New West Fest is one of Fort Collins’ signature events. It’s usually held during the third weekend of August. Founded in 1989, the New West Fest is a three-day smorgasbord of music, booths, food, and events put on the Fort Collins Downtown Business Association.
This crazy mix of high-brow art, low-brow crap, and everything in between was the brainchild of then-DBA director Maggie Kunze and her friend Jackie O’Hara. These two ladies stumbled on a successful, enduring formula; the New West Fest’s layout, atmosphere, and mix of vendors have remained the same since 1989.
The biggest change in the New West Fest occurred in 2005. The DBA partnered with the Bohemian Foundation to enhance the music component of the festival. The Bohemian Foundation, managed by local billionaire Pat Stryker, cranked up the music MANY, MANY levels by paying national acts to perform for FREE. That’s right…FREE. They also provide top-quality stages, sound, and lighting equipment so the experience is second to none. In addition, they simulcast the Saturday performance on large screens in Library Park because the Mountain Avenue stage is too packed with people. Past performers include Gypsy Kings, Allison Kraus, Los Lobos, Ben Harper, and Leon Russell.
Today the festival is known as the Bohemian Nights at New West Fest. The festival is huge, covering Library Park, Remington Street, Mountain Avenue, Old Town Plaza, Walnut Avenue, and Linden Street. There is a kids’ area with carnival rides, face painting and fun. There are food venders, craft booths, product vendors, and political causes. There’s a beer garden with local micro brews. And there’s the music everywhere you go on several stages.
So go check out the Bohemian Nights at New West Fest in August. Eat turkey leg, listen to some music, and get in some first-class people watching.
For information on the Bohemian Nights at New West Fest:
http://www.bohemiannights.org/
http://downtownfortcollins.com/events/bohemian-nights-at-newwestfest
http://www.visitftcollins.com/events/bohemian-nights-new-west-fest
Tips on enjoying the festival:
• Ride a bike – it’s super-crowded with people
• Put on sunscreen
• Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll walk a LOT
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