The Seven Most Important Things to Know About Pork and Hops

The Pork and Hops Challenge in Grand Junction has been held at Lincoln Park from its very beginning, but this year the event moves to Las Colonias Park and the new amphitheater. Not everyone is happy about the change in venue but Fruita and Grand Junction High School football fans couldn't be happier for the Wildcats and Tigers will play their rivalry game on September 8 at Stocker Stadium.

Everyone wants to know about ticket prices and so here's the big reveal. General Admission is $15 on Friday and $25 on Saturday. Reserved seating is $25 and $35. By the way, you can get your tickets at Fisher's Liquor Barn or Fisher's Meat Market or online at Monumental Events.

While Pork and Hops is a BBQ festival, there is only a limited time for tasting, and that happens on Saturday beginning at 1:30 and goes until the meat is gone. For $10 you get 10 two oz. servings of delicious BBQ from professional cookers from all over the country. All of the proceeds from the BBQ tasting will go directly to United Way of Mesa County.

Up for grabs is $1,000 in cash and prizes. For a $75 team entry fee, you get admission to the festival and the chance to compete in the double elimination tournament. Participants must be 16 years of age or older, and a limited number of entries will be accepted.

You might as well be comfortable so bring your lawn chairs, stake out your spot and enjoy some great music. In case you have not yet experienced a concert at the amphitheater yet, the sound is amazing. So bring a chair or if you prefer, bring a blanket and enjoy the weekend.

Of course, we couldn't leave out the beer, since this is a Pork and HOPS event. There will be plenty of it available, we just ask that you enjoy it responsibly.

For those that may be concerned about parking at Las Colonias Park, this is great news. A shuttle service will be provided from 4pm-10pm both Friday and Saturday to the amphitheater. The shuttle will go back and forth between the Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn on Horizon Drive and Las Colonias Park.