The days are warm and long which means more time for fun Durango events in July! There are ongoing daily and weekly performances and happy hours to attend as well as community-centric activities, especially for Independence Day.
Fourth of July
There are many ways to celebrate the 4th of July in Durango starting on Wednesday, July 3rd. The VFW Post 4031 is hosting an ice cream social in Rotary Park with ice cream, hot dogs, and chips featuring music by Southwest Civic Winds. Then, on Thursday, July 4th, the celebration starts bright and early with breakfast back at Rotary Park at 7:30 am. Hosted by Durango Rotary Club, there will be eggs, pancakes, sausage, biscuits, and gravy! At 9:00, the Southwest Civic Winds and Durango Chorale Society will take the stage again as the Freedom 5K begins. Registration opens at 8:15 am that morning to run/walk along the Animas River Trail. Afterwards, meet up in Buckley Park at noon for a BBQ picnic benefiting Building Homes for Heros, a nonprofit organization helping veterans and first responders accomplish homeownership. Vinyl Lust and Kirk James will be playing live music to enjoy with lunch!
Get ready to ooh & ahh that evening starting with the Stars & Stripes Parade at 5 pm on Main Avenue. Right after, head over to the Transit Center for the Independence Day Dance, a free event starting at 6 pm with two live bands. End your night by watching the fireworks display light up the sky at 9:15 on the west side of Durango.
Check out nearby town’s Fourth of July celebrations as well! Silverton hosts a full day of activities including a 5K&10K run, parade, fly over, BBQ, ducky derby, and infamous fireworks show. To the east, Bayfield will have a parade (come check out The Wells Group’s float!), beer garden, and more family friendly events. South of the Colorado border in Farmington, New Mexico, their Freedom Days celebration has multiple events leading up to July 4th that include fireworks, an ice cream social, and live music in the park.
Summer Brew: Beer & Music Festival
Head up to Purgatory Ski Resort on Saturday, July 13th for the Summer Brew: Beer & Music Festival from 1 - 4:30 pm. For just $29 (kids are free!) you get unlimited samples of local Durango brews and Colorado staples. There will be live music and all of Purgatory’s summer activities available with a day pass including the Alpine Slide, Mountain Coaster, Scenic Chairlift, and more fun adventure activities. There’s room to spread out festival style and enjoy blankets and chairs to relax for the afternoon!
Christmas in July Holiday Market
It really is Christmas in July at this shopping extravaganza at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. On July 20th from 10 am - 4 pm, there will be local artisans, live music, delicious food bites, and family-friendly activities. Get a headstart on your Christmas shopping list, surprise someone with an early gift, or get a little something for yourself!
Between celebrating and shopping, make sure that there are some days set aside for relaxing at the lake or exploring more of beautiful Southwest Colorado. Please contact Max or Deven at The Durango Team at The Wells Group for more insider information on local happenings.
