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.

This very special class will teach students the art of sculpture, also studying the art history of larger-than-life sculpture masterpieces, and how these artworks are created.    On Tuesday, students will learn to create fabric art.   Wednesday, illustration of a children's book, while we explore drawing, painting, and many other mediums.  Thursday we will complete our projects and present an art show to the parents and community. During this GOAL session, three guest artists will teach in their areas of expertise, sculpture, textile art, and fashion design, and also a tattooist who is an incredible illustrator! These artists will mentor the students through this process while sharing their work and lives as artists. A different lesson on leadership, integrity, and self-confidence each day by memorable community members.    GOAL offers young people, ages 11 to 17, regardless of expression or identity, the opportunity to experience art, leadership, and art-based opportunities.

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. 

Join us for a three-part Human Resources Workshop in partnership with the Durango Chamber and the Durango Area Human Resources Managers. The first workshop on Leveraging Culture to Recruit & Retain Top Talent will be taught by Suzanne Phare with Real Ideal Coaching at the Center for Innovation (second floor of the Main Mall).   Workshop Description:  This session will include tips on recruiting, interviewing, screening, and retention; as well as discussing protected classes under Title VII and other state/ federal laws; understanding the difference between "Right to Work" and "At Will" employment, and suggestions for the counseling session and termination meetings. Todd Anderson is the founder and president of PlatinumHR, and has over 35 years of human resource experience including 12 years as a Regional HR Director for a Fortune 50 company managing the HR function for over 6000 employees. Todd was also the HR Consultant to the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics and serves as HR Advisory Board member for Utah Valley University, and is a Labor Law guest lecturer at several universities and colleges.    Lunch provided compliments of the Leavitt Group.   All are welcome to attend these workshops to learn more about important topics that impact your business!

The Durango Chamber Music Festival offers five brief concerts Monday through Friday, June 5 to 9 at 12:15 p.m. daily. Concerts are held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 910 E. 3rd Ave. Details, festival passes and concert tickets are available at DurangoChamberMusic.com and at the door.   Kyle Osborne and Linda Mack Berven, piano four-hands  Works by Gioachino Rossini, John Williams and Randall Compton   Hans Freuden, cello; Levi Brown, piano  Featuring a work by Felix Mendelsssohn   Mika Inouye and C. Scott Hagler, piano four-hands  Spanish Dances by Moritz Moszkowski

Join us for LPEA's 2023 Annual Meeting & Pie Social.   We'll announce the 2023 director election results and have pie, door prizes, a live Q&A, and presentations on LPEA's 2022 accomplishments and future direction.

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 Black Velvet!

Join La Plata County's Weed Manager and La Plata Open Space Conservancy on a conserved property 1 mile north of Elmore's Corner to identify common species and discuss management best practices.   We'll have snacks and beverages available. Come prepared to walk up to one mile at an easy pace. The specific property location will be provided upon RSVP. Sign up at: https://lposc.org/event/noxious-weed-workshop-2/

As a FREE community outreach program in 2023, experts at The Wells Group Real Estate, HomesFund and local lenders are offering several 1-hour workshops called Path to Homeownership to educate Buyers about mortgage loans and down payment assistance programs geared toward helping LOCALS purchase a home. This snapshot is an introduction to the more in-depth class offered by HomesFund. The workshop goal is to empower future homeowners with the hope and skills of becoming a homeowner. Learn the necessary tools and next steps.    Please direct questions and RSVP to jerome@wellsgroupdurango.com.

Come enjoy live Jazz on the Patio!

Join us for live music at James Ranch Grill with Fitzy B with Leigh and Ryan   Built in the foothills of the La Plata Mountains, Fitzy B., is a dynamic musical duo featuring two experienced multi-instrumentalist musicians. Leigh Mikell leads on vocals, piano and guitar with support from Ryan Blundell on bass, guitar and mandolin.   This pair fills the air with a professional mix of strings and harmonic tones. Audiences will immediately notice the intimate dynamics between the musicians and their interactions with the crowd. Fitzy B. enjoys showing their audience a good time through a variety of musical genres ranging from soft ballads to rocking tunes from the past and present. When it’s all said and done, Fitzy B. loves to thrill their audience with an eclectic blend of music that will leave everyone with a smile on their face and a hop in their step.

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)

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.

Doors @ 6:30pm  "11 Days Away: An ultra running pilgrimage to the Holy Dirt of Chimayo" Is a documentary-style film following the journey of Anthony Kunkel traveling around a marathon a day for 11 days to reach the holy dirt of Chimayo.   This movie premiere is the first public showing of the film and there will be a Q & A with the director and runners in the film after the movie screening.   11 Days Away" is an awe-inspiring film that chronicles the remarkable journey of Anthony Kunkel, the 50 Mile US Champion ultra runner. Determined to test his physical and mental limits, Kunkel sets out on an arduous adventure spanning 250 miles, starting from the picturesque town of Durango, Colorado, and leading him to the sacred destination of Chimayo, New Mexico, known for its legendary holy dirt.   As Kunkel pushes himself to the extreme, the film captures his grueling yet captivating journey through the mesmerizing landscapes of the Southwest. From the snow-capped peaks of the San Juan Mountains to the expansive deserts and winding canyons, the cinematography showcases the raw beauty of the region, immersing the audience in a visually stunning experience.   $10 Tickets

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.