Unique ways to watch movies in Fort Collins

Stadium Movie Night at Colorado State

There are a lot of reasons why Colorado State is special, and one of the biggest is this special town we reside in. Fort Collins offers a thriving culture that boosts art, dining, recreation, and entertainment all with a unique FoCo spin. Movie watching doesn’t get left behind in the unique experiences category, either. Here are some cool, unique ways to watch a flick in Fort Collins.

#1. Movie Nights at CSU’s Canvas Stadium

Colorado State’s Canvas Stadium is a sight to behold even when it’s empty. If you’ve been to a CSU football game when the lights are hot and the team is busting through the banner, though? Priceless. Now you can experience it in a whole new way: laid out on the field like you own the place. Stop in for a summer movie (free!) at Canvas Stadium.

#2. The Lyric Theater

If you haven’t been to Fort Collins’ Lyric Theater yet, buckle up. This funkified little cinema is unmatched when it comes to watching movies FoCo style. If you opt for an indoor movie, you’ll be treated to couches, artwork, and a movie experience that’s part movie, part good community vibes. The outdoor movie experience in summer takes place in the theater’s [deeply cool] backyard. You’ll enjoy grassy seating, tables and decks, more funky artwork, twinkle lights, and an actual boat yep, you read that correctly converted into a viewing area, and so much more. To top all that off, you can enjoy a full restaurant and bar, loaded with tasty options to munch and sip on while you watch. 

#3. Digital Dome Theater at the Museum of Discovery

Looking for a more-immersive viewing experience? Fort Collins has you covered at the Museum of Discovery. The Digital Dome Theater boasts a 360-degree screen that’s 39 feet in diameter, and puts you in the center of the action. You’ll enjoy stunning views of documentary-style movies that range from astronaut adventures to African safaris (and everything in between).

#4. The outdoor amphitheater at Laurel Pavilion

We’re bringing you back to CSU for another movie-under-the-stars option: Laurel Pavilion‘s outdoor amphitheater. This space is located just outside the Pavilion at Laurel Village, and features seating options on grass or stacked stones. You’ll enjoy movies on a massive projector screen and the convenience of a quick walk to the residence and dining halls. Besides movie nights, the amphitheater can be reserved for events, and offers catering, HDMI hookups for the projector, wifi, and seats up to 250 people.

#5. Holiday Twin Drive-in Theater

Did we save the best for last? Yeah, maybe. If you want to go all-out unique, plus get some massive envy points on your social media, pull in for a double feature at Fort Collins’ Holiday Twin drive-in movie theater. You haven’t really done Fort Collins right until you’ve parked under the night sky, pulled up a chair (or tailgate), and settled in for a good ol’ fashioned drive-in movie.

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Prairie Smallwood

Prairie Smallwood is a writer and content creator for the Office of Admissions at Colorado State University. She is passionate about education and exploration, and knows that going to college can be both an adventure and an overwhelming experience. She aims to create content that helps students through that journey — the wonderful, the scary, and everything in between.