The Top 15 Events in Durango that you don't want to miss.
Snowdown
January 26 - February 4- Various Venues in Durango
Snowdown is Durango’s winter carnival that is a jammed packed week of fun events. For over 40 years Durango has enjoyed the fun celebration of Snowdown that offers host events and themed costumes. This 5-day event offers over 100 events including the annual Parade of Lights down Main Avenue. Other fun events include adult only fashion shows, to winter sporting contests. It’s a epic party that brings some fun and humor and many family friendly events to Downtown Durango.
Durango Independent Film Festival
February 28 - March 3, 2024
The Durango Film Festival is a unique opportunity to experience and discuss global, innovative, and diverse films. The film festival takes place over 5 days, the first full weekend in March. Showcasing all genres of independent film is what the festival is all about. You will find a variety of film categories, extra events like VIP parties, panels, and workshops. Filmmakers join us from all around the world. In 2023 we had a record of 82 filmmakers attending the festival. The 19th Annual Film Festival will take place February 28-March 3, 2024.
April 19 - 21, 2024
Join the fun at the 27th annual Durango Bluegrass Meltdown on April 19, 20, and 21, 2024. 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.
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 2024 lineup can be found on our website.
April 26 & 27, 2024
The Durango Wine Experience, a rich and well balanced event, is brought to you by the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado. All event proceeds will go to the Community Foundation to support our vital work in the vibrant nonprofit sector. This popular weekend-long event will be held April 26-27, 2024. 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 craft beers represented. To learn more or buy your tickets, visit DurangoWine.com.
May 24-26, 2024
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.
Wednesday Evenings starting in June at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center.
True Western Roundup is excited to showcase the working ranch activities of the American Cowboy and Cowgirl. We are proud to promote and preserve our western heritage in a positive family atmosphere and we welcome you to bring your family and friends for an exciting evening of wild western entertainment!
Our mission is to produce events that preserve our western heritage, promote business, support human and animal athletes, build community and provide a family friendly atmosphere in an authentic fashion.
Our western events are hosted each Wednesday evening at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.
2024 information coming soon!
July 3rd – 6th in Downtown Durango
The town of Durango is celebrating the 4th of July with a week of events including concerts, dance parties, movies in the park, the Stars & Stripes 4th of July Parade, artists showcase, food & drink, a 5k race, a Homes for Heroes picnic, the True Western Roundup, and more. The 4th of July festivities in Durango offer something for everyone!
Full event schedule for 2024 coming soon.
July 11 through August 4, 2024 at various venues
Music in the Mountains returns this summer for its 38th season! Southwest Colorado's premier classical music festival, Music in the Mountains welcomes world-class musicians from around the country for four weeks of spectacular performances throughout the region, including a series of free community concerts performed on our custom-built Mobile Stage. Join us this year from July 11 through August 4, 2024 to enjoy a robust schedule of live performances held at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, and other local venues. Please visit our website for schedule and ticket information.
August 23-24, 2024 at Buckley Park
The best beer tasting festival in the Four Corners! The San Juan Brewfest takes place over two days - Friday August 23 and Saturday August 24 – and is held in Downtown Durango at Buckley Park. VIP and General Admission tickets will be available. Both days feature up to 35 breweries with nearly 100 beers to sample, unlimited tastings, a souvenir tasting glass, live bands and tons of fun, all to benefit United Way of Southwest Colorado. Tickets for the Brewfest traditionally sell out, so get your ticket in advance. Tickets are on sale now.
September 21 & 22, 2024 in Downtown Durango on 2nd Avenue,
The Autumn Arts Festival takes place September 21 and 22, 2024, in Historic Downtown Durango on E. 2nd Avenue. Celebrating 30 years of presenting fine art and fine craft makers, the festival features nearly 100 artist booths. The event is a benefit for the Durango Arts center, a non-profit arts organization serving Durango and the Four Corners. Festival hours are 10 am to 5 pm.
Oct. 2nd-6th 2024- Downtown Durango and additional venues in Durango
The Durango Cowboy Gathering is a fun filled five day event that captures the true spirit of the American cowboy through song, music and stories. Cowboy poets and musicians from all across the country will perform in various venues throughout Durango including the Doubletree and Strater Hotels. They also will visit area schools to entertain students with stories and songs about our western culture and lifestyle. On Saturday, one of Colorado’s largest motorless parades and a chuckwagon breakfast kick off a day full of activities.. New this year, the Gathering will feature a Horseback Social before the start of the parade. Six blocks of historic downtown historic Durango will be closed to traffic so that hundreds of cowboys, cowgirls, and other horse enthusiasts can get together with each other, along with members of the community. Multiple areas adjacent to the riding enclosure will be set aside for a variety of activities, including a petting corral and horse rides for the kids. It will be a unique and captivating experience for participants, as well as locals and visitors alike.
For 36 years, the mission of the Gathering is to remind people of Durango’s western heritage and culture. We hope you will join us as we celebrate the traditions unique to the Old West.
October 18-20, 2024, Located in the Animas Valley and Historic Downtown Durango
The Animas Valley Balloon Rally hosts a full weekend of events October 18-20, 2024. The event kicks off with the Downtown Balloon Glow on Friday, where spectators will see multiple hot air balloons light up. The event also features a few candlesticks (baskets without their balloons.) A second Downtown Balloon Glow will also take place on Saturday night. This is a great opportunity to meet the pilots and get up close to the balloons. In the Animas Valley on Saturday and Sunday early bird spectators can see the balloons inflate and then watch the balloons take flight for a mass ascension. This is a great event for families. Free tethered balloon rides will be available. The event is weather permitting.
Singing with Santa
November 29, 2024 at Buckley Park
Kick off the holidays with this annual holiday event. Meet Santa and sing Christmas carols down Main Avenue to Buckley Park. At the park we will count down the lighting of the community Christmas tree. Free hot chocolate and cookies are available. Plus, a free photo with Santa! Bring your own camera! Save the date for November 29, 2024!
Noel Night
December 6, 2024 in Historic Downtown Durango
Each December Local First presents Noel Night, a family friendly event offering special offers at local merchants, entertainment, holiday treats and more. It’s a downtown holiday Christmas party that brings our community together. Full listing of events and special offers is available in the Durango Herald leading up to the event.
November 22 through January 1, 2025
Enjoy the magical recreation of the classic holiday story of the Polar express aboard a vintage steam train that travels from Durango to the North Pole. During the journey to the North Pole visitors will enjoy the reading of the award-wining book by Chris Van Allsburg. Each rider will receive cookies and hot chocolate as they make their way to the North Pole with a light show set to holiday music. The book comes to life through the chefs, hobos, conductor, Hero Boy, Billy, Santa and all the elves on the historic Steam train. It’s a magical experience for all ages. Do you believe? Book your golden ticket today! Tickets are available from November 22, 2024 to January 1, 2025