For months, it felt like winter was ghosting us. We got the teasing flurries and the 60-degree afternoons, but nothing stuck. Now, it has officially moved in.
But the "Winter Groove" isn't just about hiding indoors. It’s about the contrast. It’s the sharpness of the air that makes the mountains look like cut glass. It’s the bare trees that reveal the eagles watching the water. And, of course, it’s the way a cup of molten chocolate hits differently when you’ve earned it.
The cold clarifies things. Let's go see what we can find. Zip up. We’re going out.
– Megan
The Town Beneath the Ice
Quarriers at the Stout stone lodging house (1893), decades before the valley was flooded.
When you look out across the frozen surface of Horsetooth Reservoir, it’s peaceful. But if you know your history, it’s a little haunting.
Because down there, beneath 150 feet of icy water, lies the ghost of a town called Stout.
Founded in the 1880s, Stout wasn’t just a blip on the map; it was the quarry hub of the West. The massive sandstone ridges that formed the valley were mined to pave the sidewalks of Denver, Omaha, Chicago, and even the steps of the White House. At its peak, it was a bustling community with a schoolhouse, a general store, and a train depot.
But progress is thirsty. In the 1940s, the Colorado-Big Thompson Project needed a massive basin to store water for the thirsty plains. Stout was in the way. The town was condemned, the buildings were moved or dismantled, and by 1949, the water began to rise.
Today, the foundations of the old schoolhouse still sit at the bottom of the lake. So next time you're hiking the shoreline, tip your hat to the town that paved the West—before it became the water we drink.
Students and teachers at the Highland School in Stout, May 25, 1889.
The final days of a dry valley (June 1946), just one month before dam construction began. Note the Highland School on the center hill.
Kings of the Cold: The Bald Eagle
Winter is the off-season for most wildlife watchers, unless you love Bald Eagles. Then, this is like the Super Bowl.
Eagles love NOCO winters. As lakes freeze, the birds migrate here to congregate around the pockets of open water to hunt fish.
Pro Tip: Look for "ornaments" in the naked cottonwood trees along the water's edge. If you see a massive, dark blob that looks too big to be a nest, grab your binoculars. It’s likely an eagle waiting for lunch.
Where to spot them:
Loveland: Boyd Lake State Park. The open water near the inlet is a magnet for them.
Fort Collins: Fossil Creek Reservoir. An absolute sanctuary. (Note: Portions of the trail close seasonally to protect them, so obey the signs!)
Estes Park: Lake Estes. Specifically the Matthews-Reeser Bird Sanctuary area on the west end.
Windsor: Windsor Lake. Walk the perimeter trail and keep your eyes on the tall trees on the north shore.
Wellington: Wellington State Wildlife Area. A quieter spot where seeing a raptor is almost guaranteed.
Nuance Chocolate
The Science of Warmth
Why We Love Them:
The Real Deal: In a world of mass-produced candy, Nuance is the real deal. They are one of the few true "bean-to-bar" makers in the world, roasting ethically sourced cacao beans right in the heart of Old Town Fort Collins.
The Experience: Walking in smells like heaven. It’s not just a shop; it’s a sensory education. You can taste the difference between a bean from Ghana and a bean from Peru.
The Winter Move: Forget powdered packets. Order a "Sipping Chocolate" flight. It is melted, concentrated chocolate—thick, rich, and essentially high-octane fuel for your internal furnace.
How to Support: Go in for a flight, or grab a box of truffles for... well, you know what holiday is coming up. ❤️ 👉 Check out Nuance
From Berthoud in the south to the Wyoming state line up north, Fort Morgan in the east to Estes out west, each week we will to pull together a list of the top events happening all over Northern Colorado.
January 27-February 2, 2026
TUESDAY 27th
Nothing to see here! No events of note today.
WEDNESDAY 28th
Wine & Cheese Pairing Experience @ Sweetheart Winery — 6 PM (Loveland) — Sip local wines paired with artisanal cheeses in this cozy tasting flight. Perfect midweek treat. 👉 Sip & savor
Residency Concert w/ Brigitte Benson & Friends @ Wolverine Farm Publick House — 6 to 8 PM (Fort Collins) — Warm, melodic originals and collaborative jams from Brigitte Benson and crew in a relaxed live set. 👉 Hear the harmony
Free: OBC Winery Series ft. Carlos Barata @ Odell Brewing — 6 PM (Fort Collins) — Grab a free glass and enjoy live tunes with Carlos Barata at this weekly Mishawaka winery series. 👉 Toast the tunes
Geoff Clark Acoustic @ Rock Inn Mountain Tavern — 5 to 8 PM (Estes Park) — Easygoing acoustic set from Geoff Clark — mountain vibes and mellow songs to round out your Wednesday. 👉 Unwind with the strum
Desserts Winter Spice Budino Class @ Estes Valley Community Center — 5:30 to 7:30 PM (Estes Park) — Whip up cozy winter-spiced Italian pudding (budino) and take home sweet skills. $45👉 Get your sweet on
Storytime & Craft @ Red Feather Lakes Community Library — 5 PM (Red Feather Lakes) — A fun mid-morning mix of stories and crafts for the little ones. 👉 Read & create
THURSDAY 29th
BK Sharad: Special Recording! @ The Comedy Fort — 7:30 PM (Fort Collins) — A high-energy live comedy set from BK Sharad, recorded for release. Expect sharp takes, big laughs, and a lively crowd. 👉 Laugh it up
Pickin’ on the Dead @ Aggie Theatre — doors at 7 PM (Fort Collins) — Bluegrass-style takes on Grateful Dead favorites in a laid-back, toe-tapping live show. 👉 Jam on
FoCo Roller Derby 20th Anniversary Bash @ Soundbar — 7 PM (Fort Collins) — Celebrate two decades of hits, heart, and community with Fort Collins Roller Derby. Party vibes guaranteed. (From $24) 👉 Roll into the fun
Dig Deep w/ The Hyms @ Fort Collins — 8:30 to 11 PM (Fort Collins) — Soulful indie-folk and thoughtful songwriting from The Hyms in an intimate live set. 👉 Lean in & listen
Alex Thoele Acoustic @ Rock Inn Mountain Tavern — 5 to 8 PM (Estes Park) — Easygoing acoustic tunes and mountain-town vibes make for a mellow Thursday night. 👉 Unwind with a song
Loveland Museum Free Admission Day @ Loveland Museum — All Day (Loveland) — Explore art, history, and rotating exhibits with free entry all day long. A perfect low-key culture stop. 👉 Wander for free
FRIDAY 30th
The Wasted Wizard of Oz @ The Lyric — 8 PM (Fort Collins) — A cheeky, adults-only parody of the classic tale with plenty of laughs and irreverent twists. — $16 Student $25 General 👉 Follow the tipsy road
Josh Teed @ Aggie Theatre — 8 PM, doors at 7 (Fort Collins) — High-energy live looping, violin, and genre-bending electronic grooves. 👉 Feel the rhythm
After the Fire @ Avagadro’s Number — 7 PM (Fort Collins) — A moving stage production exploring resilience, connection, and what comes after loss. $15/$20 👉 Lean into the story
Swan Lake @ The Lincoln Center — 7 PM (Fort Collins) — The timeless ballet returns with sweeping music, elegant choreography, and classic romance. $40-$55 👉 Go classic
Friday Live Music: Jason Lenz @ Rock Inn Mountain Tavern — 4:30 to 6:30 PM (Estes Park) — Laid-back acoustic tunes and cozy mountain-town vibes. 👉 Ease into the weekend
Live Music: Trout & Pines Band @ The Tavern at Marr’s — 7 to 9 PM (Red Feather Lakes) — Mountain-friendly Americana and roots rock in a cabin-cozy setting. 👉 Catch the cabin jams
Live Music: Britt Devins @ Love Shack Mocktails — 8:30 to 10:30 PM (Loveland) — Smooth vocals and soulful covers in an alcohol-free, feel-good space. 👉 Sip & listen
SATURDAY 31th
MaskedMania @ Blue Arena — 7 PM (Fort Collins) — A high-energy night of masked wrestling, showmanship, and over-the-top fun. 👉 Cheer, boo, repeat
Lyric Comedy Show @ The Lyric — 8 PM (Fort Collins) — Sharp musical comedy with clever lyrics and big laughs. $15 👉 Laugh along
Best Lawn on the Block @ Fort Collins Nursery — 9:15 to 11 AM PM (Fort Collins) — Learn how to maintain a sustainable lawn in Colorado. 👉 Make it Green
A Night of Swing & Tango — 6 to 9 PM (Fort Collins) — Social dancing with swing and tango vibes, open to all levels. 👉 Dance it out
Terrarium Class @ Bath Garden Center — 10 to 11 AM (Fort Collins) — Build your own tiny indoor ecosystem and take it home. 👉 Get planty
Spigot to Drip Irrigation @ Fort Collins Nursery — 12 to 1:30 PM (Fort Collins) — Learn how to set up simple, water-wise drip irrigation for home gardens. 👉 Water smarter
Sammy Anzer @ The Comedy Fort — 6 PM (Fort Collins) — Indie-pop energy with heartfelt lyrics and a lively crowd. 👉 Catch the set
Friends of Fantasy Day @ Macdonald Book Shop — 10 AM to 2 PM (Estes Park) — Costumes, games, and fantasy fun for all ages. 👉 Dress up & play
Travels Around the World: Italy @ Estes Valley Community Center — 10 to 11:30 AM (Estes Park) — A cultural afternoon exploring Italy through stories, photos, and flavor. 👉 Take the trip
Live Music: Sugar Britches @ The Tavern at Marr’s — 7 PM to 9 PM (Red Feather Lakes) — Lively Americana and roots music in a cozy cabin setting. 👉 Grab a seat by the fire
An Evening with the Petty Nicks Experience @ Rialto Theater — 7 PM (Loveland) — A tribute night celebrating the music of Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks. 👉 Sing along
Gordon Creek Band @ Rigby’s Roadhouse — 7 PM (Livermore) — Country-rock and dance-friendly tunes in a classic roadhouse setting. 👉 Boot-scoot approved
Sober Open Mic Night @ Love Shack Mocktails — 7 PM to 9 PM (Loveland) — Poetry, music, and storytelling in a supportive, alcohol-free space. 👉 Share the mic
Saturday Afternoon Sessions @ Love Shack Mocktails — 5 to 6 PM (Loveland) — Chill daytime live music with creative mocktails. 👉 Sip & vibe
Art & Tea: Jane Austen @ Glenn Jones Memorial Library — 10 AM to Noon (Johnstown) — Tea, art, and literary charm inspired by Jane Austen. 👉 Pinkies up
Everclear @ The Stanley Concert Hall — 8 PM (Estes Park) — ’90s alt-rock nostalgia with hits you still know by heart. 👉 Rock like it’s 1997
SUNDAY 1st
1st Sundays Fireside @ CSU Environmental Learning Center — 3 to 5 PM (Fort Collins) — A cozy afternoon gathering with conversation, creativity, and community around the fire. 👉 Warm up together
Swan Lake @ The Lincoln Center — 7 PM (Fort Collins) — The timeless ballet returns with sweeping music, elegant choreography, and classic romance. $40-$55 👉 End the weekend beautifully
Peyton Ruddy @ The Comedy Fort — 6 PM (Fort Collins) — Kick off your Sunday with live stand-up in an intimate club setting. Doors open early, so grab a seat, settle in, and let the laughs roll. 👉 Laugh it up
David Ramirez w/ Sharon Silva @ Avogadro’s Number — 7:30 PM (Fort Collins) — Soulful Americana and poetic songwriting in an intimate Mishawaka-presented show. 👉 Close out strong
Sunday Soul Flow Yoga @ Love Shack Mocktails — 9 AM (Loveland) — Gentle flow yoga focused on grounding, movement, and easing into the week ahead. 👉 Stretch & reset
MONDAY 2nd
Meet the New Artists @ Art Center of Estes Park — 5:30 to 7 PM (Estes Park) — Get to know the newest artists joining the local gallery scene at this casual meet-and-greet. Expect fresh work, friendly conversation, and light refreshments. 👉 Meet the makers
