Bluegrass music just seems to fit in Colorado. Its rhythmic tunes have a deep connection to nature, and a more laid-back lifestyle, which is easy for many Coloradan to identify with. The town of Palisade embraces those values too, making it a perfect fit for a Blue Grass Festival.
Photo by Palisade Bluegrass Festival
Palisade is nestled along the Colorado River and the Book Cliffs. This little town is home to 26 wineries, dozens of orchards, and plenty of trails for hiking and biking, all the good things in life. Basically, there is no better place to enjoy a music festival than in Palisade at Riverbend Park. Lush green grass with shady oak trees and a cool breeze from the river, a glass of local wine in hand while listening to good music plus one of the most beautiful surroundings in the state? The Palisade Bluegrass Festival has it all.
Photo by Palisade Bluegrass Festival
Since Colorado and Bluegrass go together so well, it's no surprise that many talented bands are from Colorado. Everyone performing on the first night of the festival is a Colorado local. Catch native acts all day like Wood Belly, Chain Station, The Lonesome Days, and Rapidgrass. Whatever you do, don't miss the Palisade Super Jam, where artists from different bands come together on stage to play along in a spontaneous jam.
The next two days of the Palisade Bluegrass Festival are filled with headliners like the Shook Twins, The Lil Smokies, Rising Appalachia, and more. Check out the event listing for a full line up!
Photo by Palisade Bluegrass Festival
With good music filling the air, wet your whistle with a bourbon tasting from Peach Street Distillers, a Palisade born and bred distillery known for their micro batch libations like their highly sought-after Pear Brandy. Head distiller, Davy Lindig will host the tasting. He'll walk you through how whiskey is made along with some of the subtle differences to look for when tasting whiskey. Try their bierschnaps, various ages of bourbon, along with a malt whiskey and a smoked rye. Be prepared to pick up a bottle or two of your own.
Photo by @peachstreetdistillers
From Riverbend Park, hop in a kayak and paddle around on the river to get a whole new perspective on the venue. If you’re feeling up for a challenge, put your inner balance to the test with a yoga class on stand-up paddle boards.
Photo by @gofruita
Immerse yourself in good music, wholehearted activities, local food and drinks, and all things Colorado at the Palisade Bluegrass Festival!
Check out page 38 of the Grand Junction Adventure Guide to find more events happening this year!
