It’s a massive weekend for live music and local fun across the Western Slope. We’ve got bluegrass royalty down on the riverbank, rock legends saying a historic farewell on Main Street, and a whole lot of community spirit to go around. Whether you are hunting for a new book, a custom hat, or even a new four-legged best friend, here is your definitive guide to making the most of your weekend.
Mesa County is the undisputed hub of the action this weekend, boasting two massive national touring acts playing on the same night, alongside local festivals and wine country events.
Friday, August 14
Kick off your weekend in downtown Grand Junction or head out to the vineyards:
- Main Street Cosplay Quest: Grab your favorite costume and head downtown from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. This scavenger-hunt-style event is a blast for all ages—just dress up, show up, and join in the fun.
- Bubbles & Brims Hat-Making Workshop: If you prefer sipping to scavenging, Carboy Winery at Mt. Garfield Estate in Palisade is hosting Laredo Hat Bar from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Build a custom hat while enjoying a glass of sparkling wine.
- American Vampires Premiere Screening: Catch this highly anticipated local premiere of a Grand Junction-made horror film right in the heart of downtown at the Avalon Theatre (645 Main St.) at 7:30 p.m.
- Struggle Jennings: Looking to turn things up? The country-rap heavyweight rolls through the Mesa Theater (538 Main St.) at 8:00 p.m.
- Friends of the Mesa County Libraries Book Sale: Stock your shelves early! From 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 1425 N. 5th St. (across from GJHS), you can find used books, DVDs, and CDs at giveaway prices. (Runs Friday and Saturday; cash, check, or Venmo accepted).
Saturday, August 15
Saturday night is a rare treat for Grand Junction music lovers, with two iconic shows happening simultaneously:
- Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas: Catch absolute bluegrass royalty playing right on the banks of the Colorado River at the Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., with tickets starting around $60.
- Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour: Don't miss these rock and funk legends taking their goodbye lap at the Avalon Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show at 7:30 p.m.
- Neurodiversity Expo: Earlier in the day, discover incredible community resources and connect with local organizations at the Grand Junction Convention Center from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration is required at www.nextstepsneurodiversity.com.
- Saturday Morning Music Sessions: Enjoy free, laid-back live music at Triple Play Records from 10:00 a.m. to noon—the perfect pairing for your Saturday morning farmers-market stroll.
- Soul Habit — Band in the Barrel: Spend the afternoon grooving to free live soul and funk in the barrel room at Restoration Vineyards in Palisade from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Reservations for 90-minute seating slots are highly encouraged.
Sunday, August 16
- Peaches & Pooches Adoption Day: Cap off a very Palisade Sunday with peaches and wine at Carboy Winery at Mt. Garfield Estate from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. Looking to expand your family? Happy Little Rescue will have adoptable dogs on-site from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Cancerslug: Not ready for Monday yet? Close out your weekend with some high-energy punk rock downtown at the Mesa Theater at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 15
- Annual Monte De Rosas Fiesta: Head down to La Raza Park (630 N. Ute Ave.) starting at 12:00 p.m. for music, amazing food, and a massive community celebration right in the heart of Montrose.
- Library Updates: Heads up for bookworms—the Montrose Regional Library main branch is closed Saturdays this season (though they are open Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.). The Naturita branch is open all weekend if you need your book fix!
Garfield & Delta Counties: Mountaintops and Main Streets
Friday, August 14 (Delta County)
- Fullerton & Friel in Concert: Take a beautiful drive to the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center in Cedaredge for a free outdoor evening of live music from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 15 (Garfield County)
- Music on the Mountain: The Burroughs: Ride the gondola up and dance with a view at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Catch some high-energy funk and soul on the mountaintop. Your $5 event ticket (valid after 5:00 p.m.) benefits a local nonprofit.
Looking Ahead to Next Week
Pace yourself, because next weekend is just as packed! The Palisade Peach Festival hits Riverbend Park next Friday and Saturday, August 21–22, featuring a peach-eating contest, live music, and all the cobbler you can carry. Meanwhile, the Terrapin Road Show takes over Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs, and the Montrose Library will host talks on senior tech and renter's rights.
Get out there and enjoy the Western Slope this weekend!
