Events on this Day

 Saturday, September 16th
Valkyrie Multisport Relay
6:00am / Santa Rita Whitewater Park, etc.
New to Durango, the Valkyrie Multisport Relay! The challenging course spans over 100 miles of Durango's spectacular city and naturescapes. The event features teams of up to 9 competitors exchanging between road running, trail running, mountain biking, stand-up paddle boarding, open water swimming, road cycling, and canoe/kayak paddling.    Compete Individually or on a Team:   Individual athletes can compete in any sport. You can go it alone, or race alongside a friend who is on a team. Individual competitors chose one sport included in the cost of registration - Regular Price $93 for Full Course length and $81 for Sprint Course length. Add more/all sports to make a team. Racing must be completed within the posted course operating times.   Volunteers Needed:  If you cannot race but would still like to be involved in the fun, we could use a volunteer! If you're interested, please click the volunteer tab on the website.
Durango Farmers Market
8:00am / TBK Bank Parking Lot
The Durango Farmers Market is a venue for local agriculturalists, ranchers and artisans to meet and share their harvest and talents with the Durango community. At our market you have the opportunity to meet face to face with the producers and learn more about their growing methods. Vendors post their farming practices at their booth and most follow organic growing methods.   Our market also offers hot ready to eat food from local vendors, value added foods such as jams, jellies and sauces and local artisans who make high-quality handcrafted items. All vendors must produce their goods within our five-county radius ensuring fresh produce and locally made goods. We also have live music performances each weekend as well as community information booths for non-profits and groups that promote our market values of local, sustainable and healthy living.
Kiwanis Pancake Day! All you can eat!
8:00am / La Plata County Fairgrounds and Event Center
Join us for all you can eat pancakes, ham, eggs, and all the fixings. Children under 12 eat free. All proceeds go to help programs in our community that benefit children and families. Hope to see you you there!
Silverton Summer Train - Steam Locomotive
9:00am / Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
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
Rattlesnake Avoidance Training for Dogs
9:00am / Sky Ute Fairgrounds
An electronic training collar is used to simulate a snake bite. Dogs are trained to recognize the sight, sound and smell of a rattlesnake. The rattlesnakes are neutralized so they cannot bite. Professional dog Trainer, Terry Chandler, has been doing this training for over 30 years, and no dog has ever been injured at an event. Registration is required. This event is sponsored by the Durango Kennel Club.
Pterosaurs: Ancient Rulers of the Skies on display
9:30am / The Powerhouse
Visit us at The Powerhouse to check out our summertime traveling exhibit, "Pterosaurs: Ancient Rulers of the Skies", on display May 27th-September 17th.   This exhibit explores the majesty and wonder of a group of flying reptiles that lived between the Late Triassic through the Late Cretaceous Periods (228 to 66 million years ago) of the Mesozoic Era. Ideal for learners of all ages; families and individuals can learn about these fascinating and visually striking creatures in a variety of ways.   This exhibit features fossil replicas mixed with eight digital interactive stations showcasing the evolution, diversity, and lifestyle of this intriguing group of species.   The Powerhouse is open to the public 7 days a week 9:30am-3:30pm.
29th Annual Autumn Arts Festival
10:00am / Along 2nd Avenue
Celebrating 29 years of presenting fine art and fine craft by makers from around the country, this juried festival takes place amidst the fall colors on quaint Second Avenue in historic downtown Durango, Colorado. The wide avenue, lined with restaurants and a variety of shops, is one block east of Main Avenue.
Buffalo Soldiers Return to Animas City
10:00am / Animas Museum
History will really come alive when the Buffalo Soldiers return to Animas City. The reenactors will share stories of the Buffalo Soldiers (including Cathay Williams--the only known woman to serve), and show visitors their equipment, uniforms, and supplies.   The event is free and open to the public.
Vibrant Cows - The Finest Cow Paintings Ever
10:00am / Autumn Arts Festival - Booth 36
Enliven your home and your life with Vibrant Cows. Vibrant Cows are an offering from nature and a call to the basic goodness within each of us. Visit booth 36 at the Durango Autumn Arts Festival to view these fine art paintings and be surrounded by the sweetness.   Mention whatshappeningdurango.com and receive 20% off
Free Yoga and Healing Festival
11:00am / Buckley Park
Come join us to tap into your primal self, deepen your relationship with your body, and your community at our free yoga class blending vinyasa and Primal Movement. This will be followed by several hours of live music, DJ performances, and social hours with food and drinks from local vendors.   11:00 AM: Primal Flow Yoga with local instructor Bif  12:15 PM: Guided Meditation, Sound Healing, and other healing practices  1:00 - 5:00 PM: Social hours with food, drinks, music, dancing, and more!  9:00 PM: Afterparty at Roxy's   Thank you to our Sponsors!  - Hermosa Cafe  - Public House 701  - Chimayo  - Roxy's  - The Alliance  - Hard Ketones  - Jimmy's Music Supply  - Ultrahouse Durango  - Love n' Juice
Animas Valley Grange Community BBQ & Picnic
11:00am / Animas Valley Grange
Free & everyone is welcome! Lunch starts at noon.   The Grange will provide burgers, hot dogs, lemonade and iced tea. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Enjoy music, bean bag toss and other kids games.
Purgatory Oktoberfest
12:00pm / Purgatory Resort
Presented by Sky Ute Casino   Come on up and try out the flavors of the season at our Purgatory Oktoberfest celebration! With great brews, beautiful views, live music and a festive atmosphere it should be a blast!
Sustainable Durango Mocktail Tasting
4:00pm / Durango Sustainable Goods
Durango Sustainable Goods + Omni Cafe are serving up craft cocktails without the booze (AKA Mocktails!). Enjoy a refreshing non-alcoholic mocktail with relaxing adaptogens, fresh basil, mint, lime or lemon.   Curious Elixir Mocktail Menu:   1. Citrus & Radiance  Lingers like the last rays of Venetian Sunshine. Especially good before a fine meal, and perfect for any social gathering where you want a better non-alcoholic option, Curious Elixir No. 4 is our booze-free spin on classic Italian aperitifs like the Aperol Spritz. This Elixir infuses the exotic citrus of blood orange and green mandarin, the light fizz of non-alcoholic prosecco, and the cooling power of American ginseng, turmeric, and holy basil (tulsi). Enjoy in a wine glass, on the rocks, or neat, garnished with an orange slice.   2. Bright & Spicy  Mellow out while your taste buds tap dance. Curious Elixir No. 2 is the spicy lovechild of the pineapple margarita and the Dark & Stormy, 100% booze-free. While citrus, ancho chile, jalapeño, and ginger wake up your taste buds, the ancient Mayan herb damiana will help you unwind. Enjoy on the rocks with a lime wedge and optional sea salt rim.   3. Herbaceous & Floral  If chartreusian monds and auyrvedic masters got together for apre-ski cocktails in the alps. Curious Elixir No. 3 is inspired by modern cocktail classics like the Cucumber Collins—but crafted alcohol-free—then boosted with the power of ashwagandha*, a plant used in Ayurvedic practice for over 5,000 years.* Blending alpine herbs, flowers, cucumber, lemon, and ashwagandha extract (125mg per bottle), Curious Elixir No. 3 was meticulously designed to both please your palate and help you unwind. Best enjoyed over a large cube or neat, garnished with a lemon peel.   *ashwagandha is not advised for pregnant women
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 September - Rain or Shine !    Reservations are required.
Hermosa Cafe Art Mart Soiree
4:30pm / Hermosa Cafe Art Lot
An evening of art and self expression - art market with party atmosphere. Artisan vendors, interactive art demonstrations, live music and performance art, free kids projects, active mural wall and costume contest. Artists and performers can sign up on instagram @ Hermosacafeartlot. Every third Saturday of month.
Local Firsts 2023 Harvest Dinner
5:00pm / The Smiley Building Lawn
Local First's beloved Harvest Dinner returns for it's 7th year on and YOU'RE invited!    Gather with fellow foodies on this autumn evening to celebrate the abundance of fresh produce, grass-fed meats, culinary mastery, and artisanal beverages in our local area!   This year's feast promises a multiple course, fine-dining experience in an intimate setting that honors the growers, preparers and advocates of Durango's local food.    TICKETS ON SALE NOW!    Tickets are $175 each. Costs include six courses of tasty morsels, hand crafted cocktails, hand-selected wines, as well as taxes and gratuities. All proceeds benefit local farmers, restaurants, and Local First's efforts to promote local food purchasing through the local, independent business community.
Thee Fearless Peasants return!
6:00pm / Durango Craft Spirits
Enjoy a fine, local beverage on the patio of Durango Craft Spirits with a new Fearless Peasant lineup and be prepared for a little mayhem! Incorrect Bluegrass, Folk and Rock & Roll
Yoga and Healing Festival After Party
9:00pm / Roxys
9:00 PM: Afterparty at Roxy's   Come dance your heart out at Roxy's at 639 Main Ave! We'll have some great DJs and stage lights with us getting the vibes going! There will also be some surprises in the mix for those who attend the Yoga and Healing Festival in Buckley Park earlier in the day, so make sure to come by and enjoy the day with us beforehand!    Thank you to our Sponsors!  - Hermosa Cafe  - Public House 701  - Chimayo  - Roxy's  - The Alliance  - Hard Ketones  - Jimmy's Music Supply  - Ultrahouse Durango  - Love n' Juice
Durango, CO Weather