Since Durango, CO hosts many annual events and celebrations, we’ve compiled a year-round calendar so you can join in on the fun. While Durango and the surrounding areas also host events for national holidays such as 4th of July, Cinco de Mayo, Veterans Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, this list focuses on Durango’s signature events. Each one offers something a little different, but all are a great way to enjoy the area and community.
Snowdown
A week long festival, typically the last week of January, has been the Durango “cabin-fever-reliver” since 1979. Each year features a unique theme and the town transforms into an event-filled venue. Local businesses host fun and one-of-a-kind competitions, with traditions like the Search for the Silver Bullet, Fashion Dos & Don’ts, the Follies, and Light Parade drawing big crowds.
Durango Independent Film Festival
The Durango Independent Film Festival, founded in 2005, has grown into a well-respected celebration of independent cinema. All genres are recognized, though Native Cinema, adventure films, indie music, nature, and comedy are frequent highlights. Panels, workshops, coffee talks, parties, and more are also part of this early March festival.
Durango Celtic Festival
Founded in 2013, the Durango Celtic Festival is built around a passion for traditional Celtic music. This late March weekend long event hosts world-travelling Celtic bands for upbeat and melodic performances. Workshops with band members offer hands-on learning in Gaelic songs and instruments such as the fiddle, pipes, guitar, bass, whistle, and piano accordion.
Bluegrass Festival
This mid-April event is also centered around music - the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown is a weekend of live performances, barn dances, jam sessions, and a band contest. As a non-profit organization, the Meltdown supports year-round efforts to preserve bluegrass music through workshops, performances, and other educational events.
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
Memorial Day Weekend is a busy time in Durango with the infamous Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in and around town. Since 1971, this 47-mile race from Durango to Silverton - including two mountain passes - has drawn cyclists from around the world. Additional events have since been added such as the Quarter Horse, gravel races, mountain bike courses, kid races, a 10-mile running race, and a Veterans Train event.
Fiesta Days
This late May event dates back to 1935 - originally known as the Spanish Trails Fiesta - and celebrates community, tradition, and Western heritage. Festivities include a rodeo, parade and carnival rides.
Animas River Days
When the spring run off is in full effect for the Animas River in late May, Animas River Days celebrates the power and fun of Durango’s beloved river. Events include kayak & canoe slaloms, stand up paddle boarding, rafting, boatercross, a river parade, clinics, and an awards party.
La Plata County Fair
The La Plata County Fair is a long weekend event in early August that is centered around 4H projects and showmanship. Cake making, fashion design, shooting skills, roosting crowing contest, and livestock shows, is just the beginning of the exhibits on display. The fair also includes a rodeo, fair royalty, live music, and a demolition derby.
Four Corners Motorcycle Rally
Durango is the basecamp for the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally presented by Harley Davidson, the longest running rally in Colorado. From motorcycle shows, races, a special rodeo, poker run, workshops, and group rides along the Million Dollar Highway, there is lots to do during Labor Day weekend.
Polar Express
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad brings this beloved childhood book to life on the Polar Express train ride. During the holiday season, this immersive experience is complete with singing, dancing, hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Besides these, there are plenty of other recurring events such as the Durango Farmers Market, Bar D Chuckwagon, regular excursions on the D&SNGRR, the True Western Roundup, and many more throughout the year. Please reach out to The Durango Team for more information about Durango and fun things to do!
