Thursday, July 2 – Sunday, July 5, 2026
Durango celebrates the Fourth of July with food, music, races, rodeos, and a grammy award winning band at a FREE concert! Over 30 events are scheduled for four days, from July 2 to July 5 for locals and visitors to enjoy. Put on your red, white, and blue and join us! See below for a complete list of activities every day for the Four Days For The Fourth.
Scavenger Hunt | Downtown Durango, all day
Thursday, July 2 – Sunday, July 5, 2026
Take a tour through Historic Downtown Durango in search of clues to win the 4th of July Scavenger Hunt! The Scavenger Hunt starts at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 2 and ends at 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 5. Participants can pick up a Scavenger Hunt map at the Durango Welcome Center 802 Main Avenue, or at any business in Downtown displaying the sign above. At each clue location, a number or letter will be provided to solve the final riddle. Participants turn in their completed clue sheets to the Welcome Center by 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 5. Three winners will be picked at random from qualifying entries. Prize: $50 Heart of Durango Dollars digital gift cards redeemable at over 110 Downtown and North Main businesses. Click HERE to download and print the clue sheet.
Paint a Patriotic Mural | Hermosa Cafe
Thursday, July 2 – Sunday, July 5, 2026
You too can be an artist! Saunter over to Hermosa Café and pick up a paint brush to participate in the community mural. Each year Hermosa Café provides a huge canvas, paints and some outlines to create a patriotic mural. Fun for adults - and also great for kids while adults are having tea and coffee! It is interesting to watch the picture emerge over four days. This event is free.
Fort Lewis Community Concert Hall at the Park
Buckley Park, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Bring your picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs - or just come ready to dance! Grassburger and the Ice Cream Lady will be on site with tasty eats, drinks and ice cream to keep you fueled for the fun! This concert features the Spicy Pickles. A high energy, modern swing band guaranteed to get audiences on their feet. This event is free.
Fourth of July Parade Costume Workshop
Seed Studio, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Thinking of marching in the 4th of July parade this year? It's a big celebration, honoring 250 years of American independence and 150 years of Colorado statehood. Seed Studio will provide guidance, materials and inspiration to help you shine on July 4 - whether you are in the Children's Parade the Big Parade or a spectator in the crowd. This is a great workshop for families with kids from 3- 93. This event is free.
Oscar's Cafe Pie Eating Contest
NEW DATE, TIME AND LOCATION - SCROLL DOWN TO SATURDAY JULY 4 AT 5 PM
First Friday Art Walk
Downtown Durango 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Celebrate Durango’s creative side! Explore this evening of music, original performances, featured artist showcases, artisan pop-up markets and food and drink specials all across town. Grab a map of participating venues at the Durango Creative District Headquarters (1135 Main Avenue) or Click here to see what excitement awaits. This event is free and open to all ages.
Ice Cream Social
VFW Post 4031, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Stroll down the Animas River Trail and stop at Rotary Park for an evening dinner and concert. The VFW Auxilliary is hosting an Ice Cream Social in conjunction with the Southwest Civic Winds Jazz Concert.
Animus on the Animas, 3rd Annual Durango Boxing Classic
West 10th Street, 5:00 – 9:00 pm
The Good Fight Boxing Gym presents a USA Boxing -sanctioned amateur showcase – bringing the sport of boxing to Durango! Fight fans and first timers will enjoy this family friendly event. Join us at East 10th Street under the Jack Dempsey Mural where a full-size boxing ring is erected to showcase boxers of all ages and backgrounds. Gates open at 4:00 pm. Proceeds from the event will support The Good Fight Scholarship Fund. Ticket price: $20 for ages 8 and up. Or buy a 6-pack of tickets for $100. Children under 7 are free. Click here for more information.
Civic Winds Concert and Dancing
Rotary Park, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
The Civic Winds Jazz Orchestra performs live in the gazebo at Rotary Park. Join us on the evening of July 3 as our music fills the park with jazz, funk, swing and American big band classics! Bring your dancing shoes, a picnic for dinner and your friends and family for a very special live concert event by the river. Click here to learn more about Southwest Civic Winds. This event is free.
Red, White & Bulls: Pro Bull Fighting
La Plata County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 7:00 pm
Freestyle bull fighting is a high energy showdown of skill, speed and bravery. Athletes face the bull head on, using quick footwork, daring moves and pure grit to stay just inches away. Judged on style, difficulty and bravery, each performance is a fast-paced display of grit and skill that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. It's man versus bull in it's rawest, most thrilling form, a dance that's as dangerous as it is forgivable. VIP seating is available on the arena floor! Ticket price: $35 and up – see the website. Gates open at 5:00 pm, with a variety of dinner and beverage options. Event starts at 7:00 pm. Click here for details and tickets.
All-American Gourmet Breakfast
Rotary Park, 7:30 – 10:30 am
Brought to you by the Rotary Club of Durango, the Durango High Noon Rotary Club and the rotary Club of Durango Daybreak. Scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, fruit toppings, biscuits and gravy, OJ and coffee will be served. Tickets may be purchased online or by using the QR code on posters around town, or from a local Rotary Member. For more information and to buy tickets use this link.
Durango Farmer’s Market
TBK Bank Parking Lot 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (10:00am Flavors of Freedom Cooking Competition)
Get your farm-fresh-fix strolling through the “streets” of the Durango Farmer’s Market. Fresh flowers? A coffee and pastry for your walk? Take your time deciding which of the amazing vegetables, organic meat, and beautifully made crafts you want. Or sit and visit while listening to local musicians. The Farmer’s Market is the hot spot on Saturday mornings, in a relaxed, friendly way. Vendors take time to tell you about their farms and how their produce is grown. Durango Farmer’s Market- Supporting local farmers: the coolest trend around. This event is free to attend. Purchase your own goodies at all the booths!
Freedom 5K Run, Stroll & Walk
Rotary Park, 9:00 – 11:00 am
Join the City of Durango’s Parks and Recreation Department and start your 4th of July festivities on the right foot. Bring your whole family and all your friends to participate, and dress to celebrate Independence Day! All ages are welcome to run, walk, stroll or stride this festive 5K along the scenic Animas River Trail. The race begins at 9:00 am at Rotary Park. Participants are encouraged to dress in creative and patriotic attire. Prizes will be distributed for first place in 3 categories: 12 & under, 13-18, and over 18 years of age. Participants must check in at the Freedom 5K race tent between 8:15 am and 8:45 am. This event is free.
Southwest Civic Winds Patriotic Concert
Rotary Park, 9:15 – 10:45 am
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Rotary Park and listen to the Southwest Civic Winds as they continue their 2026 season with "An American Overture"! The full concert band will perform familiar and loved songs that celebrate Americas 250th Birthday and Colorado's 150th Anniversary. Click here to learn more about Southwest Civic Winds. This event is free.
Durango DEVO Buckley BBQ Bands Beer and Bikes
Buckley Park, 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Bring a blanket or chair to Buckley Park for a midday picnic and great music. Sunny Side Brats, veggie dogs, pasta salad, chips and cookies are on the menu at $12.00 per plate, $15 Meal Deal with a drink. The beer garden features Carver’s Brewing. The music starts at 12:00 pm with the Six Dollar String Band. Activities for all ages include face painting, henna tattoos, balloon animals, costume decorating, cornhole and a great kid’s bike race. This event is free. Participants must purchase their food and drink; all proceeds go to Durango Devo.
Prices: $12.00 per plate or $15 for lunch + beer or soft drink. Kids Meal $6 for Hot Dog and Chips.
The Ultimate Halving Competition
11th Street Station, 12:30 pm
Watch your fingers! This is a competition of speed and precision as contestants halve (cut food in half) as fast as possible. Speed is good, accuracy is critical. Food items will come from the food trucks on site. Prizes for 1st & 2nd place. Age brackets: 14 & under at 12:30 (no knives needed to split these foods!), 15 & older at 1:00. Early registration is encouraged, only a limited number of sign-ups for each age bracket will be taken! To register in advance, send the following information to jensen@eleventhstreetstation.com - first and last name, age, phone, and email.
This event is free to spectate. Contest entry fee is $5/person.
4th of July Children's Parade Decorating Station
Buckley Park, 1:00 - 3:30 pm
Ready or not, it’s parade time! Join the folks at the Decoration Station in Buckley Park to prepare for the Children’s Parade and the Devo Colorado 150 Kids Bike races. Craft materials are available to make accessory decorations for your costumes and bikes. This event is free.
Durango DEVO Colorado 150 Kid's Bike Race
Buckley Park, 1:50 pm, Registration open at 12:30 pm
Decorate your bike and join the Devo/Colorado 150 Kid’s fun Race. Step out of Buckley Park onto the 1200 Block of Main for a legit race course. The bike races are open to kids ages 3-11 years old. Strider bikes/Preschool-5th grade.
You must register at the Devo Tent and sign a waiver. Registration opens at 12:30 and closes at 1:30. Races begin at 1:50 starting with the youngest riders. This event is free.
Watermelon Eating Competition
11th Street Station, 2 pm
It’s not summer until you have had watermelon! Join us at 2:00 pm to watch – or compete – in the watermelon eating contest sponsored by 11th Street Station. Contestants will be accepted for each of the three age categories – at 2:00 pm Ages 6 & under, at 2:30 pm Ages 7 to 15, and at 3:00 pm ages 16 & older. Prizes for 1st & 2nd Places. Early registration is strongly encouraged! Registration will end 15 minutes before the start for that age range, when all competitors must be present for check-in. Contestants under 18 years need a parent or guardian’s consent. This event is free to participate in or spectate. To register in advance, send the following information to jensen@eleventhstreetstation.com – first and last name, age, phone and email.
-free to enter/participate
-early registration is appreciated
Children's Parade
Buckley Park, 3:30 pm
Calling all kids! Decorate, March & Celebrate! Red, white and blue is the color scheme, but use your imagination on how to turn your bike, wagon, trike, scooter or stroller into a float! Or create a costume and march. For kids ages 10 years old and under. Arrive early (2:30 pm) for our free decoration station, if you need some last-minute additions to your masterpiece. All children must be accompanied by a guardian. Families encouraged to join in the parade – as long as you are accompanying a 10 year old or under parade entrant.
Registration: Free, quick and easy from 2:30 pm to 2:55 pm. Prizes: We will pick 3 winners from a hat of all registered entries for a $50 Heart of Durango gift card, redeemable at 93 businesses downtown.
Main Avenue Mile
Buckley Park 4:00 pm
Ages: 7 and up. Qualifications: Must be able to complete a mile in under 16 minutes.
Prizes: For overall top 3 Male and Female and age group prizes. Entry Fee: $17.76
Click here to register online or register at Buckley Park between 3:00 pm and 3:45 pm.
Note: This is a running race. Join the Freedom 5K at 9 am for the run, walk, stroll, and saunter event.
We the People! Past, Present & Future - 4th of July Parade
Main Avenue 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Line up early on Main Avenue for the annual 4th of July Parade. In honor of the 250th anniversary of Declaration of Independence, and 150 years of Colorado statehood, the theme this year is We the People! Past, Present & Future Expect some imaginative floats as well as bands, singers, cyclists, fire engines and more. The Parade starts at College (6th Street) and Main Avenue at 4:30 pm and ends at 12th Street. Bring a small American flag to waive and stand at attention when the VFW Color Guard passes by. Judges and announcers will be on the 800 block of Main by the Main Mall. This event is free to spectate. $5 entry fee for parade floats. Prizes include $300 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third place. Click here for parade entry. Click here for 30 great float ideas!
Street Dance featuring the Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Buckley Park and Main Avenue 5:00 - 10:00 pm
After the parade, head straight for Buckley Park to celebrate into the night. The City of Durango and KSUT Presents bring you food, beer, dancing and awesome bands. The music starts at 5:30 pm, to get you dancing. At 7:30 pm the Grammy award winning Dirty Dozen Brass Band will take the stage to rev up the night. Participants may buy their dinner and drinks from one of the many great vendors. The food court includes Ska Brewing, Cairo Café, Tacos La Carranza, The Ice Cream Lady and more. The activities area features corn hole, face painting, henna tattoos, and balloon animals. This event is free.
Oscar's Cafe Pie Eating Contest - NEW DATE, TIME AND LOCATION
La Plata County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 5 pm
Red, White & Bulls: Pro Bull Riding
La Plata County Fairgrounds & Event Center 7:00 pm
Professional bull riding at TWR is the ultimate test of strength, grit, and determination. Riders take on powerful bulls in an intense 8-second battle, holding on with one hand as they match every twist and turn. It’s raw, fast-paced action that brings the crowd to its feet every time! Stay after the performance and “Dance in the Dirt” with live music from Mustang Disposition. Family-friendly fun and the best way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday! VIP Seating is available on the arena floor! Gates open at 5:00pm, with a variety of dinner and beverage options. Event starts at 7:00pm. Click here for more information and tickets.
Breakfast in Durango
Various Locations, 6:30 - 11:00 am
Can you cite patriotic facts without using your cell phone? Visit any of these fun (and delicious) restaurants on Sunday morning for a great breakfast and a patriotic challenge. Earn an American flag or a free re-fill on your coffee/tea by singing a verse of the Star Spangled Banner, naming 7 presidents or all the US States that begin with the letter A. Each restaurant has a different challenge and different prizes.
Liberty Days Arts and Craft Festival & Music
Buckley Park, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Join this vibrant celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community as you wander through the inaugural Liberty Days Arts Festival in Buckley Park. Meet the artists - who love to share details about their creative process. Purchase truly one-of-a-kind pieces from Southwest Colorado artists whose work ranges from paintings and sculptures to handcrafted jewelry and textiles. Stop by the famed Love ‘n Juice table to buy a coffee or a delightful pastry. Then wander over to the stage to hear local musicians including guitarist and singer Leah Orlikowski. This event is brought to you by Miss Margie’s Festival Productions.