Free community event at Odell Brewing Company raises awareness and supports independent living services in Northern Colorado
Every day, people throughout Northern Colorado face barriers that can make it harder to live independently, access their communities, maintain housing, find transportation or receive the support they need. On Saturday, Aug. 29, Disabled Resource Services (DRS) invites the community to come together through music, inclusion and purpose at BluesFest 2026, a free community event benefiting people with disabilities throughout Larimer and Jackson counties.
BluesFest 2026 will take place from noon-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Odell Brewing Company, located at 800 E. Lincoln Ave. in Fort Collins. The event will feature live blues music, community partners, local businesses, volunteers and supporters coming together to celebrate accessibility, inclusion and the power of community.
This year’s theme, Disability Affects Everyone, highlights an important truth: disability touches every family, every workplace and every community.
“The theme of this year’s event is Disability Affects Everyone because disability is part of the human experience,” says Denise Mullhaupt, executive director of Disabled Resource Services. “Many people think of disability as something visible, such as the loss of vision or mobility. In reality, disability can include arthritis, chronic illness, mental health challenges, injuries or the natural changes that come with aging. At some point, most of us will experience disability ourselves or walk alongside someone who does. BluesFest is about bringing our community together to support independence, accessibility and the resources that help people continue living full and meaningful lives.”
Attendees will enjoy a full day of live music, featuring:
- Matthew Wilburn Skinner at noon
- Robert Wilson Blues Band at 2 p.m.
- Ruby Stew at 4 p.m.
- Johnny and the Mongruls at 6 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public, making it an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to come together in support of a stronger, more inclusive community.
While BluesFest is free to attend, community support is essential. Donations, sponsorships and event proceeds help fund programs that empower people with disabilities to live independently, including peer support, housing assistance, advocacy, independent living skills training, information and referral services and durable medical equipment loans. Every dollar raised helps remove barriers, create opportunities and strengthen independence for people throughout Northern Colorado.
“We see every day how the right support, resources and community connections can change lives,” Mullhaupt says. “When someone gains access to housing, receives needed equipment, learns new skills or finds support through peers who understand their experiences, it creates opportunities that can have a lasting impact. BluesFest helps make those opportunities possible.”
Disabled Resource Services is currently seeking event sponsors and community partners. Businesses interested in receiving recognition in event marketing materials are encouraged to commit their sponsorship by July 15 to ensure inclusion on event flyers, signage, promotional materials and social media campaigns.
Community members can learn more, become a sponsor, volunteer or support the event by contacting Disabled Resource Services at 970.667.0816 or visiting drsnoco.org.
