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.

Work with DAC's own Mr. B, "The Master Costume and Mask Masker" and create outrageous Masks of your choice using a variety of three-dimensional forms, mediums, materials, and paints. Each day explore masks of different cultures.    Email Mr. B at ben@durangoarts.org with any questions or concerns. Scholarships Available!

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 this "open-studio" style drawing class, teens learn to create artwork from their own inspirations. The instructor will guide students to reach their greatest potential while drawing works of art they can be proud of. Email Deena Carney, Visual Art Education Director, with any questions or concerns. Scholarships Available!

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.

Let's kick off DPL's Literary Festival with a DIY Zine Workshop!   This workshop will guide participants (teens and adults) in making their own small-batch, self-published, creative magazine. Come check out our zine collections: get inspired, share your own unique visions, and produce work with our supplies!

Are you a beginner/intermediate acoustic music player looking to play more? This weekly jam is welcoming to all players, with a focus on slower tempo improvisation solos and chord changes. If you can play the I, IV and V chords in G, D and A then you know enough to play at this jam!

Kick back on Lola's patio with live music!

Join us for live music at James Ranch Grill with Tim Sullivan   Tim Sullivan, singer/songwriter, has been a featured performer with Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Alan Jackson, Tammy Wynette, and Glen Campbell. He has entertained at venues across the country from "The Crazy Horse" in Los Angeles to "Town Hall" on Broadway in New York City. Tim and his band have been featured at the Olympic Equestrian Center in Sydney, Australia and also at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky. Tim and his family have performed in concert at "Carnegie Hall" four different times. The last performance at Carnegie Hall was featured on NBC's "Today Show" and NBC's Nightly News.

Join us for a relaxing evening of art, with an experienced teacher to give you guidance along the way.   Ink Drawing - The Botanicals of Colorado! Get comfortable with simple ink drawing techniques and enjoy the process of completing a drawing of the endless botanicals of Colorado! Beginners are welcome! This class is also perfect for adults with previous drawing experience.

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.

Open mic every Tuesday, open to performers of all kinds and levels from beginners to experts. Support local live music!

What do you get when you take a Shakespearean play, six actors, and way too much alcohol...Smashed Shakespeare!    Doctuh Mistuh Productions presents Smashed Shakespeare - Romeo & Juliet! Think Drunk History meets The Bard! This is a retelling of Shakespeare's most famous play with a twist - one of the actors will be "in the cups" or drunk if you will while trying to perform the play. There will also be lots of audience participation (i.e. drinking games). This event is appropriate for ages 13 and up.