Don’t Miss Why Western Colorado’s Peach Game Is Strong This Year
Word in Western Colorado is that Palisade's 2025 crop of peaches is the sweetest and juiciest in years. Is this just noise, or is there a real reason to look forward to super peaches at this year's peach festival?
Palisade enjoys a peachy reputation all over Colorado and around the country. Here is why this year's crop could be one for the record books.
Why Palisade Peaches Taste Better This Year
One of the main reasons the Western Slope is so excited for Palisade Peaches is the picture-perfect peach weather pattern of 2025. A mild spring featuring warm days and cool nights creates extra sugar in peaches. A warm spring with fewer frosts means a fuller crop, too. We did not see many storms in June, which has allowed the peaches to fully ripen on the tree.
Where to Get the Best Palisade Peaches This Season
The best places to find Palisade Peaches are at roadside stands, farmers markets, and markets with a CSA partnership.
- Roadside Markets: In Palisade, popular roadside stands include Clark Family Orchards, Kokopelli Farm Market, and the Just Peachy Farmstand on Highway 6.
- Farmers Markets: Arrive early and you can usually find delicious Palisade Peaches at the Orchard Mesa Farmers Market at the fairgrounds on Tuesdays, and at the Grand Junction Farmers Markets on Thursdays.
- CSA Markets: Peach-themed community-supported agriculture shares can be found at Clark Family Orchards and Alida’s Fruits for starters. Where else do you find Palisade Peaches? Share with a message on our app.
Up and down Elberta Avenue in Palisade, you can shop for fresh peaches, peach salsa, peach cocktails, and even peach beer. If you can't find your favorite peachy item in a store, you will probably find it at the Palisade Peach Festival in August.
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Celebrate All Things Peachy in Palisade
The Palisade Peach Festival is coming up August 15 (3 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and 16 at Riverbend Park (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) Admission to the festival is tiered depending on access. Prices range from $3 to $65. Yup, general admission starts at $3. You can purchase tickets, dinners, ag-tours, and more at www.palisadepeachfest.com.
This year’s festival includes the Peach Jam Stage, the Peach Pit Bar & Food Trucks, and a kids’ zone. This year’s peach-eating contest will take place on Saturday, the 16.
LOOK: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Palisade, Colorado
Gallery Credit: Zane Mathews