Durango hosts outstanding special events in the spring. From music events like the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown, to the Wine Experience and so much much more. Oh, and not to mention a little bike race that has been around for 50 plus years call the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. These are just a few, of the many events happening in Durango this spring. Check out all the details below.
April 21-23, 2023
Join the fun at the 27th annual Durango Bluegrass Meltdown on April 21, 22, and 23, 2023. Three days of incredible national recording artists, regional, and local bluegrass bands take over five venues including the Durango Arts Center, Animas City Theatre, and Wild Horse Saloon. Our extraordinary lineup this year includes Missy Raines and Allegheny, Tunnel Drive featuring Keith Reed, Josh Williams, Shadd Cobb, Don Rigsby, and Gene Libbea; The Slocan Ramblers, The Kody Norris Show, Barbaro, Tall Poppy String Band, The Cody Sisters, The Red Hill Rollers, Basin and Grange, and more TBA!
The Meltdown also hosts several weekend events open to the public, including workshops, band contest, free Friday concert, barn dance, and late-night events!
Tickets are available on our website today, or in person at Animas Trading Company, 742 Main Ave, Durango, CO starting in late January.
More information on ticketing, venues, lodging, and the 2023 lineup can be found on our website: www.DurangoMeltdown.com
April 28 & 29, 2023
The Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado is the official new host and beneficiary of the Durango Wine Experience, and we are excited to be bringing this amazing tradition back for 2023. This popular weekend-long event will be held April 28-29, 2023. The Durango Wine Experience features a Friday night Walkabout at multiple locations in historic Downtown Durango, a Saturday Grand Tasting at the Smiley Building lawn, as well as educational seminars, wine dinners, and unique tastings. There will be hundreds of wineries, Colorado artisan spirits, and Durango craft beers represented. To learn more and to buy your tickets visit DurangoWine.com.
April 29 & 30, 2023
The 2023 Home and Ranch Show returns to the La Plata County Fairgrounds Saturday, April 29 from 10-5 and Sunday, April 30 from 10-3.
Expect new products, engaging displays, and educational demonstrations regarding home repair, renovation, and improvement.
This year's featured artist is Skyhorse Saddles, a team made up of Lisa and Loren Skyhorse. Together they hand-craft the finest western saddles in the world, as well as a variety of custom leatherwork. They have built over 1,000 saddles in 40 years, ranging from everyday working gear to collection pieces! Working in the leather medium, Skyhorse Saddles also creates mixed media pieces for home decor.
$5 for adults, kids 12 and under get free admission. Visit fourcornersexpos.com for more information.
Opening Day: May 13, 2023
The Durango Farmers Market is ready for another fabulous market season in downtown Durango! Our market features over 35 local farmers with fresh produce, locally raised meat products, local businesses creating hot, ready to eat food and beverage, artisans with high-quality handmade goods and more. Buy your produce from the farmers that grew it and your bread from the baker who baked it. Meet your community each weekend and enjoy live musical entertainment. It's an event not to be missed!
Located at the TBK Bank Parking Lot at 259 W. 9th Street, just one block off Main Avenue. Across from the Durango Transit Center.
Open Saturdays 8am to noon (October 9am-noon). Market runs from May 13th through October 28th
May 26-28, 2023
It's hard to believe half a century has passed since Tom Mayer challenged his brother Jim to a race. Tom was on his bike. Jim was a brakeman on the steam-powered train between Durango and Silverton. The wager was a candy bar. It's a 50-mile ride over two big mountain passes. When Jim pulled into the station on the train, Tom was already there waiting for him!
Ever since that challenge has been recreated Memorial Day Weekend as riders from Colorado and around the country gather to race the train.
Over the years the celebration has grown to include many events for all ages as new styles of riding emerge.
Find the full lineup of festivities at www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com
June 2-4, 2023
Animas River Days is celebrating their 40th Anniversary and is a summer celebration of our community, our river, and our environment. This year's two-day event will take place at Santa Rita Park, Saturday June 3rd to Sunday, June 4th. There will be many on-water events including river surfing, stand-up paddling, freestyle kayaking, boatercross, raft and kayak slalom and so much more.
Ska Brewing will be joining us in the beer garden along with a variety of food vendors. There also will be over 30 vendor booths, many of them specializing in outdoor adventures and paddle sports. Don't miss the River Parade Viewing Party on Saturday, June 3rd, at 5 pm during which local boaters dress-up in costume to celebrate the Animas River and all this vital resource brings to our community.
This year's proceeds from Animas River Day will go to a local charity. We are striving to be a Zero Waste event. Volunteers are needed! Visit our website at animasriverdays.com to learn about volunteer opportunities and to register for comps.
Looking for more events? Check out our event calendar for a full calendar of events.