If the world suddenly looks a lot more pink and red, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. We’ve officially rolled into the week where all roads in NOCO lead to the Sweetheart City.

With a gorgeous 56°F forecast for Saturday, it’s the perfect excuse to head to the Sweetheart Festival. Whether you’re watching couples say "I do" in the sunshine or just admiring the heart sculptures downtown, the warmth in the air feels like a lovely gift for the NOCO Crew.

This week is — to put it lightly — packed. From "bug love" talks at CSU to ice racing at The Ranch and a flurry of Galentine’s workshops, the calendar is bursting. It’s a "choose your own adventure" kind of week, and honestly, having too many ways to connect with our neighbors is a great problem to have.

Stay curious, soak up that Vitamin D, and lock a little extra love into your schedule this weekend.

— Megan

Drive past Lake Loveland or wander downtown and you’ll spot them — steel sculptures filled with thousands of locks, each one marking a moment someone didn’t want to forget. What began in 2019 with a single massive "LOVE" sculpture at the Visitors Center has blossomed into a city-wide ritual. By 2026, the tradition has grown so popular that the city now maintains four distinct locations to ensure there is always room for one more promise.

The idea traces back to love-lock bridges like Paris’s Pont des Arts. But here, Loveland turned the gesture into permanent public art.

Why we love it:

Four hearts, three settings: You can lock your love at the massive "LOVE" letters at the East Visitors Center, under the twin heart sculptures at Lake Loveland, or at the newest installation outside the Loveland Museum downtown, which features a grid of 40 red steel hearts.

The small ceremony: Bring your own lock or pick one up at either the East or Downtown Visitors Center. Engraving tools are provided for free so you can etch your names before clicking the lock closed.

A ritual for the Earth: While tradition says to toss the key, Loveland asks a small favor: keep the key as a memento or recycle it in the provided bins. This keeps the local lakes and ponds clean for the very wildlife that makes these spots so scenic.

Where to find them:

Public art with private meaning—very on-brand for Loveland. 💛

Loveland’s tree canopy didn’t happen by accident — and now there’s a new, low-lift way to help it grow.

The City has launched Growing Loveland, a program that invites property owners to flag public easements near their homes (usually the strip between sidewalk and street) that could use a tree. If the spot works, the City handles the planting and species selection; residents simply agree to water and care for it as it gets established.

Why it matters: about 65% of Loveland’s ~25,000 trees live in public rights-of-way, and many are being replaced after losses from the Emerald Ash Borer. This program helps spread out the work of noticing where shade, resilience, and diversity are needed most.

How it works (at a glance):

It’s a small act with long roots — one tree at a time, planted for the future version of our community.

👉 Applications + details: go.lovgov.org/Growing-Loveland

📞 Questions? Loveland Forestry: 970-962-3625

This is good one to pass along to a neighbor who loves their block! 🌳 Share the word.

Opera Fort Collins Winter Production @ The Lincoln Center (Fort Collins) — This is a chance to experience live classical performance right here in NOCO. 👉 Take a seat & let it soar

Sweetheart Getaway @ Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch — 3 PM Friday to 12 PM Sunday (Loveland) — Trade crowded dinner reservations for a cozy ranch retreat in the foothills. 👉 Plan your ranch romance

Local Art Show: Marjorie Braverman @ Bath Garden Center — Feb 13, 2026, 9:00 AM – Feb 15, 2026, 5:00 PM (Fort Collins) — An evening showcase of local art in a greenhouse setting. 👉 See it in bloom

Ram Talks @ Fort Collins Welcome Center — 5 PM (Fort Collins) — CSU’s signature speaker series brings big ideas and bold perspectives to campus in an engaging, TED-style format. This session is all about bug love. 👉 Think bigger

Winter Hike: Mills Lake @ Rocky Mountain National Park — 9:30 AM (Estes Park) — Trek through snowy forest and frozen alpine beauty on this guided winter hike to Mills Lake. Microspikes or snowshoes recommended. 👉 Chase the winter views

New Prospective Member Night @ FOCO Chamber of Commerce — 6:30 to 8 PM (Fort Collins) — Curious about hiking, climbing, or backcountry adventures with a community crew? Learn what CMC is all about. 👉 Find your adventure people

Tim Cook & Godson @ The Armory — 7 PM (Fort Collins) — Soulful songwriting and roots-driven Americana from this Colorado favorite duo in an intimate Old Town setting. 👉 Catch the live set

Taste of Sweet Heart: Holiday Edition @ Sweet Heart Winery — 6 PM (Loveland) — An elevated Valentine’s evening featuring curated wine tastings paired with seasonal bites in a cozy riverside setting. 👉 Sip the love

Kristy Deetz: Disrupted Gardens @ Lincoln Center Art Gallery — 1 to 6 PM (Fort Collins) — Explore layered, thought-provoking works examining nature, cultivation, and environmental tension in this featured exhibit. 👉 See it in bloom

Macdonald Book Shop Book Tasting @ Macdonald Book Shop — 10 to 11 AM (Fort Collins) — Sample a curated spread while taking in new and noteworthy reads in this flavor-of-the-season literary tasting. 👉 Find your next favorite

The Record Company @ Aggie Theatre — 8 PM (Fort Collins) — Blues-rock grit and Grammy-nominated energy hit the Aggie stage. 👉 Feel the riff

Candlelight Concert @ Fort Collins — 8:45 PM (Fort Collins) — A live classical performance set by candlelight, blending familiar favorites with intimate ambiance. 👉 Glow & go

On the Walls at CSU: Posters from the 1970s @ CSU Morgan Library, CSU Libraries, South Entrance Gallery — anytime, 9 AM to 5 PM (Fort Collins) — A nostalgic look at campus history through bold, culture-shaping posters from the ’70s. 👉 Step back in time

Love on the Menu: A Surf & Turf Valentine @ Farm Fusion — 5 to 7:30 PM (Fort Collins) — A hands-on culinary evening featuring a romantic surf-and-turf menu perfect for Valentine’s season. 👉 Cook up some love

Magic Rat Live Music: Macroorganomics @ The Elizabeth Hotel — 7 PM (Fort Collins) — Jazz-funk fusion and tight grooves take over the rooftop for a lively Thursday set. 👉 Catch the rooftop rhythm

Meshell Ndegeocello: No More Water – The Gospel of James Baldwin @ The Armory — 7:30 PM, doors at 6:30 (Fort Collins) — A powerful, genre-blending tribute performance inspired by the words and legacy of James Baldwin. 👉 Experience the tribute

Workshop: Valentine’s Scrapbook Frames! @ Margie’s Java Joint — 2 PM to 4 PM (Greeley) — Spend the afternoon crafting a sentimental, scrapbook-style collage in a cozy café setting. 👉 Craft with heart!

Valentine’s Day Succulent Arrangements @ 916 9th Ave — 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM (Greeley) — Create a custom succulent arrangement with up to six plants in this hands-on Valentine’s workshop. Go solo or share a pot with your favorite person for a grow-together date night. 👉 Plant some love

Galentine’s Hat Burning Workshop @ The Artisan Shop & Studio — 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (Loveland) — Grab your crew and design your own felt hat using guided burning techniques. Choose a western-style hat or cap and leave with a bold, wearable statement piece. Ages 16+. 👉 Burn bright, besties

Galentine’s Day Party @ Estes Park — 5 to 8 PM (Estes Park) — Grab your crew for a night of friendship, fun, and festive vibes. 👉 Cheers to your girls

Galentine/Valentine Card-Making Class @ Estes Park — 5:30 to 7:00 PM (Estes Park) — Craft handmade cards with heart — perfect for friends or sweethearts. 👉 Create something sweet

Intro to Ice Climbing for Women @ Rocky Mountain National Park — 8 AM to 4 PM (Estes Park) — A supportive, skills-focused introduction to frozen waterfalls and winter adventure. 👉 Climb bold

Get Poked: Tattoos & Beer Poking @ Avant Garde Aleworks — Noon to 7 PM (Estes Park) — Flash tattoos meet hot-iron beer poking for a Friday the 13th mashup. 👉 Ink & drink

Michael Kirkpatrick @ Armory Event Center — 7 PM (Fort Collins) — Soulful, roots-driven songwriting from the energetic frontman of The Holler! 👉 Catch the groove

Swing Your Valentine Dance ft. Zizania Swing @ 1599 City Park Dr — 6 to 10 PM (Fort Collins) — Big band energy and swing dancing for a romantic (or just really fun) Friday night. 👉 Step into swing

Paint Your Own Valentine’s Frog @ Petrichor Collective — 5:30 PM (Fort Collins) — Whimsical frog painting night with Valentine flair. No art degree required. 👉 Paint the love

Yappy Hour @ The Elizabeth Hotel — 5 PM (Fort Collins) — Bring your pup for rooftop social time, drinks, and dog-friendly fun. 👉 Paws & relax!

Critter Chats @ NOCO Wildlife Center — 6 to 7 PM (Fort Collins) — Meet rescued wildlife ambassadors and learn about local conservation efforts. 👉 Meet the critters

Stand-Up Comedy Night @ Comedy Fort Collins — 6 PM and 8:30 PM (Fort Collins) — A night of live stand-up in an intimate club setting. 👉 Laugh it out

Galentine’s Floral Class @ Breckenridge Brewery — 5 PM (Fort Collins) — Build a fresh floral arrangement with friends and craft brews nearby. 👉 Bloom together!

Latin Night @ Aggie Theatre — 8:30 PM, doors at 8 (Fort Collins) — Salsa, bachata, reggaeton and more for a high-energy dance floor. 👉 Dance it out

Blues & Hearts: A Valentine’s Night with The Delta Sonics @ Wholly Stromboli — 6 to 9 PM (Fort Lupton) — Celebrate Valentine’s with live jazz, funk, and blues from The Delta Sonics, plus a complimentary glass of prosecco. 👉 Feel the bluesy love

Loveland Sweetheart Festival @ Downtown Loveland, All day Saturday (Loveland) — America’s Sweetheart City goes all in for Valentine’s weekend with live music, themed events, art installations, shopping specials, races, weddings, and plenty of heart-filled fun throughout downtown. 👉 Feel the love downtown

Sweetheart Classic @ Downtown Loveland (Start at Loveland Aleworks) — 9:30 AM (Loveland) — Kick off Valentine’s Day with a festive downtown race through the heart of Loveland. Then stick around for Sweetheart Festival fun. 👉 Run with heart

Loveland Valentine’s Day Group Wedding & Vow Renewal Ceremony @ Pulliam Community Building — 3 PM (Loveland) — Say “I do” (again) in America’s Sweetheart City. This annual Valentine’s ceremony includes music, keepsake photos, cupcakes, love locks for the iconic sculptures, and a whole lot of heart. 👉 Lock in your love

Latte Art 101 – Valentine’s Date Night @ Pedro’s Coffee Shop — 4 to 5:15 PM (Severance) — Learn the basics of pouring hearts and rosettas in this hands-on latte art class. 👉 Pour with love

30-Minute Cuddles with Guinevere the Goat @ River Bluffs Open Space — 4 PM to 4:30 PM (Windsor) — Spend a sweet half hour snuggling Guinevere the Goat and her adorable farm friends. 👉 Goat get your cuddles!

Pressed Flower Art Workshop @ Crooked Beech Brewing Company — 1:30 to 3 PM (Loveland) — Create a floating-frame floral piece using vibrant pressed flowers and greenery. 👉 Frame the love

Random & True Jazz Duo @ The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern — 5 to 8 PM (Estes Park) — Smooth jazz standards and cozy mountain ambiance for a mellow Valentine’s evening.👉 Sip & sway

LoversFest @ Aggie Theatre — 8 PM, doors at 7 (Fort Collins) — A Valentine’s dance party packed with DJs, high-energy beats, and late-night vibes. 👉 Love loud!

Old School Valentine’s Exchange @ Avant Garde Aleworks — noon to 9 PM (Estes Park) — Swap nostalgic paper valentines while sipping local brews. Sweet, simple fun. 👉 Pass the love notes


Celebrate Clifford’s Birthday @ Macdonald Book Shop — 9:30 to 10 AM (Estes Park) — Stories, smiles, and a big red dog birthday celebration for young readers. 👉 Party with Clifford

Magic Rat Live Music: D’Lovelies @ The Elizabeth Hotel — 8 PM (Fort Collins) — Vintage-inspired swing and jazz to set the Valentine’s mood. 👉 Catch the rooftop romance

Foothills Painting Workshop @ Fort Collins — 11 AM to 2 PM (Fort Collins) — Capture local landscapes in this guided painting session. 👉 Paint in harmony

XIIIR: Live Forever Tour (Motorsports Ice Racing) @ The Ranch Events Complex — 3 PM (Loveland) — Get ready for an adrenaline-charged evening as fearless racers take to the ice on motorcycles and quads. 👉 Go big

Teyolia Cacao Tasting @ Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary & Cllinic — 2 to 5 PM (Fort Collins) — Explore ceremonial cacao and chocolate traditions in a guided tasting. 👉 Sip something sacred

Love on Ice: Valentine’s Day Polar Plunge @ Mishawaka — Multiple times (Bellvue) — A chilly but cheerful plunge for couples and brave-hearted friends. 👉 Take the plunge

Foothills Winter Farmers Market: Valentine’s Day Market @ Foothills Shopping Center — 10 AM to 2 PM (Fort Collins) — Local produce, baked goods, and handmade gifts perfect for your Valentine. 👉 Shop local love

Color Me Mine: Paint by Candlelight @ The Shops at Foothills — 4 to 9 PM (Fort Collins) — Pottery painting in a cozy, candlelit setting. 👉 Create something glowing

Mountain Glow Candle Bar Experience @ Rocky Mountain Olive Oil — 1 PM (Fort Collins) — Pour and customize your own hand-crafted candle. 👉 Make it glow!

Valentine’s Day Living Wreath Class @ The Windsor Gardener— 10:30 AM (Windsor) — Build a fresh, living wreath to brighten your winter door. 👉 Craft with love

Versa-Style Street Dance Company @ The Lincoln Center — 7:30 PM (Fort Collins) — High-energy street dance blending hip-hop, jazz, and Afro-Latin styles. 👉 Feel the movement

Magic Sunset Series w/ Susan Paik & Teddy Niedermaier @ The Elizabeth Hotel — 1:30 to 4 PM (Fort Collins) — A golden-hour concert pairing soaring violin with expressive piano in an intimate setting. 👉 Chase the sunset sounds

An Evening with David Wilcox (Solo) @ The Armory — 7 PM (Fort Collins) — Thoughtful lyrics and masterful guitar from the beloved folk singer-songwriter in a solo, up-close performance. 👉 Lean in & listen

We’re All Doing Great (And Other Lies) @ The Lincoln Center — 7 PM (Fort Collins) — A sharp, honest theatrical look at modern life, connection, and the stories we tell ourselves. 👉 See the story unfold

Purse Bingo – Galentine’s Edition @ 601 Candice Ct — 12 PM to 2 PM (Berthoud) — Grab your best gal and play bingo for a chance to win designer purses, wallets, and other fun prizes. 👉 Bingo, but make it fashion!

Fort Collins Backgammon Monthly @ Scrumpy’s Hard Cider Bar — 11:45 AM to 2:45 PM (Fort Collins) — Roll the dice at this monthly league-style backgammon tournament. All skill levels welcome, guaranteed at least two matches, and 100% of entry fees go to the prize pool. 👉 Make your move!

Nicole Asel, John Lindsey, Tim Burns | Virtuoso Series Concert @ Organ Recital Hall — 7:30 PM (Fort Collins) — CSU faculty perform a rich mix of English-language art songs, from Shakespeare settings to cabaret and contemporary works. 👉 Let the music speak