Fruita 2026: About JUCO & Mike the Headless Chicken Festival
From game schedules and festival activities, here’s everything you need to know before kicking off your summer. Learn about the JUCO World Series and the history behind the one-of-a-kind Mike the Headless Chicken Festival.
A Uniquely Fruita Festival.
The spunky festival, Mike the Headless Chicken Festival, is a unique celebration where hundreds of people gather to celebrate the chicken who lived without a head for 18 months (Miketheheadlesschicken).
This year, the event is scheduled to take place from Friday to Saturday, May 29 to 30th, 2026.
On Friday, the festival is from 4:00 PM-9:00PM.
On Saturday, events start at 7:00 AM and the festival is open from 10:00 AM-9:00 PM.
This will take place in downtown Fruita where a number of other activities will take place.
Who is Mike and what is his story?
The story behind this festival is almost hard to believe. On September 10, 1945, farmer Lloyd Olsen was beheading chickens for a market when one of the headless birds picked itself up and started running around the yard, very much alive. He put the chicken, which he named Mike, in a box for the night and was amazed to find it still alive in the morning.
Eventually, Olsen started feeding Mike with an eyedropper directly into his throat. After Mike was examined by researchers at the University of Utah, they discovered that the axe had missed part of the brain stem, which controls breathing, digestion, and other bodily functions.
By this time, word was out that there was a headless chicken, still alive. After being broadcasted on the local paper, a sideshow promoter wanted to take Mike on their circuit, giving the Olsens an opportunity to make money. Olsen had an attraction that others would pay to see.
With this, Olsen and his wife Clara set off to tour the south-east of the US such as California and Arizona. 18 months later on tour, Mike died on March 17, 1947 (if you want to know the details of his death, look it up ;).
Mike’s spirit is celebrated through this annual festival that has been going on for 26 years. Expect a mix of food vendors, merch, family-friendly activities, and music.
A few fun activities to look out for includes:
- A 5k race, “run like a chicken with your head cut off!”
- Peep and Wing Eating Contest
- Comedy Shows
- Chicken Show
- And lots of food!
About JUCO: A Grand Junction Tradition
The JUCO World Series is a thrilling 8-day baseball tournament that totals 19 games. This year, it will be through May 23-30th, 2026. This will be the 68th D1 NJCAA JUCO World Series and will be at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction, CO, a 20 minute drive from Korima. Keep your eye out for fireworks by the end of the last game!
Tickets sell quickly so make sure you get yours online at https://js1.glitnirticketing.com/jsticket/web/ev_list.php or at the gate.
Day 1 - May 23
Day 2 - May 24
Day 3 - May 25
Day 4 - May 26
Day 5 - May 27
Day 6 - May 28
Day 7 - May 29
Day 8 - May 30th
- Game 1: 9:00 a.m.
- Game 2: 12:00 p.m.
- Game 3: 3:00 p.m.
- Game 4: 7:30 p.m.
What is JUCO?
JUCO is an abbreviation for “junior college” and it’s most commonly used for schools that play in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). These are typically two-year colleges, unlike traditional four-year universities. The NJCAA has around 500 member schools who compete across three divisions: Division I, Division II, Division III, similar to the NCAA structure.
JUCO prepares players for the NCAA & NAIA levels later down the road. Dozens of players went pro through JUCO, such as baseball player Bryce Harper.
Why is JUCO in Grand Junction?
The NJCAA launched their championship in 1958 and a year later, found their permanent home in Grand Junction. The climate in Junction usually has fewer rainouts, and the central-western location makes travel easier.
Over the years, Grand Junction has become the “home of JUCO” as the community support around the event grew tremendously. The city treats the tournament like a major annual event. Local businesses, fans, and community create a unique atmosphere for players and visitors. The Suplizio Field can hold 7,000-10,000 fans, putting the college athletes under the lights just like a major league game.
Since the event has been so successful for over 60 years, the city and NJCAA have repeatedly renewed agreements. The current agreement runs through 2044.
Kickoff the Summer Fun here in Fruita.
Whether it's a quirky festival about a headless chicken or joining the baseball pump for the JUCO World Series, find your way to kick off an amazing summer. These events are just the few fun activities to do here in Western Colorado.
Wanting to enjoy the fun year round? explore our move-in ready homes and make Korima your home.
Note from the City of Grand Junction Website:
If 3 teams remain at Game 18, the team with the most games played shall receive a bye to Game 19. If there is a tie for most games played, the team that won the head-to-head matchup in the tournament shall receive a bye to Game 19. If the tie is still not able to be broken, the higher seed shall advance to Game 19.