Fair season is in full swing on the Western Slope. The Mesa County Fair wraps up as Montrose celebrates its 140th fair, plus Lee Brice, Asleep at the Wheel, Palisade wine events, markets, live music and more. Here’s what to do July 17–19.
It’s officially fair season, neighbors. Grab your hats, because the Mesa County Fair is heading into its big final stretch just as Montrose County kicks off its historic 140th annual celebration. Whether you're looking for live country music by the river, vintage western swing downtown, or a quiet afternoon tasting local blends in the Palisade vineyards, there is plenty happening across the valley over the next three days.
Mesa County Fair — Mesa County Fairgrounds, 2785 US-50, Grand Junction · The fair's final weekend stretch features carnival rides, a live chainsaw sculptor, 4-H livestock displays, and Rodeo Night in the Grandstands. Continues through Saturday.
Lee Brice: Live in Concert — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park, Grand Junction, 8 p.m. · The "I Drive Your Truck" hitmaker headlines the riverfront stage, with Grace Tyler opening.
Asleep at the Wheel — Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, 8 p.m. · The Texas western-swing legends roll into downtown Grand Junction on their Riding High Tour.
Ian Janco Live — Riverside Pub Patio, Grand Junction, 7–9 p.m. · Free live music on the outdoor patio with local food and drink specials all evening.
Lilo & Stitch: Movies Under the Stars — Glade Park Volunteer Fire Dept. Arena · Grill opens at 6 p.m., movie starts at dusk · A classic community tradition. Head up the monument for pre-show volleyball, hay rides, cornhole, and bingo before the movie rolls under the desert sky.
Mesa County Fair (Final Day Finale) — Mesa County Fairgrounds, Grand Junction · Last call for the carnival midway, fair food, and the grand finale: the Monster Truck Show taking over the Grandstands (performances at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.).
Powderhorn Mountain Trail Climb 5K & 15K — Powderhorn Mountain Resort, Mesa · Challenge yourself on the Stagecoach Trail; the 5K route gains over 1,500 vertical feet directly to the top of the Flattop Flyer lift.
Farmers Market at Cross Orchards — Cross Orchards Historic Site, Grand Junction, 8 a.m.–noon · Fresh local produce, baked goods, and handmade artisan items, plus historic train rides through the orchard loops.
Downtown Grand Junction Plant Walk — Downtown Grand Junction Visitor Center, 9–10:30 a.m. · A locally guided morning stroll exploring the unique trees, flora, and greenery lining Main Street.
Saturday Morning Music Sessions — Triple Play Records, Downtown Grand Junction, 10 a.m.–noon · A free weekly community showcase featuring intimate acoustic sets from local and regional musicians.
The Jeremy McComb Honky-Tonk Circus Tour — Clubhouse 25 at Tiara Rado Golf Course, Grand Junction · Billed as the ultimate high-energy '90s country experience.
40 Oz to Freedom (Sublime Tribute) — Mesa Theater, 538 Main St, Grand Junction, 8 p.m. · The premier Sublime tribute band brings classic California ska-punk vibes to the downtown stage.
Carboy Summer Craft Fair — Carboy Winery, 3572 G Rd, Palisade, 12–6 p.m. · Browse two dozen local Western Slope vendors showcasing handmade jewelry, home goods, and unique art in the winery's backyard garden.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail: Back to the Big Screen — The Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, 3 p.m. · Part of the historic theater's classic film series screening on the giant indoor screen.
🍷 Palisade Wine Country Spotlights: It is a massive weekend in the vineyards. Colterris Winery kicks off its Summer Sunsets series Friday and Saturday (6:30–9:30 p.m.) with a Petty Nicks Experience and Disco Revue double feature. Carboy Winery is keeping busy by hosting a Get Lit candle-making workshop Friday (5–7 p.m.) alongside their free Backyard Beats live music on Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, Restoration Vineyards welcomes Two Crows for Comfort for their popular Band in the Barrel series on Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.—remember to bring a blanket or lawn chair.
📚 Mesa County Libraries Weekend Book Sale: The Friends of Mesa County Libraries are holding their weekend sale Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church (1425 N. 5th St, Grand Junction). Children’s and teen books are buy-one-get-one-free for all Summer Reading program participants, with 100% of proceeds directly supporting local library initiatives.
Mesa County Look Ahead: Downtown Grand Junction’s annual Summer Block Party lands next Friday, July 24, and rising country star Ian Munsick plays the Las Colonias Amphitheater on July 29.
Montrose County Fair & Rodeo (Opening Day) — Montrose County Fairgrounds, 1001 N 2nd St · The historic 140th annual fair officially kicks off nine days of livestock exhibitions, traditional rodeos, and family-friendly carnival entertainment. Runs daily through July 25.
Annual Fair Parade — Historic Downtown Montrose, 7 p.m. · The community turns out along Main Street to celebrate local agriculture and officially open the fair week.
Fair Open-Class Judging Entries — Montrose Event Center, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. both days · Stop by to view the region's finest community-submitted quilts, home crafts, photography, and garden bounty on display for official judging.
Arena Events: J$ Cattle Company Team Roping — Fairgrounds Outdoor Arena, Saturday at 5 p.m. · Fast-paced team roping action serves as the centerpiece for Saturday’s evening grandstand entertainment.
📚 Montrose Book Club Meetups: The Adult Book Club meets Friday from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Montrose Regional Library. On Saturday morning, head over to the Montrose Center for the Arts from 9:30 to 11 a.m. for the Inner Covers Book Club—a specialized monthly meetup designed specifically for art and literature lovers.
Montrose County Look Ahead: Fair week schedule highlights include the community Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry on Friday, July 24, with the official CPRA Rodeo events and the Junior Livestock Auction closing out the weekend.
Community Fair for Water Conservation — Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (GMAEC), 195 W Main St, Cedaredge, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. · A vital local gathering offering practical, expert-led workshops on water-wise landscaping, drought resilience, and local conservation strategies.
Two Crows for Comfort: Live in Concert — GMAEC, Cedaredge, 6–8:30 p.m. · Catch this acclaimed Canadian folk duo for an intimate indoor performance Friday night before they head down the mountain for their Saturday afternoon vineyard set in Palisade.
