Welcome to this week's Western Slope Trellis weekend roundup. Big thanks to our volunteer contributors on the ground across the region for helping us pull together a heavy-hitting lineup for the first full weekend of August. Between First Friday taking over downtown Grand Junction, FUNC Fest hitting the water in Montrose, and the demolition derby closing out the Garfield County Fair, you've got some choices to make.
Here is what's happening.
Mesa County (Grand Junction, Fruita & Palisade)
Friday, Aug. 7
- First Friday Art Walk (Friday, Aug. 7, 6–9 p.m.): Downtown Grand Junction galleries and shops throw their doors open for the monthly art walk. If you want a guided experience, catch the free Legends of the Grand Valley sculpture tour between 6 and 8 p.m.
- Whitewater Hill Vineyards Winemaker Dinner (Friday, Aug. 7, 6:30 p.m.): Ristorante Pantuso (2782 Crossroads Blvd, Grand Junction) is hosting a multi-course peach harvest dinner paired with Whitewater Hill pours. You'll want to lock in a reservation for this one.
- Movies Under the Stars (Friday, Aug. 7, Grill at 6 p.m., movie at dusk): Head up to the Glade Park Volunteer Fire Department (16400 DS Rd., Glade Park) for one of the best summer traditions around. Play some volleyball and bingo, grab a burger, and catch Disney's Tarzan at dusk. All proceeds keep the fire crew running.
- Villains Voice Cabaret (Friday, Aug. 7, 7 p.m.): The bad guys get the spotlight at the Grand Valley Community Theatre (631 26 1/2 Rd., Grand Junction). Expect songs from Disney villains and Broadway antagonists. (Catch it Saturday at 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. if you miss Friday).
- Mesa County Libraries Book Sale & Party (Friday, Aug. 7): The main branch in Grand Junction hosts a Friends of the Library Weekend Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Later, the 970West Studio (502 Ouray Ave., Grand Junction) celebrates its 10th anniversary with an Open Mic and Tie-Dye party from 4 to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 8
- Farmers Market at Cross Orchards (Saturday, Aug. 8, 8 a.m.–Noon): Grab your weekly produce and baked goods, catch some live music, and let the kids ride the train at the Cross Orchards Historic Site (3073 F Rd., Grand Junction).
- Sensory Hour at Dinosaur Journey (Saturday, Aug. 8, 9–10 a.m.): A calmer, quieter hour with the dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Journey Museum (550 Jurassic Ct., Fruita). The museum lowers the lights and cuts the ambient noise for guests with sensory sensitivities.
- Back 2 School Bash (Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m.): Imondi Wake Zone (1583 Cipolla Rd., Fruita) hosts the fifth annual Dyslexia Foundation of Western Colorado fundraiser. Hit the aqua park, grab lunch from the food trucks, and check out the giveaways.
- Saturday Morning Music Sessions (Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m.–Noon): Free local music while you flip through vinyl at Triple Play Records (530 Main St., Grand Junction).
- Trail Life Brewing & Gear Junction Anniversary (Saturday, Aug. 8, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.): The sister businesses (436 Main St., Grand Junction) are celebrating ten years of gear and four years of beer with live music all day and a raffle for a $5,000 raft.
- Highline Lake State Park Star Party (Saturday, Aug. 8, Dusk): The Western Colorado Astronomy Club is setting up telescopes for a free night of stargazing at Highline Lake State Park in Loma. Beginners are highly encouraged.
- DED at Mesa Theater (Saturday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m.): Heavy, high-energy electronic and rock at the Mesa Theater (538 Main St., Grand Junction).
- Extra Credit Drag Show (Saturday, Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m.): Good Judy's (103 N. First St., Grand Junction) hosts a massive night of local drag performances and community celebration.
- Line Dancing at Mama Ree's (Saturday, Aug. 8, 8 p.m.): Show up early at Mama Ree's Cowboy Bar (2898 North Ave., Grand Junction) for a free lesson from 8 to 9 p.m. before the floor opens up for the night.
Sunday, Aug. 9
- Painted Trails Biodiversity Hike (Sunday, Aug. 9): A free, low-key guided hike focused on the native plants and ecology of the Grand Valley. Great for families and casual hikers.
- Beer Geek Trivia (Sunday, Aug. 9, 3–5 p.m.): Close out the weekend at Cruise Control Kitchen + Cellar (1221 N. 1st St., Grand Junction) testing your craft beer knowledge for prizes.
- IV and the Strange Band + Clownvis Presley (Sunday, Aug. 9, 8 p.m.): Outlaw country meets Americana at the Mesa Theater (538 Main St., Grand Junction).
Colorado Wine Country (Palisade)
- Friday, Aug. 7: Kick the weekend off with the Colterris Summer Sunsets concert featuring Dance Banditz at Colterris Winery (3907 North River Rd., Palisade), plus Wine & Whimsy—an afternoon vendor market at Carboy Palisade (3572 G Rd., Palisade).
- Saturday, Aug 8 & Sunday Aug 9: Carboy Palisade hosts Backyard Beats live music on Saturday, plus 11 a.m. outdoor yoga sessions on both Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Montrose County (Montrose)
FUNC Fest Weekend
- Friday, Aug. 7 (6 p.m.): The weekend launches with The Band of Heathens playing a free show at the Rotary Amphitheater in Cerise Park (Montrose).
- Saturday, Aug. 8 (8:30 a.m.): Head to the Montrose Water Sports Park at Riverbottom Park for water sports competitions, a massive food truck village, a beer garden, and an evening concert.
Saturday, Aug. 8
- Adult Prom Fundraiser (Saturday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m.): Dig out some formalwear and head to The Temple Events (511 E. Main St., Montrose) to support Mrs. Claus for a Cause.
- Libros y Chisme (Saturday, Aug. 8, 11:30 a.m.): The main library branch is closed Saturday, but the bilingual book club is meeting offsite at Ay! Chabela (1015 E. Main St., Montrose).
Garfield County (Rifle, Glenwood Springs & Carbondale)
Things are a little quiet in Glenwood Springs and Carbondale this weekend as we wait for the fall festival season to kick in, but Rifle is going loud for the final days of the Garfield County Fair & Rodeo at the Garfield County Fairgrounds (1001 Railroad Ave., Rifle).
- Friday, Aug. 7: Sawyer Brown and Casey Donahew take the stage for the headlining country concert.
- Saturday, Aug. 8: The demolition derby closes out the fair under the stadium lights.
Worth the Drive: Delta County (Cedaredge)
Friday, Aug. 7
- Broadbooks & The Ordinary Two (Friday, Aug. 7, 6–8:30 p.m.): If you want a scenic evening drive, Cedaredge is hosting a fantastic free outdoor concert at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (195 W. Main St., Cedaredge). Catch folk harmonies from Broadbooks and indie-jazz from The Ordinary Two, with food provided by Cat's on Main.
