February 2026 Community Events & “Sink or Swim”

Photo of swimming pool by Thomas Park on Unsplash

by Kat Valdez/Diverse Fort Collins

My sister and I took swimming lessons when we were kids but I never became comfortable with it.

Despite growing up near the Pacific Ocean, I never swam in it. Never learned to surf.

So it was with determination that I, now in my 50s and celebrating nearly 25 years in Colorado, registered for the Adult Learn To Swim: Intro to Swimming class at the Fort Collins Senior Center last June.

Why? So I could be a guest paddler with my sister’s outrigger canoe club in our home town.

And register for the Fort Collins Rowing Association’s introductory class at Horsetooth Reservoir.

And finally get over the fear of putting my face in the water.

(My parents never learned to swim, but that’s another story for another time. Read about why people of color historically have low rates of swimming proficiency.)

There were three of us in the swim class: my friend Lore, who is in her 30s, and a lady—let’s call her Ann—in her 70s.

The teacher and assistant were kind and patient as we learned the basics of floating, kicking, front crawl, backstroke, and rotary breathing in Sunday morning weekly lessons.

Mystery solved. Essential life skill unlocked!

On a windy day in September, I did eventually paddle with my sister’s outrigger canoe club. How exhilarating to experience floating on the ocean!

I also registered for a two-day Learn To Row class this spring. The 6 a.m. start time might be the most challenging part of the entire experience. <Insert yawn>.

Lore was bold and took the rowing class the same month as the swimming lessons. She competed in her first regatta near Denver a few months later and has become an enthusiastic club member.

“You’ll love it,” she said.

I bet she’s right.

Learning something new expands your mind and your world. Introduces you to friends. Gives you a different perspective. And maybe a little hope as you navigate into the unknown future.

Time to be bold. What will you try for the first time this year?

Encouraging Words That Will Inspire You

Dr. Cori Wong (Jan. 21)
Live Weekly Update: Like We Love Heated Rivalry (or, How To Be Part of The Movement)

Action is the Antidote to Despair by Kirsten Savage (Jan. 29)
Excerpt: “This week, I’m turning the spotlight toward fellow artists who have responded to heartbreaking events in the news with bold, creative action.”

A Note From Chani by Chani Nicholas (Jan. 28)
Excerpt: “As we witness, organize, and resist against the descent into the hell and heartbreak that unfolds before us each and every day in Minneapolis, Iran, Palestine, Congo, Sudan, and beyond, it’s natural to want a simple directive — a “how to get out of this seemingly never-ending, evil dumpster fire” field guide. We want a step-by-step manual. We want to know when it will be over, and we want it to be soon.”

Belonging in a time of state violence by John A. Powell/Othering & Belonging Institute (Jan. 29)
Excerpt: “There are moments when a society must pause — not to look away, but to look more carefully. Moments when we are asked not simply to react, but to reflect. To ask what kind of people we are becoming, and what kind of world we are quietly consenting to build…

“The true measure of a democracy is not how it treats those who are familiar or favored, but how it treats those who are vulnerable, marginalized, or easily cast aside.”

Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (Jan. 31)
“It’s important to remember that cynics and defeatists share the same
story as authoritarians: That nothing is worth trying, the conclusion is foregone, hope is naive, and attempts to resist are too small or futile.

“That isn’t true, that’s just what authoritarians need us to believe. Don’t listen to them. Do not give up. Try.

“Because here is our story: A better world is possible. We will win. We must.”

Jena Griswold for Colorado Attorney General
Commit to Caucus for Jena Griswold

Phil Weiser for Colorado Governor
Commit to Caucus for Phil Weiser
Fight for Colorado Town Hall Tour – Fort Collins – Feb. 20

Looking for inclusive community events and activities this month? You’ve come to the right place. Here are a few to consider.

February 2026 Community Events

“FoCo Fringe is back! FoCo Fringe is a multi-day festival for performing artists with bold creativity – professionals and amateurs alike – to share their art, inviting our community to experience the raw, the beautiful, and the unexpected.

“The Fringe will feature 50+ performances across multiple downtown venues, showcasing theater, dance, film, comedy, and more.

“The Fringe will take place June 11 – 14, 2026. The 2026 Artist Application is now open!”

Apply to FoCo Fringe

Applications are open now through Feb. 12.

Now through April 12: Andy Warhol’s legendary visit to CSU: How the pop art icon left a lasting legacy. Almost 45 years later, Warhol’s brief but electrifying time on campus continues to resonate with a new exhibition, “Revisited: Andy Warhol’s Social Media and Andy Warhol at Colorado State University,” on display through April 12 at the Gregory Allicar Museum of Art.

*Last year’s Black History Month fashion show at CSU. Credit: Colorado State University.*

Feb. 3 -21 CSU marks Black History Month with series of programs, events.

Excerpt: “Black History Month at Colorado State University features a host of events open to the entire campus community, ranging from a film screening and campus talks to culinary experiences and a fashion show.

“Hosted by CSU’s Black/African American Cultural Center, the month-long February celebration kicks off on Feb. 3 with learning stations on African Diasporic histories and cultures. This year’s theme – “Woven Roots: 100 Years of Commemoration, Lifetimes of the African Diaspora” – explores a century of lives, knowledges and cultures that extend beyond the borders of the United States.”

*The Fox Den hosts Open Mic Night every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Credit: The Fox Den No Waste Cafe & Roastery*

The Fox Den: No Waste Cafe & Roastery recurring events Open Mic Nights: Every Thursday (Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26) from 6–9 p.m. Come early to claim your spot! Mystery Book Club: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays (Feb 11. and 25) at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Movie Night: Every Wednesday (Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25) starting at 5 p.m.

Feb. 11 Ram Talks invites community to experience groundbreaking research and creative insights. Read the spring schedule, starting with “Are Insects Romantic? A Debate. Tristan Kubik, rare invertebrate biologist for the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, and Melissa Schreiner, CSU Extension entomology specialist.” Doors: 5 p.m. Event: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free.

Feb. 21 Asian Lunar New Year Celebration at The Drake Centre. Food, entertainment, family activities and more. Donations welcome. $0 to $30. All proceeds benefit the non-profit Unified Workforce.

Feb. 22 The Human Library, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Free. Registration is required.

Excerpt: “Typical libraries offer print books and digital eBooks for check out, but The Human Library® allows participants – or Readers – to borrow a human Book and engage in conversations about their unique stories, particularly their experiences in Fort Collins regarding their identity/identities.”

Gaia Masala & Burger offers a blend of Indian, American, and Mediterranean flavors with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal options. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 AM, enjoy favorites like Tikka Masala, Cheesesteaks, Gyros, and Burgers anytime.

Business Spotlight
Gaia Masala & Burger, 649 S. College Ave., open 10 a.m. to 3 a.m., new dining space with full menu that fuses Indian, Mediterranean and American flavors.

Resource Spotlight
Legal Funds and Legal Assistance including Immigration Legal Services

One Colorado
“Working together for a fair and just Colorado”
One Colorado is the state’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) Coloradans and their families. Donate to One Colorado

Take Action Today
Participate in your caucus and county, district and state assemblies! Larimer Democrats: Take Action. The countdown to mid-term elections is on!