Winefest returns to Palisade, Montrose hosts ranch rodeo finals and a free punk festival, and Glenwood Springs welcomes Octoberfest. Find concerts, community gatherings and outdoor events across the Western Slope for September 18–20.
Palisade’s Winefest is taking a smaller, more food-focused approach for its 35th anniversary, while Montrose has two nights of ranch rodeo and a free Saturday punk festival. In Glenwood Springs, the weekend brings a trail race, a community suicide-prevention walk and the first of four Octoberfest Saturdays at Glenwood Caverns.
Here are options for September 18–20, with links to event details and registration.
Death Comes for Us All! at Mesa Theater
Within Oblivion headlines Friday’s show, with Grove Ritual, Borne of Execration and Burning Through Darkness also on the bill. Doors open at 7 p.m.; music starts at 8 p.m. Listed admission is $20. Mesa Theater is at 538 Main St. in Grand Junction. Tickets and details
Wine Festivus at Colterris
The Long Run brings its Eagles tribute show to Colterris Winery for the first of two evenings. Gates open at 6 p.m., with music at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket; food trucks will be on site.
The concert is at 3907 N. River Road in Palisade and is for ages 21 and older. Tickets are sold by date. The advertised $45 rate is for members, so check the ticket listing for general admission pricing. A second concert takes place Saturday. Event details
Tour de Vineyards
Start the day on two wheels with a choice of 23- or 58-mile routes through wine country. The shorter ride follows the Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway; the longer option adds a loop over Reeder Mesa.
Both routes start and finish in downtown Palisade, with a rolling start between 7 and 8 a.m. Packet pickup and other morning activities begin at 6 a.m. near Third and Main streets. Registration is required, and a ride registration does not include Winefest admission. Routes and registration
Downtown Grand Junction Car Show
The 25th annual Downtown Car Show, presented by ColorAuto Detailing, brings antique, muscle and classic cars to Main Street between Third and Seventh streets. Motorcycles and electric vehicles are part of the mix, too.
The show runs through 3 p.m. The organizer’s page lists conflicting morning start times, so check before planning an early visit. Event details
Colorado Mountain Winefest
Winefest returns to Riverbend Park in Palisade with capacity reduced to fewer than 2,000 guests and more emphasis on food alongside the wine. Signature admission includes wine tastings and access to the CMU Tech Culinary Showcase.
The main session begins at noon. Reserved ticket holders can enter at 11 a.m. and receive additional benefits, including access to a shaded pavilion. All attendees must be at least 21 and bring valid identification. Check the official ticket page for current prices and availability. Winefest tickets and details
Stillhouse Junkies at Mesa Theater
Saturday’s bill pairs Stillhouse Junkies with the Clayton Yeazle Trio for an evening of bluegrass. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the show begins at 8 p.m. Listed tickets are $18–$20. Mesa Theater is at 538 Main St. in Grand Junction. Tickets and details
Naturita Adult Book Club
Naturita Library’s adult book club meets from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Check with the library for the current selection and information about joining the discussion. Library calendar
Mountain States Ranch Rodeo Finals
The finals begin at 5:30 p.m. at Montrose County Fairgrounds, with a second evening scheduled for Saturday at the same time. The series brings working ranch teams together for competition. Check with the organizer for admission information. Official schedule
Inner Covers Book Club
The group meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Montrose Center for Arts, 11 S. Park Ave., to discuss The Last Painting of Sara de Vos by Dominic Smith.
Note the location: the library’s calendar lists the main branch at 320 S. Second St. as closed Saturday, September 19. Library calendar
Punk on the Unc
KVNF’s first Punk on the Unc brings music, skating, food vendors and art to Riverbottom Park and the Montrose Skatepark, 205 Apollo Road. The festival runs from noon to 7 p.m. and is free and open to all ages.
Music begins at 1 p.m. with Minor Malfunction. The afternoon lineup also includes Drug School, Down Valley Trash, Black Dots and Pitch Invasion. Bring a skateboard if you want to skate, or come for the music and food. Full lineup and details
Mountain States Ranch Rodeo Finals, second night
Competition continues at Montrose County Fairgrounds at 5:30 p.m. Official schedule
Sunlight Showdown Half Marathon
The trail half marathon takes runners into Babbish Gulch at Sunlight Mountain Resort. The event is listed for 8 a.m.–3 p.m., with bib pickup from 7 to 7:45 a.m. in the main lodge.
Register ahead: there is no race-day registration. The organizer lists one aid station, at mile 8.5, with water and electrolyte mix. Registration and race information
Western Slope Out of the Darkness Walk
The ninth annual walk begins at 11 a.m. at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs. Organized by the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Garfield County in coordination with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the family-friendly event raises awareness and funds for suicide prevention in Colorado. County announcement
Octoberfest at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Glenwood Caverns opens its Octoberfest season with music from the Alpine Echo Band, German-inspired food and seasonal craft beers. Saturday’s event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the park, 51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road.
Check the park’s ticket options before going. Octoberfest continues September 26, October 3 and October 10. Park events and tickets
Tony Furtado Trio in Cedaredge
Close out the weekend with the Tony Furtado Trio at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center, 195 W. Main St. The concert runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Check the venue for current ticket prices and availability. Concert information
Schedules and ticket availability can change. Check the linked organizer pages before heading out.
