Tickets on Sale Now for the 4th Annual Take Me to the River Fundraiser
There's something special about a river. It doesn't care about deadlines, politics, or the noise of daily life; it just keeps moving, carving its path through the landscape, sustaining communities along its way. For those of us living near the Cache la Poudre, we know the river isn't just scenery. It's our water, our wildlife habitat, our history, and our future.
This year, we're inviting you to celebrate it.
The 4th Annual Take Me to the River fundraiser is returning on June 12, 2026, and we'd love for you to be part of it. Whether you're a longtime supporter of CPRW or you're just beginning to learn about the incredible work happening in our watershed, this is the event for you.
An evening worth showing up for
This isn't your average fundraiser dinner. Here's what your ticket includes:
A locally inspired feast. Sit down to a full dinner made with locally-grown ingredients, with gluten-free and vegetarian options available. Because good food and a healthy watershed go hand in hand.
Drinks crafted from the river itself. Pour yourself something special — the open bar features a collaborative brew made by four of Fort Collins' finest: Horse & Dragon Brewing, New Belgium Brewing Co., Odell Brewing Co., and wine from OBC Wine Project. All of it crafted using Poudre River water, naturally.
Live music and dancing. The New Pleasant Valley String Band takes the stage with a joyful mix of traditional square dances, waltzes, and two-steps rooted in the Missouri Ozark style. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just willing to give it a try, you're going to have a great time.
Awards and recognition. We'll present the 2026 Dick Jefferies Partner for the Poudre Award and the CPRW Volunteer of the Year Award — honoring the individuals and partners whose commitment to this river has made a lasting difference.
Educational programming. Learn something new about the Poudre, its ecology, and the work happening across the watershed to protect it.
An interactive photo booth. Because memories are worth keeping.
A celebration of what we've accomplished together and a look at what your support will make possible in the year ahead.
The event takes place at a private property in northwest Fort Collins. Guests receive the address after purchasing tickets.
Celebrate the Poudre and support CPRW’s projects and programs!
Why Your Ticket Purchase Matters
When you buy a ticket to Take Me to the River, you're not just getting a great evening out. You're directly investing in the health of one of Colorado's most beloved and ecologically vital waterways.
CPRW works across the entire Cache la Poudre Watershed, from the headwaters high in Rocky Mountain National Park to the confluence with the South Platte in Greeley. The funds raised through this event support work in several key areas:
Restoration and resilience. From revegetating stream banks damaged by wildfires and flooding to removing invasive species that crowd out native plants, restoration work is hands-on, labor-intensive, and absolutely essential. Funds raised help make that work possible.
Watershed stewardship and monitoring. Understanding the health of our river requires ongoing data collection, monitoring, and science. Your support helps fund the staff and equipment needed to track water quality, flow, and ecosystem health over time.
Community education and engagement. A healthy watershed depends on an informed community. From school programs that bring kids to the river to public workshops that help landowners manage their property with water in mind, education is at the core of everything we do.
Collaborative partnerships. No single organization can protect a watershed alone. CPRW works with landowners, municipalities, conservation districts, federal agencies, and local businesses to find solutions that work for both people and the river. Your support makes those partnerships stronger.
Tickets sell out every year - get yours today!
Join Us! Get Your Tickets Today
This year's Take Me to the River promises to be our best yet. We'll have delicious food, local drinks, live music from New Pleasant Valley String Band, a live auction, and plenty of time to connect with fellow river lovers from across our community.
Most importantly, we'll be celebrating what four years of sustained effort can accomplish and setting our sights on what the next four years can bring.
Tickets are available now at poudrewatershed.org. Grab yours before they're gone — this event sells out every year.
Bring a friend. Bring your family. Come ready to celebrate the river that makes all of this possible.
Interested in becoming a 2026 Take Me to the River sponsor? Please contact Megan Maiolo-Heath, Communications & Development Director, at megan@poudrewatershed.org to learn more.