The Ultimate 2024 Summer Guide to Palisade, Colorado: Festivals, Fruit Harvests, Outdoor Adventures, and More

Nestled in the Grand Valley, Palisade, Colorado, offers a quintessential summer experience filled with festivals, fresh fruit harvests, outdoor adventures, and wine tasting. This guide highlights the best activities and events to help you make the most of your visit.

Palisade Festivals & Events

Bluegrass Festival – June 14-16

Music lovers shouldn’t miss the Bluegrass Festival. Held over three days at Riverbend Park, this festival features top-notch bluegrass bands, local food vendors, and plenty of activities for all ages. Set against the stunning backdrops of the Book Cliffs, Grand Mesa and the Palisades, it’s a must-visit for anyone in the area.

Colorado Lavender Festival – June 29th

Kick off your summer with the beautifully fragrant Lavender Fest. This celebration of all things lavender includes farm tours, workshops, and a variety of lavender-infused products. It’s a perfect way to relax and enjoy the beauty of Palisade’s blooming Lavender farming community.

Palisade Peach Festival – August 17th

Celebrate Palisade’s most famous fruit at the Peach Fest. Enjoy peach-inspired dishes, live music, a parade, and even a peach-eating contest. It’s a sweet celebration that highlights the peak of the peach season.

Palisade Fruit Harvest Calendar

Cherry Harvest: Late June – Late July

Cherries are the first to ripen, offering a sweet and tart treat. Visit local orchards to pick your own or buy them fresh from roadside stands.

Apricots: Late June – Early July

Following closely behind cherries, apricots are a delicate and delicious fruit available for a short window. Don’t miss the chance to taste these golden gems.

Apples: Late July – Late August

As summer progresses, apple blossoms fade and fruit begins to develop. Varieties range from crisp and tart to sweet and juicy, perfect for pies, sauces, or enjoying fresh. 

Peaches: Late July – Early September

Palisade peaches are famous for their exceptional flavor. The best time to enjoy these juicy delights is mid-August. Whether you’re picking them yourself or enjoying a peach pie, they are  the epitome of summer in Palisade.

Pears: Mid August – Mid September

Round out the fruit season with pears. These versatile fruits are excellent fresh, poached, canned, or baked into desserts.

Outdoor Adventures

Hike Mt. Garfield

For breathtaking views and a challenging hike, Mt. Garfield is a must. The trail is steep and strenuous but rewards hikers with astonishingly panoramic views of the Grand Valley.

Palisade Rim Trail

The Palisade Rim Trail offers a mix of hiking and mountain biking opportunities. The trail features petroglyphs, stunning vistas, and varied terrain.

Tubing or Rafting the Colorado River

Cool off with some water fun. Tubing or rafting down the Colorado River is a popular summer activity, offering both relaxing floats and thrilling rapids.

Palisade Experiences

Farm Tours

Explore the local agriculture with farm tours. Many farms offer tours where you can learn about the growing process, pick your own fruit, and enjoy fresh produce right from the source.

Winery Hopping and Tours

Palisade is home to many Colorado wineries. Spend a day winery hopping, drinking wine and taking tours to learn about the winemaking process. Some Palisade wineries also offer food to pair with the wines. Don’t miss the chance to sample local favorites and perhaps bring a bottle or two home. Book a wine tasting here.

Biking or Driving the Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway

Explore the scenic Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway. This route can be enjoyed by bike or car, winding through orchards, vineyards, and stunning landscapes. It’s a picturesque way to experience the area’s agricultural bounty and natural beauty.

Downtown Palisade

Don’t miss the charm of Downtown Palisade. Stroll through the quaint streets and explore boutique shops, local art, restaurants, and cafes. If you’re there on a Sunday, be sure to check out the Palisade Farmers Market. The friendly atmosphere and small-town vibe make Downtown Palisade a delightful place to spend an afternoon.

Visit Palisade!

Summer in Palisade, Colorado, is a vibrant mix of festivals, fresh produce, outdoor adventures, and local charm. Whether you’re hiking the rugged trails, savoring the sweetness of freshly picked fruit, or enjoying a glass of wine with a view, Palisade offers something for everyone. Plan your visit to make the most of this enchanting season.