Open Mics and Jams in Fort Collins Colorado

A Brief History of Fort Collins

Fort Collins began as a military outpost. In 1864, after flooding washed out an earlier camp, the U.S. Army set up Camp Collins on the banks of the Cache la Poudre River to protect travelers on the Overland Trail. The post was named for Lieutenant Colonel William O. Collins. The fort closed just a few years later, but settlers stayed and laid out a town.

The city's future was sealed in 1870 when the territorial legislature placed Colorado's agricultural college there. That school opened in 1879 and grew into Colorado State University. Farming, irrigation and sugar beet processing drove the local economy for decades, while the brick storefronts of Old Town grew up around the university and the railroad.

Today Fort Collins is known for its well-preserved Old Town, its bike-friendly streets and its role as one of America's craft-beer capitals, home to pioneering breweries like Odell and New Belgium. A strong tech and research sector and easy access to the Poudre Canyon and Horsetooth Reservoir have made it one of Colorado's fastest-growing cities.

The Fort Collins Music Scene

Fort Collins punches far above its size musically. Its punk-rock credentials are real: members of the legendary Descendents and ALL settled here, and drummer Bill Stevenson's Blasting Room studio has recorded a long list of punk and indie bands. At the same time, the city is deeply rooted in bluegrass and Americana, with long-running weekly picking sessions and bands that tour the jamgrass circuit.

Local philanthropy also gives musicians a boost. The Bohemian Foundation funds the Music District, a campus near Old Town with rehearsal space, workshops and resources for working musicians, and supports free community concerts. The annual FoCoMX festival showcases hundreds of Northern Colorado bands across dozens of downtown stages each spring. Colorado State University's music program adds a steady supply of jazz and classical players, and student-led jazz nights pop up in local bars.

Popular Live Music Venues in Fort Collins

• The Mishawaka Amphitheatre (Poudre Canyon, Bellvue) – A legendary riverside outdoor venue about 30 minutes up the canyon, beloved for jam-band and bluegrass shows.
• Aggie Theatre (Old Town) – The city's main mid-size rock club, a converted movie theater.
• Washington's (Old Town) – A restored historic building hosting touring and regional acts and youth band competitions.
• The Lincoln Center – The city's performing arts center, home to the Fort Collins Symphony and touring productions.
• Avogadro's Number (605 S. Mason St.) – A beloved, decades-old restaurant and music room with a mural-covered stage, and the heart of the local bluegrass scene.
• The Magic Rat Live Music (inside the Elizabeth Hotel, Old Town) – A stylish listening room for local and touring acts.
• The Lyric (1209 N. College Ave.) – An independent cinema and bar with an outdoor stage and a long-running open mic.
• Surfside 7 and other Old Town bars – Small rooms that host punk, indie and student jazz nights.

Open Mics and Open Jams in Fort Collins

Local musicians describe Fort Collins as a great place to start: the audiences are friendly, the open mics are plentiful, and the bluegrass circles welcome beginners. Below are the standout weekly events, followed by a day-by-day schedule.

Before you go: Open mics and jams change hosts, nights and venues often. Always check the venue's or host's website or social media before heading out with your gear.

Bluegrass and Acoustic Jams

• Avogadro's Number Bluegrass Night (605 S. Mason St.) – Wednesdays, roughly 7:00–10:00 p.m. A Fort Collins institution for about two decades. Anyone with a stringed instrument can join the circle in front of the stage to share chords and songs.
• The Neighbor Bluegrass Jam (144 S. Mason St.) – Mondays, about 6:30–9:30 p.m. (earlier listings showed 5–7 p.m.; check current times).
• Horsetooth Tavern Bluegrass Jam (4791 W. County Rd. 38 E.) – Thursdays, 7:00–10:00 p.m., hosted by Pickin' on Pitkin. Open to beginners and experts alike, near Horsetooth Reservoir.
• Buzz Brothers Acoustic Jam at Breckenridge Brewery (1020 E. Lincoln Ave.) – Every other Wednesday, 5:30–8:00 p.m. Bring an instrument and jam with this local blues band, or just listen.
• Celtic Jam at Lucky Joe's Sidewalk Saloon (25 Old Town Square) – Has been held Wednesday nights; free. Check with the pub for the current schedule.

Open Mics

• Open Mic Night at The Lyric (1209 N. College Ave.) – Mondays starting at 6:00 p.m. A $0–5 suggested donation. A community favorite run with an emphasis on expression and a healthy, supportive scene.
• Open Mic at The Atrium (120½ W. Laurel St.) – Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. A free weekly open mic packed with talented musicians, hosted by Christian Nyzio.
• Avogadro's Number Open Mic (605 S. Mason St.) – Tuesdays, around 7:00 p.m. A good place to find your new favorite local act.
• Land of Bands Open Mic at The Magic Rat (Elizabeth Hotel) – Has been held on the fourth Wednesday of the month, in partnership with student radio station KCSU.
• Lucky Joe's Acoustic Open Mic (25 Old Town Square) – Sundays in the evening, in the heart of Old Town.
• Other regular open mics – The Corner Slice (172 N. College Ave.), The Emporium Sports Bar (925 S. Taft Hill Rd.) and Horsetooth Tavern have all appeared on recent open mic listings. Check openmikes.org for current nights.

Nearby: Loveland

• Pourhouse Bar & Grill (124 E. 4th St., Loveland) – Has hosted a Tuesday open jazz jam with the Pourhouse Jazz Trio.
• Chiller's (128 E. 4th St., Loveland) – An every-other-Wednesday open mic that a large share of Northern Colorado musicians have played.

Fort Collins Open Jam & Open Mic Schedule at a Glance

Tips for Playing Fort Collins Open Mics and Jams

• Mind the altitude and dry air. At about 5,000 feet, voices and wooden instruments feel the dryness. Hydrate and keep a humidifier in your case.
• Learn the bluegrass standards. A handful of classics in G, C and D will get you through most local circles.
• Use the Music District. If you're new in town, its workshops and rehearsal programs are a great way to meet players.
• Bike there. Most Old Town open mics are a short ride apart, and parking downtown can be tight.

Helpful Local Resources

• Colorado Bluegrass Music Society (coloradobluegrass.org) – Statewide bluegrass jam listings, including Fort Collins.
• The Music District (musicdistrict.org) – Resources, workshops and rehearsal space for local musicians.
• openmikes.org – Musician-maintained open mic listings for Northern Colorado.
• KCSU 90.5 FM – CSU's student radio station, which supports local music events.