5 Minute Read
Celebrate May 2026 and Memorial Day Weekend in Grand Junction with unforgettable events and festivals! Not only is there plenty to do over Memorial Day Weekend, but weekends leading up to Memorial Day are packed with iconic events, so now is the time to make plans. We’ve made it easy for you – from a variety of events to choose from to affordable hotel accommodations. Check out the full list of events in Grand Junction on the Grand Junction Event Calendar.
Spring Fling Festival
Celebrate a milestone in Grand Junction at the Spring Fling Festival: A 60th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Cross Orchards Historic Site. Set among blooming orchards, this family-friendly event kicks off the Museums of Western Colorado’s 60th year with a full lineup of experiences, including unlimited train rides, guided tours, historic demonstrations, live music, local vendors, and hands-on activities for all ages. Food trucks, fresh treats, and spring-ready hanging flower baskets add to the festive atmosphere, while a special community celebration moment honors six decades of history and looks ahead to what’s next.
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Spring Fling, Cross Orchards Historic Site: May 2, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Grand Valley River Fest
Photo by: Elizabeth Fortushniak
Dive into the excitement at the 5th Annual Grand Valley River Fest on May 16 from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., engaging the community on all aspects related to local waterways, stewardship, boater safety, and recreation. Enjoy live music from Charles ChuckJay Walker; Schaffer Brothers Band who blend blues, rock and Americana seamlessly; and Stray Grass, a famous bluegrass band who has travelled the world.
With the comfortably warm weather upon us, it’s the perfect time to grab a local brew from the beer garden—Trail Life Brewing, Ramblebine Brewing Co., and Palisade Brewing Company. Vino more your style? Carlson Vineyards will be pouring their award-winning wine, as well. For nourishment, stop by one of the many food trucks, including Mount Garfield Mexican Food, Nomad Bowlz, Smokey Bonez BBQ, Bravo’s, and Sweet Treats. Then relax on the lawn at Las Colonias Park. During the band breaks, peruse the Community Gear Swap. Grand Junction is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, so there will be a variety of gear and passionate locals happy to chat with you. There’s more! Stretch with the SUP yoga group, paddle board jousting, compete at the cornhole tournament, and try to be the lucky duck at the rubber ducky scramble. One of the prizes is a Hala paddleboard! Admission is free, and pre-registration is required for specific events.
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Grand Valley River Fest, Las Colonias Park: May 16, 2026
JUCO - Junior College World Series
Get ready to witness the next generation of Major League Baseball stars be discovered at the Junior College World Series! This premier Grand Junction event brings together MLB scouts and top nationwide collegiate talent for a showdown of skill, determination, and sportsmanship. Every game, held at Sam Suplizio Field, is a thrilling display of athleticism and teamwork, from nail-biting extra innings to jaw-dropping home runs. Watch these young athletes chase their dreams and leave it all on the field to pursue championship glory. Buy some peanuts and Cracker Jacks and create lifelong memories at the Junior College World Series!
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JUCO: May 23 – May 29 or 30, 2026 (the final game is dependent on how the tournament bracket ends up.
Colorado Stampede PRCA Pro Rodeo
Get ready to experience the excitement of the award-winning Colorado Stampede PRCA Pro Rodeo in Grand Junction, Colorado, Memorial Day Weekend 2026! From the thunderous hooves of bareback riding to the lightning-fast action of barrel racing, this rodeo promises heart-pounding thrills and unforgettable moments. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the events start at 7:00 p.m. at the Mesa County Fairgrounds. Feel the tension as courageous cowboys take on snorting, twisting bulls for eight seconds. Marvel at the precision of roping events and watch the lassos fly. Beyond the exhilarating competitions, the Colorado Stampede celebrates the spirit of the Wild West. If you're seeking an experience that blends athleticism with Western heritage, look no further than the Colorado Stampede PRCA Pro Rodeo.
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Colorado Stampede PRCA Pro Rodeo at Mesa County Fairgrounds, May 22 – May 24, 2026
Mesa Theater Events
Mesa Theater is a premier live entertainment and events venue in Downtown Grand Junction. This iconic and historic locale hosts an eclectic array of performances, from concerts featuring local and national bands across various genres like rock, country, and indie, to comedy shows, theatrical productions, and community events. With its intimate yet dynamic atmosphere and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, Mesa Theater always delivers unforgettable experiences. Check out these two bands leading up to Memorial Day Weekend!
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The Garcia Project: May 02, 2026 | Doors: 7:00 p.m. | Show: 8:00 p.m.
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Levitation Room, Billy and the Dreamboats: May 8, 2026 | Doors: 7:00 p.m. | Show: 8:00 p.m.
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Cryptic Writings: May 16, 2026 | Doors: 7:00 p.m. | Show: 8:00 p.m.
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Deathslope Music Festival: May 21 – 24, 2026
The Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park
Dust off your cowboy hat and boots, and head to the Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park and catch country singer Billy Currington perform live. Billy has spent two decades topping the country charts across platinum-certified albums with 12 No. 1 singles including “People Are Crazy.” His lineup of popular songs also includes “Good Directions,” “Must Be Doin’ Something Right,” “Do I Make You Wanna,” and more.
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Billy Currington, May 2, 2026 | Gates: 6:30 p.m. | Show: 7:30 p.m.
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Turnpike Troubadours Wild America Tour, May 22, 2026 | Gates: 6:00 p.m. | Show: 7:00 p.m.
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Brothers Osborne, June 26, 2026 | Gates: 6:30 p.m. | Show: 7:30 p.m.
Two Rivers Winery & Chateau - Music in the Grapevines
Prepare for an enchanting handcrafted acoustic Americana evening at the scenic Two Rivers Winery & Chateau! As you enter the Chateau, it feels like you’ve been transported to a French villa. Gates open at 6 p.m., allowing you to settle in with a delightful picnic dinner before the music kicks off at 7:00 p.m. Sip on exquisite wines from Two Rivers Winery & Chateau, available by the glass or bottle, as you immerse yourself in the soulful tunes under the open sky.
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Stray Grass, May 19, 2026 | Gates: 6:00 p.m. | Show: 7:00 p.m.
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Queen Bees, June 16, 2026 | Gates: 6:00 p.m. | Show: 7:00 p.m.
Whitewater Hill Vineyards
Slow it down and take a break at a local winery. Sip & Stitch Tuesdays at Whitewater Hill Vineyards celebrates creativity, community, and connection. Whether knitting a cozy scarf, embroidering a masterpiece, or scripting calligraphy, this gathering welcomes all crafters with open arms. Mingle with fellow artisans and share your passion projects. Amidst the artsy atmosphere, indulge in the delicious potluck offerings – bring something you would like to share (not required). Glasses of wine are discounted at 25%, and every sip becomes a toast to the joy of creation and the camaraderie found in crafting. Come as you are, bring your creativity and your latest project and let Sip & Stitch Tuesdays ignite your imagination.
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Sip & Stitch Tuesdays – Every Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Food Truck Fridays
Enjoy live music and tempt your palate with a variety of savory and sweet options. Bring in a blanket and enjoy a serene picnic. The event is from 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
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Las Colonias Park, June 5, 2026
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29 & D Road, June 12, 2026
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Reed Park in Fruita, June 26, 2026
Mama Ree's Cowboy Bar - After Dark Country Night
Step into Grand Junction's vibrant country scene at Mama Ree's Cowboy Bar After Dark for the ultimate Country Night experience! Get ready to kick up your heels on the massive dance floor as you swing to all your favorite country tunes. Cheers to the drink specials and connect with fellow country music enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned two-stepper or just looking to let loose and have a good time, Mama Ree's After Dark promises an evening filled with great music and a western beat with a bit of twang. Mama Ree's goes country every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. Need some help learning to line dance? They offer lessons on Saturdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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Country Night at Mama Ree’s After Dark: Every Thursday – Saturday, 7:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
For more events in Grand Junction, check out the official Grand Junction event calendar!
Grand Junction has a variety of affordable lodging, from hotels to motels, B&Bs to vacation homes, RV parks to campsites, so you can afford to stay an extra night or two!
For more events throughout the year, check out pages 42 - 43 of the Official Grand Junction Adventure Guide.
