Laurel Street becomes a free car-free gathering space Oct. 18

By CityApollo Editorial Desk · Published October 13, 2026 · 2 min read

Your city editor · Olivia Bennett

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Laurel Street will host Fort Collins' Open Streets celebration Sunday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The city's Oct. 6 announcement and October newsletter identify a free event between Mason and Shields streets.

The corridor becomes a car-free space for walking, biking, scooting and community activities. The announced program includes live music, interactive art, cultural activities and food or dessert trucks. Admission is free; purchases from vendors are a separate household choice.

For a family outing, decide where to enter the route and how far your youngest participant wants to travel. You can enjoy a portion of the street instead of treating it as an obligation to cover every block. Choose a meeting point before separating for different activities.

Residents driving near Laurel should check the current event map and closure information, especially if a usual Sunday errand crosses the route. The event schedule does not establish every setup or teardown restriction, so avoid assuming normal vehicle access resumes at the exact end of the activities.

Bring the walking or riding equipment you actually plan to use, and keep a little flexibility for crowds. Check the official Open Streets page close to Sunday for changes. The main benefit is a free chance to explore a neighborhood street at a slower pace while meeting the people and organizations that share it.

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