The Top 15 Events in Durango that you don't want to miss.
Snowdown
January 23 - February 1, 2026 - Various Venues in Durango
Snowdown is Durango’s winter carnival, which is a jam-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. This year’s theme is: Uniquely Colorado – Then and Wow.
Durango Independent Film Festival
March 4-8, 2026
The Durango Film Festival is a unique opportunity to experience and discuss global, innovative, and diverse films. This year DIFF will celebrate 21 years of showcasing independent films in Durango. The film festival takes place over 5 days, the first full weekend in March. You will find a variety of film categories, extra events like VIP parties, panels, and workshops. Filmmakers join us from all around the world.
April 10 - 12, 2026
Join the fun at the 30th annual Durango Bluegrass Meltdown. 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 contests, free Friday concerts, barn dances, 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 2026 lineup can be found on our website.
April 24 & 25, 2026
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. he 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 22-24, 2026
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.
Durango Farmers Market
Saturday mornings starting on May 9, 2026
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 beverages, artisans with high-quality handmade goods, and more. Buy your produce from the farmers who 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 8 am to noon (October 9 am-noon). Market runs from May 9th through October 31st.
July 2 – 5, 2026, in Downtown Durango
The town of Durango is celebrating the 4th of July with 30 events over four days, including concerts, dance parties, movies in the park, the Stars & Stripes 4th of July Parade, food & drink, a 5k race, a Homes for Heroes picnic, the True Western Roundup, fireworks, and more. The 4th of July festivities in Durango offer something for everyone.
The 2026 schedule of events will be available soon.
July 9 through August 2, 2026 at various venues
Celebrate a milestone summer with Music in the Mountains' 40th season! Southwest Colorado's premier classical music festival welcomes world-class musicians from around the country to Durango for four unforgettable weeks of live classical music from July 9 through August 2, 2026. Join us for our free community concert series on our custom-built Mobile Stage and an exciting lineup of inspiring performances in beautiful local venues, including the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. .
August 28 - 29, 2026, at Buckley Park
The best beer tasting festival in the Four Corners! The San Juan Brewfest takes place over two days - Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29 – 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 Team Up. Tickets for the Brewfest traditionally sell out, so get your ticket in advance. Tickets go on sale June 1, 2026.
September 19 & 20, 2026, in Downtown Durango on 2nd Avenue,
The Autumn Arts Festival takes place September 19 & 20, in Historic Downtown Durango on E. 2nd Avenue. Celebrating 32 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.
October 2 - 4, 2026, 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 will also 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 Durango will be closed to traffic so that hundreds of cowboys, cowgirls, and other horse enthusiasts can get together with each other and with community members. 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 and locals alike.
For nearly 40 years, the Gathering's mission has been to remind people of Durango’s western heritage and culture. We hope you will join us as we celebrate the unique traditions of the Old West.
October 16 - 18, 2026, Located in the Animas Valley and Historic Downtown Durango
The Animas Valley Balloon Rally hosts a full weekend of events. 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.
November 27, 2026 at Buckley Park
Kick off the holidays with this annual event. Meet Santa and sing Christmas carols at Buckley Park. At the park, we will count down to the lighting of the community Christmas tree. Free hot chocolate and cookies are available. Plus, a free photo with Santa! Bring your own camera!
December 4, 2026 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 20, 2026, through January 2, 2027
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-winning 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 20, 2026 to January 2, 2027.