See you out there…
Mountain Harvest Festival
Mark your calendars and text your friends—we’re going to the best weekend all year! Experience all the North Fork Valley has to offer from farm tours, wine tastings, artisan markets, and world-class, live music—Mountain Harvest Festival does not disappoint. Held the last weekend in September, this Valley-wide event has something for everyone.
Each day has a new to experience that is fully North Fork Valley. Downtown block parties with circus performers to art demos in Paonia Town Park and a raging, family-friendly dance party on the football field, the fun (and surprises) are endless. Spend your days kicked back in the shade listening to incredible music or bop from farm to winery and back again, tasting your way through the Valley. It all culminates with a live music performance on the big stage featuring a hand selected headliner that’s sure to get your feet moving.
Pickin’ In The Park
Every Thursday in August, Paonia Town Park transforms into one of the best free concert series in Colorado. Four evenings, three amazing bands each night, and the best company all boogying down under Certified Dark Skies.
The night kicks off at 6pm with the "6@6" showcase featuring the valley's best local musicians, always including a high school student or two. From there the energy builds through a touring act before the headliner closes out the night with a full 90 minute set. Past performers have included Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Drew Emmitt, members of Elephant Revival, and many more. You're probably going to discover your new favorite band here.
Come hungry and belly up to the local food truck options featuring some of the Valley's finest locally-sourced ingredients. Don't miss the Libation Station stocked with a local wine, beer, and cider selection with proceeds supporting the continuation of legacy events like Pickin' in the Park and Mountain Harvest Festival.
Founded by Pickin' Productions in 2008 and now proudly carried forward by the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition, this beloved Paonia tradition is free, local, and very much alive. Grab a blanket, grab a friend, and we will see you in the park.
Paonia Holiday Art Festival
Paonia's Grand Ave gets filled with the best of holiday cheer the first weekend of December! The Paonia Holiday Art Fair brings together over 50 artist, craft, and agricultural vendors, kids’ winter crafts, gingerbread houses, Santa visits, a library book sale, hot winter drinks, and the best holiday gift shopping on the Western Slope — all in the heart of downtown Paonia.
This is holiday shopping the way it should be. Every dollar you spend goes directly to your neighbors, your community, and the creative economy that keeps this valley thriving. Skip the big box stores and find something truly one of a kind by perusing two blocks of handmade vendors of all kinds including art, jewelry, pottery, candles, clothing, body products, baked goods, and more.
Making its debut in 2025, the Creative Coalition launched Light the Night, the Friday evening preceding the vendor festival on Saturday. Luminaries softly light the streets and snow, guiding participants from galleries to open houses, boutiques and more. Enjoy a cookie tasting contest along the way, impressive holiday window decorations, live music, and so much more at this new, fun, fresh event in the heart of the Paonia Creative District.
Final Friday Art Walk - Paonia
Every last Friday of the month, we take it to the streets of downtown Paonia. Wander through galleries and boutiques, along Grand Ave, taste food and wine straight from the Valley, and let the live music lead you somewhere new. You might even come across a pop-up theater performance! It is a creative evening in one of Colorado's most charming mountain towns and everyone is welcome.
Happening year-round (except December). Free to attend. Just show up.
Blue Sage Center for the Arts
Paonia United Brewing
Cirque Boutique & Gallery
Grapevine Gallery
Kissflower Bistro
Stealy’s
Lucille Lucas Gallery
Paonia Clayworks
The Paeony
Paradise Theatre
Pollinate Paonia
Refinery Paonia
The Hearth
Cool Music
Paonia Breadworks
HonkyCat Studio & Gallery
Paonia Book
Clear Fork Cider
Venues subject to change month to month.
Second Fridays - Hotchkiss
Every second Friday of the month, downtown Hotchkiss opens its doors and invites you in. Stroll through evening hours at your favorite local businesses, catch live art demos, take in gallery receptions, and discover what this small but mighty town has up its sleeve.
Hotchkiss has always had a creative spirit quietly humming beneath its small-town surface and Second Fridays is where that spirit comes out to play. Come for the art, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with a new appreciation for everything this valley has to offer. Where community and creativity meet!
Happening year-round (except December). Free to attend. Come on out.
The Creamery Arts Center
Wyatt Houston Mercantile
Ladybug Creations
Needle Rock Body Art
Colorado Fresh Fruit Co
Olden Guitars
Church of Art
Pat’s Bar & Grill
Taco Hut
Cowboys & Aliens Arcade and Ice Cream
Historic Texaco Station
Hotchkiss Crawford Historical Society Museum
Venues subject to change month to month.