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ADOPTIONS NOW OPEN

Duck Race Essentials

2026 Duck Race Essentials.

The Fort Collins Foothills and Downtown Rotary Clubs proudly invite the community to the 3rd Annual Fort Collins Rotary Duck Race, benefiting more than 40 local nonprofit organizations serving Northern Colorado.

WHAT

On Saturday, August 29, the community will gather at City Park Pool for a festival-style event featuring food trucks, family-friendly activities, entertainment, and opportunities to learn about participating nonprofit organizations.

Between noon and 2:00 p.m., thousands of numbered rubber ducks will be released into the Lazy River in a series of exciting races. The top ducks from each heat will advance to the Championship Final, where the adopters of the winning ducks will take home cash prizes.

WHERE

City Park Pool – Lazy River
1500 W. Mulberry Street
Fort Collins, CO

WHEN

Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day featuring the exciting duck race, nonprofit booths, community activities, entertainment, and opportunities to learn about organizations that are changing lives across Northern Colorado.

HOW IT WORKS

Visit the Duck Adoption Center and choose the participating nonprofit you’d like to support.

Adopt:

  • One Duck: $25

  • Quack Pack: $125 (Adopt 5 Ducks, Get 1 Free!)

Eighty percent ($20 of every $25 duck adoption) goes directly to the nonprofit you select.

On race day, thousands of numbered ducks are released into the Lazy River in waves of approximately 250 at a time. The first ten ducks to cross the finish line in each heat qualify for the Championship Final.

The adopters of the top three ducks in the Championship Final will win:

  • First Place: $5,000

  • Second Place: $3,000

  • Third Place: $1,500

Whether you’re supporting your favorite charity, hoping to win a cash prize, or simply looking for a fun family event, the Fort Collins Rotary Duck Race is a wonderful way to make a difference—one duck at a time.

Adopt your duck today and help create waves of positive change throughout Northern Colorado! And don’t forget to share this post with your friends, family, and coworkers.

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