Good morning, Grand Junction.

Local skateboarder Nick Steffens—a frequent visitor—reported on May 10 that New Emerson Skatepark's bathrooms were unsanitary and not maintained properly, and city officials said they clean the facilities twice a week but closed one portable toilet due to vandalism and trash issues.

Angela Klickner, a Clifton woman accused of sexually assaulting children while volunteering at Landmark Baptist Church (2022 to 2023), pleaded guilty to four charges on May 20 and faces a sentencing hearing on July 1 at 8:15 A.M., where she may receive 5 to 12 years in prison and three years of parole.

The Colorado National Monument Association announced its new Community Artist in Park program funded by a grant from the City of Grand Junction’s Commission on Arts and Culture.

Mesa County creatives must apply by June 12 and commit to 12 hours of visitor engagement each month from July through November—hosting at least one public event in Grand Junction.

District 51 is launching Phase 1 of its 25-year Facilities Master Plan as elementary school upgrades on the east end of the valley begin next week—upgrades that include critical safety fixes like asbestos removal and new fire-suppression systems expected to be nearly complete before students return. Planning for large projects at Central High and Fruita Monument High will start next year—ensuring that every dollar saved reinvests in healthier, safer school facilities.

The Mesa Valley Education Association and District 51 halted contract talks over unresolved issues with teacher salary, safety measures, and class size limits; MVEA asked for a 2.3% raise while District 51, citing budget concerns, plans to enter mediation + rebuild trust in upcoming negotiations.

Grand Junction will host Coffee with the City Manager on May 29th at 7:30 a.m. at Fire Station 3 — City Manager Mike Bennett and Mayor Cody Kennedy will present an overview of city services and City Council — and residents may ask questions about local projects.

The City of Grand Junction, with Mesa County and local leaders, released a request for proposals to fund community solutions that address a 60% rise in homelessness since 2019—organizations must submit detailed plans by June 26 at 1 p.m. MDT for funding ranging from $75,000 to $500,000 per year for up to three years.

Community Hospital was recognized as a 2025 Outstanding Patient Experience Award recipient by Healthgrades—making it the only hospital in Mesa County to rank in the top 15 percent nationwide based on patient feedback.

Tourism and remote work have boosted vacation rental demand as Grand Junction becomes a hotspot where visitors seek flexible, home-like stays.

Investors can convert properties to earn extra income—local management teams ensure compliance with zoning rules—while supporting the local economy.

April saw 267 residential real estate sales in Mesa County, a 1% drop from last April, while active listings climbed 38% to 609 with a median price of $400,000 and sellers netting 98.5% of their asking price — building permits for single-family homes rose 16% to 213.

Year-to-date, sales increased 11.3% with Grand Junction recording 126 transactions.

A Taste of Ireland

7:30-10 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Not specified — Experience electrifying Irish music and dance starring world champions in a captivating celebration of Celtic culture.

9th Annual Rods & Hogs Classic Car and Motorcycle Show

10 AM – 5 PM — Teddy Morse's Grand Junction Harley-Davidson, BMW, KTM — $10 per vehicle — Experience the roar of engines and enjoy food, music, and prizes at this community-centric event.

Jason Boland & The Stragglers Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night with Jason Boland & The Stragglers as they showcase their new album and celebrated career.

40 Oz to Freedom: A Tribute to Sublime

8-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Theater — All ages welcome — Experience the energetic tribute to Sublime by the award-winning band 40 Oz to Freedom.

Ninety Percent 90s

8-11 p.m. — Warehouse25sixty-five Kitchen + Bar — Cover charge TBD — Covering the best and worst hits of the 90s with 100% awesome vibes.

Clyde McGee with Eric Mocko Live

8 PM — Mesa Theater — Free venue parking — Enjoy a night of live music returning to Grand Junction with Clyde McGee and special guest Eric Mocko.

Rock Junction

9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Grand Junction Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram — Entry fee varies — Explore a plethora of automotive innovations and network with industry professionals.

Cheap Trick Concert

7-11 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — Ticket information available — Experience classic rock tunes from the legendary Cheap Trick band.

Phantom Ink Festival

12 PM-10 PM — Grand Junction Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Immerse yourself in a vibrant tattoo festival featuring artists, competitions, and entertainment.

Wüffstock at the Gardens: Liver Down the River

4-7 p.m. — Western Colorado Botanical Gardens — Free entry — Enjoy live music from Zac Grant and Liver Down the River in a beautiful botanical setting.