From internationally known film festivals and rodeos to live music, theater productions and outdoor celebrations, Memorial Day weekend offers a packed slate of events across the Western Slope and mountain communities.
Mountainfilm Festival | May 21–25
Telluride’s internationally known Mountainfilm Festival returns for five days of documentary films, guest speakers, discussions, art exhibits and outdoor programming. Founded in 1979, the festival focuses on adventure, environmental issues, activism and storytelling. Events take place throughout Telluride, with festival passes and schedules available online.
CKS Paddlefest | May 21–25
Buena Vista’s annual CKS Paddlefest returns Memorial Day weekendd with whitewater competitions, river surfing, clinics, races, live music and gear demonstrations centered around the Arkansas River. Concerts throughout the weekend include Grant Farm and ATOMGA, with many activities free to attend.
Second Annual Deathslope Music Festival | May 21–24
Mesa Theater in Grand Junction will host the Second Annual Deathslope Music Festival, featuring four days of underground and regional music acts spanning genres from indie rock to doom metal. Festival passes range from $32-$99.
Folk ’N Roots Rendezvous | May 22–24
Big B’s Delicious Orchards near Hotchkiss will host the Folk ’N Roots Rendezvous music festival featuring live music, camping, barbecue, hard cider, fresh juice and family activities. The free event includes performances from Hard Pressed, Broken Compass Bluegrass, Erik Stucky, FY5, Sweet Jessup & The Dirty Buckets and several other regional acts.
Magic Circle Players: Sweeney Todd | May 22–30
Magic Circle Players in Montrose continues its production of Sweeney Todd throughout Memorial Day weekend and beyond. Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through May 30.
68th DI NJCAA JUCO World Series | May 23–30
The JUCO World Series returns to Suplizio Field in Grand Junction beginning Saturday, bringing many of the nation’s top junior college baseball programs together for an eight-day tournament.
Glenwood Art Festival | May 23–25
The Glenwood Art Festival returns to downtown Glenwood Springs with a three-day showcase of artists representing painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, glass, woodworking and other mediums. The free event also includes live music performances.
Colorado Stampede PRCA Rodeo | May 23–25
The Colorado Stampede PRCA Rodeo returns to Grand Junction with nightly rodeo performances beginning at 7 p.m. Events include bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling and saddle bronc riding. Tickets range from $25-$59.
Fridays on the Farm — Opening Night | May 22
Billy Goat Hop Farm in Montrose will hold its weekly “Fridays on the Farm” summer series from 4-9 p.m. Friday with live music from Jim Davidson and food from Tacos La Gran Señora.
Live Music at Colorado Boy Depot | May 22 & 25
Colorado Boy Depot in Ridgway will host Old Man Polly from 4-8 p.m. Friday and Ridgway Wrecking Crew from 4-8 p.m. Monday as part of its Memorial Day weekend music lineup.
Turnpike Troubadours | May 22
Country-rock band Turnpike Troubadours will perform Friday night at the Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park in Grand Junction. Ticket prices range from $75-$398.
Colorado Native Plant Society Annual Conference | May 23
The Colorado Native Plant Society’s annual conference, “Coloradoscape with Natives!,” will take place Saturday in Grand Junction featuring speakers and presentations focused on pollinator habitats, native plants, firescaping and water-wise gardening. Registration ranges from $65-$100.
Montrose Elks Lodge Charity Golf Tournament | May 23
The Montrose Elks Lodge will host a scholarship fundraiser golf tournament Saturday at Black Canyon Golf Course. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Entry costs $100 per player or $400 per team.
18th Annual Western Colorado Motorcycle Show | May 23
Pomona Brewing Company in Montrose will host the annual Western Colorado Motorcycle Show from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday featuring vintage, custom and garage-built motorcycles. Admission is free.
Pride 2026 Art Exhibit | Through June 26
The Montrose Center for Arts’ Pride 2026 exhibit features artwork from LGBTQ+ artists and allies from across the Western Slope. The exhibit is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and runs through June 26.
Ouray Art Walk | May 23
Downtown Ouray will host the Ouray Art Walk from 1-7 p.m. Saturday featuring artists, vendors and optional wine and charcuterie packages for attendees.
The New Fly Fisher: “Encore on the Gunnison” Release Party | May 23
Ed’s Fly Shop will host a release party Saturday evening at The Temple Events in Montrose for a new episode of The New Fly Fisher focused on the Gunnison River and local anglers and guides.
In Bloom: Aerial Circ-lesque | May 23
High Alpine Aerial will present “In Bloom: Aerial Circ-lesque” Saturday night at the Wright Opera House in Ouray. The adults-only performance combines aerial acrobatics, circus artistry and burlesque-inspired theater. Tickets range from $35-$40, with VIP tables available for $200.
Erik Stucky — “Bag of Bones” Release Party | May 24
Local musician Erik Stucky will celebrate the release of his new project “Bag of Bones” Sunday evening at Bluecorn Cafe & Mercantile in Montrose. Tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 the day of the show.
