Celebrate 4th of July in Durango. Four full days of fun for everyone!
Wet & Wild!
Four days of the Fourth
Thursday, July 3 – Sunday, July 6, 2025
Durango celebrates the Fourth of July with food, music, races, rodeos, fireworks, dancing and even a little bit of magic! Over 30 events are scheduled for four days, from July 3 to July 6 for locals and visitors to enjoy. Put on your red, white, and blue and join us!
Scavenger Hunt
Take a tour through the decorated storefronts of Downtown Durango in search of clues to win the 4th of July Scavenger Hunt! The Scavenger Hunt starts at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 3 and ends at 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 6. Participants can pick up a Scavenger Hunt instruction sheet at the Durango Welcome Center, or download a copy HERE. At each of the 10 clue locations, a number or letter will be provided to solve the final riddle. Participants turn in their completed sheets to the Welcome Center by 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 6. A winner will be picked at random from qualifying entries. Prize: $50 Heart of Durango Gift Certificate redeemable at 100 Downtown Durango and North Main District businesses.
Paint a Patriotic Mural at Hermosa Cafe
You, too, can be an artist! Saunter over to Hermosa Café and pick up a paintbrush to participate in the community mural. Each year Hermosa Café provides a huge canvas, paints and some outlines to create a Patriotic Mural. Fun for adults – and also great for kids while adults are having tea and coffee! It is interesting to watch the picture emerge over the four days.
Fort Lewis Community Concert Hall at the Park
Buckley Park 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Bring your picnic baskets, blankets, and lawn chairs—or just come ready to dance! Grassburger will be on-site with tasty eats and drinks to keep you fueled for the fun. This concert features Will Overman, who plays Country-Americana with a rebellious streak. Gritty grooves and heart-hitting lyrics you’ll want on repeat. This event is free.
All-American Gourmet Breakfast
Rotary Park 7:30 am – 10:30 am
Brought to you by the Rotary Club of Durango and the Daybreak Rotary Club. Scrambled eggs, green chili eggs, sausage, pancakes, fruit topping, biscuits and gravy will be served. Tickets may be purchased online or by using the QR code on posters around town, or from a local Rotary Member. Adult ticket price is $15 presale or $20 after July 1. Children 6-12 $8 presale or $10 after July 1. First Responders are $10. Children under 6 are free. Click here for more information and to buy tickets.
Freedom 5K Run, Stroll & Walk
Rotary Park 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Join the City of Durango’s Parks and Recreation Department and start your 4th of July festivities on the right foot. Bring your whole family and all your friends to participate, and dress to celebrate Independence Day! All ages are welcome to run, walk, stroll or stride this festive 5K along the scenic Animas River Trail. The race begins at 9:00 am at Rotary Park. Participants are encouraged to dress in creative and patriotic attire. Prizes will be distributed for first place in 3 categories: 12 & under, 13-18, and over 18 years of age. Participants must check in at the Freedom 5K race tent between 8:15 am and 8:45 am. This event is free.
Southwest Civic Winds Patriotic Concert
Rotary Park 9:15 am – 10:45 am
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Rotary Park to listen to the Southwest Civic Winds! The full concert band will perform Super Hero themes (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Avengers and more!) along with your favorite patriotic music. You will be in the right place to enjoy and celebrate Independence Day! This event is free. Click here to learn more about Southwest Civic Winds.
Durango DEVO BBQ, Bands, Beers and Bikes
Buckley Park 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Celebrate Independence Day the Durango way—on bikes, with good food, great music, and family-friendly fun at Bikes, Beer, Bands & BBQ in Buckley Park, hosted by Durango Devo, the City of Durango, and I AM Music. Bring a blanket or chair to Buckley Park and join us for an afternoon of live music, community activities, and delicious food. The event will feature meals prepared by DuranGourmet and served by Durango Devo, with Carver Brewing Co. pouring local beer and plenty of treats for kids and families. All proceeds will go to Durango Devo to help get more kids on bikes.
Prices: $12.00 per plate or $15 for lunch + beer or soft drink. Kids Meal $6 for Hot Dog and Chips.
Activities for all ages include face painting, henna tattoos, Ruby Balloon, and a great cornhole tournament. This event is free. Participants must purchase their food and drink.
Durango DEVO Kid's Bike Fun Race
Buckley Park 2:00 pm
A beloved tradition in the making, the Devo Fun Race invites all young riders—ages 3 to 10—to join the fun. This free, festive race is open to the public and perfect for families visiting Durango for the holiday.Participants will ride a custom Devo course full of fun turns, good vibes, and lots of cheering. Each rider will receive a custom race plate and a medal.
1:00 pm Registration Opens at the Devo tent
2:00 pm Race begins
Whether your little one is on a balance bike or ready to rip, this is a welcoming and exciting way to be part of the 4th of July celebration.
Children’s Parade
Buckley Park 3:00 pm
Calling all kids! Decorate, March & Celebrate! Red, white and blue is the color scheme, but use your imagination on how to turn your bike, wagon, trike, scooter or stroller into a float! Or create a costume and march. For kids ages 10 years old and under. Arrive early (2:30 pm) for our free decoration station, if you need some last-minute additions to your masterpiece. All children must be accompanied by a guardian. Families encouraged to join in the parade – as long as you are accompanying a 10 year old or under parade entrant.
Registration: Free, quick and easy from 2:30 pm to 2:55 pm.
Prizes: We will pick 3 winners from a hat of all registered entries for a $50 Heart of Durango gift card, redeemable at 100 businesses downtown.
Main Avenue Mile
Buckley Park 4:00 pm
Celebrate freedom with a one MILE race down Durango's historic Main Avenue. Race the mile on a closed Main Avenue before the Main Parade begins! This running race down Main Avenue starts at 12th Street and proceeds south to College Drive where racers whip a u-turn and head for the finish line back at 12th Street. This is a fundraiser for local charities.
Ages: 7 and up. Qualifications: Must be able to complete a mile in under 16 minutes.
Prizes: For overall top 3 and age group prizes.
Entry Fee: $17.76 Until June 22nd. $25.00 June 23-30th. $40. July 1-4th. (Plus fees)
Registration: Online at https://runsignup.com/Race/CO/Durango/DurangoMainAvenueMile or register at Buckley Park between 3:00 pm and 3:45 pm.
Note: This is a running race.Join the Freedom 5K at 9 am for the run, walk, stroll, and saunter event.
Wet & Wild! 4th of July Parade
Main Avenue 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Line up early on Main Avenue for the annual 4th of July Parade. The theme this year is Wet & Wild. Certain blocks on Main Avenue will be designated a "Wet Zone!" Expect some imaginative floats as well as bands, singers, cyclists, fire engines and more. The Parade starts at College (6th Street) and Main Avenue at 4:30 pm and ends at 12th Street and Buckley Park. Bring a small American flag to waive and stand at attention when the VFW Color Guard passes by. Judges and announcers will be on the 800 block of Main by the Main Mall. This event is free to spectate.
Street Dance featuring The Afrobeatniks supported by High Country Hustle
Transit Center 5:00 to 9:30 pm
After the parade, head straight for the Transit Center to celebrate into the night. The City of Durango and KSUT Presents bring you food, beer, dancing and two awesome bands. At 5:30 pm, High Country Hustle returns to start the party and get you on your feet and dancing. At 7:30 pm The Afrobeatniks will take the stage to rev up the night. Arrive to eat and dance, stay for the fireworks! This event is free. Participants may buy their dinner and drinks from one of the many great vendors. The food court includes Ska Brewing, YiaYia’s Concessions, Tacos Carranzo, The Ice Cream Lady and more. The activities area features corn hole, face painting, henna tattoos, and Ruby Balloon.
More information on parking, what to bring and what to leave at home and a site map COMING SOON.
First Friday Art Walk
Downtown Durango 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Celebrate Durango’s creative side! Hosted by the Durango Creative District, explore this evening of music, original performances, featured artist showcases and artisan pop-up markets all across town. Click here for more information on participating venues. This event is free.
(Link is https://www.durangocreativedistrict.org/first-fridays)
Red, White & Bulls: Pro Bull Riding
La Plata County Fairgrounds 7:00 pm
Have you ever seen a bull up close and personal? Do you know the sounds and the thump on the ground when an 1100 pound animal tries to buck off the rider? Visit the True Western Roundup as they present pro bull riding on Friday July 5. And then dance in the dirt with the Mustang Disposition Band after the action! Ticket price: $35 and up – see the website. Gates open at 5:00 pm, with a variety of dinner and beverage options. Event starts at 7:00 pm. Click here for more information and tickets.
4th of July Fireworks - CANCELLED DUE TO FIRE DANGER!!! :-(
Transit Center 9:15 pm
Weather permitting, Zambelli Fireworks will light up the sky with a big-boom fireworks show starting at 9:15 pm. The launch zone is the Durango Dog Park. Fireworks will be visible from most of downtown Durango, and along Rim Drive, with the Transit Center as the best view area. This event is free.
Durango Farmer’s Market
TBK Bank Parking Lot 8 am to 12 noon
Get your farm-fresh-fix strolling through the “streets” of the Durango Farmer’s Market. Fresh flowers? A coffee and pastry for your walk? Take your time deciding which of the amazing vegetables, organic meat, and beautifully made crafts you want. Or sit and visit while listening to local musicians. The Farmer’s Market is the hot spot on Saturday mornings, in a relaxed, friendly way. Vendors take time to tell you about their farms and how their produce is grown. Durango Farmer’s Market- Supporting local farmers: the coolest trend around. This event is free to attend. Purchase your own goodies at all the booths!
Animus on the Animas 2nd Annual Durango Boxing Classic
East 10th Street 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Good Fight Boxing Gym presents a USA Boxing -sanctioned amateur showcase – bringing the sport of boxing to Durango! Approximately 20 bouts will be fought during the day, drawing USA Boxing athletes, coaches, and families from multiple states. New to boxing? Join us at East 10th Street under the Jack Dempsey Mural where a full-size boxing ring is erected to showcase boxers of all ages and backgrounds. Proceeds from the event will support The Good Fight Scholarship Fund. Ticket price: $25 for ages 8 and up. Children under 7 are free. Click here for more information.
Pie Baking Contest
EsoTerra Ciderworks 1 pm
EsoTerra Ciderwoks is all about apples! bakers in the Junior (under 18) and Senior (18 and over) categories will submit a fresh-baked applie pie to be judged by area chefs. Once the winners have been selected, EsoTerra will serve $3 taste plates. All proceeds go to preserving heritage apple trees in the area. Come early to see the beautiful designs before the pies are cut. Stay to taste the wonderful results!
Oscar's Cafe Pie Eating Contest
Durango Beer & Ice Company 1:30 pm
If you’ve eaten at Oscar’s Café here in Durango, then you’ve seen the HUGE pies behind the counter. (And if you haven’t eaten there, you should.) Oscar’s Café is supplying the pies, and Durango Beer & Ice is supplying the venue for a pie-eating contest at 1:30 pm on Saturday, July 5. For spectators we suggest a nice lunch and a beer at Durango Beer & Ice before watching the shenanigans. Contestants – we suggest you save room for the pie! Twelve apple pies, twelve contestants. Every contestant gets some goodies, and there will be a nice prize for the winner. Competitors must be 15 years or older. Competitors under 18 need a parent or guardian’s consent. All competitors must sign a waiver. Click HERE to register to be a competitor.
Apple Slushy Slam Contest
EsoTerra Ciderworks 4 pm
What do you need when its HOT HOT HOT outside? A cold apple slushy! Watch or participate as teams of three each slam a frozen apple slushy (non-alcoholic) and compete for the fastest time. This event is free to spectate. Entry fee is $15 per team. Brain freeze anyone?
Watermelon Eating Contest
11th Street Station 4-6 pm
It’s not summer until you have had watermelon! Join us at 4:00 pm to watch – or compete – in the watermelon eating contest sponsored by 11th Street Station. Contestants will be accepted for each of the three age categories – at 4:00 pm Ages 6 & under, at 4:30 pm Ages 7 to 15, and at 5:00 pm ages 16 & older. Prizes for 1st & 2nd Places. Early registration is strongly encouraged! Registration will end 15 minutes before the start for that age range, when all competitors must be present for check-in. Contestants under 18 years need a parent or guardian’s consent. This event is free to spectate. To register in advance, send the following information to events@eleventhstreetstation.com – first and last name, age, phone and email.
Ice Cream Social
VFW Post 4031 5 pm – 7 pm
Stroll down the Animas River Trail and stop at Rotary Park for an evening dinner and concert. The VFH Auxiliary is hosting an Ice Cream social in conjunction with the Southwest Civic Winds Jazz Concert. Prices: $3 Hot dog, $1 Chips, $1 Soda, and $2 per scoop of Ice cream.
Civic Winds Jazz Orchestra Concert and Dancing
Rotary Park 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Wear your dancing shoes! Buy your dinner and dessert at the VFW Hall and walk across the lane to Rotary Park to enjoy the Civic Winds Jazz Orchestra. Dance the evening away to classic jazz hits, "super hero" swing music, and more! Be sure to bring a chair or a blanket to the park and enjoy an evening concert by the river. This event is free. Click here to learn more about Southwest Civic Winds.
Red, Whie & Bulls: Pro Bull Fighting
La Plata County Fairgrounds 7:00 pm
It’s a dance of danger. Professional bull fighters in the ring with 1200-1600 pound ornery animals. Freestyle bullfighting is a style developed in American rodeo by rodeo clowns who protect bull riders from the bull. Watch these professionals as they engage with the bulls. And then dance in the dirt with the Shari Rowe Band after the action! Ticket price: $35 and up – see the website. Gates open at 5:00 pm, with a variety of dinner and beverage options. Event starts at 7:00 pm. Click here for more information and tickets.
Beats and Brunch
11th Street Station 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Live music with a DJ, and special food selections at each food truck on site. No entry fee, people pay for their own food and drinks.
VFW Post 4031 Veteran’s Benefit Breakfast
1550 Main Avenue
VFW Post 4031 invites you to come enjoy some delicious food with your loved ones, local veterans, neighbors and more! Donations of $9 for adults, $8 for veterans and $6 for kids 12 and under.
