Parade start: 9:30 a.m. from City Park
– Parade route: Loops along Mountain Avenue, concluding around 11:30 a.m.
– Festival at the brewery: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
– Where: Parade begins at City Park and continues to New Belgium Brewing, 500 Linden St, Fort Collins
Admission and costs
– Admission is completely free for general entry. The only costs are for beer, food, and merchandise.
– Proceeds from beer, food and merch purchases go toward local bike nonprofits, making the day both entertaining and community-minded.
What to expect on the ground
– Parade and party timetable: The brewery gates open at 11:00 a.m., while the parade finishes up around 11:30 a.m., and the live entertainment kicks off at noon.
– Entertainment lineup: Murder by Death (headliner), The Philharmonik, Deckerush, DJ Housewife, Phat Jazz, and Sonrizas. A Family Zone offers non-alcoholic options suitable for guests of all ages.
– Getting there and getting around: Best option is to ride a bike. Bike parking is available opposite the brewery at the southwest corner of Linden and Buckingham. If you’re driving, expect limited parking and consider rideshare as a compromise.
– Parade-to-brewery route details: Bike north on Sherwood Street, turn right on Elm Street, merge onto the Poudre River Trail, then left onto Linden Street toward bike parking.
– Parking notes: There is limited handicapped parking. If you park on the west side of Linden Street, access is via the Linden Center drive lot from Vine Street (north of New Belgium). The event encourages biking and rideshares to reduce congestion.
Food and beverage
– Food trucks will line the festival area, and New Belgium will have beer available for purchase, along with other snacks and merchandise.
Extras and how to stay in the loop
– If you can’t wait for the event, you can look back at photos from past Tours in Fort Collins.
– Stay updated via the event app and follow local coverage for the latest news and photos.
Why this matters
– Tour de Fat is more than a party; it’s a community event that combines playful street culture with a charitable purpose, supporting local bike nonprofits through proceeds from the day’s purchases. It’s a family-friendly, celebratory way to spotlight cycling and local businesses alike.
Positive takeaway
– This event provides a free, inclusive day of entertainment, community engagement, and pedal-powered fun, with a clear emphasis on giving back to the Fort Collins cycling community.
If you’re planning to go, consider biking there to maximize the festival experience, arrive early for the best parking options, and enjoy the parade, the music, and the family-friendly atmosphere. Stay tuned for updates and more photos as Tour de Fat 2025 unfolds.