Fort Stories

True stories. Brave Voices. Strong Communities.

You Went for a Hike. Life Went Off-Road.

Fresh air. Good intentions.

Then--a wrong turn, a revelation, a racoon, a breakup, a breakthrough, or the longest "quick hike" in human history.

Welcome to Fort Stories—a night of true and personal stories told live by your neighbors (or you)! No scripts. No actors. Just the moments that changed us somewhere between the trailhead and the mountain. Or the journey from running away to coming home years later.

Each event features a new theme, and this time, we're whistling Happy Trails as we create a story around the theme:

Happy (And-Not-So-Happy) Trails

You'll Hear Stories About:

the hike that saved a marriage (or didn't)
getting lost and finding yourself
dogs with better judgment than people
the second someone realized: I'm not who I was before this.

Funny. Tender. slightly chaotic. Surprisingly profound.

Got A Story?

Maybe your trail was dirt.

Maybe it was grief, love, sobriety, parenthood, starting over or walking away.

If there was a turning point--it belongs here.

Thinking about telling a story?

You don’t need to be a performer—just be real.
We welcome first-time storytellers. Storytelling audiences are known for their generosity and enthusiasm.

Stories must be:
✔️ True
✔️ About you
✔️ Inspired by the theme Happy (And-Not-So-Happy) Trails!

✔️ No More than 7 Minutes

Come share or listen or both!

What to expect

✔️ Brave, real-life stories that make you feel

✔️ A friendly, welcoming crowd
✔️ Laughter, insight, and maybe a few tears
✔️ A chance to connect—with yourself and your community

Suggested $5 Donation at the Door

Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Location: Visit Fort Collins, 7 Old Town Square, Suite 100

Nervous about telling a story? We’ve got you.

Check out my 3-hour storytelling workshop:

Tell It Like It Was--Storytelling Workshop #207481

This hands-on class is perfect for anyone curious about telling a true story—whether you're preparing for a speech or the storytelling stage or just want to explore the craft in a fun, supportive setting. You’ll learn how to shape your story, connect with an audience, and feel more confident sharing your truth.

Next one is Saturday, April 18, 202 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Senior Center in Fort Collins $9

Register through the Recreator or online with the Recreation department. Be sure to use the #207481 and it will be easier to find. It's under Education.

You'll be prepared for our next Fort Stories in the Fall 2026. Or you can come to Story Swap at The Lyric in FoCo every 1st Thursday of the month. Click the Want More Storytelling? header and jump in!