Look up, NOCO Crew!

That's basically the theme of this week, and honestly, it's not bad advice in general. The Sandhill Cranes are moving through, and if you hear a “cr-r-ruuu — cr-r-ruuu” up above, that's your cue to set your eyes on the skies.

The rest of this issue is a good mix of the ‘wild,’ the ‘growing,’ and the ‘getting-out-of-the-house.’ Seed starting season is officially here, downtown Loveland is mid-transformation, and the weekend list is stacked.

March is doin’ its thing. Let's dig in!

— Megan

If you hear a sound like a prehistoric wooden flute echoing from the clouds this week, look up. We are officially entering the window for the Sandhill Crane flyover.

While the massive "Crane-a-palooza" happens down in the San Luis Valley, these leggy travelers use the Front Range as their primary navigation corridor. They aren't just passing through; they often touch down at Fossil Creek Reservoir or the wetlands near Timnath to feed and rest before pushing further North to breeding grounds in Alaska, Canada, and Siberia.

Local Spotting Guide:

🎟️ Worth the Drive: If the flyover isn't enough, the 43rd Monte Vista Crane Festival is March 6–8. It’s a trek; but, seeing 20,000 birds take flight at sunrise should be on your Colorado bucket-list.

While the Sandhills are passing through overhead — using NOCO as a waypoint on their journey north — a different sort of crane has taken up more permanent residence on 4th Street in Loveland. This one doesn't migrate.

If you've tried to cruise down 4th Street in Downtown Loveland lately, you've been rerouted. The orange barrels are not a mistake, and they are not going away anytime soon; but, what's happening beneath them is genuinely worth understanding.

The Heart Improvement Plan (HIP Streets) is a $24.5 million reconstruction of five blocks along 4th Street, from Garfield to Washington Avenue. It's been in planning since 2009, updated with public input in 2017, and finally broke ground in February 2025. The city and the Downtown Development Authority are splitting the tab: $12 million from utility enterprise funds (water, stormwater, power), and $12.5 million from the DDA — funded through a unanimously approved financing method that draws on no general tax funds.

Here's where things stand right now, this week:

All businesses along 4th Street are open throughout construction. The Downtown Loveland District is also running a $100 weekly giveaway — shop anywhere in the Downtown District, submit your receipt, and you're entered!

Can you feel it? The days are stretching just a little longer, and if you lean close to a south-facing window, you might catch the first whisper of spring ambition. It’s time, NOCO Crew — seed starting season has officially arrived. Our average last frost along the Front Range usually lands around early May, which means right now is the sweet spot for crops that need an 8–10 week head start. Think of it as a quiet insurrection against the wind still rattling the fence.

🌱 Start These Seeds Indoors This Week

Bell Peppers & Jalapeños: These need warmth to germinate — 75–85°F soil. A heat mat is a genuine game changer here, not a luxury. They are patient plants, and this week is your prime window. Window: Feb 25–Mar 12.

Onions & Leeks: Sow these thickly in a tray. Once they hit 3 inches, snip the tops like chives to encourage stronger bulbs. They need a long 10–12 week indoor stint, so starting now is exactly right. Window: Feb 25–Mar 12.

Thyme & Parsley: Both are notoriously slow germinators. Soak your parsley seeds overnight to speed things up, and be prepared to wait up to three weeks for thyme to show its face. Window: Feb 25–Mar 12.

Oregano & Mint: These tiny seeds need light to wake up. Sprinkle them lightly over the surface and keep them under a grow light. They’ll thrive in our dry, sunny NOCO summers once they get through this awkward teenage phase. Window: Feb 25–Mar 26.

Lavender: Slow from seed but thrives in NoCo's dry, sunny summers once it gets going. Start now for a fragrant, productive plant by June. Window: Feb 25–Mar 12.

💡 Pro-Tips for High-Altitude Starts

The Garden Connection: If you planted a Gumi Berry shrub last week, consider placing your future pepper and onion beds nearby. The Gumi fixes nitrogen in the soil exactly when these heavy feeders will need it most this summer.

From Berthoud to the border, Fort Morgan to Estes, each week we will to pull together a list of the top events happening all over NOCO.

The 2026 Home & Garden Show @ Island Grove Regional Park (Greeley) — noon to 3pm — Get inspired for spring with hundreds of local experts, innovative products, and DIY ideas for your living space. 👉 Grow your ideas

25th Annual Spring Holistic Fair @ The Ranch Events Complex (Loveland) — all weekend 10am to 5pm — Explore alternative health, crystals, psychic readings, and wellness workshops at this milestone silver anniversary event. 👉 Feed your body

Artist Skylar Rackow @ Bath Garden Center & Nursery (Fort Collins) — Friday 9am through Sunday 4:00pm — Browse a vibrant collection of nature-inspired local art tucked among the greenhouse greenery. 👉 Pick some fresh art

RENT @ University Center for the Arts (Fort Collins) — All Weekend show times — Jonathan Larson’s iconic rock musical about love, survival, and measuring your life in seasons of love. 👉 Measure in love

Weirdgrass (aka Jeremiah Jacks and the Fallen Stars) @ City Star Brewing (Berthoud) — 6 to 8:30pm — 👉 Stomp your boots on

Bored Teachers Comedy Tour: "Is It Friday Yet?!" @ Monfort Concert Hall at Union Colony Civic Center (Greeley) — 7:30pm — A full night of hilarious classroom confessions from the world's funniest teacher-comedians with a billion+ views online. 👉 Laugh through the lesson plan

Turnpike Tributedours: A Tribute to Turnpike Troubadours @ Moxi Theater (Greeley) — 8pm — The ultimate tribute to the red-dirt kings of Oklahoma, note-for-note and heart-for-heart. 👉 Boots, beers, and sing-alongs

11th Annual Poudre River Forum: Innovations and Trailblazers @ AIMs Community College Welcome Center (Greeley) — 8am to 4:30pm — A full-day water conference to talk the future of the Cache la Poudre. 👉 Know your watershed

District 6 & Friends Arts Walk — Youth Art Month Opening Reception @ Downtown Greeley — 5 to 8pm — Student art fills downtown shops and galleries during Youth Art Month. 👉 Stroll and support young artists

Next Stop Comedy @ Wiley Roots Brewing Co. (Greeley) — 7pm — A touring stand-up showcase bringing fresh comedians to the taproom stage. 👉 Pair laughs with a pint

Paint n’ Sip @ Glenn A. Jones Memorial Library (Johnstown) — 6pm — A relaxed evening of guided painting with a beverage in hand. 👉 Brush up on your creativity


Dessert & Beer Pairing Class: A Sweet & Hoppy Experience @ New Belgium Brewing (Fort Collins) — 6:30pm — Learn how rich desserts and craft beer play together in this sweet tasting session. 👉 Treat yourself

Fort Collins Downtown First Friday Art Walk @ Old Town (Fort Collins) — 6pm — Self-guided gallery hop through downtown Fort Collins' studios, shops, and venues on the monthly First Friday. Free. 👉 Follow your art

Concert Band: Between Earth and Sky @ CSU Griffin Concert Hall (Fort Collins) — 7:30 to 9:30pm — CSU’s concert band performs a sweeping program inspired by nature and the elements. 👉 Let the brass soar

Deadphish Orchestra @ Mishawaka (Fort Collins) — 8pm — A jam-band mashup blending the sounds of Phish and the Grateful Dead. 👉 Get lost in the jam


Color Me Fatigued, No Fauna & Shift Meal @ Surfside 7 (Fort Collins) — 8pm — A loud and lively indie/alt lineup at one of Fort Collins’ most beloved dive venues. 👉 Catch the underground sound


Colony House with Mercury & Desiderata: The 77 Tour @ Aggie Theatre (Fort Collins) — 8pm (doors 7pm) — Indie rock with soaring vocals and arena-ready hooks. 👉 Feel the indie energy

Women in Beer: March Tapping @ Breckenridge Brewery (Fort Collins) — 11am to 8pm — Celebrate women in brewing with a special beer release and community gathering. 👉 Raise a glass


Innovation: An American Celebration @ Lincoln Center (Fort Collins) — 7pm — Canyon Concert Ballet's electrifying tribute to American creativity. 👉 Watch tradition become the future

Live Music at The Love Shack featuring Mood Swing Misery @ The Love Shack - Craft Mocktails (Loveland) — 7:30 to 10pm — A triple bill of live acts at Loveland's craft mocktail bar. 👉 No hangover, all the fun

Walker Williams Band @ Tom Davis Saloon (Loveland) — 8pm to midnight — Live country music at Loveland's beloved honky-tonk. 👉 Two-step your Friday away

The High Road Home @ Rigby’s Roadhouse (Livermore) — 7pm — A laid-back night of live local music in a cozy mountain roadhouse. 👉 Take the scenic route


Rachel Alena Duo @ City Star Brewing (Berthoud) — 6pm — Smooth acoustic folk and Americana paired with fresh craft brews. 👉 Sip and sway


Christine Alice Live @ The Tavern at Red Feather Lakes (Red Feather Lakes) — 7 to 9pm — Soulful acoustic sets surrounded by mountain views and fresh air. 👉 Music in the mountains


Not Quite Brothers @ Moxi Theater (Greeley) — 8pm — High-energy country and Southern rock with harmonies built for sing-alongs. 👉 Boots on the floor


HerStory 2026 Artists' Reception @ Fiesta Mansion Event Center (Greeley) — 11am to 9pm — Celebrate women artists and the stories behind their work at this opening reception. 👉 Meet the makers

Sunday in the Park with George @ Langworthy Theatre, UNC (Greeley) — 7:30 to 9:30pm — Sondheim's Pulitzer Prize-winning musical about artist Georges Seurat. 👉 A Sunday you won't forget (even if it's Saturday)

Winter Farmers Market @ Zoe’s Café (Greeley) — 9am — Local produce, baked goods, and handmade finds from regional farmers and makers. 👉 Shop small, eat fresh


First Saturday Brewer Tour @ WeldWerks Brewing (Greeley) — 12 to 1:30pm — A guided tour hopping between some of Greeley’s best craft breweries. 👉 Taste the town


Northern Colorado Fantasy Bash @ Crooked Beech Brewing Company (Loveland) — 7pm — A night of fantasy cosplay, themed drinks, and immersive nerdy fun. 👉 Enter the realm


Blue Swallowtail Pinning Class @ The Artisan Shop & Studio (Loveland) — 12:15 to 1pm — 👉 Pin it to win it


Baby Goats Gone Wild & Macramé Mayhem (Greeley) — 5pm — 👉 Craft and cuddle


Innovation: An American Celebration @ Lincoln Center (Fort Collins) — 7pm — Canyon Concert Ballet’s evening of original choreography celebrating American creative spirit. 👉 Watch tradition become the future

Catnip Painting @ NoCo Cat Café (Loveland) — 10:30am — Paint a canvas infused with catnip while resident kitties supervise. 👉 Paw-fectly creative


Live Music with Mike O’Connell @ Sweet Heart Winery (Loveland) — 5pm — 👉 Pour yourself an afternoon

Foothills Winter Farmers Market @ Foothills Mall (Fort Collins) — 10am — Winter veggies, artisan foods, and handmade goods from local vendors. 👉 Market morning


19th Annual Seed Swap & Giveaway @ old Town Library (Fort Collins) — 10am — Gardeners share seeds, tips, and spring planting inspiration. 👉 Trade and grow

A Medieval Evening with Christopher Buehlman & Erika T. Wurth @ Old Firehouse Books (Fort Collins) — 6pm — Two acclaimed authors discuss dark fantasy, history, and storytelling. 👉 Gather ‘round, storytellers

Terrarium Class @ Bath Garden Center (Fort Collins) — 10am — Build a miniature glass garden and learn the basics of plant care. 👉 Grow something tiny

Seed Starting Class @ Bath Garden Center (Fort Collins) — 1pm — Learn how to start veggies and flowers indoors for spring planting success. 👉 Get your garden going

Introduction to Fly Tying Class @ St. Peter’s Fly Shop (Fort Collins) — 10am — Master essential fishing knots and rig setups for trout season. 👉 Tie one on


Sunday in the Park with George @ Langworthy Theatre, UNC (Greeley) — 5pm — The beloved Stephen Sondheim musical about art, obsession, and inspiration. 👉 Step into the painting


19th Annual Simms Day @ St. Peter’s Fly Shop (Fort Collins) — All Day — 👉 Hook your next hobby


Opening Reception: Michael Safran — Possibilities @ Cornerstone Gallery at the Masonic (Fort Collins) — 7pm — Explore bold contemporary works in this new gallery exhibition opening. 👉 See what’s possible


Live Music with Veronica May @ Breckenridge Brewery (Fort Collins) — 4 to 6pm — Indie-pop melodies and heartfelt songwriting in the taproom. 👉 Catch the vibe


Graham Good & The Painters @ The Mishawaka (Bellvue) — 8pm — A Colorado indie rock band bringing catchy hooks and mountain energy. 👉 Ride the groove


Foothills Symphonic Band: Snapshots @ Griffin Concert Hall, UCA (Fort Collins) — 7:30pm — 👉 Hear the highlights


Bassoonarama & Oboerama @ University Center for the Arts (Fort Collins) — 9am to 4:30pm — A playful showcase of double-reed instruments and their expressive range. 👉 Reed between the lines


Under Pressure: National Printmaking Exhibition @ Lincoln Center Art Gallery (Fort Collins) — 4 to 6pm — A juried exhibition showcasing contemporary printmaking from across the country. 👉 Press your luck


The Room with Greg Sestero (Live!) @ The Lyric (Fort Collins) — 7pm — Watch the cult classic The Room with behind-the-scenes stories from actor Greg Sestero. 👉 Oh hi, Mark


Signature Concert: Vibrations from Nature and Tradition @ Lincoln Center (Fort Collins) — 7:30pm — A classical program blending Beethoven with contemporary composer Kevin Puts. 👉 Let the music move you


Free CO Bridal Show @ Embassy Suites (Loveland) — 11am — Meet wedding vendors, sample treats, and gather inspiration for the big day. 👉 Plan the party


Keeping Kids Safe @ Liberty Firearms Institute (Johnstown) — 11:30am to 12:30pm — A practical safety workshop focused on situational awareness and protecting children. 👉 Learn smart safety skills


Trout Knots & Rigging Class @ St. Peter’s Fly Shop (Fort Collins) — noon — Master essential fishing knots and rig setups for trout season. 👉 Tie one on


Paint Your Own Mushroom Friend @ Petrichor Collective (Fort Collins) — 2pm — 👉 Make a tiny forest buddy


Decoupage Air-Dry Pottery Class @ Bath Garden Center (Fort Collins) — noon — Learn decorative decoupage techniques while crafting handmade pottery pieces. 👉 Craft something pretty


Comedy Brewers @ Bas Bleu Theatre (Fort Collins) — 7pm — A lineup of regional comedians delivering a night of stand-up laughs. 👉 Laugh it up


Romantics: Health & Wellness Community Orchestra Spring Concert @ Griffin Auditorium, CSU (Fort Collins) — 3pm — An afternoon of lush Romantic-era classical music performed by a community orchestra. 👉 Soak in the symphony


Blast-N-Bowl @ Chipper’s Lanes (Fort Collins) — 8:30pm — Bowling, live bands, and loud local music collide for a high-energy night. 👉 Rock and roll strikes


Plunge Into Spring Polar Plunge @ Horsetooth Reservoir (Fort Collins) — 10am — Brave souls take an icy dip to celebrate the coming of spring. 👉 Take the cold plunge


David Koechner: The Office Trivia Night @ Aggie Theatre (Fort Collins) — 8pm — The actor behind Todd Packer hosts a hilarious Office-themed trivia night. 👉 Don’t be a Packer


Restoration Ecology Trail Walk @ Fort Collins Natural Area (Fort Collins) — 9 to 10:30pm — A guided walk exploring habitat restoration and local ecosystems. 👉 Walk on the wild side


Warner Parker @ Tom Davis Saloon (Loveland) — 8pm — Country and classic rock favorites at one of Loveland’s favorite dance-hall bars. 👉 Sunday two-step


Dictatorships: An Exploration @ CSU (Fort Collins) — 5pm — A discussion examining how authoritarian governments rise and operate. 👉 Think deep


CSU Democracy Summit @ Colorado State University (Fort Collins) — 9am — Scholars and leaders gather to discuss democracy, governance, and civic engagement. 👉 Join the conversation


2026 City Projects Fair (Loveland) — 5 to 7pm — Community open house event sharing over 30 current and upcoming projects with the Loveland community. 👉 Get informed

NOCO Boss Babes Networking Meetup @City Star Brewing (Berthoud) — 5 to 6pm — Each event features a rotating theme, and helpful resources for women in business. 👉 Good at business