Tour De Fat: Bikes, Brews & Community Fun

Aug 24, 2025 by Lucas 42 views

Tour de Fat is more than just a bicycle parade; it's a vibrant celebration of cycling culture, community, and sustainable living. Conceived by New Belgium Brewing, this quirky festival has evolved into a nationwide phenomenon, captivating the hearts of cyclists and beer enthusiasts alike. Let's dive into what makes Tour de Fat such a unique and beloved event.

What is Tour de Fat?

At its core, Tour de Fat is a traveling bicycle festival that combines a costumed bike parade with a day-long celebration featuring live music, entertainment, and plenty of craft beer. New Belgium Brewing, famous for its Fat Tire Amber Ale, organizes the event as a way to promote cycling as a sustainable and fun mode of transportation. The festival aims to create a sense of community while raising awareness and funds for local cycling organizations.

The event typically kicks off with a massive bike parade, where participants don elaborate costumes and decorate their bicycles in imaginative ways. Picture this: a sea of cyclists dressed as everything from superheroes and animals to historical figures and abstract concepts, all pedaling through the city streets. It’s a visual spectacle that’s both inspiring and hilarious.

Following the parade, the festival grounds come alive with live music, featuring a diverse lineup of bands and performers. Attendees can enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including bike-themed competitions, vaudeville acts, and other quirky performances. And, of course, there’s plenty of New Belgium beer on tap, including their flagship Fat Tire Amber Ale and a selection of other craft brews.

Tour de Fat isn’t just about having a good time; it also has a strong philanthropic component. Throughout the day, New Belgium Brewing raises money for local cycling advocacy groups and other non-profit organizations. Proceeds from beer sales, merchandise, and other activities go directly to supporting these groups, helping them to promote cycling safety, build bike infrastructure, and encourage more people to get on two wheels.

History and Evolution

The story of Tour de Fat began in 2000 in Fort Collins, Colorado, the home of New Belgium Brewing. What started as a small, local event quickly grew in popularity, drawing cyclists and beer lovers from across the region. As the festival’s reputation spread, New Belgium decided to take it on the road, bringing the Tour de Fat experience to other cities across the United States.

Over the years, Tour de Fat has evolved and expanded, adding new elements and attractions to keep things fresh and exciting. The music lineup has become more diverse, featuring a wider range of genres and artists. The entertainment options have also expanded, with more interactive activities and performances for attendees to enjoy. And the festival’s commitment to sustainability has only deepened, with efforts to reduce waste, promote responsible drinking, and encourage alternative transportation.

One of the most unique aspects of Tour de Fat is the car-for-bike trade. Each year, one lucky individual volunteers to give up their car in exchange for a bicycle and a year's supply of New Belgium beer. This symbolic gesture represents the festival’s commitment to promoting cycling as a viable alternative to driving and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. It's a bold statement that captures the spirit of Tour de Fat.

What to Expect

If you’re planning to attend Tour de Fat, here’s what you can expect:

Costumed Bike Parade: The heart of Tour de Fat is the costumed bike parade. Participants dress up in creative costumes and decorate their bikes in wild and imaginative ways. It’s a chance to show off your personality and creativity while celebrating cycling culture.
Live Music: Tour de Fat features a diverse lineup of live music, with bands and performers playing throughout the day. Expect to hear a mix of genres, from rock and funk to bluegrass and ska.
Bike-Themed Entertainment: In addition to the music, there are plenty of other entertainment options to enjoy, including bike-themed competitions, vaudeville acts, and other quirky performances. Test your skills in a bike obstacle course or watch daredevil cyclists perform stunts.
Craft Beer: Of course, no Tour de Fat experience would be complete without plenty of New Belgium beer. Sample their flagship Fat Tire Amber Ale and a variety of other craft brews. Be sure to drink responsibly and pace yourself throughout the day.
Community and Camaraderie: Tour de Fat is all about community and camaraderie. It’s a chance to connect with other cyclists, beer lovers, and people who share a passion for sustainable living. Expect a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to let loose and have fun.

How to Participate

Participating in Tour de Fat is easy. Simply find a Tour de Fat event near you, grab your bike and a costume, and join the fun. Most Tour de Fat events are free to attend, but some may require tickets for certain activities or areas.

To find a Tour de Fat event near you, check the New Belgium Brewing website or social media channels. They typically announce the dates and locations of their Tour de Fat events well in advance, so you’ll have plenty of time to plan your trip.

When it comes to costumes, the sky’s the limit. Let your imagination run wild and create a costume that reflects your personality and interests. Whether you want to dress up as a superhero, an animal, or something completely original, the most important thing is to have fun and express yourself.

If you’re interested in volunteering at Tour de Fat, reach out to the local organizers. They’re always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with various tasks, such as setting up the event, pouring beer, and assisting with the bike parade. Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the community and support a great cause.

The Impact

Tour de Fat has had a significant impact on the cycling community and the broader movement for sustainable living. By promoting cycling as a fun and accessible mode of transportation, the festival has helped to encourage more people to get on two wheels and reduce their reliance on cars. The money raised at Tour de Fat events has also provided critical support for local cycling advocacy groups, helping them to build bike infrastructure, promote cycling safety, and advocate for policies that support cyclists.

Beyond its direct impact on cycling, Tour de Fat has also helped to raise awareness about other important issues, such as environmental sustainability, responsible drinking, and community engagement. The festival’s commitment to reducing waste, promoting alternative transportation, and supporting local non-profit organizations has set a positive example for other events and organizations to follow.

Conclusion

Tour de Fat is a truly unique and special event that celebrates the joy of cycling, the power of community, and the importance of sustainable living. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a craft beer enthusiast, or simply someone who’s looking for a fun and memorable experience, Tour de Fat has something to offer. So grab your bike, put on a costume, and get ready to roll!

Tour de Fat is more than just an event; it's a movement. It's a celebration of the joy of cycling, the power of community, and the importance of sustainable living. So, join the fun and experience the magic of Tour de Fat for yourself!

Tour de Fat: FAQs

What exactly happens at Tour de Fat?

Tour de Fat is a vibrant celebration that combines a costumed bike parade, live music, bike-themed entertainment, and craft beer, all while raising funds for local cycling organizations. Think of it as a cycling carnival with a philanthropic twist! You can expect a day filled with colorful costumes, energetic music, quirky performances, and a whole lot of community spirit.

The bike parade is a major highlight, where participants showcase their creativity with elaborate costumes and decorated bicycles. Imagine a river of superheroes, animals, and fantastical creatures pedaling through the city streets. After the parade, the festival grounds come alive with live music, featuring a diverse lineup of bands and performers. You can also enjoy bike-themed competitions, vaudeville acts, and other interactive entertainment.

And of course, there's plenty of New Belgium beer on tap, including their famous Fat Tire Amber Ale. Throughout the day, New Belgium Brewing raises money for local cycling advocacy groups and other non-profit organizations, making it a celebration that gives back to the community.

How did Tour de Fat start and how has it changed over the years?

Tour de Fat started in 2000 in Fort Collins, Colorado, as a small, local event organized by New Belgium Brewing. It was initially conceived as a way to promote cycling as a fun and sustainable mode of transportation. Over the years, it has grown from a local gathering to a nationwide phenomenon, captivating cyclists and beer enthusiasts across the United States. The festival’s reputation spread, and New Belgium decided to take it on the road, bringing the Tour de Fat experience to other cities.

How can I participate in Tour de Fat?

Participating in Tour de Fat is easy and fun! The first step is to find a Tour de Fat event near you. Check the New Belgium Brewing website or social media channels for the dates and locations of upcoming events. They typically announce the schedule well in advance, so you’ll have plenty of time to plan.

Once you’ve found an event, the next step is to grab your bike and create a costume! The costumed bike parade is a central part of Tour de Fat, so get creative and show off your personality. Whether you want to dress up as a superhero, an animal, or something completely unique, the most important thing is to have fun and express yourself.

Most Tour de Fat events are free to attend, but some may require tickets for certain activities or areas. Be sure to check the event details for any specific requirements. If you’re interested in volunteering at Tour de Fat, reach out to the local organizers. They’re always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with various tasks, such as setting up the event, pouring beer, and assisting with the bike parade. Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the community and support a great cause.

What impact does Tour de Fat have on the community?

Tour de Fat has a significant impact on the cycling community and the broader movement for sustainable living. By promoting cycling as a fun and accessible mode of transportation, the festival has helped to encourage more people to get on two wheels and reduce their reliance on cars. The money raised at Tour de Fat events has also provided critical support for local cycling advocacy groups, helping them to build bike infrastructure, promote cycling safety, and advocate for policies that support cyclists.

Is Tour de Fat just about drinking beer?

While craft beer is certainly a part of the Tour de Fat experience, it's important to remember that the festival is about much more than just drinking. New Belgium Brewing organizes Tour de Fat as a way to promote cycling as a sustainable and fun mode of transportation. The event aims to create a sense of community while raising awareness and funds for local cycling organizations.

The festival features a costumed bike parade, live music, bike-themed entertainment, and various activities that celebrate cycling culture and sustainable living. The proceeds from beer sales and other activities go directly to supporting local cycling advocacy groups and non-profit organizations. New Belgium encourages responsible drinking and promotes alternative transportation options to reduce environmental impact.