2026 Snowdown is nearly here! There are 221 events over 10 days in Colorado’s Premier Winter Celebration. Here are some tips from me to you, and some of the events not to miss from a local who has participated in Snowdown for the past 20+ years.
2026 Snowdown dates are Friday January 23 to Sunay February 1. Snowdown is a 10-day event with tons of fun every day.
This year’s theme is: Uniquely Colorado – Then and Wow. A key to Snowdown is to have a costume that matches the theme. Think about Colorado history … miners, old west, Molly Brown and skiing to name a few things. More recently, John Elway anyone? Or local history such as the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, or how about the kangaroo that police had to catch? What makes Colorado unique to you? Start there and your costume will follow.
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 going to Snowdown.org and clicking on the EVENTS tab. Note – there will be changes to some events, the website will always have the most current information. New this year is an app for Apple users!
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 to be you know how to get tickets next year, as well as for updates on this year’s events. Instagram is @thesnowdowndurango and Facebook is @SnowdownDurango.
Transportation – Snowdown has arranged for several free or low-cost public transit options, thanks to the City of Durango, Ride Responsible, Snowdown, La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center and BID! Click HERE for all the ways to get home safe and avoid the parking hassles. Of note is the special free shuttle on Friday January 30 from the parade, running from 3 to 9 pm from the Fairgrounds to the Transit Center. Also free is the late night on-demand transit service DuranGO!. Free on Friday January 30 and Saturday January 31 from 5 pm to 2 am.
Got an idea for a theme for future years? Submit it at Magpies Newsstand by 5 pm Sunday February 1, or on the website. The person submitting the winning theme receives a Purgatory ski and dine package. The 2027 Theme will be announced on Sunday January 25 at Purgatory a little after 1 pm, right after the Snowdown Ski Parade.
Below are some of my favorite events for 2026 Snowdown, some new, some old favorites that we do every year, and some that are unique. This year there are 71 family friendly events. Family friendly events are noted on the schedule on the website with a special logo.
Friday January 23
- Snowdown T-Shirt Day – wear your shirt that you got from Magpies
- Bartending Contest at Starlight Lounge – the official cocktail for 2026 Snowdown will be crowned
- Beer Bingo at Durango Beer and Ice Company – classic bingo, but with beer
- Left Foot on Gold Twister Contest at Union Social House – all ages welcome
Saturday January 24
- Colorado Costume Dance Party at Durango Public Library – ages 9 and under
- Durango Then and Wow Community Mural at Hermosa Café – help make the 2026 Snowdown mural, all ages welcome
- Outhouse Stuffing at Gazpachos – how many people can fit in a porta potty???
- Treadmill Challenge at 11th Street Station – put your calves to the test, all ages welcome
- Blindfold Dance Challenge at EsoTerra Cider and Wines – dance like no one’s watching
Sunday January 25
- Ski Parade, Opening Ceremony and 2027 Theme Reveal at Purgatory
- Ska Can Suit Soccer at Ska World Headquarters – soccer in a Ska Can Suit!!!
- Y2K Blind Karaoke at Lizard Head Trading Company – karaoke Y2K songs but without seeing the lyrics
Monday January 26
- Search for the Silver Bullet – starting today, tune in to 101.3 FM or 100.5 FM to hear the clues, then find the Silver Bullet before anyone else to win a cash and prizes
- Carver Brewing’s Beer Dinner – purchase tix in advance at CarverBrewing.com
Tuesday January 27
- Colorado Split Flipper at Union Social House – pinball events, all ages welcome
Wednesday January 28
- Scavenger Hunt at American Legion Post 28 – starts today, winners announced Friday
- What’s Crackin’ Lego Walk at 11th Street Station - parents know, stepping on a lego hurts! Got tough feet, enter this contest!
- How Local Are You? At Animas Chocolate Company – trivia contest to test your Durango knowledge
- Hot Wing Eating Contest at Animas City Theatre – how hot can you go?
- Bicycle Roller Races at Zia Taqueria North – 15 minute races
- Spellabration at The Powerhouse – spelling bee fundraiser for Durango Adult Education Center
- Magical Musical Mystery Tour at Ska Brewing – music trivia at its finest
- Mr. B’s Vaudeville Show at The Subterrain – Durango’s best, worst and eccentric talents
- Lip Synch Contest at El Rancho Tavern – solo or groups
- Pick Up Line Contest at Animas City Theatre – who has the smoothest lines?
- Joke Down at VFW Post 4031 – tell your best joke or do a 3-minute stand-up act
- Sports Trivia at The Roost
Thursday January 29
- Big Wheel Derby at Balcony Bar and Grill – remember big wheels???
- Mah Johngg “Not a Tournament” Tournament at Dalton Ranch Clubhouse – Mah Jongg tourney
- 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
- Reel of Fortune at San Juan Angler – spin the reel, solve puzzles, all ages welcome
- Hungry Hungry Sliders at 11th Street Station – eating competition
- Trivia Night at the Powerhouse – Snowdown trivia
- Last Spoon Standing at Union Social House – Spoons! All ages welcome
- Drag Race and Fashion Show at El Rancho
Friday January 30
- Snowdown T-Shirt Day – wear your shirt that you got from Magpies
- The Parade Pitstop at The Garage – mini-carnival before the Parade, all ages welcome
- Chili Cookoff and Bloody Mary Contest Presale Tickets at El Rancho Tavern – get your tickets early
- Pier Relay at Oye – oyster swig relay race
- Beer Mile at Cork and Larder – race through Downtown
- Spaghetti Dinner at Elks Lodge – pasta baby! All ages welcome.
- Red Ball Express at 11th 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 3 to 9 pm.
- Snowdown Follies Videocast at Animas City Theatre – didn’t get Follies tickets, come here instead
- Dance Through the Decades at Lola’s Place – dance the night away, all ages welcome
- Tortilla Slap at Los Amigos del Sur in the Main Mall
Saturday January 31
- Kids Snow Games at Folsom Park – for ages 3rd to 5th grade, super fun!
- 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?
- Canine Fashion Show at McDonalds – a howling good time
- Snowdown After Dark at the Black Heron Lounge – DJ’s, dancing, drinks
Sunday February 1
- Magic the Gathering Tournament at Guild House Games
Happy Snowdown to all!
Learn more at Snowdown.org
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