The new year is just around the corner, and fresh energy and fun community events are queued up to welcome 2026! As always, local organizations and businesses are hosting a variety of activities, classes, and performances throughout the month. Below are three unique and local ways to kick off the new year in Durango, CO.
Page One Writing Contest
January marks the 4th Annual Page One Writing Contest hosted by the Durango Public Library. Local writers ages 14 and older can submit one page (about 300-500 words) to the contest for a chance to win a Maria’s Bookshop gift card and have their work read on KSUT & KDUR radio stations. This is an amazing opportunity for new writers, seasoned authors, and anyone with an original written piece of any genre (poetry included!). The colder January weather is the perfect time to write and refine your submission, just be sure to submit before January 31st, with the winner chosen mid-February.
Vision Boarding with Tara Jackson
Creating a vision board is a wonderful way to start a new year! This practice combines images and words to represent your dreams and goals for the months (and years) ahead. It’s a visual reminder of these aspirations and intentions and helps manifest them into reality. Join Tara Jackson, a local holistic counselor, on January 9th from 5:30-7:30 pm at Lola’s Place to create yours. Registration is $40 and includes all vision board materials.
Snowdown Kickoff Party
Start Durango’s Annual Snowdown celebrations at Purgatory with the Official Snowdown Kickoff Party on January 25th from 12:30-4 pm. This year’s theme is "Uniquely Colorado - Then and Wow” with the ski parade launching the week of festivities all over town. At 1 pm, the Snowdown committee will release the 2027 theme! Snowdown is a staple Durango event with tons of things to do from January 23 - February 1.
For more community events, information, and Durango lifestyle insight please contact The Durango Team at The Wells Group.
Of course, don’t miss out on Southwest Colorado’s event calendar here.
