2026 Snowdown - Durango's Annual Winter Carnival, Colorado's Premeir Winter Celebration

How to Snowdown Like A Local

So you decided to come to Snowdown in Durango, thank you! Or maybe you are a local who wants some tips on how to Snowdown. Snowdown is a unique festival, with well over 200 events spread out over ten days. Snowdown is in its 4^7th year, and is an amazingly fun time providing an economic boost to businesses in the slowest part of the year.

2026 Snowdown dates are Friday January 23 to Sunday February 1. This year's theme is Uniquely Colorado - Then and Wow

First and foremost, get a costume! Everyone dresses up for the current year's theme. Grab anything related to any part of Colorado History. You can always pop into Downtown stores like Animas Trading Company or Lizard Head Trading Company for inspiration.

Next, pick up a schedule of events at another Downtown store, Magpies Newstand and Café, located at 707 Main Ave. You will also find them at many other businesses, or look online by clicking HERE and then on the EVENTS tab.

Magpies is the only place to get your official Snowdown merch – hats, shirts and buttons. This can be your costume in a pinch!

Want to know what events are must see’s? Check out our blog for details on the best of the best not-to-miss events. The top of your list should be the Light Parade on Friday January 30.

Speaking of the parade, it is the biggest event for Downtown every year, with an estimated crowd of 10,000 attending! There will be about 75 floats in this nighttime parade and all will have their own take on this year’s theme. The parade is Friday January 30, starts at 6 pm sharp, and is on Main Avenue. Arrive early! The parade route is crowded so get your spot as soon as you can. Dress warm, it is cold in Durango in winter so layer up!  

The parade closes Main Ave. and the cross streets to parking and traffic, so don’t drive around looking for a place to park. Consider using the special shuttle for Snowdown Light Parade. On Friday January 30, a special shuttle is offered to make it easier to get to Downtown for the Snowdown Light Parade. This special shuttle will run from the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Event Center to the Transit Center. This shuttle starts at 3 pm and the last one leaves Downtown at 9 pm from the Transit Center. It will arrive every 20 to 30 minutes. The special shuttle is brought to you by the City of Durango, Ride Respsonsible, La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center, BID, and Snowdown! Click HERE for specific information about closures for the Light Parade.

Get the full inside scoop about transportation during Snowdown HERE. Snowdown has arranged for several free or low-cost public transit options, thanks to the City of Durango, The Ride Responsible Program, and BID! If you do drive Downtown for any part of Snowdown, remember two things. Watch for parking closures by looking for the signs on the parking meters. Also, you cannot leave your car at a parking meter overnight from 2 to 5 am. Think about where you park before you get there, and always make a plan for how to get home safe.

Participate in events! There are some Snowdown events that are sold out in advance, but many you can sign up for at the last minute. Think you know music? Then get a team for the Magical Musical Mystery Tour music trivia contest at Ska Brewing. Do you know a lot about sports? Head over to The Roost for Sports Trivia. Think your costume is super awesome? There are several costume contests throughout Snowdown. Got an iron stomach? Enter the Hot Wing Eating Contest at Animas City Theatre. Get involved! There are 221 events this year with 71 that are family friendly.

Stay close to Downtown, or in Downtown, if you can. Durango has hotels in all different prices ranges, so use our Hotel Guide to find just the right place.

Looking for Dining options? Check out our restaurant directory. 

Last, be prepared to have fun. Durango is a great town, and Snowdown truly shows off our zany side. Thanks for joining us at Snowdown 2026!