FoCo in 15 Minutes | Warmest Winter on Record, Airport Changes, New Jessup Farm Saloon & City Priorities

Welcome to Fort Collins Lifestyles, your weekly insider look at what’s happening across Fort Collins and Northern Colorado — from city policy and development to local business openings and community events.🌡️ Fort Collins Records Warmest Winter on RecordThe city just experienced its warmest meteorological winter (Dec–Feb) ever recorded, averaging 40.5°F, nearly four degrees warmer than the previous record set in 2000. Snowfall is also far below average, with only 12.1 inches so far compared to the typical 34.2 inches, though March and April historically can still bring major storms.🛫 Northern Colorado Regional Airport to Begin Charging for ParkingThe airport jointly owned by Fort Collins and Loveland will start charging for parking later this spring. Revenue will help fund operations, maintenance, and customer improvements as the airport continues to grow.🧸 Miniso Opens in Fort CollinsThe global lifestyle retailer known for TikTok-famous blind boxes, collectibles, and pop-culture merchandise has opened its first Northern Colorado location. The brand, founded in China in 2013, now has hundreds of locations worldwide and continues expanding across the U.S.🍸 Sugar Beet Saloon Opens at Jessup FarmA new western-style saloon is opening inside the historic 140-year-old barn at Jessup Farm Artisan Village, replacing the former Barrel House. The concept features house cocktails, local beer and wine, charcuterie boards, pretzels, and live patio music planned for summer.🏛️ Fort Collins City Council Sets 5 Major PrioritiesCity leaders adopted five priorities for the 2026–2028 policy cycle, including housing affordability, strengthening the local economy, improving communication with residents, advancing the Vision Zero safety plan, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.✈️ NoCo Airport May Get a Physical Control TowerThe Northern Colorado Regional Airport may shift from its long-discussed virtual tower concept to building a traditional FAA-funded control tower, which could support long-term growth and increased flight operations.📍 Founded in FoCo – Startup WeekMarch 9–12 | Fort Collins Senior CenterEntrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders connecting across Northern Colorado.🍽️ Great Plates of Downtown™March 1–14 | Downtown Fort CollinsRestaurant specials benefiting the Food Bank for Larimer County.🏀 Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year TourMarch 11 | Blue Arena – LovelandLegendary basketball entertainment with dunks and trick shots.🍀 Blarney on the BlockMarch 14 | Downtown GreeleySt. Patrick’s celebration with music, food, drinks, and festivities.🏃 Sharin’ O’ the Green 5KMarch 14 | Odell Brewing CompanyFort Collins St. Patrick’s race and downtown block party.🍻 St. Patrick’s Party at Mythmaker BrewingMarch 14 | Fort CollinsGreen beers, Irish-themed specials, and food trucks.🎶 St. Paddy’s Festival – WellingtonMarch 14 | Centennial ParkIrish music, dancers, vendors, and family-friendly fun.📍 Thinking about buying, selling, or relocating to Northern Colorado?My team and I help clients navigate the Fort Collins market with data, strategy, and hyper-local insight.Patrick Soukup📞 970-893-3533📧 [email protected]🌐 soukuprealestate.com