Earlier this month, Canvas Stadium made history by hosting its first-ever major concert, featuring Jon Pardi and Cross Canadian Ragweed as part of the Professional Bull Riding (PBR) circuit. It wasn’t just a show; it was a sign of what’s to come. With the stadium now set to allow three major concerts a year, and Fort Collins’ population nearing 180,000, a new question emerges: Is Fort Collins poised to reclaim its place as a premier music destination in Northern Colorado?
To understand where the city’s music scene might be heading, we need to revisit its deep and colorful history of live entertainment.
The Legendary Era of Hughes Stadium
In the 1970s and 1980s, Hughes Stadium was the epicenter of big-name concerts. For a time, it felt like every major tour stopped in Fort Collins.
- 1975 saw Chicago and The Beach Boys take the stage, joined by a surprise guest appearance from Elton John—an event so memorable that Elton reportedly helicoptered in for the show.
- Later that year, The Rolling Stones electrified Hughes, again with Elton John popping in as a guest performer.
- In 1976, Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue performed at Hughes, a concert filmed for Dylan’s Hard Rain TV special.
- Van Halen followed in 1980, with their high-energy show filling the stadium to capacity.
These weren’t just concerts—they were community-defining events. Thousands of fans packed into Hughes to witness rock legends at the height of their powers. For a stretch of time, Fort Collins was firmly on the map for A-list acts, thanks in part to the draw of CSU and the stadium’s unique outdoor setting.
Bohemian Nights and the Vision of Pat Stryker
As Hughes Stadium’s concert era faded, Pat Stryker and the Bohemian Foundation filled the void by creating a new music experience: Bohemian Nights at New West Fest.
Through her passion and philanthropy, Stryker transformed Old Town Fort Collins into a festival powerhouse, attracting major names like Earth, Wind & Fire, Cake, Nelly, The Steve Miller Band, and Big Head Todd and the Monsters—all while remaining free for the community.
Bohemian Nights did more than bring star power; it elevated local talent, giving Northern Colorado artists the chance to share the stage with national acts. It turned the heart of downtown into a summer tradition that rivaled paid festivals in both quality and atmosphere. Stryker’s influence has left a lasting mark, creating a culture where music is both celebrated and accessible. Unfortunately now, Bohemian Nights at New West Fest is no longer a festival in Fort Collins, but that doesn’t mean the music acts have stopped coming (Taste of Fort Collins has somewhat filled the void).
The Venues That Kept the Scene Alive
While stadium shows grabbed headlines, Fort Collins’ local venues were the true heartbeat of the music scene:
- The Aggie Theatre has hosted everyone from The Fray and Ludacris to Macklemore, becoming a launchpad for acts on the rise.
- Mishawaka Amphitheatre, tucked away in the Poudre Canyon, has earned its reputation as one of Colorado’s most scenic and intimate venues. Artists like Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, STS9, George Clinton, and countless jam bands have turned the Mish into a must-visit destination.
- Hodi’s Half Note (formerly The Starlight) played a critical role in booking future superstars during their early days. Promoter Scoo Leary recalls shows with John Mayer, Maroon 5, Sum 41, Incubus, Ween, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, and even Anthrax—long before they were household names.
These venues bridged the gap between the massive stadium shows of the past and the growing local music culture, supporting both national acts and local musicians.
KRFC 88.9 FM: The Voice of Local Music
A strong music scene needs a voice, and in Fort Collins, that voice has long been KRFC 88.9 FM. The station is an independent, community-powered hub for local artists, live sessions, and cultural programming.
I recently produced a podcast episode with the director of KRFC, and it’s clear how dedicated they are to keeping Fort Collins’ music identity alive. From spotlighting up-and-coming Colorado talent to promoting live events and festivals, KRFC remains a pillar of the local music ecosystem.
Canvas Stadium: A New Era of Big Acts
With the recent Jon Pardi and Cross Canadian Ragweed show, Canvas Stadium has opened the door to a new era for live music in Fort Collins. Canvas Stadium’s modern infrastructure and concert-friendly policies could really change the dynamic of the music scene here in Fort Collins.
The ability to host three large-scale concerts per year means that Fort Collins is ready to attract A-list performers once again—especially with its growing population and reputation as one of Colorado’s most vibrant cities.
Imagine seeing major artists in our backyard under the open sky at Canvas Stadium. The venue’s potential is enormous, and it’s perfectly positioned to serve not only locals but also music fans from across Northern Colorado and southern Wyoming who want big shows without driving to Denver.
10 Legendary Concerts in Fort Collins History
- The Rolling Stones (1975) – Hughes Stadium.
- Chicago & The Beach Boys with Elton John (1975) – Hughes Stadium.
- Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue (1976) – Hughes Stadium.
- Van Halen (1980) – Hughes Stadium.
- Dave Matthews Band (1995) – Hughes Stadium.
- Earth, Wind & Fire (2000s) – Bohemian Nights.
- Cake (2010s) – Bohemian Nights.
- Nelly (2010s) – Bohemian Nights.
- John Mayer (early career) – The Starlight (now Hodi’s Half Note).
- Jon Pardi & Cross Canadian Ragweed (2025) – Canvas Stadium.
Looking Ahead: Fort Collins as a Music Hub
From Hughes Stadium’s legendary concerts to the festival magic of Bohemian Nights, Fort Collins has always found ways to bring music to the forefront of community life. The city has evolved from hosting Elton John and Bob Dylan to cultivating local artists and world-class festivals. Now, with Canvas Stadium stepping up as a premier venue, the future of live entertainment here looks brighter than ever.