08 Aug Palisade Peach Festival 2019
Palisade is a unique, small town right outside Grand Junction, one of the Western Slope’s largest hubs. This historic outpost is home to some of the more fertile land in the state. Its microclimate consists of chilly nights and sunny, arid days that foster an abundance of fresh produce, including the town’s famous sweet peaches. Each year, grocery stores on the Front Range stock up on Palisade peaches, but shoppers must act quickly to get these pristine stone fruits before they’re gone.
In celebration of Palisade’s rich agricultural community and its nationally recognized peaches, the town hosts Palisade Peach Festival annually. Coloradans from around the state travel far and wide to participate in this tradition. Here’s what you need to know about this lively and tasty event.
About Palisade Peach Festival
Now in its 51st year, this festival has expanded upon its traditional list of events to include a plethora of activities all weekend long. Daily happenings include live music, orchard tours, peach eating contests, vendor booths, and more. The four-day long fest also hosts specific peach-related events that change daily. Saturday boasts a foot race, parade, and car show in the afternoon.
When and Where
Palisade Peach Festival kicks off Thursday, 8/15 at 5:30pm with an ice cream social. The festival’s sponsor, American Signature Furniture, will crown Peach queen and court at the event. Friday’s activities run from 10am – 5pm and include chef demos of innovative peach dishes and a farm-to-table dinner at Clark’s Family Orchards. Saturday kicks off early at 7:30am with road races that include distances of 1K, 5K, and 10K. Sunday, 8/18, closes out the lively weekend event with a local farmers market from 9:30am – 1:30pm showcasing, of course, Palisade peaches. Shop for local produce, sample ripe fruits, and try local vintners’ distinctive wine varietals.
Our diverse state truly has it all. Many people spend time exploring the Rocky Mountains and big cities that our state is known for, but few are aware that we have this extremely fertile, historic city on the Western Slope. Not only does Palisade grow some of the best produce in the state, but it also produces award winning wine, made from grapes grown at local vineyards.
Palisade makes for a great weekend getaway to beat the usual hiking crowds and RMNP tourists. It’s a five-hour drive from Broomfield, but the picturesque road trip is well worth it. Pass through Glenwood Spring’s otherworldly canyons and stop in Vail for lunch at any of its top-rated restaurants.
Turnpike Shops offers residents an exceptional shopping experience at the heart of Broomfield’s bustling city. With over 18-acres of retail space, our commercial center boasts high-end retailers and award-winning dining. When you’re not participating in peach festivals on the Western Slope, spend the weekend here with family and friends, enjoying beautiful Broomfield, Colorado.