Fort Collins to Close Linden Street for First Friday Activities October 3
The City of Fort Collins will close the 200 block of Linden Street to vehicle traffic on October 3 from 5-9 p.m. to accommodate First Friday activities featuring live music, sidewalk vendors, family-friendly activities and a skateboard expo.
The street closure will affect the section of Linden Street between Walnut Street and Jefferson Street, according to Anna Kelso, Active Modes Specialist for the City of Fort Collins. The temporary closure supports the monthly First Friday event that draws residents and visitors to downtown Fort Collins for arts and community activities.
Fort Collins' First Friday Art Walk has operated for over 20 years as a monthly self-guided tour celebrating creativity and community in downtown Fort Collins, according to the Downtown Development Authority. The event occurs every first Friday of the month from 6-9 p.m., typically featuring art exhibitions, open studios, live music performances, and hands-on art activities.
The October 3 event will expand beyond traditional gallery activities to include sidewalk vendors and a skateboard expo, aligning with Fort Collins' active transportation initiatives. The city's 2022 Active Modes Plan aims to achieve a 50% active mode share for all trips by 2032, promoting transportation by walking, bicycling, rolling including skateboards and wheelchairs, and micromobility devices.
The Active Modes Specialist position coordinates programming and community engagement related to walking, biking, rolling, and new mobility options as part of Fort Collins' goal to become a "people-first" city with increased access to jobs, schools, healthcare and recreation without reliance on personal vehicles, according to city transportation planning documents.
First Friday events serve multiple community purposes, including supporting local artists, creating community connections, driving economic activity to downtown businesses, and increasing arts access for all residents. Participating venues typically range from art galleries and studios to cafes, restaurants, theaters and public event spaces.
Street closures for special events in Fort Collins require a Special Event Permit through the City's Special Events Office, with applications due at least 45 business days before most events. Organizers must submit detailed traffic control plans showing how traffic, pedestrians and emergency vehicles will be managed during closures, according to city policies.
The temporary closure reflects Fort Collins' broader commitment to supporting active transportation and community engagement through strategic use of public spaces for cultural and recreational activities.