From Mother’s Day teas and farm tours to Fruita Adventure Fest, small business mixers, wine dinners, volunteer nights, and sustainability events, here are some of the top things to do across Colorado’s Western Slope through mid-May.
From volunteer nights and sustainability swaps to wine dinners, farm tours, family festivals, and small business networking, the first half of May offers one of the busiest community calendars of the spring across Grand Junction, Palisade, Fruita, Montrose, and Olathe. Here are some of the standout events happening across the region, with more details on what to expect and where to learn more.
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May 8 • Food Bank of the Rockies Family Night
698 Long Acre Drive, Grand Junction | 5:30 p.m.
This family-friendly volunteer evening invites community members of all ages to help pack and sort food for Western Slope residents experiencing hunger. Organizers are also planning kid-focused activities and additional surprises to make the night both meaningful and accessible for families. Registration available through Food Bank of the Rockies volunteer portal.
May 13 • Grand Valley Small Business Community Mixer
Blue Beryl Winery, 3587 G 7/10 Road, Palisade | 5–8 p.m.
A casual potluck and networking night designed for Western Slope entrepreneurs, makers, artists, and small business owners. Featured sessions include “Unlocking the Algorithm” with Courtney Hinrichs and Spencer Ingram’s “100K Hot Seat” business workshop. More information: www.theOpenMarket.co and https://thewest100.com/#hotseat
May 14 • Hilltop Community Resources Community Impact Social Hour
359 Main Street, Grand Junction | 5 p.m.
Hosted at Hilltop’s new downtown space, this event offers residents a chance to connect with community leaders, tour the transformed location, and build relationships around local impact.
May 14 • J&D Heirloom Seeds Farm Tour
60851 Gunnison Road, Montrose | 10 a.m.
Explore one of the Western Slope’s standout sustainable agriculture operations, with insights into heirloom seed preservation, greenhouse production, pasture-raised livestock, and regional food education.
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May 9 • Mother’s Day Tea
Western Colorado Shrine Club, 2400 Consistory Court, Grand Junction | 2–3 p.m.
Guests can enjoy a classic tea service featuring black, green, or hibiscus tea alongside scones and finger sandwiches in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Click for tickets
May 10 • Mother’s Day Moon Wreath Workshop
The Bloom Room, 445 Pitkin Avenue, Grand Junction | 1:30–3:30 p.m.
A hands-on creative workshop where participants can design moon-themed wreaths as gifts or keepsakes for Mother’s Day.
May 9 • Tabeguache 4-H Youth Fishing Derby
Corn Park, Olathe | 8 a.m. | $5 entry
A longtime community event featuring youth fishing, prizes, and breakfast options, offering a low-cost outdoor activity for families.
May 9 • National Train Day + Rods and Rails Classic Car Show
Grand Junction Union Depot, 119 Pitkin Avenue | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Free admission. Features classic cars, model railroads, food, and community organizations celebrating transportation history.
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May 9–10 • Fruita Adventure Fest at 18 Road
Fruita / 18 Road Trailhead
This spring recreation weekend includes mountain biking races, gravel rides, running events, camping, and social meetups around Fruita’s nationally known trail systems. Click for registration
May 10 • Humanists Doing Good Roadside Cleanup
23 Road / I-70 Business Loop, Grand Junction | 10 a.m.–Noon
Participants help clean an adopted highway section while supporting local environmental stewardship. Safety videos required before participation: https://www.codot.gov/programs/adopt-a-highway/videos
May 15 • Carboy Community Clothing Swap
Carboy Winery, 3572 G Road, Palisade | 2–7 p.m.
A free spring and summer clothing swap using a token-based system that encourages reuse, sustainable fashion, and local nonprofit donations.
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May 15 • Dinner with Alberto Grimaldi
Citrola’s Italian Restaurant, 759 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
A five-course paired dinner featuring acclaimed Barolo winemaker Alberto Grimaldi, including vertical tastings and single-vineyard selections. Visit here for tickets
May 5 • Sip & Stitch
Whitewater Hill Vineyards, 220 32 Road, Grand Junction | 3–6 p.m.
Bring knitting, crochet, painting, or other creative projects for a social craft gathering with 25% off wine by the glass.
May 17 • Plant Powered Potluck
3150 Lakeside Drive, Grand Junction | Noon–2 p.m.
A welcoming plant-based gathering for vegans, vegetarians, and curious newcomers focused on food, climate-conscious living, and community building. For more info
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May 13 • HDG Book Club
Spoons Bistro & Bakery, 3090 N 12th Street, Grand Junction | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
This discussion model encourages each attendee to present a different book, article, or piece of media, creating a broad exchange of ideas. RSVP Here
May 9 • Inner Covers Art Book Club
Montrose Center for Arts, 205 E. Main Street, Montrose | 9:30–11 a.m.
This month’s discussion centers on Building by Mark Ellison and welcomes both art lovers and intellectually curious readers.
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Residents may also want to bookmark:
• Grand Valley River Fest (May 16)
• West Slope Water Summit (May 19)
• Colorado Native Plant Society Annual Conference (May 22–24)
