The Gardens on Spring Creek and The Lincoln Center are teaming up once again for the Live at The Gardens Summer Concert Series!
Summer nights, live music, and unforgettable moments await! Experience world-class music in the most gorgeous setting in Fort Collins. Colors galore, twilight glow, and the intoxicating scent of flowery plants—all accompanying the sounds of hits from celebrated musical acts. Additional perks include free parking, delicious food trucks, and chill vibes. We can't wait to groove with you!
The Live at The Gardens Summer Concert Series is presented by Mountain Valley Bank.
The Commodores
SOLD OUT
Sunday, Aug. 31 | $74 – $86 | Doors open at 5 p.m. | Show begins at 6 p.m.
One of the greatest Motown and R&B / funk artists of all time, The Commodores have influenced artists both young and old, and in all genres with their classic songs. With a brand that is bigger than ever, The Commodores continue to blaze trails all over the world. One of the most successful vocal groups of all time, The Commodores continue to thrill audiences with their Greatest Hits Tour – Live!
In 1968 the group was formed while all the members were in college at Tuskegee Institute. After being discovered by Berry Gordy, The Commodores went on to sell over 60 million records for Motown. With hits like “Machine Gun” and “Sail On”, The Commodores became proven artists. For five decades, the Commodores have remained a force in the music industry. The Commodores aren’t just any group. They have staying power. Just like their hit song "Brick House," The Commodores have created a foundation that just won’t budge.
The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra with Nnenna Freelon
Saturday, Sept. 13 | $60 – $72 | Doors open at 4 p.m. | Show begins at 5 p.m.
In the history of Jazz music, there is only one bandleader that has the distinction of having his orchestra still performing sold out concerts all over the world, with members personally chosen by him, for nearly 40 years after his passing. Pianist and bandleader William James “Count” Basie was and still is an American institution that personifies the grandeur and excellence of Jazz. The Count Basie Orchestra, today directed by Scotty Barnhart, has won every respected jazz poll in the world at least once, won 18 Grammy Awards, performed for Kings, Queens, and other world Royalty, appeared in several movies, television shows, at every major jazz festival and major concert hall in the world.
Six-time GRAMMY® Award nominee Nnenna Freelon is a compelling artist and captivating performer with numerous accolades and activities including another GRAMMY® Award nomination for 2021’s Time Traveler! With her son Pierce Freelon, they made Grammy history by being the first mother and son nominated for the 64th GRAMMY® awards in separate categories. Their collaborative new recording, “AnceStars” (2023), marks her first family music recording with Pierce. Nnenna’s new podcast "Great Grief with Nnenna Freelon” garnered Ambie Awards in 2022 and 2021, her debut seasons. She received the 2022 Jazz Masters Award from the prestigious “Women’s Jazz and Blues Association of Palm Springs,” and more. In 2023, Nnenna continues to star in the critically acclaimed show Georgia on My Mind: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles.
2025 Food Truck Schedule:
| Aug. 31 | Arepas Caribbean, Panhandler's Pizza, Las Catrinas, Mary's Mountain Cookies |
| Sept. 13 | Arepas Caribbean, Panhandler's Pizza, Sweaty Moose, Mary's Mountain Cookies |
Official and authentic Live at The Gardens Summer Series tickets are only available through The Lincoln Center Box Office. Tickets are not available at The Gardens on Spring Creek or through any other ticketing vendor.
Live at The Gardens concert tickets are dynamically priced, changing based on demand. When tickets first go on sale—both during the pre-sale and public on-sale periods—they will start at the lowest listed price. As more tickets are sold, prices increase. Ticket quantities are limited; we encourage early purchasing for the best price. Act early to save!
Tickets will be available to order online at LCtix.com on the following schedule:
The Lincoln Center Box Office
A temporary on-site Box Office will be located at The Gardens the day of the show and will open one hour prior to the start of each performance.
Everyone, regardless of age, is required to have a ticket for entry, including infants. This requirement ensures capacity limits are observed. No complimentary tickets for youth or infants are available.
All sales are final. No refunds. All concerts are rain or shine.
Ticket delivery options include 1) mobile, 2) print at home or, 3) Will Call, available at The Gardens on Spring Creek starting once doors open the day of the show.
Ticketing fees apply. Phone orders are $5 per order, online orders are $1.50 - $6 per ticket, dependent on ticket price, and in-person orders are not charged a fee.
Accepted payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and The Lincoln Center gift cards for online, phone and in-person transactions. For in-person transactions only, additional accepted payment methods also include cash, check and Downtown Fort Collins gift cards. Full payment is due at the time of purchase.
All Live at the Gardens Summer Concert Series performances will be held at the Everitt Pavilion and Great Lawn, outdoors at the Gardens on Spring Creek.
Clear Bag Policy:
The Gardens on Spring Creek will be enforcing a clear bag policy during all concert events.
Guests are welcome to bring clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12 x 6 x 12 inches. Small clutches that are the size of a hand (4.5 x 6.5 inches or smaller) are also permitted. No coolers will be allowed inside the Gardens during concert events.
All bags, including diaper bags, must comply with this policy.
The Gardens Gift Shop has a limited supply of compliant clear bags available for purchase.
Chairs / Seating:
Guests are welcome to bring their own folding lawn chairs. No canopies, tents or umbrellas are permitted. Seating is first-come, first-served. We ask that all patrons respectfully consolidate their seating area to three feet by three feet, or nine square feet, per patron.
Blankets and tables are discouraged. We reserve the right to consolidate your blanket spread or other personal items to allow space for others.
Accessibility:
The Gardens provides a general admission wheelchair-accessible seating area for guests requiring mobility accommodations. These seats can be reserved during ticket purchase, based on availability. One companion seat may be reserved per accessible seat. After the concert begins, unreserved spaces in the ADA area may be used by other guests.
ADA parking is available in The Gardens' parking lot on a first come-first served basis.
Assistive listening devices are available at all concerts and can be collected at the Box Office upon entry to the concert, based on availability. To reserve an assistive listening device in advance or to inquire about additional services available for people with disabilities, please contact our team at gardens@fcgov.com or 970.416.2486 at least two weeks prior to the concert date.
Weather:
All concerts are scheduled to take place rain or shine. Attendees are encouraged to bring items for comfort including hats, sunscreen, sunglasses and jackets/raincoats in order to be prepared for shifting weather during events. In the event of severe weather, concert staff will communicate any necessary updates.
Parking:
Free parking is available in The Gardens lot, along Botanical Lane or in the USDA's Natural Resources Research Center lot across the street.
The Gardens is also easily accessed by the Spring Creek Trail with ample bike parking and a separate bike gate entrance located directly on the trail.
ADA parking is available in The Gardens’ parking lot on a first come-first served basis.
Entry / Doors:
Gates will open to concert ticketholders one hour prior to the scheduled show start time. Note that regular daily Gardens operations will close to guests at least three hours prior to the beginning of scheduled concert performances.
Ticketholders may enter the venue through the main Visitor Center entrance, the Rock Garden gate west of The Gardens’ main parking lot, and through the gate south of the Spring Creek Trail. Please have your tickets ready to scan upon entrance. One admission per ticket.
Re-Entry Policy:
Re-entry is prohibited. Guests cannot leave and later regain entry into the venue. Please plan accordingly.
Food and Drink:
The Gardens will have a variety of food and drink offerings inside the venue including food trucks, a full cash bar and water fountains for refillable water bottles. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Guests are permitted to bring factory-sealed non-alcoholic beverages, empty reusable water bottles and food for personal consumption. According to the clear bag policy outlined above, food must be packed in transparent bags or containers. No glass is allowed.
Show Length:
Concerts will be approximately 90 minutes long; this may vary by performer. Due to City sound ordinances, all concerts will end at 8 p.m.
Smoking:
There is no smoking allowed. This includes but is not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, marijuana or tobacco in any form.
Prohibited Items:
Prohibited items include but are not limited to:
Policies are subject to change at any time and may vary by performer. Any person observed in violation of the outlined policies will be subject to ejection without refund.
Animals:
Only service animals are permitted at The Gardens. Service animals must be restrained and must remain with the owner. If a service animal interferes with other guests, corrective action may include rearranging seating or removal of the service animal from the amphitheater. Emotional support animals, comfort animals and therapy dogs are not service animals as defined by the 2010 ADA Guidelines and are not allowed at concerts.
Content:
Some productions may contain mature language or content. The Gardens on Spring Creek does not censor or guarantee the content of any production.
Mary Chapin Carpenter / Brandy Clark
SOLD OUT
Saturday, June 28 | $76 – $88 | Doors open at 4 p.m. | Show begins at 5 p.m.
One of music’s “most reliable and empathetic songwriters” (Pitchfork), Mary Chapin Carpenter has sold over 16 million records over the course of her renowned career. With hits like “Passionate Kisses” and “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” she has won five Grammy Awards (with 18 nominations), two CMA Awards, two ACM Awards and is one of only fifteen female members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The 2025 tour will feature songs from Mary Chapin’s entire catalog and her new album set for early summer release.
A GRAMMY, CMA and Americana Award-winner, Brandy Clark is one of her generation's most esteemed songwriters and musicians. In the midst of a landmark year, Clark won Best Americana Performance at the 66th GRAMMY Awards and Song of the Year at the 2024 Americana Honors & Awards with her acclaimed song, "Dear Insecurity," featuring 11x Grammy-winner Brandi Carlile.
Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery
Sunday, July 13 | $56 – $68 | Doors open at 5 p.m. | Show begins at 6 p.m.
Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery is having a good time—and it shows.
As one of the most recognizable voices in a generation of country singers, Montgomery continues to tour coast-to-coast behind a time-tested collection of rowdy and heartfelt songs. That collection grows with the new release—Home Run, a six-song EP that includes hard-workin’ stories, fatherly wisdom, brotherly appreciation and a boot-stomping reworking of Montgomery Gentry’s first single “Hillbilly Shoes.”
With five No. 1 country radio hits, a Grand Ole Opry membership and a Kentucky Music Hall of Fame induction under his belt as part of Montgomery Gentry, the man in the hat shows no signs of slowing down. After all, why would anyone walk away from a dream-come-true?
Marc Broussard
Saturday, July 26 | $48 – $61 | Doors open at 5 p.m. | Show begins at 6 p.m.
Acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician Marc Broussard is an artist with a unique gift of channeling the spirits of classic R&B, rock, and soul into contemporary terms. The son of Louisiana Hall of Fame guitarist Ted Broussard of "The Boogie Kings," he nurtured his musical gifts at an early age in the vibrant Lafayette, Louisiana music scene. After releasing a highly successful independent EP at age 20, Broussard made his major-label debut with Carencro. The album featured the breakout hit single "Home" and catapulted him into the national spotlight. NPR cited, "His music radiates soulful Louisiana blues, but his songs blend those influences with raucous rock 'n' roll to create unique and infectious music."
The Music of Billy Joel Starring Michael Cavanaugh with the Fort Collins Symphony
Saturday, Aug. 2 | $73 – $85 | Doors open at 5 p.m. | Show begins at 6 p.m.
Michael Cavanaugh is the new voice of the American Rock & Roll Songbook and a charismatic performer and musician made famous for his piano/lead vocals in the Broadway musical Movin’ Out. Handpicked by Billy Joel to star in Movin’ Out, Cavanaugh evokes a style rivaling the Piano Man. He appeared in the show for three years with over 1,200 performances and received multiple accolades. The show culminated in 2003 with both Grammy and Tony award nominations.
Michael began playing at age seven, when his parents bought their first piano. His first full-time gig as a musician was an extended engagement in Orlando, Florida, at a piano bar called Blazing Pianos. In January of 1999, Michael received an offer that would unknowingly change his life: an opportunity to play Las Vegas at the famed New York, New York Hotel and Casino. It was there that Billy Joel spotted Michael and joined him on stage. It only took two songs before Billy was convinced that he had found his new Piano Man: Michael Cavanaugh. Michael closed up shop at New York, New York and moved to New York City to work alongside Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp to shape the Broadway Musical that would be called Movin’ Out. In the lead role, he received both Tony and Grammy nominations.
