Events on this Day

 Friday, May 24th
Buddy Poppy Drive
8:00am / Various Locations
At the end of World War 1, the decision was made to use the Red Poppy as a remembrance of those who died in that war. The VFW became the organization that would distribute Poppies every Memorial Day. The VFW will be distributing Buddy Poppies at various locations throughout La Plata County. Wear one proudly and donate if you wish.
Downtown Clean Day
8:30am / Keller Williams Realty Southwest Associates Parking Lot
The Durango Chamber of Commerce and BID are partnering for the 21st year on Downtown Clean Day! Volunteers are needed to help clean up Downtown just in time for the busy summer season. Come as an individual, family or a team from your work or organization.    Arrive by 8:30 am at Keller Williams Realty Southwest Associates parking lot, just north of 7th and Main on the east side. We provide coffee from Durango Joe's, tea from Create Art and Tea, donuts, work gloves, and cleaning supplies. Everyone will be assigned a Downtown block to clean.    Prizes will be hidden throughout Downtown, and prizes are also offered for those that register to participate in advance. Sign up today at the link below!
SJMA Durango Nature Center Open to the Public
9:00am / SJMA Durango Nature Center
The San Juan Mountains Association's Durango Nature Center is once again open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 until 2. Sjma.org has more information.   This 140-acre conservation easement is situated along the Florida River, this special place traverses riparian, sagebrush, and pinyon juniper ecosystems. With hiking trails, river play, a picnic pavilion, interpretive trails, a nesting bird walk and more.
Cascade Canyon Express
9:30am / Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Experience the world-famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad's iconic canyon views along the highline in just over 5 hours. If you are looking for an unforgettable train adventure with incredible geological features and fantastic scenery that is downright jaw-dropping, look no further than these steam train excursions departing from the Durango Depot and traveling deep into the wilderness inaccessible by any roads. All trains have a concession car with a variety of light snacks available for purchase.   Cascade Canyon Express steam excursions depart from our Durango Depot (479 Main Avenue) at 9:45am and the excursion will last 5.25 hours arriving back at the Durango Depot at 3:00pm. The Cascade Canyon Express does not travel to Silverton. It does follow the same route but travels to Cascade Canyon, which is about a halfway point between Durango and Silverton. If you would like to travel to Silverton, please see our Silverton Train information to book one of those excursions.   Departure Schedule For Cascade Canyon Express Steam Trains   Durango Departure: 9:45am  Cascade Canyon Arrival: 11:45am  Cascade Canyon Departure: 12:45pm  Durango Arrival: 3:00pm
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
1:00pm / Various Locations
The Iron Horse has become one of the classic bicycle events in the West. Durango is centrally located between Denver, Albuquerque, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City. The Iron Horse is an ideal early summer meeting of the riders from each of these cycling centers as they attempt to bring home the glory to their own communities.
Fresh Beer Fridays!
3:00pm / Ska Brewing World HQ
Every Friday we will tap a one-of-a-kind, unique, special, small-batch brew from our Mod System. Only available at World HQ!
Friday Mocktail Happy Hour
3:30pm / Durango Sustainable Goods
We are partnering with TESStastic for "warming spirit" mocktail evenings every Friday from 3:30-6 pm! Come down to the shop to sample or purchase New/Old Fashions & Hot TessToddy's with tea or Wild Margaritas, and/or Cosmos (available in cranberry, orange, raspberry, and hibiscus flavors). There will be free tastings, single drinks for $5, and bottles of the mixers available for purchase. Make it a date night or bring your friends to to discover the fun sober side of Durango. Plus, you'll wake up the next day hydrated and replenished.
The Unofficial Bike Rally & Tapping Party
4:00pm / Ska Brewing World HQ
Join us Memorial Day Weekend for the Original Joint Effort! Faceplant tapping and Iron Horse Kick-Off Party! The Unofficial Bike Rally & Tapping Party takes place Friday, May 24th, 2024. Rally at Ska Brewing 4:20pm to meander to Steamworks Courtyard. Free commemorative pint glass, a Faceplant Beer and a chance to win door prizes for all those riders 21 and over!
Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers
4:30pm / Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers
Old West Cowboy Music Show and Chuckwagon Supper. Durango's favorite family entertainment since 1969. Bar D Wranglers perform in concert after supper with music and songs of old west cowboys, comedy, and lively instrumentals. The show is fun for the whole family.   Activities, shops, and ticketing open at 4:30, supper is at 6:30. Open Memorial Day Weekend through the last Saturday in September - Rain or Shine!   Reservations are required.
Live Music with Dustin Burley
5:00pm / Serious Texas BBQ South
Come join us for live music on the patio! Eat, drink and be merry!
Opening Reception: Duality - A Solo Exhibition by Artist Tad Smith
5:00pm / Durango Arts Center
The Duality Exhibition will communicate the relationship, interconnections and perceptions of oneself. Exploring the seen and unseen. This exhibit observes Duality through a range of media, materials, technology and techniques. An interactive experience and opportunity to establish a shared identity and sense of belonging among diverse groups.    Exhibit goes until June 29th.   Join Us! Gallery event is free to the public!
Artist Reception - Raymond Gibby, Call of the Wild
5:00pm / Blue Rain Gallery
Join us at Blue Rain Gallery Durango for an exclusive opportunity to meet acclaimed artist Raymond Gibby and witness as he meticulously carves his next masterpiece for the foundry!
Durango Fiesta Days Carnival
5:00pm / La Plata County Fairgrounds and Event Center
Who's ready for Frazier Shows to be back in town for Fiesta Days? We will only be here 1 week this year, so come out while you can! As always we offer FREE parking and FREE admission. Like and share this photo to be entered to win 2 FREE VIP wristbands! We'll pick a lucky winner each day we're open, so 5 people total.
Painting Party ~ Art Deco Peacock
6:30pm / Picasso & Vino
Join us for the newest experience in Durango! Come celebrate with us while tapping into your inner artist. We'll show you step by step how to create your masterpiece.   No Experience Necessary.   Paint. Sip. Be Happy.   Special Size 10x30" Canvas!
Free Family Movie Night
7:00pm / ELHI Community Center
Join us at the ELHI Community Center for a FREE Movie Night & Costume Contest. Dress as your favorite Ninja Turtle to be entered to win a prize, and come enjoy the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mutant Mayhem" movie in the ELHI Commons and follow the event page on facebook for more opportunities to win. Concessions will be available as a fundraiser for future ELHI Community Center events.   This event is made possible thanks to the support of Cowboy Towing & Recovery, Zuberfizz and Burress Plumbing.
Healing Fields Opening Ceremony
8:30pm / Santa Rita Park
The Blue Stars Mothers of Durango is sponsoring the Annual Healing Fields Flag Display at Santa Rita Park. The opening Ceremonies will occur at 8:30. Don't miss this Memorial Day Event.
Output Friday
9:00pm / Roxy's
We have live DJs playing house and techno all night, from 9pm-2am. Food served late night as well! Great drinks, great vibes, no cover! 21+    Featuring Spark Madden, Ravenous, and Mad Beats.
Healing Fields Lighting Ceremony
9:00pm / Santa Rita park
The Healing Fields Annual Veterans Remembrance Lighting Ceremony will occur at 9:00 on May 24th at Santa Rita Park.
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