Things to Do in Grand Junction, Montrose, and the Western Slope: April 16–30 Events Guide

The second half of April brings a packed calendar across the Western Slope, with rodeos, sustainability festivals, career events, outdoor activities, and community gatherings happening across Grand Junction, Montrose, Palisade, and surrounding areas.

Whether you’re looking for a major weekend event or a smaller way to connect locally, here’s a detailed guide to what’s happening April 16 through April 30.

Featured Events and Large Gatherings

Maverick Stampede Rodeo

📅 April 17–18
📍 Mesa County Fairgrounds, Grand Junction

Colorado Mesa University’s annual Maverick Stampede Rodeo brings college athletes from across the U.S. and Canada to compete for national rankings. Events begin at 6 p.m. both nights, with doors opening earlier for seating and concessions. Saturday includes a post-rodeo concert with food trucks and a beer garden, creating a full evening experience beyond the competition itself. General admission is $20, with free entry for children 10 and under.

Barrel into Spring (Wine Festival)

📅 April 17–18
📍 Multiple wineries, Palisade

This self-guided wine event invites visitors to explore seven Palisade wineries during one of the most scenic times of year in the valley. Attendees can sample wines straight from the barrel, enjoy curated food pairings, and access event-only discounts. The event runs Friday afternoon and continues Saturday during the day, making it easy to build a flexible itinerary.

👉 Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/barrel-into-spring-april-17-18-tickets-1980588707139

4th Annual Crime Stoppers Car Show

📅 April 18 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
📍 Mesa County Fairgrounds, Grand Junction

This annual event brings together classic cars, modern builds, and local enthusiasts while supporting Crime Stoppers’ public safety work in Mesa County. The event is designed to be family-friendly, offering a casual way to explore vehicles while connecting with community organizations.

Southwest Arbor Fest

📅 April 25 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
📍 Lincoln Park, Grand Junction

One of the region’s largest Earth Month celebrations, Arbor Fest combines environmental education with a full day of entertainment and activities. Residents can take home free tree seedlings, participate in sustainability programs, explore educational exhibits, and enjoy food trucks and live music throughout the day. The event also includes recycling opportunities and tree-related workshops, making it both practical and celebratory.

👉 Event details: http://gjpr.org/swaf

Community, Food, and Fundraising Events

Taste of the Grand Valley

📅 April 24
📍 Historic Lowell School Building, Grand Junction

This long-running fundraiser brings together local food trucks, wineries, and breweries for an evening of sampling and live music. Tickets include tastings across all participating vendors, with proceeds supporting United Way of Mesa County’s Community Impact Fund, which funds programs focused on financial stability, health, and youth opportunity.

👉 Tickets: http://www.tasteofthegv.com

Wine & Whiskers Benefit

📅 April 24 | 5–9 p.m.
📍 The Art Center, Grand Junction

Hosted by Roice-Hurst Humane Society, this reimagined fundraiser blends art, community, and animal welfare. The event features pet-inspired artwork, live screen printing, auctions, and interactive exhibits highlighting the role of animal shelters in the community. Food, wine, beer, and cocktails are included, making it both a social and cause-driven evening.

WingDings Spring Celebration BBQ & Potluck

📅 April 18 | 6 p.m.
📍 The Station, 201 South Avenue Grand Junction

A free, family-friendly spring celebration hosted by Peer-180, featuring a BBQ, potluck, Easter egg hunt, face painting, and flower planting. The event is designed to be welcoming and accessible, with activities for all ages and a strong emphasis on community connection.

Education, Careers, and Civic Engagement

Western Colorado Job Fair

📅 April 22 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
📍 Two Rivers Convention Center, Grand Junction

This large-scale job fair connects local employers with job seekers across multiple industries. Attendees are encouraged to bring resumes and be prepared to engage directly with hiring managers. The event is free and open to anyone exploring new opportunities or entering the workforce.

👉 More info: https://mesacounty.us/wfc

Restore the Balance Healthcare Roundtable

📅 April 21 | 7–9 p.m.
📍 Redlands Community Center, 2463 Broadway, Grand Junction

This structured discussion event gives attendees the chance to sit in small groups with healthcare professionals, including leaders from Marillac Health, Ava Health, and Mesa County Public Health. Participants rotate between tables, allowing for direct conversation and questions about healthcare access, policy, and local systems.

Colorado Archaeological Society Lecture

📅 April 22 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 Redlands United Methodist Church

This free lecture explores the history and modern applications of aerial archaeology, including recent projects across the Colorado Plateau. The presentation includes insights into how technology is reshaping archaeological research and preservation efforts.

Family, Youth, and Community Activities

Amazing Chemistry Show & Family Experience

📅 April 17 | 4:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 Monument Presbyterian Church, Grand Junction

This interactive science event combines hands-on activities with a live stage show featuring explosions, liquid nitrogen, and high-energy demonstrations. The event is designed for families, with a large pre-show activity area followed by a structured performance.

👉 Learn more: http://www.theamazingchemistryshow.com

Teen Self-Care Fair

📅 April 18 | Noon–3 p.m.
📍 Mesa County Central Library, 443 N 6th St, Grand Junction

A youth-centered event offering free food, hands-on activities, and opportunities to connect with local organizations and peers. The event focuses on wellness, creativity, and building supportive connections among teens.

Montrose Pre-Teen Art & Science Club

📅 April 30
📍 Montrose Regional Library

A monthly program designed for ages 8–12, combining art and science-based projects. This session focuses on creating sand mandalas, helping participants build fine motor skills while working collaboratively.

Outdoor and Active Events

Silkies Hike (Veterans Event)

📅 April 18 | 10 a.m.
📍 482 28 Road, Grand Junction

This free hike brings together veterans and service members for a relaxed, supportive outdoor experience. Participants are encouraged to connect, share stories, and build community in an informal setting.

📞 Register: (970) 257-3760
📧 Email: WROS@dmva.state.co.us

Kokopelli Trail Group Ride

📅 April 28 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
📍 Loma area

This guided group ride covers several popular trails, including Rustlers, Mary’s, and Wrangler. The ride is geared toward intermediate riders and includes optional extensions. Many participants gather afterward in Fruita for food and drinks, making it both a ride and a social outing.

For more information: Kokopelli Trail Meetup

👉 Trail info: https://www.trailforks.com/region/kokopelli-loops/

Food, Sustainability, and Lifestyle Events

Plant-Based Potluck

📅 April 19 | Noon–2 p.m.
📍 Grand Junction

A community potluck centered on plant-based eating and sustainability. Participants bring a dish to share, with an emphasis on whole-food, environmentally friendly ingredients. The event is open to all, from longtime vegans to those simply curious about sustainable eating.

For more information: Plant-Based Potluck Info

Earth Action Celebration

📅 April 23 | 4–7 p.m.
📍 Location: Flex Park at Colorado Outdoors (1309 Mayfly Dr, Montrose, CO 81401) 

A collaborative Earth Week event featuring nonprofit booths, environmental education, live music, and activities for kids. Attendees can learn about local conservation efforts, pick up gardening resources, and connect with organizations focused on land and river stewardship.