Western Slope Events

Best Things to Do in Grand Junction This Weekend

From live music at the Avalon to farmers markets in Palisade, here's how locals make the most of a weekend in the Grand Valley.

Make the Most of Your Grand Junction Weekend

The Grand Valley has a rhythm all its own. When the week winds down, locals know exactly where to go — and if you're new to the area, this guide will get you up to speed fast.

Start Saturday at the Downtown Farmers Market

When the season is running (typically May through October), the Downtown Grand Junction Farmers Market on Main Street is the heartbeat of the weekend. Local growers bring in everything from sweet Palisade peaches and Western Slope honey to fresh-cut flowers and handmade goods. Grab a breakfast burrito from one of the food vendors, pick up something for the week, and enjoy the street performer energy of downtown GJ on a Saturday morning.

Catch a Show at the Avalon Theatre

Built in 1923, the Avalon Theatre at 645 Main Street is one of Grand Junction's most beloved landmarks. Whether it's a touring band, a community theater production, or a special film screening, shows here feel genuinely special. Check the upcoming events calendar — weekends often have evening performances worth planning around.

Explore the Colorado National Monument

Just minutes from downtown, the Colorado National Monument offers some of the most dramatic high-desert scenery in the state. Rim Rock Drive is a 23-mile route past ancient canyon formations, with pullouts perfect for photos and picnics. Sunrise and sunset are magical here. Entry is $25 per vehicle or free with America the Beautiful passes.

Head to Fruita for Mountain Biking or a Cold One

Fruita is a quick 15-minute drive west and punches well above its weight in personality. It's one of the premier mountain biking destinations in Colorado — trails like Kokopelli and Mary's Loop attract riders from across the region. After a ride, Fruita Tavern on Mulberry Street is the place for live music, cold beer, and a burger.

Check Out What's Happening at Las Colonias

Las Colonias Amphitheater sits right along the Colorado River in Grand Junction and hosts an outdoor summer concert series that's become a warm-weather tradition for locals. When shows are on, the energy is hard to beat — bring your lawn chair, pack a cooler (rules vary by event), and settle in for an evening under the mesa.

Family Plans: Mesa County Libraries

If you're navigating a weekend with kids, Mesa County Libraries are an underrated resource. The Central Library in downtown Grand Junction runs Saturday programming including storytime, STEM activities, and teen events — all free. Check their events calendar ahead of the weekend.

Browse Events on WestSlopeEvents.com

The best way to know what's happening any given weekend is to check WestSlopeEvents.com. We aggregate events from across the Grand Valley — Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, Glenwood Springs, and beyond — so you can filter by date, city, or category and find exactly what fits your plans.