Whether live theater, music performances, or screenings of independent (or mainstream) films, there are plenty of shows and venues in Durango. The main hub in Southwest Colorado, Durango also acts as a cultural center offering a wide variety of events, some recurring weekly, monthly, or annually.
Durango Arts Center
A local non-profit organization located downtown, the Durango Arts Center - commonly known as DAC - is a center for many types of art. Through classes, shows, performances, exhibits, workshops, and education, there are many events held annually for children and adults. Their building on 2nd Avenue & 8th Street is split into a gallery, gift shop, classrooms, and theater. Autumn Arts Festival and Durango Play Fest are two well known events that the DAC hosts every year spotlighting artists from the region and beyond.
Merely Players
Founded in 1994, Merely Players non-profit theater program that focuses on fostering local connections, artists, and creativity. Their program hosts multiple shows per season in their own Merely Underground theater from As You Like It, Chicago, and Mamma Mia! to A Christmas Carol, Mary Poppins, and Macbeth. Studio Series is an addition to the program that allows budding artists to take the reins and explore creating new projects with the professional support of Merely Players. When a show title and tickets are released that interest you, it’s important to buy your tickets fast as these performances are very popular and tend to sell out quickly!
Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College
The Community Concert Hall (CCH) at Fort Lewis College (FLC) is the largest auditorium venue in the area. With 600 seats and state of the art sound & lighting, the CCH was originally just going to host the symphony and college performances, the need for a place for other community performances became apparent and its doors were opened. The three upscale seating areas, concession stand, and outside views overlooking Perins Peak from the Fort Lewis College Mesa make this an even more stunning venue.
Animas City Theater
The Animas City Theater is a namesake in Durango for the plethora of music, movies, and more events they host every year. Located just off of Main Street, this hometown theater attracts travelling artists as well as local performers. The relatively intimate atmosphere offers floor and balcony sections as well as concessions available for certain shows. There is a wonderful mix of genres to enjoy and the venue is available for private rentals (parties, meetings, private screenings, etc.).
Gaslight Twin Cinema & Durango Stadium 9
Both a part of Allen Theaters, these two movie theaters offer big screen entertainment of the most popular box office releases. There are daily screenings with adult, children, senior, military, 3D, weekend, and matinee pricing in addition to a special $5 Tuesday deal! The Gaslight Twin Cinema offers a smaller, more intimate, two screen setting in downtown Durango while Durango Stadium 9 offers nine screens just south of town by the Durango Mall. Both provide the same iconic movie theater experience with concessions including popcorn, candy, soda, nachos, pickles, ICEEs, and more plus the luxury recliners.
Beyond these Durango events centers, concerts and other shows are not uncommon in parks, restaurants, and other private venues. Annual events like the Durango Independent Film Fest, Snowdown, and the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown have a lot of popup venues and performances to enjoy. In the greater Southwest Colorado area, check out other shows at the Sunflower Theater in Cortez, Sheridan Opera House in Telluride, and Reservoir Hill in Pagosa Springs. For more information on Durango, CO shows or more things to do, please contact The Durango Team at The Wells Group.
