Wondering how to spice up your September weekend in Loveland? Get ready for a paw-some Dog Days of Summer, an inspiring author talk, and a quacking good time at the Fort Collins Rotary Duck Race! Plus, don’t miss the Rist Canyon Mountain Festival. What will you explore first?

The Loveland and Fort Collins areas are set to host a vibrant array of **Loveland events** this September, promising diverse entertainment and opportunities for **community gatherings**. From pet-friendly festivities to engaging author discussions and charitable endeavors, the region’s calendar is brimming with activities designed to captivate residents and visitors alike, highlighting the rich cultural and social fabric of Northern Colorado.

One of the eagerly anticipated **Colorado festivals** is the “Dog Days of Summer” event, scheduled for Saturday, September 6th, hosted by Loveland Aleworks and Backyard Tap. The day kicks off at 10 a.m. with Puppy Power Yoga at Backyard Tap, an invigorating session led by Fly Fitness. This class, while free, encourages registration and donations to Soul Dog Rescue, supporting a noble cause through wellness.

Following the yoga, canine companions and their owners are invited to participate in the “Paws on Parade” from 11 a.m. to noon. This charming procession encourages dressing pups in imaginative costumes for a stroll through downtown businesses, culminating at Backyard Tap for costume judging. Participation is complimentary, though prior registration is recommended to manage attendance for this delightful activity.

The **Dog Days of Summer** continues its celebratory atmosphere from noon to 3 p.m. with a lively “Yappy Hour.” This segment promises an extensive offering of pet vendors, exclusive beer releases from local breweries, engaging giveaways, and opportunities for pet adoptions. Food trucks will also be on-site, providing a variety of culinary delights at both Backyard Tap and Loveland Aleworks, ensuring a festive experience for all.

Beyond the canine celebrations, the literary community will converge for an insightful **author talk** featuring Andrea van de Loo. On Saturday, September 6th, at 1 p.m., Barnes & Noble in Loveland will host van de Loo as she discusses her book, “The Pressing Stones: healing journey of a Nazi’s daughter.” Her reflections will delve into her personal healing journey as the daughter of a Nazi officer during WWII, offering a unique historical and psychological perspective.

Philanthropic efforts also take center stage with the Fort Collins Foothills and 1918 Rotary Clubs’ second annual **charity duck race**. Slated for Saturday, September 6th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fort Collins City Park Pool Lazy River, this exciting event offers significant cash prizes, including $5,000 for the first-place duck. Participants can adopt a single duck for $25 or a “Quack Pack” of six for $125, contributing to vital charitable initiatives.

Rounding out the weekend’s highlights is the Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department 2025 Mountain Festival, occurring on Saturday, September 6th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This community staple, located across from the fire station on Rist Canyon Road, serves as a crucial fundraiser for the 501(c)3 entity, which provides essential emergency, medical, and fire services to over 100 square miles northwest of Fort Collins. The festival also includes a free kids’ trail race, ensuring family-friendly fun while supporting local heroes.

Additional cultural engagements include a First Friday 6×6 Art Show at Homestead Fine Art Gallery on September 5th, a historical tour of the Upper Poudre Canyon with Historic Larimer County on September 6th, and Yoga In The Square 2025 in Fort Collins Old Town Square, also on September 6th. These varied offerings underscore the dynamic spirit of the region, providing numerous avenues for engagement and enrichment.