Good morning, Grand Junction.

The Fruita Foundation will host its annual Monumental Lights Gala on June 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Monument Vista Place (base of the Colorado National Monument) to fund local scholarships, youth entrepreneurship and the Kids in Business program.

The night includes local catering, craft beverages and live music.

Fruita welcome center reopened after more than six months of renovations and now offers modern technology and travel guides to help visitors enjoy Colorado.

The updated facility is set to boost local tourism and provide essential safety information for travelers coming from nearby areas.

The Palisade Chamber of Commerce is hosting Your Community Over Coffee on May 28 from 8 to 10 a.m. at Maison La Belle Vie (3575 G Road) in Palisade, where local leaders and residents can join roundtable discussions on issues in Mesa County.

Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction is accepting corporate sponsorships for Pancake Day (June 6, 8 to 11 a.m. at Mesa County Fairgrounds) with levels from $275 to $2,500; proceeds will benefit local nonprofits helping children.

Hailey Moya opened CurlUpNDye in Palisade on Feb.

1 at 309 W. Eighth St. The salon offers creative cuts, colors, and extensions for everyone and is already booked through June.

Today, the Grand Junction Lions Club presented the 15th Annual Grand Valley Student Athlete Award (honoring achievements in academics, athletics, and community service) to two student athletes from each high school (each given a $250 donation for a nonprofit of their choice).

A Red Flag Warning is in effect today (2 p.m. to 9 p.m.) for several counties including areas near Grand Junction, where gusty winds and low humidity increase wildfire risk; residents should postpone outdoor burning.

At Monday’s town hall at Grand Junction High School, city staff said drought rates will not be imposed because reservoirs remain full, following decades of water system upgrades.

They highlighted improved leak detection — which saved over 11 million gallons — and conservation efforts that lower water use.

Mesa County launched a public crash data dashboard that lets residents, planners and law enforcement filter reports by severity, location and other factors; the interactive tool from the Regional Transportation Planning Office will update with 2025 data and guide roadway safety improvements (highlighting trends like impairment-related crashes).

Erin Minnerath became executive director of Mesa County Public Health on May 6 — after serving as interim director and emerging as the sole finalist from a nationwide search of over 40 candidates.

In Q1 2026, Mesa County's commercial real estate market recorded $57.5 million in sales volume despite a 29% drop in transactions (32 vs. 45), as larger deals including key hotel sales and a rise in building permits from 6 to 11 fueled market maturation.

Cryptic Writings Tribute Concert

8-11 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Ticket prices vary — Rock out to the thrilling hits of Megadeth performed live by a talented tribute band from Colorado.

Turnpike Troubadours Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $45.50 - $145.50 + fees — Experience a vibrant evening with the acclaimed country-rock band delivering their latest music.

Coloradoscape with Natives Conference

8 AM – 5 PM — University Center, Grand Junction, CO — $65-$100 — Explore native plant horticulture and conservation with expert speakers and optional plant walks.

Native Plant Class: Grasses

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Lunch Loop Trailhead — Fee may apply — Explore the native and invasive grasses of Western Colorado in this informative field-based class.

2026 State Summer Games Presented by Spectrum

June 5-7 — Colorado Mesa University — Check website for possible entry fees — Celebrate athleticism and community spirit with a weekend of Special Olympics competitions.

Roswell Invaders vs Grand Junction

6:30-10:00 p.m. — Suplizio Field — Ticket prices vary — Catch the Roswell Invaders take on the local team in an exciting minor league baseball match.

Richrath Project REO Celebration

6-9 p.m. — Warehouse25sixty-five Kitchen + Bar — Ticket info unavailable — Celebrate the music of REO Speedwagon in beautiful Grand Junction.