Durango Festivals: Iconic Annual Events In Durango
Check Out These Can't-Miss Annual Events In Durango
Visitors to Durango are treated to a wide variety of events throughout the year. Some of these events have been happening for many years, making them well known and loved by visitors and locals alike. Annual festivals in Durango keep visitors coming back year after year. Check out some of the iconic Durango, Colorado events below and start planning your trip today.
Snowdown
Snowdown is a party of epic proportions that happens each year in January or February. It is a five-day festival with over 100 events and activities for the whole family. Attendees can enjoy beard growing contests, joke offs, the Snowdown Follies, beer plunges, a light parade and more. Snowdown spreads across town, and many local businesses get in on the fun by hosting their own celebrations.
Snowdown
Independent Film Festival
The Durango Independent Film Festival introduces a mix of documentaries, short films, dramatic films, narrative features and more to theaters around Durango. Multiple venues screen these experiences and hold festival parties, workshops and panels for attendees to learn about the works and creators. The first night of the festival is a free movie night to make this event affordable for all.
Durango Film Festival
Bluegrass Meltdown
The Durango Bluegrass Meltdown is an iconic annual event that kicks off spring in southwest Colorado. At the Meltdown, you have opportunities to jam out to live music and entertainment throughout downtown. There are professional performances, sidewalk musicians, food, a children’s workshop, an Old Time Barn Dance and more.
Durango Bluegrass Meltdown
Durango Wine Experience
The Durango Wine Experience is a two-day tasting event held at the end of April. Local restaurants and wineries offer special wine tastings and food pairings to enjoy as you stroll down Main Avenue. The annual event is also the primary fundraiser for the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado. Come out and sample unique flavors while supporting a great cause!
Durango Wine Experience
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic takes place over Memorial Day weekend each year. Cyclists train all year long for this exciting event, where they are able to take on 50 miles of southwest Colorado. Along the way, bikers follow the historic railroad tracks, climb 6,700 feet in elevation and are treated to incredible views of the region.
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
True Western Roundup
Formerly known as the True West Rodeo, the True Western Roundup brings Old West heritage and athleticism to Durango on Wednesday nights throughout the summer. The Roundup has been a favorite annual event since its start in 2014. There are great kids events like steer riding and mutton busting, and adult categories such as bull riding, saddle broncos, bareback and more.
True Western Roundup
Animas River Days
Celebrate the importance of the local Animas River each June during Animas River Days. The annual festival features river surfing, stand-up paddling, freestyle kayaking, boatercross, raft and kayak slalom, an inflatable rodeo and the local’s favorite costumed river parade. From experienced paddlers to curious first-timers, anyone can join in on the fun and appreciate the natural beauty in Durango.
Animas River Days
Durango Playfest
Each summer, the Durango PlayFest invites professional actors, directors, playwrights, and regional artists to develop new plays in a collaborative environment. The festival culminates with exciting stage readings of original stories at local venues in Durango. Audiences can learn more about the storytelling process through events such as panels, artist talks, workshops and a festival party.
Durango PlayFest
Four Corners Gem Show
Each year, over 60 gem and mineral experts from around the country come to the La Plata County Fairgrounds to display their unique collections at the Four Corners Gem and Mineral Show. Vendors sell rocks, gems, minerals, jewelry, fossils and more at indoor and outdoor booths. Kids will enjoy free activites such as gold panning and treasure hunts.
Four Corners Gem & Mineral Show
Music In The Mountains
Music in the Mountains brings four weeks of incredible classical music to Durango. For nearly 40 years, Durango has seen some of the best performances by artists, orchestras and musical groups from Colorado and around the world. There are plenty of free events during Music in the Mountains to make the fun accessible and affordable for everyone.
Music in the Mountains
La Plata County Fair
The La Plata County Fair celebrates community and tradition in Durango each August. Family, friends and neighbors are invited out to enjoy live music, animals, food, crafts, contests and much more on the 32-acre fairgrounds. This summer weekend is packed with non-stop fun that appeals to locals and travelers alike.
La Plata County Fair
Devo Days Bike Festival
Expect bike racing, camping, games, free skills clinics, a movie night and more at the Devo Days Mountain Bike Festival at Purgatory Resort. Devo Days is a family-friendly event that will interest both competitive riders and leisurely bikers. Take in the stunning beauty of the San Juan Mountains during this action-packed festival.
Devo Days Bike Festival
Durango Blues Trains
The Durango Blues Train is a summer event that brings live blues music aboard the historic Durango train. Enjoy a musical evening on the rails with some of Colorado’s best craft beer, cider and wine along with breathtaking views of the San Juan National Forest. This event is a favorite amongst visitors and locals and always sells out quickly.
Durango Blues Train
San Juan Brewfest
San Juan Brewfest is the Four Corners’ favorite beer tasting festival. Attendees enjoy two days of live music, beer tastings from 35 breweries and cideries, food and more. This event is 21+ and gives back to the Durango community through Team Up. This event is a great way for visitors and locals to learn about local, regional and national beers and ciders, and to support a great cause!
San Juan Brewfest
Four Corners Motorcycle Rally
Enjoy a four-day festival full of bikes, live music, motorcycle giveaways, stunt shows, racing, bike shows, great food and drinks and more at the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally. Join the action on the world famous Million Dollar Highway, or shop local vendors and grab a drink at the bar for a more casual afternoon.
Four Corners Motorcycle Rally
Durango Autumn Arts Festival
Every September, the Durango Arts Center hosts the Autumn Arts Festival in celebration of the town’s diverse artists. At 100+ booths, the festival showcases work by artists from all over the region in mediums such as ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, glass, sculpture, photography, painting and more. Exhibiting artists are eligible for awards. The arts festival also offers live music, children’s art activities, and local food.
Durango Autumn Arts Festival
WholeExpo
WholeExpo promotes healthy, holistic living and ecological awareness each year in Durango. Exhibitors sell products ranging from T-shirts and jewelry to carvings and crystals. Visitors can also sample superfoods, have a tarot reading, and learn about different types of healing such as essential oils and cryotherapy at the annual expo.
WholeExpo
Durango Cowboy Gathering
The Durango Cowboy Gathering brings together cowboy poets from across the United States for a celebration of poems, songs and the people and spirit of the American West. Highlights of this annual event in Durango include the Cowboy Poetry Train and the Motorless Cowboy Parade.
Durango Cowboy Gathering
Animas Valley Balloon Rally
The Animas Valley Balloon Rally takes place in Downtown Durango every October. The weekend kicks off with the Downtown Balloon Glow, where spectators can see multiple hot air balloons light up. Watch the balloons take flight early in the morning and take advantage of free tethered balloon rides at this annual event perfect for the whole family.
Animas Valley Balloon RallyMake plans to attend some of these Durango, Colorado events and see for yourself why they draw visitors back year after year.