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Oak Street Plaza

4.6
·175 reviews·Fort Collins, United States

A vibrant downtown hub with interactive fountains, public art, and lively community events in the heart of Old Town Fort Collins.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Vibrant markets & events

CrowdMedium
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Oak Street Plaza - Image 1

Oak Street Plaza

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Vibrant markets & events

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant downtown hub with interactive fountains, public art, and lively community events in the heart of Old Town Fort Collins.

4.6
(175 reviews)

"Great local hangout for brown bag lunch, people watching, and enjoying the fountains!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Event Schedules

Markets, fashion shows, and concerts happen often! Plan your visit around these fun community events.

💦 Splash Pad Fun

Bring the kids to enjoy the interactive fountains and splash pad. It's a hit for all ages!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Fountains

Interactive Fountains

Central Plaza

Watch kids and dogs delight in the playful water geysers. A perfect spot for cooling off and enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Ruth Asawa Sculpture

Ruth Asawa Sculpture

Near College Ave

Admire this 12-foot bronze and copper wire sculpture by renowned artist Ruth Asawa, a unique artistic addition to the plaza.

Weekend Markets & Events

Weekend Markets & Events

Throughout the Plaza

Discover local art, vintage finds, and community gatherings. Check schedules for special markets and fashion shows.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Oak Street Plaza hosts various events like vintage markets and fashion shows, especially on weekends. Check local listings to align your visit with these vibrant happenings. Weekday afternoons offer a more relaxed vibe for people-watching.

Kid-Friendly Fun

This plaza is a hit with families thanks to its splash pad and interactive fountains. While it might seem smaller than expected, the kids will have a blast. Plenty of shade and seating make it comfortable for parents too.

Best Times

When
Saturday mornings
Why
Vibrant markets & events
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Relaxed people-watching
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Cool fountains & music
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@blissfullythebensons
505.9K likes • 4.1M views

🎯 Check Event Schedules

Markets, fashion shows, and concerts happen often! Plan your visit around these fun community events. Instagram+2

💦 Splash Pad Fun

Bring the kids to enjoy the interactive fountains and splash pad. It's a hit for all ages! Reddit

#fortcollins #fortcollinscolorado #colorado #coloradocheck #foco #biking #bicycling #fyp #fypシ #fyppp #xyzbca
@only_in_colorado
4.8K likes • 68.8K views
✨ Downtown Living, Elevated ✨ Experience the best of Fort Collins from this stunning modern-industrial loft — a corner unit with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking College Ave and Oak Street Plaza. Soak in the city’s energy while enjoying the comfort of a secure second-floor home with tall ceilings, exposed ductwork, and an airy, contemporary vibe. 🍳 A stylish open kitchen with bar seating is pe...
scottlowe_realestate
19 likes • 1.4K views

☕ People-Watch Central

Grab a coffee or lunch and enjoy the lively downtown atmosphere. Great spot for observing local life. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes

Leashed dogs are welcome and often enjoy the fountains too! InstagramReddit

✨ Downtown Living, Elevated ✨ Experience the best of Fort Collins from this stunning modern-industrial loft — a corner unit with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking College Ave and Oak Street Plaza. Soak in the city’s energy while enjoying the comfort of a secure second-floor home with tall ceilings, exposed ductwork, and an airy, contemporary vibe. 🍳 A stylish open kitchen with bar seating is pe...
b_scott_lowe_
3 likes • 257 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Event Schedules

Markets, fashion shows, and concerts happen often! Plan your visit around these fun community events. Instagram+2

💦 Splash Pad Fun

Bring the kids to enjoy the interactive fountains and splash pad. It's a hit for all ages! Reddit

☕ People-Watch Central

Grab a coffee or lunch and enjoy the lively downtown atmosphere. Great spot for observing local life. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes

Leashed dogs are welcome and often enjoy the fountains too! InstagramReddit

🚲 Bike Amenities

If you're biking, you might find tools and pumps available nearby. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(175 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Oak Street Plaza a charming and lively spot in Old Town, especially for its interactive fountains that delight kids and dogs. It's praised as a great place for people-watching, enjoying brown-bag lunches, and experiencing community events like markets and concerts. Some note it's smaller than expected, and the adjacent busy street can be noisy, but overall it's a beloved local hangout.

"Small splash pad with a good amount of shade and seating. Off from the road a little. We thought it was bigger but the kids had a great time anyway."

Mila Gates

"A great place to bring the kids, relax, let them play in the fountains and listen to musicians on the piano thanks to the Bohemian Foundation! Pleasant downtown atmosphere, although lots of traffic, but it's not too busy if you're looking for a table to chill at."

Abraham “Kaboomski” LaBonte

"great spot to sit and chill out and people watch for a while walking in the middle of old town. There are water geyser style fountains where you can often see kids and dogs having the time of their life!"

mel plett

What People Like

Interactive fountains
Kid-friendly fun
Community events

What People Dislike

Smaller than expected
Street noise

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Oak Street Plaza is located in the heart of Old Town Fort Collins, easily accessible by car, bike, or on foot. Parking is available in nearby garages and street parking. Many visitors arrive by bike, taking advantage of Fort Collins' extensive bike lanes and community amenities. TikTok

Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options available in the Old Town area, close to Oak Street Plaza. Some street parking can be metered. Instagram

Absolutely! Fort Collins is a very bike-friendly city. You'll find bike racks and potentially even public bike repair stations near the plaza. TikTok

While there isn't a direct bus stop right at the plaza, several bus routes serve the downtown Fort Collins area, with stops a short walk away. Check the local transit schedule for routes and times.

Oak Street Plaza is a central landmark in Old Town. It's easily found by heading towards the main College Avenue thoroughfare and looking for the open plaza area with fountains and seating. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Oak Street Plaza is a public space and is free to enter and enjoy. Reddit

As an outdoor public plaza, Oak Street Plaza is generally accessible at all hours. However, specific events or market hours will vary. Instagram

The splash pad and fountains are free to use for all visitors. Reddit

Markets, such as the Vintage & Art Market, are typically held on specific dates, often on Saturdays. It's best to check local event listings or social media for upcoming market dates. Instagram+1

Many events held at Oak Street Plaza are free to attend, but it's always a good idea to confirm specifics for any particular event you're interested in. Instagram

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy the interactive fountains, relax on the seating, people-watch, visit the Ruth Asawa sculpture, and attend various community events like markets and fashion shows. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's very kid-friendly! The splash pad and fountains are a huge hit, and there's plenty of space for them to play. TikTokReddit

Leashed dogs are welcome in the plaza and often enjoy the water features. InstagramReddit

The plaza hosts a variety of events including vintage and art markets, fashion shows, free concerts, and holiday celebrations. Instagram+3

Yes, there is ample seating throughout the plaza, including benches and areas around the fountains, making it a great spot to relax. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Oak Street Plaza itself doesn't have dedicated restaurants, but it's surrounded by numerous dining options in Old Town Fort Collins, offering everything from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants. Instagram

Yes, it's a popular spot for 'brown bag lunches' and picnics. Many people bring their own food to enjoy in the plaza. Reddit

You'll find a wide array of choices just steps away on College Avenue and surrounding streets, including pizza, burgers, international cuisine, and coffee shops. Instagram

Yes, several coffee shops are located within easy walking distance of Oak Street Plaza in Old Town. Reddit

Often, market days will feature local food vendors offering snacks and treats, in addition to the surrounding restaurants. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the lively atmosphere with the interactive fountains, the unique Ruth Asawa sculpture, and the vibrant scenes during market days or events. Instagram

Drone usage may be restricted in public spaces and downtown areas. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light. Daytime is great for capturing the fountains in action and people enjoying the space. Instagram

Yes, you're welcome to take personal photos of events. For commercial use, always ensure you have the necessary permissions. Instagram

The Ruth Asawa sculpture is a distinctive landmark. The fountains themselves, especially with people interacting, make for dynamic shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Oak Street Plaza is a gem for families! The splash pad and interactive fountains are a huge hit, providing hours of fun for little ones. There's good shade and seating, making it comfortable for parents to relax while the kids play. While it might not be a massive park, the joy it brings is undeniable. TikTokReddit

Pro-tip: Bring towels and a change of clothes for the kids! The plaza is also surrounded by plenty of dining options in Old Town, perfect for a post-play lunch. It's a great spot to let kids burn off energy in a safe and engaging environment. Reddit

🐶 Pet Owners

Bring your furry friends to Oak Street Plaza! It's a dog-friendly space where leashed pups are welcome to join in the fun. Many dogs enjoy the interactive fountains, making it a great place for them to cool off and socialize. InstagramReddit

It's a convenient stop if you're exploring Old Town with your pet. You can enjoy the atmosphere, grab a bite nearby, and let your dog stretch their legs and enjoy the water features. Just remember to keep them on a leash and clean up after them.

🛍️ Shoppers & Market Goers

Oak Street Plaza frequently transforms into a vibrant marketplace. Keep an eye out for weekend markets featuring local artists, vintage vendors, and unique crafts. These events are a fantastic opportunity to find one-of-a-kind items and support local businesses. Instagram+1

Beyond markets, the plaza is a central point in Old Town, surrounded by a plethora of shops and boutiques. It's an ideal spot to take a break from shopping, enjoy a coffee, or people-watch before diving back into the retail scene. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Old Town

Oak Street Plaza serves as a vibrant hub within the charming Old Town district of Fort Collins. Its central location makes it a natural gathering spot, easily accessible from surrounding shops, restaurants, and businesses. The plaza's design, featuring interactive fountains and ample seating, encourages visitors to pause, relax, and soak in the lively atmosphere of downtown. It's a place where locals and tourists alike can enjoy a moment of respite or engage with the community. InstagramReddit

The plaza is more than just a public space; it's a dynamic venue for community events. Throughout the year, it hosts a variety of happenings, from weekend markets showcasing local artisans and vintage finds to fashion shows and seasonal celebrations. These events inject energy into the plaza, drawing crowds and offering unique experiences for visitors. Checking the local event calendar is key to catching these special occasions. Instagram+2

Beyond its role as an event space, Oak Street Plaza is a testament to public art and thoughtful urban design. The presence of Ruth Asawa's striking sculpture adds an artistic dimension, inviting contemplation and appreciation. The interactive fountains are a particular draw, providing entertainment for children and a refreshing element on warmer days. This blend of art, recreation, and community engagement solidifies Oak Street Plaza's status as a beloved downtown destination. InstagramReddit

Family Fun and Four-Legged Friends

Oak Street Plaza is a fantastic destination for families with young children, primarily due to its engaging splash pad and interactive fountains. These water features provide endless entertainment, allowing kids to cool off and play freely. The plaza's design includes plenty of shade and seating areas, making it comfortable for parents to supervise and relax while the children play. While some visitors note it might seem smaller than anticipated, the sheer joy it brings to kids is consistently highlighted. TikTokReddit

Adding to its appeal, Oak Street Plaza is also a welcoming spot for canine companions. Leashed dogs are permitted in the plaza, and many can be seen enjoying the water features alongside their human counterparts. This dog-friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal stop for those traveling with pets, allowing everyone in the family to partake in the downtown experience. InstagramReddit

For those looking to make a day of it, the plaza's location in Old Town means easy access to nearby amenities. Visitors can easily combine a visit to the plaza with a meal at one of the many surrounding restaurants or grab a coffee. This convenience, coupled with the built-in entertainment for kids and pets, makes Oak Street Plaza a well-rounded choice for a family outing or a relaxed afternoon stroll. Reddit

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