From food drives and city forums to craft shows, film nights, and business workshops, communities across the Western Slope are offering real ways to connect this month. Here’s where to volunteer, learn something new, and show up locally.
From food relief and fundraisers to film nights, business boot camps, and spring seed swaps, here are ways to plug into community life across the Western Slope.
📍 530 Main Street
🗓 Now through February 28
Donate unopened, non-perishable food items and receive 1% off per item donated (up to 20% off one regular-priced item). Donations support the Clifton Christian Church food bank.
Give a little, save a little, and help restore hope locally.
📍 Chow Down, 225 E Aspen Ave
Support The Gift of Love Inc., which distributes over 5,000 pounds of pet food annually to seniors, low-income families, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Donations accepted all month.
📅 February 28 | 5:00 PM
📍 The Association, 39 W Main St
Hosted by Friends of the Black Canyon. Proceeds support wildlife-safe fence removal following recent fires. Features live music from The Black Canyon Boys and includes a one-of-a-kind hand-painted teepee auction piece inspired by the Black Canyon.
📅 February 21, 2026
📍 Lake San Cristobal
All proceeds benefit Hinsdale County Search and Rescue.
Check-in: 6:30 AM
Fishing begins: 7:30 AM
Awards: 1:00 PM
Entry fee: $20
Optional BBQ lunch: $15 (delivered to your fishing spot)
Each participant receives one raffle ticket; additional tickets available for $5. Prizes awarded for top three largest live-length game fish.
📅 February 23 | 12:00–1:00 PM
📍 Ouray County Ranch History Museum
A CSU Extension lunch-and-learn exploring local ranch history and traditions. February speakers include Terry and Jenny Galloway and Karen Fay of Fournier Ranch.
Includes a hot lunch inspired by regional flavors. Minimum 5 attendees required.
🎟 Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hearing-from-your-local-ranchers-registration-1981791426505
📅 February 20 | 9:00–10:00 AM
📍 BIC FWorks, 325 E Aspen Ave
Rebecca Wallace of CommWest leads a session on daily cybersecurity habits that reduce risk and protect small businesses. Hosted in collaboration with Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by Aspen Street Coffee.
Free and open to entrepreneurs and business leaders.
📅 February 21 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
📍 434 S 1st St
For aspiring and current vendors. Covers marketing, booth setup, liability insurance, food certifications, and small business resources.
Register:
www.valleyfoodpartnership.org
📅 February 20 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📅 February 21 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Friendship Hall, Montrose County Fairgrounds
Over 70 vendors offering handmade goods, gifts, and seasonal décor. Hourly door prizes. Free admission.
Vendor info:
📞 970-531-2438
📧 montrosefootwear@aol.com
📅 February 24
Doors: 6:00 PM | Films: 6:30 PM
📍 The Sherbino, 604 Clinton St
An inspiring lineup of women-led adventure films including Run Antarctica: Beyond Limits and MoCrazyStrong.
🎟 $12 advance | $15 at door
📍 Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley
A bold and unforgettable performance by Three Sisters Theatre Company exploring identity, resilience, and voice.
🎟 $10 advance | $12 at door
https://threesisterstheatreco.com/event/vagina-monologues-2/
📅 February 28
📍 Ouray Elks Lodge, 421 Main St
Authentic Cajun dinner including jambalaya, seafood boil, gumbo, king cake, and live music from Alpine Jam.
💲 $30 single | $50 couple
Share seeds, swap varieties, and get ready for planting season
Spring is around the corner, and Mesa County Libraries are once again hosting their annual Seed Exchange — a community tradition that brings gardeners together to share, trade, and plan for the growing season.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, you’re invited to browse seed selections, exchange extras from last year, and gather tips from fellow growers. No seeds are required to participate.
All events run 10:00 AM – Noon
• Wednesday, March 4 – Orchard Mesa Branch Library
• Saturday, March 7 – Palisade, Collbran, and Fruita Branch Libraries
• Thursday, March 12 – Gateway Branch Library
• Saturday, March 14 – Central, Clifton, and De Beque Branch Libraries
The Seed Exchange is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit:
https://mesacountylibraries.org
📅 February 20 | 9:00 AM
📍 512 E Main Street
Free children’s books and homeschool curriculum swap. Bring books to donate if you’d like, but not required.
📅 Starts March 8 | Sundays 9:00–10:00 AM
📍 9826 2150 Rd
Hosted by Dare to Dream Inc. Learn horse anatomy, tack basics, riding skills, and enjoy a final trail ride and picnic.
💲 $100 | Scholarships available
📞 970-708-5036
📅 February 26 | 8:00–11:00 AM
📍 302 Pitkin Avenue
Hosted by CDPHE. Routine adult vaccines available including influenza, hepatitis A & B, HPV, meningitis, MMR, pneumonia, polio, shingles, and Tdap.
Advance registration encouraged:
https://my.primary.health/r/colovax-llc-denver
Full clinic calendar:
https://cdphe.colorado.gov/mobilepublichealth
