2024 Snowdown – Blog Article

2024 Snowdown is nearly here! There are almost 200 events over 10 days in Colorado’s Premier Winter Celebration. Here are some tips and events not to miss from a local who has participated in Snowdown for the 20+ years.

2024 Snowdown dates are January 26 to February 4. Snowdown expanded its dates a couple of years back primarily in response to the closure of a theater that housed Follies shows. The first weekend of Snowdown now has more events than ever!

This year’s theme is Peace, Love and Snowdown! Grab a hippie-type costume to join in the fun. Check out Animas Trading Company, Old Colorado Vintage, Lizard Head Trading Company, Earthbound Trading Company, or your costume closet at home for tie dye, bell bottoms and funky headbands.

Grab a schedule and merchandise from Magpie’s Newsstand, located at 707 Main Ave. in Historic Downtown Durango. Magpie’s is the only place to get your official Snowdown merch – hats, shirts and buttons. They also have schedules and posters while they last. You can find an online version of the schedule by clicking HERE. The poster, schedule and all merchandise was designed by Durango firm J-3 Media.

Find events that seem fun to you and get them on your calendar to participate in or attend. Some events require pre-registration, be sure to read the fine print in the schedule so you are prepared. Three of the more popular annual events have sold out of tickets – the Follies Shows, the Fashion Do’s and Don’ts Show and the Outlaw Josie Pete’s Snowdown Golf. Follow Snowdown on Instagram and/or Facebook so you know how to get tickets next year! Instagram is @thesnowdowndurango and Facebook is @SnowdownDurango. Monitor Snowdown's website for event changes, cancellations and other important info. Snowdown.org

Transportation – Snowdown has arranged for several free or low-cost public transit options, thanks to the City of Durango, The Hive, and BID! Click HERE for all the ways to get home safe and avoid the parking hassles.

Got an idea for a theme for future years? Submit it at Magpies Newsstand by 5 pm Sunday February 4. The person submitting the winning theme receives a Purgatory ski and dine package. The 2025 Theme will be announced on Sunday January 28 at Purgatory at 1 pm, on The Beach.

Here are a handful of events each day of Snowdown that I will try to attend. 

Friday January 26

• Snowdown T-Shirt Day – wear your shirt that you got from Magpies
• Peace, Love and Crafts at the Durango Public Library – great for kids and families
• Bartenders Contest at Starlight Lounge – the official cocktail for 2024 Snowdown will be crowned
• Beer Dinner at Carver Brewing Co. – see schedule for how to reserve your seat

Saturday January 27

• How Well Do You Know Y(our) Wine at Four Leaves Winery – guess the wine, win some wine
• T-Shirt Tye-Dye Get Down at Sun Sapphires – make your own tye-dye shirt, all ages welcome
• Outhouse Stuffing at Gazpachos – how many people can fit in a porta potty???
• Peace, Love and Pillow Fighting at the Good Fight Boxing Gym – pillow fights!
• Arm Wrestling at Durango Beer & Ice Company – may the strongest arm win

Sunday January 28

• Cookie Decorating Class and Brunch at Mountain Dough Baking – yum!
• Opening Ceremony and 2025 Theme Reveal at Purgatory

Monday January 29

• Search for the Silver Bullet – tune in to 101.3 or 100.5 FM to hear the clues, then find the Silver Bullet before anyone else to win a groovy set of prizes, including the last pair of Follies tickets
• Pajama Party Night at EsoTerra Ciderworks – all ages welcome

Tuesday January 30

• Peace, Love and Pinball at Union Social House
• Long Hair Air Guitar Contest at Starlight Lounge

Wednesday January 31

• How Local Are You? At Animas Chocolate Company – trivia contest to test your Durango knowledge
• Crackin’ Lego Walk at 11^th Street Station – parents know, stepping on a lego hurts! Got tough feet, enter this contest!
• Hot Wing Eating Contest at Cuckoos Chicken House – how hot can you go?
• Spellabration at The Powerhouse – spelling bee fundraiser for Durango Adult Education Center
• Magical Musical Mystery Tour at Ska Brewing – music trivia at its finest
• Lip Synch Contest at El Rancho Tavern – solo or groups
• Pick Up Line Throwdown at Animas City Theatre – this will be hilarious

Thursday February 1

• Big Wheel Derby at Balcony Bar and Grill – remember big wheels???
• Snowdown Slowdown at Lola’s Place – balance on a bike for prizes
• Snowdown Jr. King and Queen Contest at Best Western Rio Grande Inn – find out who will be the royalty this year and gets a ride in the Snowdown Light Parade
• Snowdown Tye Down Fly Tying Contest at San Juan Angler – fly tyers, this is your chance to shine
• Snowdown Beer Trivia at Carver Brewing Co. – calling all beer geeks
• Champagne Pong at The DoubleTree by Hilton – get toasted
• Snowdown Jokedown at the VFW – tell your best joke
• Sports Trivia at The Roost – prizes for top three teams

Friday February 2

• Snowdown T-Shirt Day – wear your shirt that you got from Magpies
• Chili Cookoff and Bloody Mary Contest Presale Tickets at The Garage – get your tickets for tomorrow one day early
• Hand on the Van at Durango Coffee Company – for kids under 10, who can keep their hand on a Durango Police car the longest?
• Red Ball Express at 11^th and Main – fundraiser for Durango Rotary Clubs, buy a ticket to win $5,000, $2,000 or $1,000
• Snowdown Light Parade at Main Ave. in Historic Downtown Durango – Durango’s best annual parade, starts at 6 pm, get there early. Free shuttle from the Fairgrounds to the Transit Center from 4:30 to 9 pm.

Saturday February 3

• Snowdown Knockout Around the World Basketball Tournament at the Durango Recreation Center – for ages 7 through adult
• Snowdown Kids Snow Games at Folsom Park – for ages 3 years old to 5^th graders, super fun!
• Puzzle Tournament in the Main Mall hosted by Guild House Games – one adult and one child complete a 500 piece puzzle
• Chili Cookoff & Bloody Mary Contest at the La Plata County Fairgrounds – chili and bloodies!
• Fashion Do’s and Don’ts Videocast at Animas City Theatre – missed the Fashion Show, or just want to see it again?
• Glowdown at Snowdown in the 500 block of Main Ave – a balloon glow during Snowdown in Historic Downtown!

Sunday February 4

• La Plata County Search and Rescue Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction – benefits the amazing search and rescue volunteers, only $10 per person!

2025 Snowdown dates are January 24 to February 2, 2025!