West of 105 Weekender: What's Happening In Colorado, Friday Sept. 29th—Thursday Oct. 5th

The West of 105 Weekender is a quick look at events going on this weekend and into the following week (Friday Sept. 29th-Thursday Oct. 5th) that we think look fun. Glance over the list and if anything piques your interest, click the associated link to find out more.

Tomorrow is the 18th annual Montrose Oktoberfest. Taking place at the fantastic Montrose Rotary Amphitheater, the Bavarian-inspired bacchanalia kicks off at 1pm. Read our full story and buy tickets here.

Crested Butte Film Festival continues this weekend and runs through Sunday. Here are five unmissable films according to Michael Brody, co-founder and artistic and programming Director of the fest. There is also an Oktoberfest celebration in Crested Butte that kicks off today and runs all day tomorrow courtesy of Zuni Street Brewing.

There are several things going in and around Grand Junction over the next few days including the 9th Annual Chrome & Brews Car Show and live jazz at Two Rivers Winery tomorrow.

Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy opens on Thursday at CMU’s Robinson Theatre in Grand Junction and runs through the 8th and then again from October 19th-21st. It’s a gender-bending comic reimagining, so how can it not be good?

"Para Mi Madre" starts today at the Carbondale Arts Gallery. The project is an invitational exhibit that invited Latino artists to present a visual representation of a love letter or an ode to the concept of la madre, the mother. It runs through November 3.

Looking Ahead

Sometimes it’s great to seize the day and just do something spontaneous, but there are also times when a little more forethought is required, especially for popular events both in terms of tickets and accommodation. Here we’ll try to give you a heads up on what is coming in the next week or two so you can plan accordingly.

On October 6th (9am – 12pm) there is a cleanup around Ridgway Reservoir organized by Colorado Parks & Wildlife and the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership. Signup here.

And as ludicrous as it sounds, Ludacris is in GJ on October 8th.

And in case you missed it, we published a few stories recently that might help inspire a fall sojourn including the low down on Mesa Verde and Sand Dunes national parks.

For those visiting the Mountains and Mesas region any time soon (that’s a Colorado Tourism Office designated region that extends from Grand Junction to the Four Corners and across to Pagosa Springs), we have a roundup of cool and interesting Airbnbs. Or if you prefer sleeping under the stars here are a few unique spots across the state to pitch a tent.

If you do decide to camp, heed this advice from Daniel Pittman who spent a night alone in the wilderness courtesy of an encounter with a bear.