No matter what time of year you need a break, the four-season destination of Colorado has plenty to offer. Add in the fresh mountain air, fun adventures, and much more, and it’s the perfect place to plan your next getaway. Focus on Durango and its many fun activities, and a list of annual events that will keep you coming back throughout the year to experience it all.
Snowdown – January
Celebrate the New Year with some Durango fun. The annual Snowdown festival celebrates winter with fun, soul-warming activities. Taste the entries in the chili cookoff, ride the Red Ball Express or watch the Snowdown Light Parade. There’s special fun for the kids at the Snowdown Kids Snow Games at Folsom Park, and fun for everyone.
Durango Independent Film Festival – March
The five-day festival showcases some of the best of the best independent films in a myriad of genres. Adventure films, family films, documentaries, and everything in between can be viewed. There are also panels, workshops, “coffee talks” with the filmmakers, and nightly parties to keep you busy.
Durango Bluegrass Meltdown – April
Bluegrass music fans will want to make this event the star of their Durango getaway. Concerts are held at many different local venues around town, and some performers even jam in public spaces so everyone can enjoy the music.
Durango Wine Experience – April/May
Enjoy wines from around the world, Colorado artisan spirits, and even Durango-area craft brews. The event is a fundraiser for the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado and is a weekend-long event packed with educational seminars, wine dinners, tastings, and more.
Taste of Durango – May
The festival is considered the best summer kick-off party in Durango. It features craft brews, artisan cocktails, and many other samples of the world-class cuisine Durango restaurants are known for. Not too long after the Durango Wine Experience, you can bundle the two events in one trip, and make sure to pair your new favorite wines with delicious Durango eats.
Animas River Days – June
The Animas River is the perfect place for many water activities, from white water rafting to the more serene kayak tour. The event showcases these activities and more, including river surfing, boater cross, raft and kayak slalom, a river parade, and even an “inflatable rodeo.”
4th of July – July
Celebrate America with a 4th of July festival to remember. Each year, the town plans a full day of patriotic activities guests and locals of all ages can enjoy. Start the day with a pancake breakfast followed by a fun run, then take a break with a free concert performed by a full orchestra. The Independence Day Party is not to be missed, and you’ll want front-row seats at the parade. Dance to live local music, and once the fun of the day fades into the night, take in the fireworks display.
San Juan Brewfest – August
Always held the weekend before Labor Day, the festival is considered the biggest and best beer-tasting festival in the Four Corners region. Taste the products of over 40 breweries offering over 100 beers. Enjoy live music, food, and more during the two-day event that benefits the United Way of Southwest Colorado.
Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering – September/October
Celebrate the American West and enjoy cowboy music, poetry, and storytelling during the weekend event. A delicious chuckwagon breakfast in downtown Durango is followed by the largest motorless parade in Colorado. The annual event is held to help preserve and perpetuate the traditions of work ranch people in the American West.
Oktoberfest – October
The German-based event made its way across the ocean to America many years ago. Since then, locales across the country, including right here in Durango, have put their own touch on the event, from beer tastings to traditional cultural celebrations.
Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival – December
The festival features local arts and crafts that include a little holiday flair as well. Get a jump on your holiday gift shopping with handmade products made right in Durango!
The Polar Express – November/December
An annual Christmas tradition, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad creates a Polar Express atmosphere from the chefs that serve delicious hot chocolate and treats to the story characters like the conductor, hobo, Billy, and the elves. Travel to the North Pole to pick up Santa, who will visit each car delivering gifts to all the children aboard.
Destination: Fun in Durango
To create a stay as unique as you and your loved ones, make sure the first thing on your planning to-do list is to book a Durango vacation rental home with VacationDurango.com. Check out our stunning Durango rentals with jacuzzis for a fun experience. After you’ve enjoyed a day of Durango activities and events, prepare a home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Relax in a private bedroom or on a comfortable couch and watch a movie or TV show or play a game together in an open living space. Relax and unwind in outdoor spaces like expansive decks, patios, balconies, and other outdoor spaces. We have units as small as one bedroom for your more intimate stay, all the way up to sprawling six-bedroom units for a reunion based around your group’s favorite event! Take a look at our stunning Airbnb cabins with hot tubs for a relaxing experience.
Upgrade to a premium unit for perks and features like a private hot tub, sport court, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors, flat-screen TVs, and more! Click here to see our cabins near Durango, CO.
Contact us today to book your Durango getaway!
