GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.—September 2017—Sometimes, falling in love is easy: an awestruck first glance or a memorable first encounter. At other times, take a bit longer—say, 26 miles longer. Luckily, Grand Junction, Colorado has plenty of opportunities this fall for you to visit and fall in love, whether your passion is for vintage cars, high-flying airplanes, spectacular art or even a heart-pounding race. Here’s what to look forward to in Grand Junction this September, October and Novembe
Colorado Pork and Hops Challenge (Sept. 8-9, 2017)
Utilizing the NEW outdoor Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park located on the banks of the Colorado River, Pork and Hops brings together delicious BBQ and live music. Friday night features Stonefed and Kip Winger, while Saturday features Dessert Flyer Band, Boys of Summer and Restless Heart. http://porkandhops.com/
Colorado Mountain Winefest (Sept. 14-17, 2017) Colorado’s largest wine festival returns for the 26th year. Take in all that Colorado Winefest has to offer from food and wine pairings, chocolate and wine tastings, educational seminars and more. The “Festival in the Park” takes place on Saturday and is the state’s largest and oldest wine festival featuring dozens of Colorado wineries, live music, a grape stomp, chef demonstrations & seminars. http://coloradowinefest.com/
Tour de Vineyards Bicycle Tour (Sept. 16, 2017) Earn all of that wine at Colorado Mountain Winefest by riding in the Tour de Vineyards. The 24th annual event ushers in fall with a scenic and leisurely tour of Colorado’s Wine Country. Choose the 23-mile or 58-mile course. http://tourdevineyards.com/#
Downtown Grand Junction Car Show (Sept. 23, 2017) The 16th Annual Downtown Car Show gives automobile aficionados an opportunity to view cars, talk with owners, shop and dine on beautiful Main Street. Vote on the people’s choice award or just stroll the street and admire the spectacular display of muscle, vintage and modern rides. https://downtowngj.org/events/
6th Annual Tour of the Moon (Sept. 30, 2017) –
The Tour of the Moon was made famous in the 1980s Coors International Bicycle Classic bike race and later in the cycling movie “American Flyers.” Today, it’s still considered one of the premier recreational road rides in the western United States, with endless vistas of dramatic red rock canyons and monoliths, pinyon-juniper forests, wildflowers and a symphony of canyon wrens on most any given day in the Colorado National Monument. The 2017 event has officially sold out, start planning for 2018 as this is a true “bucket list” road ride. Spectators are welcome to cheer on the riders. http://tourofthemoon.com/(more)
Grand Junction Air Show (Sept 30 – Oct. 1, 2017)
For those who feel the need for speed, the Grand Junction Air Show is soaring back into Grand Junction for fall 2017. This year’s event will feature Colorado’s favorite US Air Force Thunderbirds and the US Marine Corp Osprey demo. In addition, there will be many other military and non-military aircraft and static displays including a jet dragster demonstration. Don’t miss one of the most exciting air shows in Colorado! http://gjairshow.com/
Downtown Art Festival (Oct. 7, 2017)
The 2nd Annual Downtown Art Festival kicks off on October 6th during First Friday. Visit Downtown galleries and local businesses to see local talent displayed in various forms of artwork. The Festival continues on October 7th with the installation of the 2017 Art on the Corner temporary exhibit. Wander through Downtown galleries and businesses that are hosting artists and performances of all kinds throughout the day. https://downtowngj.org/events/
Oktoberfest (Oct. 14, 2017)
No fall festival lineup is complete without an Oktoberfest: Amped! at the Riverfront. This event will take place at the new outdoor Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park with brews from Western Colorado will be feature live music as this event celebrates everything to love about fall. Event is for 21+ only. http://www.gjcity.org/residents/parks-recreation/las-colonias-park-amphitheater/upcoming-events-list/
Western Slope Cowboy Gathering (Nov. 3-4, 2017)
Featuring headliner Kristyn Harris, 2016 Western Music Association Entertainer of the Year, plus acts from 13 others; this is cowboy poetry and singing at its best in Western Colorado. https://museumofwesternco.com/event/western-slope-cowboy-gathering/
Rim Rock Marathon (Nov. 4, 2017)
This 26-mile, point-to-point full marathon along Rim Rock Drive is one of the most scenic marathons in the world. The course winds over the Colorado National Monument, granting views of towering monoliths and sheer-walled red-rock canyons. In addition to individual marathoners, two-person teams can also participate, with each team member running approximately half a marathon. There is also a half marathon option, that is all downhill! Music, food and vendors will be waiting at the finish line at Circle Park in downtown Fruita. https://www.runreg.com/rim-rock-run
Whether you choose to raise your pulse through exercise, dance to live music or witnessing feats of aerial derring-do, there’s plenty to send your heart racing in Grand Junction, Colorado this fall.
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About Grand Junction (www.visitgrandjunction.com) - Grand Junction is the largest city in Western Colorado, located at the junction of the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers, between Salt Lake City and Denver on Interstate 70. At an altitude of 4,586 feet, warm summers and moderate spring, fall and winter seasons allow for incredible year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. Among Grand Junction's spectacular red cliffs and winding canyons are the 11,000-foot Grand Mesa and the breathtaking 7,000-foot Colorado National Monument. Surrounded by an abundance of public lands, Grand Junction is also a mecca for hunting, fishing, dirt bike and ATV riding. Other attractions include three national scenic byways, rafting, boating, golfing skiing, extensive public art displays, museums, and a vibrant downtown featuring creative culinary options, shopping, Two Rivers Convention Center and the Avalon Theatre. Grand Junction is known as Colorado’s Wine Country featuring 23 wineries nearby. The Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau is a department of the City of Grand Junction and is the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for the region.
Contacts:
Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, [email protected], 970-887-2536
Mistalynn Meyeraan, Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau, [email protected] , 970-244-1480
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