Best Summer Treats in Fort Collins (2026)

Fort Collins summers hit different. There's something about 90-degree days at 5,000 feet — the sun feels closer, the air is dry, and by 2 PM you're thinking about one thing: something cold. We've spent years cataloging every frozen treat, icy drink, and cool dessert this city has to offer, and 2026 is shaping up to be the best summer yet for the Fort Collins sweets scene.

Here's our comprehensive guide to the best summer treats in Fort Collins — from world-class ice cream to shaved ice, frozen lemonade, smoothie bowls, and more.

Ice Cream: The Undisputed King of Summer

Let's be honest — nothing beats a real scoop on a hot Colorado day. Fort Collins has nine ice cream shops, and we've ranked all of them in our Best Ice Cream in Fort Collins guide. But if you're looking for the short version, here are the highlights.

Glacier Ice Cream — Our #1 Pick

Glacier Ice Cream on South College Avenue is the best ice cream in Fort Collins, and it's not particularly close. With 40+ rotating flavors, homemade waffle cones baked fresh daily, and outstanding dietary accommodations (gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options), Glacier delivers the kind of summer experience that makes you feel lucky to live here.

Our summer game plan: grab a double scoop, sit on the patio, and watch the evening light hit the foothills. That's peak Fort Collins right there.

Josh & John's — Old Town Premium

If you're already walking through Old Town, Josh & John's on South College serves ultra-premium scoops with rich, dense flavors. Their loyalty program rewards repeat visits, which you'll definitely be making all summer.

Walrus Ice Cream — The Classic

Walrus on Mountain Avenue has been here since 1987, and there's a reason CSU students have made it a tradition for nearly four decades. Twenty-nine daily flavors, homemade recipes, and that Old Town charm. It's not the fanciest, but it's Fort Collins through and through.

Old Town Churn — The Creative One

For Instagram-worthy scoops and creative flavor combinations, Old Town Churn brings Denver's Little Man Ice Cream craft to our city. Rotating flavors keep things interesting all summer long.

Beyond Ice Cream: Fort Collins' Summer Treat Map

Smoothie Bowls and Acai

When the temperature crosses 95 degrees, sometimes you want something that feels a little more like a meal. Fort Collins has embraced the smoothie bowl trend, and several juice bars and cafes around town serve thick, frozen acai bowls topped with granola, fresh fruit, and honey. Check out the spots along College Avenue and in Old Town for the best options — many of them source ingredients from local Colorado farms.

Shaved Ice and Snow Cones

Shaved ice has made a real comeback in Fort Collins. You'll find seasonal shaved ice stands and carts popping up at farmers markets, festivals, and along the bike paths during peak summer. The texture is completely different from a gas-station snow cone — we're talking fine, fluffy ice that absorbs flavor instead of crunching through it. Keep an eye out at City Park and Civic Center Park on weekends.

Frozen Lemonade

Nothing pairs with a Fort Collins summer afternoon like a cup of frozen lemonade. Several Old Town restaurants offer house-made frozen lemonades during the summer months, and food trucks along the Mason Trail corridor serve them at events and festivals. Add a splash of raspberry or lavender for the full experience.

Iced Coffee and Cold Brew

We know, it's not technically a dessert. But Fort Collins has one of the best coffee scenes in Colorado, and on a hot day, an iced coffee from one of the local roasters is absolutely a treat. The local shops along College and Mountain pull exceptional cold brew that puts national chains to shame.

The Best Summer Treat Spots by Vibe

After a Horsetooth Hike

You just climbed Horsetooth Rock or Arthur's Rock, you're sunburned and dehydrated, and you need something cold immediately. Head straight to Glacier Ice Cream on South College — it's right on your way back from the reservoir, and those 40+ flavors taste even better when you've earned them. A waffle cone with two scoops and a big glass of water. Recovery complete.

Old Town Date Night

Start with dinner on one of Old Town's patios, then walk to Josh & John's, Old Town Churn, or Walrus for dessert. Old Town in the summer is magical — the string lights, the live music drifting from the bars, the warm breeze. Ice cream is the perfect excuse to keep walking and talking.

CSU Campus Afternoon

CSU students have known for years that Walrus is the move between classes. Quick walk from campus, solid flavors, no pretense. Old Town Churn on Laurel is even closer to campus if you're coming from the south side.

Family Outing at City Park

After a morning at the pool or playground at City Park, a trip to Old Town for ice cream is a Fort Collins family tradition. Kilwins is a solid pick for families — the kids can press their faces against the glass watching fudge being made, then grab a scoop. Ben & Jerry's in Old Town Square is another familiar option for the little ones.

South College Cruise

If you're on the south side of town, you've got Glacier and Heaven Creamery within a mile of each other. Glacier for the best overall experience, Heaven for health-conscious scoops with 50% less sugar and 18+ vegan flavors. Make it a comparison tour — we won't judge.

Summer 2026 Events to Watch

Fort Collins summers are packed with events where frozen treats are part of the experience. Keep these on your radar:

• Taste of Fort Collins — The city's biggest food festival always features ice cream vendors and local dessert makers.
• Fort Collins Farmers Market — Saturday mornings at Civic Center Park. Look for seasonal shaved ice, fruit pops, and frozen lemonade stands alongside the produce.
• Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest — Live music in Old Town with dessert vendors lining the streets.
• Tour de Fat — New Belgium's legendary bike parade and festival. You'll want something cold after biking in costume through town.

Our Summer Treat Power Ranking

1. Ice cream at Glacier — The gold standard. Nothing beats it.
2. Gelato at Gelato & aMore — Gelato & aMore on Mason Street serves authentic Italian gelato that's lighter and more refreshing than American-style ice cream. Perfect on the hottest days.
3. Smoothie bowls — A frozen treat that doubles as a meal.
4. Frozen lemonade — Simple, refreshing, peak summer.
5. Shaved ice — The underrated choice. Find a good cart and you'll be hooked.
6. Cold brew coffee — For the "I need treats AND caffeine" crowd.

The Bottom Line

Fort Collins is one of the best summer cities in Colorado, and the treat scene matches the vibe. Whether you're cooling off after a hike, strolling through Old Town on a warm evening, or looking for a healthier frozen option, this city has you covered.

Start with Glacier Ice Cream — it's our #1 for a reason — then explore the rest of the list. Check out our complete Best Ice Cream in Fort Collins ranking for the full breakdown.

Summer's coming, Fort Collins. Let's eat.