The Front Range music festival season kicks off this weekend with the Fort Collins Music Experiment.
Our goal is to raise $15,000 by April 27, and we’re counting on you, our dedicated readers, to help us get there. The funds we raise will power our newsroom and ensure we can continue delivering the trusted journalism and local coverage you rely on.
If you enjoy readingAs the weather warms in Colorado, we can't help but think of music festivals. One of the largest and earliest festivals to kick off the season happens in downtown Fort Collins each April with in 2008. Taking place across Old Town from Friday, April 18, to Saturday, April 19, this event features more than 400 bands at thirty-plus venues, and we have the lowdown on everything you need to"FoCoMX in style." The festival kicks off at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 18, on the patio of Equinox Brewing with a solo set from the rich baritone voice of renowned Colorado singer-songwriter Michael Kirkpatrick,'s 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award honoree. After a brief proclamation from the mayor's office acknowledging April as Music Appreciation Month, Kirkpatrick will croon his soulfully whimsical folk narratives, and the festivities are off and running. The key to a successful downtown music festival is a collaborative relationship with the community and businesses that support a nearly all-volunteer effort to spotlight Colorado music."FoCoMX has become the quintessential Fort Collins weekend," says Karla Baise of Odell Brewing, a longtime festival sponsor."The vibe runs high from the center of the floor at Washington's, our largest venue, to the sidewalks as people stop to hug each other, crossing paths on their way to see bands and friends play across town." The streets are truly filled with people, and music is ringing out in every direction, from restaurants like Avogadro's Number, bars such as Surfside-7 and brewpubs like Salt Road Brewing or Odell and New Belgium to large concert venues such as the Aggie. FoCoMX is the perfect opportunity to explore the many at just $60 presale and $75 day-of. The wristband grants access to all venues, space permitting. Entry is always on a first-come basis, so be sure to gauge the size of the venue and the expected crowds.FoCoMX appeals to all music fans with an incredible array of genres, all well-represented. Whether you like jazz, folk, indie rock, Americana, R&B, punk, hip-hop or a healthy combination of all, you can find numerous acts to fill the weekend. A, which won a Best of Denver award the same year for Best Debut Album. And for fans in the know, this weekend is the last chance to see local metal legends In the Whale.While most venues across downtown are less than a fifteen-minute walk from each other, shuttles are available from Old Town Square to the north-end venues the Lyric and 830 North. The close proximity of venues offers festival-goers walkable paths to"choose your own adventure" with an eclectic mix of genres at each location. Live music in public spaces is another inviting aspect of FoCoMX, allowing festival-goers the chance discover their new favorite band by just walking by. There are three outdoor venues: the Exchange, Civic Center Park and Old Town Square. Located in the heart of the city, Old Town Square is a cherished stage that attendees will pass continuously on their way from one show to the next. Sometimes, the best advice is simply to follow your ears.. Because FoCoMX is committed to being all-inclusive and all-ages, it's important to have a designated sober, family-friendly space. The museum staff, including Nick Duarte, the resident"music guy," works with the youth music community and its Youth Advisory Board to curate a lineup of bands young people want to spotlight, including theFoCoMX was founded as a festival by musicians for musicians, and the bands who play have a special affection for what is known locally as"FoCoMX-mas." Denver bandplayed the festival for the first time in 2024 and"had such an amazing time," says guitarist and singer Camilla Vaitaitis."It was also our first show in Fort Collins, and we were so excited to see what a supportive and welcoming music scene it is. Our set was packed even though we'd never played there, and that speaks to the community's willingness and eagerness to check out new music and support local bands. So many amazing bands are based in FoCo, and we're glad to have met many new friends and saw some amazing music ourselves. We can't speak highly enough about every experience we've had in Fort Collins and are so stoked to return for FoCoMX 2025." FoCoMA Executive Director Peggy Lyle is looking forward to welcoming music fans, old and new, to this year's celebration. "This year's FoCoMX is built for all tastes, filled with new and favorite Colorado bands, offering so many genres, in a gorgeous setting: downtown Fort Collins," she says."We are excited for everyone to be part of this year's experiment."Michael P. Mazenko is a writer and educator in Colorado. He has written about contemporary American culture for many years, offering commentary on education, parenting, politics, pop culture and contemporary American life. He was a Colorado Voices columnist for theand on Salon and PopMatters. He blogs at A Teacher's View and can be found on X @mmazenko. Email him at If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Denver’s music, events and entertainment scenes.. Westword may earn a portion of sales from products & services purchased through links on our site from our affiliate partners. ©2025 Denver Westword, LLC. All rights reserved.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Garden Tool OrganizerDiscover the benefits of a garden tool organizer and learn how to choose the right one for your needs.
Read more »
The Ultimate Guide to T-shirt DressesDiscover the versatility and style options of T-shirt dresses. Learn about neckline styles, lengths, fabrics, and care tips for choosing the perfect dress for your wardrobe.
Read more »
Joe Lunardi's ultimate guide to men's March Madness 2025After projecting the NCAA tournament field all season, ESPN's resident bracketologist shares what he really thinks about every team's chances.
Read more »
Grow Your Own Green: The Ultimate Guide to Planning and Growing Cannabis at HomeDiscover the secrets to growing your own cannabis! From planning your garden to harvesting potent buds, this guide makes cultivating cannabis fun and rewarding.
Read more »
Get Creative with Cannabis: The Ultimate Guide to Painting and Pottery WorkshopsExplore cannabis-infused painting and pottery workshops! Unwind, get creative, and discover how to sign up for these fun, relaxing art classes online.
Read more »
Your ultimate guide to the 2025 Skagit Valley Tulip FestivalThe annual festival has a little something for everyone.
Read more »