Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department Mountain Festival

Start: Saturday, September 12, 2026 10:00AM
End: Saturday, September 12, 2026 4:00PM

The 2026 Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department (RCVFD) Mountain Festival will feature a full day’s lineup of live music and activities for the entire family. The festival generates funds critical in the department’s ability to provide services throughout the year. All proceeds benefit the department, a 501(c)3 entity. 

This year’s musical entertainment will be Liz Barnez, Wendy Woo, Also Known As (AKA), and the Gordon Creek Band. Come rain or shine, the festival will feature free live music presented on-stage in front of a large covered viewing tent, firefighter demonstrations, kid’s activity area, nonprofit booths, car show, tractor shuttle to and from the parking lot, and the ever popular-free ice cream. The festival also features used books, plants, baked goods, and t-shirt sales; a firefighter dunk tank; and food trucks.

The department serves residents and visitors in all types of emergency situations. Department responses are more than 75 percent medical-related in years when no major fires occur. The RCVFD was established in 1975 by volunteers from all walks of life coming together to begin building a fire department. Today there are more than 45 well-trained volunteer firefighters and EMTs serving the 110 square mile response area. The coverage area includes Rist Canyon, Stove Prairie, and the Buckhorn, as well as providing mutual aid for an additional adjoining 50 square miles.

Mark your calendars and plan to bring the entire family to enjoy the fun. The festival location is 14 miles from downtown Fort Collins and 27 miles from Loveland.