Events on this Day

For a truly unforgettable step back in time, enjoy a leisurely trip to yesteryear riding 3 1/2 hours each way on this diesel train while spending a nearly 2-hour layover in the historic mining town of Silverton to enjoy the sights, shopping, food, and libations that Silverton offers. Departing from the Durango Depot, this trip takes you up into the Rocky Mountains with views of the San Juan National Forest as you travel alongside the beautiful Animas River on your way to the historic mining town of Silverton. There will be one Silverton Diesel Train departing daily at 8:15 AM from May 20th - August 13th.

For a truly unforgettable step back in time, enjoy a leisurely trip to yesteryear riding 3 1/2 hours each way on this train while spending a nearly 2-hour layover in the historic mining town of Silverton to enjoy the sights, shopping, food, and libations that Silverton offers. Departing from the Durango Depot, this trip takes you up into the Rocky Mountains with views of the San Juan National Forest as you travel alongside the beautiful Animas River on your way to the historic mining town of Silverton. There will be up to three steam departures depending on the date. The Silverton Steam Train departs daily at 9:00AM 5/6/23-10/28/23, 8:15AM 8/14/23-10/14/23, and 9:45AM 9/1/23-10/14/23

Experience the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad's iconic canyon views along the Highline on our shortest excursion offered. This steam train excursion is perfect for families with young children, late risers, or anyone looking to experience the historic D&SNGRR with only five hours to spare.    The Cascade Canyon Express departs from Durango and travels deep into the San Juan National Forest about halfway to Silverton, before returning to Durango for a 5-hour highlight reel of spectacular Rocky Mountain and Animas River Canyon scenery.   The Cascade Canyon Express has a concession car with a variety of snacks and drinks available for purchase. Pre-order boxed lunches are also available.   The train will depart from the Durango Depot at 9:45 AM every day and return to Durango at 3 PM from May 26th - May 29th and June 7th - August 13th.

For those seeking the highlight reel of Durango’s early history, beginning in 1881, through the lens of the Historic Downtown Durango District (Main Avenue). This is a must-do for locals to learn where actual notorious Wild West events happened (as opposed to the lore) to share with your guests. Both tourists and locals alike will walk away with a very different view of Durango and a deeper appreciation.   Buffalo soldiers, Native Americans, outlaws, Chinese restaurateurs, railroad works and miners, freed slaves, and "soiled doves" were amongst the melting pot that was Durango. Sometimes things went awry and all hell broke loose. As a result, you will visit the hanging sites and location of the epic gunfight between the Sheriff and the Marshall amongst others.    This tour meets at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot (479 Main Avenue; gather at the horse sculptures out front). Please note this is a one-way walk up Main Avenue. We will end at Maria's Bookstore (960 Main Avenue). On this approximately 1 hour and 15 minute tour we will not enter establishments. This makes it an option for those with disabilities (be prepared for uneven Durango sidewalks however) and well behaved dogs (please give advance notice). After the tour you will be right on time for lunch at any of our wonderful downtown restaurants; now with a newfound appreciation of Durango.    Please do not attend a tour if you are experiencing Covid symptoms. 

In-person Art Camp!!    Each day will include games, activities, art & crafts, and a break for lunch. Students need to bring a jacket, water bottle, and sack lunch each day.

Free {Registration is requested}    Sherry Ketner, Director of Hope's Doorway, a local nonprofit serving impoverished children in Zambia.    Give a set of 2 Bath Towels to benefit our Purse with Purpose Program - Home Handbag.    Brint your picnic lunch + colorful blanket and join us on the lawn of the historic Gable House. Learn about the mission of Hope's Doorway and the impact they make in the Zambia. Come be inspired and enjoy the provided dessert + drinks.

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 September - Rain or Shine !    Reservations are required.

Join us in the beer garden for fresh craft beer from the source, food specials and free live music on the outdoor stage by Warsaw!

Business After Hours is a networking event co-hosted by the Durango Chamber and Sky Ute Casino Resort, attracting professionals from all around the Durango area. Join us for an evening of connections, celebrations, and fun! Door prizes are generously provided by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Star Liquors!   FOOD - DRINKS - PRIZES   Registration Price: Pre-Register & SAVE! $10 includes 2 drinks and appetizers! Register online for discounted pricing. Entry fees are $15 at the door.

Express yourself through painting and develop your own artistic style in this inspiring 3 Night Workshop, Draw and Paint The Human Form! The human figure is often used by artists to tell a story and will become the focal point of your paintings.   Come join us, and be exposed to various tips, tricks, techniques, and drawing skills used in creating a masterpiece in acrylic paints, with an experienced teacher to guide you along the way.   Beginners are welcome! This class is also perfect for students with previous painting experience. All supplies, laughter, and inspiration included!

Come enjoy live Jazz on the Patio!

Join us for live music at James Ranch Grill with Devin Scott   Armed with a ukulele and a big, unexpected voice, Devin Scott easily entertains audiences of all ages. Performing everything from Coolio to Patsy Cline, Devin aims to include every one of his listeners.

Aikido is a Japanese martial art with a do-no-harm approach to self-defense. Ai means harmony or blending. Ki is energy. Do is the way. Learn how to blend with energy in a conflict in order to resolve it. Aikido is ideal for women, shorter individuals, and those who never imagined doing martial arts. Develop greater strength, coordination, balance, and serenity. For 20 years, DSBK has provided fun-filled classes open to everyone.   (Photo credit Penny Maycock CCBY2.0)

Outlaws, Lawmen, and Legends in the Season That Defined the American West  By CHRIS WIMMER Creator of the Legends of the Old West podcast   The summer of 1876 was a key time period in the development of the mythology of the Old West. Many individuals who are considered legends by modern readers were involved in events that began their notoriety or turned out to be the most famous — or infamous — moments of their lives. Those individuals were Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Wild Bill Hickok, and Jesse James.   In THE SUMMER OF 1876: Outlaws, Lawmen, and Legends in the Season That Defined the American West (St. Martin's Press; May 30 2023; $30.00 hardcover) Chris Wimmer, creator of the Legends of the Old West podcast, weaves together the timelines of the events that made these men legends. A fast-paced action-oriented narrative, Wimmer demonstrates the overlapping context of their stories and illustrates the historical importance of that summer, all layered with highlights of significant milestones in 1876, including: the inaugural baseball season of the National League; the final year of President Ulysses S. Grant's embattled administration; the debut of an invention called the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell; the release of Mark Twain's novel "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer;" and many more.   Contextualizing these events against the backdrop of the massive 100th anniversary party thrown to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, THE SUMMER OF 1876 is the ultimate exploration and celebration of the summer that defined the West.   ABOUT THE AUTHOR: CHRIS WIMMER is the creator, host, and lead writer of "Legends of the Old West," a long-form, narrative podcast that tells true stories of the American West. He has a master's degree in journalism from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and has won numerous local, state, and national awards for his writing. The Summer of 1876 is his first book.

Adult Improv with Cindy Laudadio-Hill - Blue Level   DAC is sponsoring a 4-week class with veteran improv actor and teacher, Cindy Laudadio-Hill, to help you fall further in love with the art of improvisation! This class will take beginner improvers to the next level with exercises focused on scene building, long-from improv, and building characters.   Email dar@durangoarts.org for the student, teacher, and service industry discount code.   Due to the nature of this class, this class is open to those 18 - 118 years old.

Soak up spectacular live music at Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa. This summer guests can enjoy live music from the comfort of the mineral-rich waters!   In the last year, Durango Hot Springs has added 15 mineral soaking pools and one cold plunge, doubling the number of pools to 32.     Looking for solitude? Couples and individuals are invited to enjoy the new cedar Ofuro tubs situated in a private Zen garden.

Join us outside on the Carver Family Plaza for Powerhouse trivia night every Thursday through the summer. Our trivia consists of four rounds of questions and always includes one scientific round and a music round. $5 suggested team donations. Bar open for drink purchases and food available from Laura's Artisans and Straight Outta Balboa Island.

Downtown Durango is saturated with paranormal activity. You don’t need to walk far to get your fill of ghost stories. Main Avenue was once home to a plethora of saloons, dance halls, brothels, and gambling halls. It was the stomping ground for outlaws, gamblers, prostitutes, miners, and railroad workers. Late night escapades, fueled by whiskey, led to many tragic events resulting in the ghosts that wander the streets today.   Our 90-minute Hauntings & History Ghost Tour will not disappoint. We will meet in front of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Train Depot (479 Main Ave) at dusk. Midway through the tour we will enter one of the best haunted locations that Downtown Durango has to offer! We are the only ghost tour that takes people INSIDE of a location! Wherever we tread on Main Avenue you will hear tales of apparitions who refuse to leave the places they inhabited in life. Because of the tight sidewalks downtown our tours do not exceed 15 people.    Be prepared for loud streets and crowds. Downtown Durango can be pretty raucous at night.