15 Romantic Northern Colorado Date Ideas

1. Listen to Live Music

Nothing says romance like enjoying live music over a couple of cocktails. Luckily, Northern Colorado has numerous live music hot spots to choose from. The Sunset Lounge at the Elizabeth Hotel features concerts every Wednesday through Saturday. But what really sets it apart is its sweeping views of gorgeous sunsets over the Front Range from its all-weather rooftop patio. Talk about romantic! 

Another great choice for live music is Old Town Square Fort Collins. During the summer months, the square comes alive with musical performances under the stars. Plus, with so many nearby eateries, it’s easy to take in dinner and a show. 

Or, descend under the historic Armstrong Hotel to enjoy classic cocktails and a bygone era in the speakeasy-style Ace Gillett’s. Featuring live jazz every Wednesday through Sunday, the bar is a perfect combination of whimsy and yesteryear. 

2. Watch a Movie UnderTheStars 

Speaking of nostalgia, why not make a memory with a movie at a classic drive-in theater? The Holiday Twin Drive-In screens double features every Friday and Saturday night during the summer. Shows start right after sunset, allowing visitors to cozy up in their cars or lawn chairs while enjoying films on one of the theater’s two towering screens. 

Pack a picnic dinner or grab a snack at the refreshment bar. It’s an unforgettable way to spend an evening under the stars. 

3. Catch a Theatrical Performance

In the mood for an off-screen performance? Then plan a date night at one of Northern Colorado’s local performing arts theaters! 

The Lincoln Center offers patrons a variety of enchanting shows including musicals, plays, ballets, concerts, screenings and more! The calendar is always packed with amazing entertainment. 

Another great option for live performances is at Loveland’s Rialto Theater. Here, you’ll also find a number of different entertainment options in a historic and alluring atmosphere. 

4. Sign UpForA Cooking Class 

Spice up your love life with a cooking class date! There are a number of cooking classes offered around Northern Colorado that will help you whip up something special to eat while creating a lasting memory as a couple. 

The Cupboard offers cooking classes in addition to an unprecedented amount of cookie-making supplies. When you finish learning how to make decadent dishes, you can venture through the store to purchase everything you need to make your favorite batch at home. 

Another place you can go to learn your way around a kitchen is Ginger & Baker. Ideal for group dates, you can book private classes for up to 24 people in their teaching kitchen where you can master cooking, baking, wine pairing, cocktails and more! 

5. Steel Your Nerves on a Ghost Tour

Learn more about Northern Colorado’s spooky past with an evening ghost tour. Haunts offers a variety of options including ones that are family-friendly, adult-oriented, pub-centric, and even one centered around speakeasies and spirits. 

Fort Collins Tours has a variety of similar tours, including one with tasty treats along the way. Feeling frightened just thinking about it? Grab your sweetheart’s hand and hold tight as you uncover Northern Colorado’s haunted history. 

6. Tour a Local Brewery

Do you prefer something less scary with your special someone? Why not check out a brewery tour? Northern Colorado breweries such as Odell, New Belgium and Budweiser offer informative tours that detail the beer-making process and what makes each of their brews unique. Plus, they offer free samples along the way! (Yes, please!) 

After your tour, you can enjoy a number of other activities offered on-site. Because at Northern Colorado breweries, there’s much more to do than simply drink beer. 

7. Marvel at Masterpieces

If you’re looking for a date to indulge your inner art lover, then check out one of Northern Colorado’s art exhibitions. You can head to the Museum of Art Fort Collins to view their current exhibits. Or, stroll through Loveland’s monthly art walk to see works from talented local artists.  

After, grab a bite at one of the amazing restaurants around town to complete your evening. 

8. Create Your Own Artwork

Would you prefer to test your own creative skills? In that case, why not partake in a paint and sip evening?  

Visit Painting with a Twist or Studio Vino for step-by-step instructions on how to design your own masterpiece. Plus, they allow you to bring in food to fuel your creative juices and drinks can be purchased at their bar. At the end of the night, you’ll both walk away with a memorable keepsake from your date. 

9. Play a Round of Mini Golf

Satisfy your competitive streak with a round of miniature golf. Fort Fun offers two exciting courses to choose from, which are open year-round. Plus, there are a number of other activities like go-carts, bumper boats, paddle boats, escape rooms and laser tag. 

Another great choice is Old Town Putt at The Exchange. This indoor mini-golf and bar allows you to harness your inner Tiger Woods with a convenient location and quenching cocktails. After a round or two, you can end your evening of mini-golf with a mini-food tour! Grab a bite at one of the many adjacent restaurants that offer everything from tacos to donuts. 

10. Go Roller Skating

Glide into a night of nostalgia with a date at the roller-rink. Rollerland features a live DJ, a concession stand and the perfect excuse to hold each other’s hand.  There’s even a practice area in case you need a quick refresher.  

What better way to harness your inner child with your special someone! 

11. Stroll Through Local Gardens

Get back to nature on a date at The Gardens on Spring Creek. You and your love can stroll through breathtaking gardens or the enchanting butterfly house between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day. Or, enjoy a late-night stroll until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings in the summer. 

Do you both love horticulture? Then learn more with the Garden Explorer webpage! The informative website has details about specific plants and garden areas within the 18-acre property. 

12. Saddle Up for a Trail Ride

If you would love a date with a nod to the wild west, then why not go on a trail ride? The Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch offers guided rides that are appropriate for all skill levels in a fence-free environment. The ranch’s 3,200 acres have wooded groves and jaw-dropping vistas that are sure to create a lasting memory. There’s even a dinner ride for six or more, which is perfect for group dates! 

Make it an overnight with a stay at one of their friendly guest houses or cozy cabins. You can enjoy a mouth-watering home-made meal before retiring to your quarters. Then, grab some of their fluffy made-from-scratch pancakes in the morning. Yum! 

13. Take A Dance Lesson

Delight your date with a tango or a two-step! Whether you want to partake in a private lesson or are looking for a more social group setting, signing up for a dance lesson is a great way to spend time together. 

The Northern Colorado Dance Connection features social dance meet-ups for those who love dance or are simply looking for a fun social scene. We also recommend Maya’s Ballroom for a variety of entertaining group and private lessons. Or, visit the Sundance Steakhouse for dinner and dancing in a variety of different styles. 

14. Spend a Day at the Park

For a scene straight out of a romantic comedy, why not spend the day together in City Park? You can enjoy a picnic lunch followed by feeding the geese or renting a paddle boat for some time on the water. 

There’s even a local trolley that will take visitors on a three-mile loop between the park and downtown for only $2.00! What better way to end an afternoon together? 

15. Picnic Along the Poudre

For those who enjoy the great outdoors, a date along Colorado’s only nationally designated “wild and scenic” river is ideal. The Cache la Poudre River has breathtaking cliffs, imposing pines and plenty of places to picnic. Plus, there are lots of nearby hiking trails to venture out on for a little time with just you, your date and nature. 

Whether you are looking for something creative, engaging, nostalgic or daring, there are countless date night ideas in Northern Colorado to fit the bill. The only question is, which do you think would be the most romantic? 

Learn more about memorable things to do in Northern Colorado here.