This week we are leaning into the annual rituals of spring in Northern Colorado. We are moving from the mandatory ladder climb and mineral scrape of swamp cooler season to the garden trays as the humble cucurbits (read on to learn what these are!) go into their little biodegradable pots. And on Friday night, we are heading to Club Tico for a benefit concert for the baby animals who are showing up right on schedule.

Go climb something. Then, go support something. The weekend list has plenty of both. Let’s dig in!

– Megan

If you haven't climbed that ladder yet, the calendar is nudging you. In Northern Colorado, we don't just ‘turn on the AC’— we perform the annual resuscitation of the swamp cooler.

It's a dirty, cold-water-on-the-fingertips task that marks the official end of the wood stove era and the beginning of "did I remember to crack a window?" season. While newer builds lean toward refrigerated air, there's either a satisfaction in the low-tech efficiency of evaporative cooling, or a regret if we put it off until it's already 90 degrees!

There's a rhythmic logic to the job: scraping mineral deposits, swapping the pump, and adjusting the float valve; and that first hit of humidified air, smelling vaguely of wet wood and relief, makes the whole thing worth it.

Before you flip that switch:

The Pads — Swap out last season's crusty ones for fresh aspen or honeycomb. Your nose and your lungs will thank you.

The Bearings — A little oil now prevents that 2 AM screech in July. Do it while you're up there.

The Line — Check the water line for winter cracks before you open the valve and discover a surprise waterfall in your crawlspace.

The Baby Bash Benefit Concert returns this Friday, April 10, at Club Tico in Fort Collins. 100% of the proceeds go directly to the care of orphaned wildlife in distress. It’s a great way to celebrate the arrival of spring while supporting the expert hands that ensure our local ecosystem stays wild and resilient.

The soil is already thawing (or thawed!), things are blooming ahead of schedule, and this April is definitely playing by its own rules! If you’re thinking you could be planting outside right now, you’re probably right; but, why chance it? The summer sprawlers — cucumbers, squash, melons, the whole ambitious crew — only need 3–4 weeks indoors before transplant. Starting them now, inside, is all about giving them the best possible launch: strong roots, steady warmth, no weather surprises.

🌱Start These Seeds Indoors This Week

Cucumbers: Fast growers ready in 3–4 weeks. One per cell, and go gentle on the roots at transplant.

Zucchini & Summer Squash: Starting earlier than 3–4 weeks backfires — you end up with a pot-bound giant. Now is exactly the right time.

Winter Squash: Same timing. Best NoCo varieties for our shorter season: Delicata, Butternut, Acorn.

Pumpkins: Jack-o-lanterns for October start now. Choose varieties under 100 days for our season.

Honeydew & Cantaloupes: If you missed last week, there’s still time. Start in biodegradable pots.

🌿Also: The Outdoor Garden Is Opening Up

Direct sow now: Peas, carrots, radishes, spinach, arugula, and turnips. The almanac puts peas and carrots at Apr 9–16 — right now. These love cool soil and don’t need to wait.

Hardening off: Onions, leeks, kale, and cabbage from early March are most likely ready. Start with 1–2 hours in a sheltered spot, increasing daily over 7–10 days. Below 38°F overnight? Bring them inside.

Potatoes go in mid-April: Almanac window is Apr 9–23. Order seed potatoes now if you haven’t.

💡Quick Tips

We live in NOCO because we like to move — whether that’s hitting the Devil's Backbone, or just keeping up with the garden. When something hurts or just isn't ‘tracking’ right, Choice City Physical Therapy is where you go to stop guessing. Sam Fischer and his team run a down-to-earth Fort Collins clinic that skips the corporate ‘patient-as-a-number’ vibe. From dry needling to sports rehab, they focus on evidence-based care that actually gets you back to the trails. It’s honest, hands-on work designed to keep the NOCO Crew in motion.

From Berthoud to the Wyoming state line up, Fort Morgan to Estes, each week we pull together a list of the top events happening all over Northern Colorado.

32nd Annual Spring Contest Powwow and Art Market @ Northside Aztlan Community Center (Fort Collins) — Fri–Sun, various times — Three days of Indigenous dance, drumming, and artistry. One of the most culturally significant events in NOCO this spring. 👉 Come with respect

The Cottage @ Lincoln Center, Magnolia Theatre (Fort Collins) — Fri–Sun, various times — A witty British comedy about secrets, real estate, and the chaos of close quarters. 👉 Get your tickets

11th ACT Human Rights Film Festival @ The Lyric (Fort Collins) — Thu–Sun, various times — Films that make you think, feel, and maybe squirm a little. Worth every minute. 👉 See the lineup

Cirque Italia: Water Circus @ Greeley Mall (Greeley) — Fri–Mon, various times — Acrobatics, aerial acts, and theatrical spectacle under the big top. A genuine wow for families and first-timers alike. 👉 Grab seats

Quickening: Aesthetic Encounters and the Ecological Imagination @ CSU School of the Arts (Fort Collins) — All week, various times — A multidisciplinary exhibition exploring the natural world through art, science, and imagination. 👉 Explore it

Tim Meadows Live @ Rialto Theater (Loveland) — 7:30pm — SNL legend Tim Meadows brings stand-up to the Rialto. 👉 Get tickets

Sky Bear Comedy Night with LoCo Comedy @ Sky Bear Brewery & Pub (Loveland) — 7:30–9pm — Local comedians doing what they do best. Cheap therapy. 👉 Laugh it out

Bonsai Bar! @ Gilded Goat Brewing, Midtown (Fort Collins) — 6:30–8:30pm — Shape a bonsai, sip a beer, leave with something living. 👉 Branch out

Spring 2026 Bar Games League @ Old Town Putt (Fort Collins) — 7–9pm — Weekly bar games league. Because competition makes everything better. 👉 Play to win

Abunto's Final Show @ Aggie Theatre (Fort Collins) — 8pm (doors 7pm) — A local band plays their last show. These are the ones you'll wish you hadn't missed. 👉 Show up for them

Do Tell! A Special Evening of Storytelling @ Moxi Theater (Greeley) — 7–9pm — True stories told live. Greeley's version of The Moth, and it's a good one. 👉 Listen close

Eye on Loveland: Michael Simms — Exhibit Opening @ Loveland Museum Arts & Culture (Loveland) — 5:30pm, free — A new photography exhibit opens its doors. Come for the art, stay for the community. 👉 Free admission

Run the Ranch Trail Running Weekend @ Sylvan Dale (Loveland) — 5:30–7pm — Trail running on one of NOCO's most beautiful ranches. The weekend starts here. 👉 Hit the trail

Colorado Eagles vs. Tucson Roadrunners @ Blue Arena (Loveland) — 7:05pm — AHL hockey, Friday night, Blue Arena. Pack in. 👉 Get seats

Beef Wellington Cooking Class @ Ginger and Baker (Fort Collins) — 5:30–8:30pm — One of the great culinary flex moves, taught properly. 👉 Cook something ambitious

Baby Bash Benefit Concert @ Club Tico (Fort Collins) — 6–8pm — A benefit for NOCO Wildlife. Good cause, good music, good people. 👉 Support the animals

Ballyhoo! @ Aggie Theatre (Fort Collins) — 7pm — Florida-based reggae-rock act brings the good vibes to Fort Collins. 👉 Dance a little

D.R.I. w/ Deathwish & Clusterfux @ Mishawaka Amphitheatre (Bellvue) — 8pm — Thrash punk legends on the indoor stage. Not for the faint of heart, absolutely for the rest of you. 👉 Get loud

Giacomo Puccini's Gianni Schicchi @ CSU School of the Arts (Fort Collins) — 7:30–9:30pm — A rare and comedic one-act opera, performed by CSU. More fun than you'd expect. 👉 Catch it

Lincoln Gallery Night on the Town @ Lincoln Gallery (Loveland) — 6–9pm — An evening in the galleries, with good company and good art. 👉 Wander through

Trivia Night @ Tavern at Red Feather Lakes (Red Feather Lakes) — 6–8:30pm — Mountain trivia, no pretense, all fun. 👉 Head up

Asha Blaine Live Music @ Mighty River Brewing (Windsor) — 7–10pm — Live music Friday in Windsor. 👉 Tap in

Live Music Friday: Greg Anderson @ Peculier Ales (Windsor) — 6–9pm — Windsor's neighborhood brewery, live music, low-key Friday night. 👉 Stop by

Neilson & Nicholson @ Tavern at the Legion (Estes Park) — 6–8pm — Live music up the mountain, cold drink in hand. 👉 Go up

Spring Maker's Market @ Mishawaka Amphitheatre (Bellvue/Fort Collins area) — All day — Local makers, mountain setting, spring air. One of the better weekend markets in the region. 👉 Shop local

Spring Artisan Market @ Fort Collins Senior Center (Fort Collins) — 10am–4pm — Local artisans, handmade goods, and a space that welcomes everyone. 👉 Browse and buy local

FoCo Book Fest @ Foothills Shopping Center (Fort Collins) — 9:30am–7:30pm — A full day of books, authors, and literary energy in Fort Collins. 👉 Read all day

Baby Goat Yoga @ Foothills Shopping Center (Fort Collins) — 10am–1pm — Yoga plus goats is a proven formula. No one leaves unhappy. 👉 Namaste with a goat

Pet Talent & Costume Contest @ Foothills Shopping Center (Fort Collins) — 11:30am–12:30pm — Your pet's moment to shine. Judgment encouraged. 👉 Enter or spectate

Winter Farmers Market @ Foothills Shopping Center (Fort Collins) — 10am–2pm — Fresh, local, and worth the Saturday morning effort. 👉 Shop fresh

Roses 101 Class @ Bath Garden Center & Nursery (Fort Collins) — 1–2pm — A one-hour deep dive into growing roses at our elevation. Practical, not fussy. 👉 Sign up

On Water Euro Nymph Class @ St. Peter's Fly Shop (Fort Collins) — 9am–1pm — Hands-on fly fishing instruction on local water. Half a day well spent. 👉 Book it

Allicar Museum Family Day x CSU Anthropology & Geography Trunk Show @ Gregory Allicar Museum of Art (Fort Collins) — 10am–noon — Art museum family programming with a hands-on cultural twist. Free and good. 👉 Bring the kids

Museum Lecture: Beyond the Brooch, the History of Entomological Jewelry @ Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising (Fort Collins) — 1:30–2:30pm — Bugs as adornment, historically. More interesting than you'd think. 👉 Get curious

Herbal Body Butters with Emilee Williams @ Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary & Clinic (Fort Collins) — 11am–12:30pm — Learn to make your own herbal body butters. Practical herbalism, no woo required. 👉 Reserve a spot

Mala Making Workshop @ Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary & Clinic (Fort Collins) — 2–5pm — Meditative bead work with intention. A three-hour slow-down. 👉 Make something meaningful

DOODLE POP — Presented by LC LIVE @ The Lincoln Center (Fort Collins) — 2pm — A family-friendly performance about creativity, color, and imagination. 👉 Bring the little ones

NoCo Swing Dance Bi-Monthly Dance @ City Park (Fort Collins) — 6–10pm — Four hours of swing dancing in the park. A tradition worth keeping. 👉 Swing out

Colorado Eagles vs. Tucson Roadrunners @ Blue Arena (Loveland) — 7:05pm — Second night of hockey. If you missed Friday, here's your shot. 👉 Get seats

Disco Revue @ Rialto Theater (Loveland) — 7pm — Glitter, groove, and the full disco experience on the Rialto stage. 👉 Get your boogie on

Soap Making Workshop @ The Artisan Shop and Studio (Loveland) — 2:30–4:30pm — Make your own bar of soap from scratch. Practical, creative, keeps your hands clean. 👉 Get crafty

HPEC Guided Interpretive Walk with Restoration Ecologists @ High Plains Environmental Center (Loveland) — 9–10:30am — Walk the wetlands with the people who know them best. Slow, observant, worth it. 👉 Sign up

Live Music with Adam Golden @ Loveland Aleworks (Loveland) — 5–7pm — Happy hour and live music. The NOCO weekend formula. 👉 Swing by

It's A 2000s Party @ Aggie Theatre (Fort Collins) — 9pm — Low-rise jeans, frosted tips, and every song you pretended you didn't love. 👉 Go back

Space Bacon: Presented by Mishawaka @ Avogadro's Number (Fort Collins) — 8pm — Late-night music at Av's. The kind of evening that becomes a good story. 👉 Find out what Space Bacon is

Cartesian Doubt CD Release Celebration @ Clipper's Lanes (Fort Collins) — 8:30pm–midnight — A local band drops a record the right way. Dancing encouraged. 👉 Celebrate with them

Terrariums & Cuttings Workshop @ Mariposa Plants & Flowers (Greeley) — 1pm — Build a terrarium, take home a cutting, make something alive and yours. 👉 Reserve a spot

Northern Colorado Children's Festival @ Island Grove Regional Park (Greeley) — 10am–3pm — A free, community-wide celebration for kids across NOCO. A good one for the whole family. 👉 Join the fun

"Behind the Brand" Brewery Tour @ WeldWerks Brewing Co. (Greeley) — noon–1:30pm — Go behind the scenes at one of NOCO's most awarded craft breweries. 👉 Taste the story

Music Bingo @ Wiley Roots Brewing (Greeley) — 6:30–9pm — Song-based bingo with a cold one in hand. You know the words. 👉 Bingo out

Arts and Crafts Fair @ 660 Community Drive (Estes Park) — 9am–1pm — Saturday morning artisan market up the canyon. Worth the drive. 👉 Shop up the hill

Equally Challenged @ Tavern at the Legion (Estes Park) — 5–8pm — Live music in Estes on a Saturday. 👉 Catch the set

Ryan Chrys @ Bruce's Bar (Severance) — 7–10pm — Live music at a NOCO legend of a roadhouse. Bruce's never disappoints. 👉 Hit the road to Severance

Gii Astorga Live @ Mighty River Brewing (Windsor) — 7–10pm — Live music Saturday night in Windsor. 👉 Stop in

WE BELONG @ Center for Creativity (Fort Collins) — 10:30–11:30am — A community gathering centered on belonging and connection. Simple, human, good. 👉 Show up

Foothills Vintage Market @ Foothills Shopping Center (Fort Collins) — 11am–5pm — A curated vintage market with local vendors. Dig in, find something weird and wonderful. 👉 Go thrifting

Roller Derby Spring Fling: Growlers vs. Ale Marys @ Blue Arena (Loveland) — 3pm — Fast, fierce, and completely worth your Sunday. NOCO roller derby is a blast. 👉 Watch the hits

1st Sundays Fireside @ CSU Environmental Learning Center (Fort Collins) — 3–5pm — Monthly outdoor gathering by the fire. Low-key, community-centered, all are welcome. 👉 Pull up a chair

Blast N Bowl w/ Treewell, Espiaille, Insects on Saturn & Terra Colonial @ Clipper's Lanes (Fort Collins) — 8:30pm — Four acts, bowling lanes, late Sunday night. Fort Collins at its most wonderfully specific. 👉 Roll with it

Live Jazz @ The 120 Bar and Grill (Loveland) — 6:30–9:30pm — Live jazz on a Monday night. The best kind of week-starter. 👉 Ease into it

Ecstatic Dance feat. SōL KiSS @ Sunrise Ranch (Loveland) — 6:30–9:30pm — Free-form, sober, embodied dancing in a beautiful setting. Intimidating to the uninitiated, beloved by regulars. 👉 Move your body