Things to do in Larimer County for 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Larimer County is coming together for connection, learning, and community

Whether you’re looking to gain new insights, find a supportive network, or discover the local organizations dedicated to well-being, this is your home base. We’ve curated a calendar of events* designed to spark conversation, build resilience, and strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive. Explore the events below and find your path to connection.

*This list is intended to be a community resource; inclusion doesn't constitute sponsorship or endorsement by Larimer County Behavioral Health Services.

If you can’t attend an event, there are simple ways to help reduce stigma and support the Larimer County community:

Go Green: On May 1, landmarks across Colorado (including Empower Field at Mile High in Denver) will be lit green. Join in by wearing green or swapping your porch light to a green bulb to show solidarity.

Social Media Challenge: Use the hashtags #MHAM2026 and #MoreGoodDaysTogether. Share a photo of your "individual" mental health tool — whether it’s a trail you hike, a book you’re reading, or a hobby that keeps you grounded.

Submit Your Events: Use this Google form to share your May 2026 events with us.

Flexible Opportunities 

  • A Little Help's Ditch the Desk Group Volunteering
  • The dates and times are flexible. Groups may coordinate with the team from A Little Help.
  • Learn more and sign up to volunteer here.
  • Locations: Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud
  • Step away from work and into your community! Ditch the Desk offers groups from businesses, schools, faith communities, and clubs the opportunity to volunteer together and make a direct impact on the lives of older adults in their neighborhood. Many older adults in our neighborhoods choose to age at home and remain active, independent members of their communities. Sometimes, a little extra support — whether it's seasonal yard help, a meaningful conversation, or a thoughtful delivery — makes it easier for them to continue thriving in the homes they love. Gather your friends, co-workers, family members and enjoy a few hours giving back.

 

  • Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County - Free suicide education and support programs
  • The Alliance has two educational programs that its staff provide to the community: one for youth Resiliency Education Protecting the Lives of Youth (R.E.P.L.Y.), and one for adults Question, Persuade, Refer (Q. P. R).
  • Each presentation is 1.5 hours but can be customized for your school, business, church, or organization.
  • To learn more and scheduling a free training, submit a Contact Form.

April 28 

  • Board of County Commissioners of Larimer County
  • 9 a.m.
  • Join the Commissioners, Larimer County leadership, staff from Larimer County Behavioral Health Services, and others as the Board proclaims May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month.
  • Hearing Room at 200 W. Oak St. in Fort Collins. Commissioner's meetings are open to the public; no need to RSVP.

 

A group of Larimer County leaders, staff, and community partners pose for a photo for 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month

May 1 

May 2

  • ChildSafe Colorado's Celebration of Healing
  • 6-10 p.m.
  • Lory Student Center Ballroom at Colorado State University's Fort Collins campus
  • Join us for an incredible night celebrating the work of our staff and clients! This one is extra special, as we’re also celebrating the retirement of co-founder and Clinical Director Valerie Macri-Lind. Help us raise record amounts in honor of her incredible contributions to the community and survivors of abuse throughout Northern Colorado.
  • Purchase tickets here. 

May 3 

  • Abundance Foundation - Building Bridges, Breaking Chains Benefit Concert
  • Noon-8 p.m.
  • The Sound Bar, 254 Linden St. in Fort Collins
  • Completely sober event with live music, mocktails, BBQ, swag, raffles and more!
  • Click here to buy tickets.

Week of May 4 

  • May 6 - Support ChildSafe Colorado
  • Walrus Ice Cream Give Back Day - 10% of sales will go to ChildSafe
  • 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Walrus Ice Cream, 125 W. Mountain Ave. in Fort Collins

 

  • May 6 - Support Childsafe Colorado
  • Parry's Pizzeria - 20% of sales will go to ChildSafe
  • Parry's Pizzeria, 4874 Thompson Parkway in Johnstown

 

  • May 7 - BBQ Party for Larimer County middle and high school students
  • 5-6:30 p.m.
  • Teen Activity Center, 212 W. Mountain Ave. in Fort Collins. Operated by the Center for Family Outreach.
  • Learn more about the Teen Activity Center 212, get to know your school resource officers, and enjoy good food!
  • RSVP by April 30 here. 

 

  • May 7 - Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium (VIRTUAL)
  • 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (EST)
  • A free virtual event hosted by SAMHSA and the National Council on Aging.
  • The symposium is designed to raise awareness of older adult mental health and substance use disorders and highlight resources, case studies, and initiatives available to professionals working with adults age 50+ living in the community. The 9th annual symposium will feature leaders in the field who are successfully partnering across sectors to improve older adult mental well-being.
  • Get more information and register here.

Week of May 11 

  • May 17 - Healing Warriors Program - Fifth Annual 5K Fun Run/Walk
  • Check-in: 9 a.m. Start time: 10 a.m. End time: 2 p.m.
  • Spring Canyon Park, 3126 S. Overland Trail in Fort Collins
  • This is a family and pet-friendly event and professionally timed race. Each participant will receive a race shirt and goodie bag. Activities at the park begin at 8:30 a.m. There are snacks, vendors, music, and more. Support Healing Warriors Program and our vision of a suicide-free world, where all veterans and their families thrive by participating in our Annual 5K fun!
  • Register here. Cost is $25-$40. Veterans enter discount code "Veteran" at checkout. 

 

  • May 14 - The Healing Power of Nature in the Estes Valley
  • 5:30-7 p.m.
  • Estes Park Town Hall, 170 MacGregor Ave. in Estes Park
  • Join hosts Larimer County Commissioner Jody Shadduck McNally and Estes Park Mayor Gary Hall, and other guests. No need to RSVP.

 

  • May 16 - Panel discussion on hiking for health and the surprising ways it can improve your mental health
  • 9:30-11 a.m.
  • Love Shack, 120 E. 4th St. in Loveland
  • Enjoy mocktails at this alcohol-free destination while learning from host and Larimer County Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally, and Author Becky Jensen, who wrote "No Man’s Land: Unpacking One Woman’s Worth on the Colorado Trail."

Week of May 18 

Week of May 25

  • May 25 - Yarrow Collective's BIPOC Unity in Community Group
  • 5:30-7 p.m. 
  • 409 Mason Court in Fort Collins. 
  • Make sure you type in Mason COURT, not Mason Street into your navigation. We are located slightly down the street from the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery and on the south-most end of Lee Martinez Park. If you are driving northwest down Mason Court, we are right after the roundabout on the northeast corner of the building.
  • When we find ourselves no longer wanting to continue on we lean into the practice of liberating ourselves from staying silent. Unity in Community is held by a collective of trained facilitators with a diversity in lineage and lived experience, to hold space for those needing connection and community. We hold space for witnessing, and being witnessed so that we can return, reclaim, and remember our roots. “Pain witnessed is pain transformed.” -Caroline Mazel-Carlton 
  • This group is free, welcoming and friendly, and we provide snacks! For accessibility requests or other questions, email: [email protected].
Published on

Madeline Novey
Communication Coordinator
Behavioral Health Services
970-619-4255
[email protected]

Department
Behavioral Health