You’ve got to love the weather around here! Most days of the year, we have abundant sunshine with just a gentle breeze in Loveland (In fact, on average, we have over 300 days of sunshine annually). On some days though, it’s just better to “opt indoors”. Mother Nature has to express herself differently on occasion, and that’s ok, too. I mean, if we didn’t have those average 65 days of less-than-optimal weather, the sunny days would become quite boring. Fortunately, Loveland has plenty of excellent indoor activities to keep you from becoming soaked, frozen or blown to Nebraska by the wind. Here are the top 14 Loveland indoor things-to-do in the near-future, including some new experiences:
ART
Stop into one of the art galleries in downtown Loveland:
• Independence Gallery (233 East 4th St.) features paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, woodwork, photography and more, all by Northern Colorado artists. The gallery is owned and operated by painter Billie Colson who is known for her brightly colored animal paintings. During February 2023, the gallery hosts its annual 65 Roses for Cystic Fibrosis show, which Colson started after her granddaughter was born with CF 14 years ago. The gallery has raised $160,000 for the CF Foundation.
• Lincoln Gallery (429 N. Lincoln Ave.) is owned and operated by the Thompson Valley Art League and provides a venue for member artists to display their work. See the 2023 Members Fine Art Show, a juried exhibition spanning all mediums and featuring the work of member artists, on display through March 3, 2023.
• Hart Gallery & Studio (135 E. 4th St.) is owned by John and Rene Hart, who opened the gallery in 1991. The sunny gallery space features Rene’s expressionist paintings, as well as work by two other painters who were students of Rene at one time: Ruth Scott and Terry Librande.
Visit the Loveland Museum (503 N. Lincoln Ave.) and explore the history and art of Loveland. The Loveland Museum presents rotating and permanent exhibits, family-friendly events, classes, lectures and other programming opportunities. This is your last chance to see an exhibit from Award-Winning Musician, Activist and Accomplished Artist John Mellencamp, on display through Feb. 13. Next up, Greeley-based artist Johanna Mueller showcases her series of prints that explores the shared histories of humans as told by animals (Feb. 11-April 30). New York/New York: The Avant-Garde from Mid-Century is on display from Feb. 25-April 23, explores the discerning eye of an avid collector and academician, and expands upon the oeuvre of each artist in the collection with complementary loans of paintings, sculpture and prints from museums, galleries and private collections.
SIP
NEW- Meadery: The newest addition to Loveland’s Liquid Arts scene, MeadKrieger, is located at 452 N. Washington Ave. Stop in for a mead tasting and try the two flagship meads, traditional and oak barrel-aged, as well as four new fruit meads — blueberry, raspberry, cherry and peach. Meads and wines from other Colorado wineries and meaderies will be featured as well. Sip on mead cocktails, coffee, tea and other non-alcoholic drinks while noshing on paired appetizers and small plates.
PLAY
Play the afternoon away at one of these popular spots:
• NEW-#1 AxeHole (137 E. 4th St.) is Loveland’s latest axe throwing venue. Opening soon in the heart of Downtown Loveland the new venue will book groups of four on
each lane (guests can book multiple lanes for larger groups). There’s also a VIP option.
• At The Flipside (140 E. 4th St.) get nostalgic with old-school pinball or Pac Man, challenge the kids to air hockey, take aim at Skee-Ball, test your skill at the Toy Crane, try a new game or three, and – if you’re over 21 – enjoy a cocktail or cold brew.
• Loveland Laser Tag (401 Denver Ave.) is home to Northern Colorado’s largest laser tag arena and so much more, like the indoor ropes course, bumper cars, 4D motion theater, laser maze, climbing wall, and arcade. The three-level 5,700-square-foot laser tag arena is still the G.O.A.T.
• Axe to Grind (217 E 3rd St.) is the perfect spot to try one of the fastest growing sports entertainment challenges across the U.S. — axe throwing. Basic sessions include coaching along with game play, so beginners gain confidence and skill quickly. Minimum age to play is 10 years old.
• At Time Emporium Escape Rooms (391 Denver Ave.) raid an ancient Pharoah’s tomb, solve a series of murders in Victorian London, or unlock the mysteries of the Wizard’s Tower. You can choose from three action-packed, immersive escape rooms based on whatever adventure sounds most appealing.
LISTEN
Budweiser Events Center is a great place to see a live show. Coming this spring: Country Icons Tracey Lawrence & Clay Walker (March 16); Disney On Ice (March 30 – April 2); Toughest Monster Truck Tour (April 7 – 8); Billy Currington (May 13), plus AHL Colorado Eagles games through mid-April.
The Rialto Theater opened as a silent movie theater in 1920. More than a century later, it remains Loveland’s premier performing arts venue, welcoming nationally touring musicians, comedians, and performers as well as local performing arts groups. Gary Gulman brings his Born on Third Base show on March 3. Face Vocal Band is slated for March 24. See British Invasion Live on April 8. Catch comedian Kevin Nealon on May 27. For a full lineup of events, visit www.etix.com/ticket/v/15973/rialto-theater.
DINNER & A ______ .
Lecture: Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch is reintroducing its popular Lecture Series on select Friday nights through March 2023. These special evenings at the ranch feature a guest speaker plus full-fare dinner, including salad, entrée, fresh vegetables, side dish, soup, rolls and dessert, plus a drink station, cash bar and complimentary glass of wine. Friday speaker topics will vary, from an avian or wildlife expert, to restorative agriculture, to props on the Broadway stage. Check the Facebook page for updates and menu options or call 970-667-3915. Cost is $45 per adult and $25 for kids 12 and under (plus tax and 15% service charge). Reservations required by noon on Thursdays.
Movie: Head to MetroLux Dine-In Cinemas at The Foundry (285 East 3rd St.) and knock out two birds with one stone. Enjoy dinner at Scripted Bar & Kitchen AND catch a movie at the MetroLux Dine-In Cinemas. Our favorite features include reserved luxury recliner stadium seating and heated seats; enjoy in-seat dining with full bar.
These are just 14 of the many indoor entertainment options Loveland has to offer. There are many more options to choose from, but these are 14 of our favorites in the near-future. Have fun!
