Poudre RiverFest
Program Overview
For the past six years, Better Together Productions has helped bring Poudre RiverFest to life — a free, family-friendly festival celebrating the Cache la Poudre River and the community that surrounds it.
Held annually in Fort Collins, Colorado, the event brings together thousands of residents, families, and local organizations to learn about river restoration, explore the watershed corridor, and experience the joy of connecting with nature and one another.
With live music, educational exhibits, hands-on activities, and family programming ranging from yoga and painting to an interactive Kids Zone, Poudre RiverFest blends celebration with education — creating an accessible way for the community to engage with one of its most important natural resources.
Impact
Purpose + Goals
Poudre RiverFest was designed to be more than a day of entertainment — it serves as a gateway for community members to connect with the river.
For the 2025 festival, the organizing committee’s priorities centered around three key outcomes:
- Cultivating a strong sense of community and shared stewardship
- Inspiring attendees to take action by donating or volunteering
- Ensuring guests learn something new about the river corridor and its restoration
By combining engaging programming with mission-driven storytelling, the event aimed to transform curiosity into connection — and connection into lasting support.
Our Approach
Working closely with the organizing committee, our team supports every stage of the festival’s lifecycle — from early strategy and planning to on-site production and post-event evaluation.
During pre-production, BTP leads budget development, timeline management, grant coordination, vendor sourcing, and programming strategy to ensure the event is both operationally sound and aligned with the festival’s mission. We collaborate with the organization to shape experiences that encourage community engagement while supporting fundraising and education goals.
As the event approaches, our team oversees event design and production — including signage, entertainment booking, volunteer coordination, marketing support, and full logistical management. Onsite, we manage the moving parts that bring the festival to life, allowing the organizing committee to focus on connecting with their community. Following the event, we analyze results and insights to help guide future growth.
Impact
- 33% increase in funds raised compared to the previous year
- 13% growth in sponsorship revenue, strengthening community investment
- 8% increase in attendance, expanding the festival’s reach and influence
By the Numbers
2700
attendees
73
exhibitors
10
sponsors
4
live local bands
6
years of partnership
Client Testimonial
“We can’t imagine hosting an event without the support of BTP. The team is incredibly talented, experienced, creative and reliable. They never miss a detail and we’ve always had great success working with them.”
What Made Us Better Together
long-term partnership
Over six years of collaboration, we are proud to have continuously refined and expanded the festival experience — helping the event grow while remaining rooted in its community mission.
strategy meets community impact
By aligning programming, sponsorship strategy, and fundraising initiatives with the organizing committee’s goals, the festival strengthens both awareness and support for watershed restoration.
experiences that inspire action
Every element of the festival is designed to connect guests to the river — transforming a day of celebration into an opportunity for education, stewardship, and giving.
Experience Highlights
Live Local Music
Performances from four local bands created an energetic backdrop for the festival, celebrating the region’s creative community while bringing attendees together throughout the day.
Community Yoga
Guided yoga sessions invited attendees to slow down, connect with nature, and connect with the community in a mindful, restorative way.
Hands-On Painting
Hands-on painting stations encouraged guests of all ages to express their creativity while reflecting on the beauty and importance of the Poudre River.
kids zone
A vibrant family area introduced young conservationists to the watershed through interactive activities designed to inspire curiosity and stewardship.
fund-a-tree initiative
Festival donations supported the planting of 500 ponderosa pine seedlings in the Cameron Peak burn area — transforming community generosity into real environmental restoration.
