Events on this Day

 Thursday, September 28th
Share Your Garden
8:30am / Animas Valley Grange
Bring your surplus fruits and vegetables to the Animas Valley Grange. Your produce will be distributed at no cost to nearby neighbors in need.
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
Cats Meow Immersive Durango Scavenger Hunt
11:30am / Train Depot
Step into Durango, where something exciting awaits. Tara, your scavenger hunt game show host, will curate a unique adventure. Embark on an extraordinary journey with a twist! This is not your typical scavenger hunt; it's a creative and immersive departure from the ordinary. Come with an open mind, a big smile, and leave all expectations behind. Unleash your inner detective as you delve into the heart of Durango. Engage with friendly locals, discover intriguing tales of history and culture & capture the essence of the city in photos, videos & audio files. Whether you're a couple or part of a large group, this game is for everyone. Young or old, explorer or artist, it's designed to inspire & entertain all who love to discover and create. This is a perfect chance to connect with your teammates in a fun and light-hearted way. Let your imagination run wild, as you team up to unravel the missions. It's a co-creation between you and your interactive host,Durango itself & you, the hunters, making the experience truly unique. Experience this captivating way to explore a new place. The hunt is on, and adventure awaits you!   Team leader need Whats App on their phone for our game design. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased on the linked website.
Artificial Intelligence: Mastering the Future of Employment
12:00pm / FLC Center for Innovation
Are you ready to take your job search to the next level with cutting-edge technology? In our learning luncheon, we will look into Chat GPT and how to use Artificial Intelligence in your job search. And take a look at how AI is revolutionizing the way job seekers connect with employers. Lunch is provided.
OEDIT Lunch & Learn: State Business Incentives & Programs
12:00pm / SCAPE Headquarters
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade is coming to Durango to share information about their Rural Jumpstart, Skill Advance Colorado and Advanced Industries Tax Credit (AITC). Meet representatives, Morgan Vankat, Rural Jump Start and Skill Advance Business Funding and Incentives Program Manager and Ali Karp, AITC Program Analyst. They will outline their offerings for rural startups over lunch. Join us to learn more about:   Rural jump-start zone  The Rural Jump-Start program provides tax relief and grants to new businesses and their new hires located in certain economically distressed counties of rural Colorado. Companies participating in the Rural Jump-Start program must have a relationship with a local economic development organization or an institute of higher education, be new to Colorado, export goods or services outside their county and cannot compete with a similar existing business in an adjacent economically distressed county.    New businesses locating in Rural Jump-Start zones are eligible for up to $20,000 in grants; in Tier 1 Just Transition Communities, up to $40,000. The new business is also eligible for up to $2,500 for each net new hire in a Rural Jump-Start Zone, and up to $5,000 per net new hire in a Tier 1 Just Transition Community.   Skill Advance Colorado  The Skill Advance Colorado program offers short-term, customized training grants for businesses in two formats:    Colorado First Customized Job Training - Provides grants to new hires at Colorado companies. Based on self-reported information by grant recipients and compiled by the Colorado Community College System administration, in FY 2022-23, the Colorado First program made 11 grants for the training of 275 people.    Existing Industry Customized Job Training - Provides grants to companies to support training of existing employees. Based on self-reported information by grant recipients and compiled by the Colorado Community College System administration, in FY 2022-23, the Existing Industry program made 39 grants for the training of 1,957 people. ADVANCED INDUSTRY INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT (AITC) PROGRAM   AITC encourages investments in Colorado advanced industry small businesses to stimulate the economy and create high-paying jobs by incentivizing investors with state income tax credits. When qualified investments are made into a Colorado advanced industry small business, investors can earn a Colorado state income tax credit of 25 or 35% of their full investment (rates for tax credits vary depending on the businesses' location). There are seven advanced industries in Colorado: Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Bioscience, Electronics, Energy/Natural Resources/Cleantech, Information Technology, and Infrastructure Engineering.   The program has $4,000,000 in credits to award on a first-come-first-served basis a given calendar year.   Space is limited to 20 attendees, R
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
Afternoon Art for Teens! - Masks and Advanced Art Projects
4:00pm / Durango Arts Center
Thursdays | 10 Classes | 4:00 - 5:30 | Sept 28 - Dec 7 (No class the week of November 20th) Create outrageous Masks of your choice using a variety of three-dimensional forms, mediums, materials and paints. This class session also offers a variety of advanced, open-studio, projects including ceramic clay, sculpture, drawing and painting. The Arts can improve motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork! You will find that here at The Durango Art Center where our classes offer fun, noncompetitive opportunities to explore new skills and individual expression.   For questions, please contact Mr.B, Assistant Visual Arts Director. Scholarships are always available.
Manhattan Short Film Festival
4:00pm / Durango Arts Center
You Be the Judge!   Discover your inner film critic by casting your vote for Best Film and Best Actor in the 26th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival screening Sept 28 - Oct 8, 2023. You'll join film lovers in over 500 venues across the globe gathering to see the Ten Finalist in this year's event. With past finalists garnering Oscar nominations and short films continuing to move into the Hollywood mainstream, come see this entertaining program featuring the best short films in the world today! Brought to you by the Durango Independent Film Festival.
Durango Green Drinks
5:00pm / 11th Street Station
Join Durango Green Drinks with hosts this month; Grand Canyon Trust, The Wilderness Society, and La Plata Open Space Conservancy.    It's free and casual. Short announcements and presentations usually start around 5:30.
Ska-BQ: Pete Giuliani Band
5:00pm / Ska Brewing World HQ
Join us in the beer garden for fresh craft beer from the source, food specials and free live music on the outdoor stage by the Pete Giuliani Band!
Community Harvest Days
5:00pm / Various Locations
The fruit trees in our region are ripe and ready, but we need hands to harvest! The Good Food Collective works to eliminate food waste, increase food security, and reduce bear-human conflict by helping to collect backyard produce.    You can join in by visiting the website to find a list of available fruit trees for DIY harvest, rent gear, list your own tree, or by volunteering at one of our family-friendly Community Fruit Harvests.
Happy Hour with the Young Professionals of Durango
5:30pm / Animas Brewing
Join us for casual socializing & networking at our September Happy Hour event! Our happy hour meet ups are designed to be a casual setting to meet new people and make new connections.
Durango Cowboy Gathering Premiere Performance with RJ Vandygriff & RW Hampton
6:00pm / Durango VFW Hall
RJ Vandygriff  An award winning singer/songwriter, playwright and actor who has appeared on stage with George Strait, Garth Brooks, Alabama, The Judds, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Moe Bandy, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Andy Williams, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Sons of the Pioneers, Red Steagall, Michael Martin Murphy, and Baxter Black just to name a few. Whether he’s performing as a solo artist or starring in the highly acclaimed musical “The Cowboy Ain’t Dead Yet!” RJ is one of those performers who creates a “moment” when he steps to the microphone.   RW Hampton  Blessed with a wonderfully rich baritone voice that has made him one of the leading Western Entertainers in America today. After 22 years in the entertainment business, RW is still pure cowboy, singing about what he loves best. During his acting career, RW has worked in three Kenny Rogers films as well as a film with Kris Kristofferson. His music has earned him numerous honors from such organizations as the Academy of Western Artists and the International Western Music Association.
Jeff Solon Jazz Duo
6:00pm / Lola's Place
Come enjoy live Jazz on the Patio!
Bluegrass Jam Session
6:00pm / Durango Beer & Ice Company
Every Thursday Stop in and enjoy some local Bluegrass jams by your Local bluegrass jammers!   $4 pints all day and if you'd like to join the jam session and bring your instrument you get a free pint of your favorite craft beer!
Magical Art and Happiness!
6:00pm / Durango Arts Center
Thursdays | 6 Weeks | 6:00 - 8:00 | Sept 28 - Nov 2 Introductory class into the World of ART!  This class introduces the fun and relaxation of drawing in both pencil and ink, acrylic painting and ceramic clay. Leave your stress and anxiety behind. All supplies, laughter and instruction included!
Karaoke
6:00pm / Grassburger South
Come and join us for a fun night of Karaoke and burgers on the outdoor patio at Grassburger South!
'Stagecoach Robbery'
6:00pm / Wildhorse Saloon
It's a play! It's a variety show! Our Featured Performers will be on hand to give you an evening filled with music and laughter.
Durango Vintage Festivus
6:00pm / Tico Time River RV Resort
Durango Vintage Festivus is hosting their annual vintage clothing auction at Tico Time!   To come check out this fun fest dedicated to vintage denim and rare garments! Get your tickets now!
Trivia Night
6:30pm / The Powerhouse
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.
Manhattan Short Film Festival
7:00pm / Durango Arts Center
You Be the Judge!   Discover your inner film critic by casting your vote for Best Film and Best Actor in the 26th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival screening Sept 28 - Oct 8, 2023. You'll join film lovers in over 500 venues across the globe gathering to see the Ten Finalist in this year's event. With past finalists garnering Oscar nominations and short films continuing to move into the Hollywood mainstream, come see this entertaining program featuring the best short films in the world today! Brought to you by the Durango Independent Film Festival.
Ballyhoo! - Shellshock Tour with Jimmies Chicken Shack
8:00pm / Animas City Theatre
Doors 7:00pm / Show 8:00pm  Tickets $25 / 21+  Ballyhoo!  Through 25 years and eight independent albums, the last four on their own Right Coast Records, Ballyhoo! have earned the exclamation point which marks their name. Starting in the basement of their mom's Aberdeen, MD, home, rocking out on guitar and drums respectively, practicing every day, brothers Howi and Donald Spangler formed the proto-punk band in the mold of Green Day and Nirvana, with an eye towards the emerging ska genre led by Goldfinger, Sublime, 311 and No Doubt.The group's eighth and most recent studio album, the breezy, ska-fueled, hook-filled Message to the World, on their own Right Coast Records, finds the self-declared "beach-rockers," having grown up in public, accepting the responsibilities of adulthood while still hanging on to their dreams of world domination. Stylistically, their music ranges from the hard-edged punk of 2018's Detonate, which captured the feelings of anger and depression from dealing with personal loss and the exhaustion generated by over a decade on the road to the island reggae beats of the follow-up, Message to the World. "Whatever you want to achieve, just focus on that and work towards it," explains Howi about the Ballyhoo! ethos. "Don't worry about followers, views, or even money. Just keep making good stuff. One day it may be possible to finally quit that day job and live your dream full time."Ballyhoo! is still doing just that, purveying good vibes, positivity and fun live shows meant to take you away from real life...   Jimmie's Chicken Shack is an American alternative rock band from Annapolis, Maryland. They emerged through MTV as one of the first post-grunge bands of the era. Blending funk-metal with elements of ska and reggae while also demonstrating surprising acoustic prowess, lead vocalist Jimi Haha grew up in Maryland where he played with the group Ten Times Big. After that band broke up, he snowboarded for two years before beginning several acoustic jams with friends. These coalesced into Jimmie's Chicken Shack. Based in Annapolis, MD, the group formed their own Fowl Records, which became a nexus for the leading bands in the tri-state area. After selling tens of thousands of records, Jimmie's Chicken Shack signed to Elton John's Rocket Records and released two major-label albums, Pushing the Salmanilla Envelope and Bring Your Own Stereo. Both albums enjoyed chart, radio, and MTV success and produced their best known hits "High" and "Do Right." The band subsequently released two more albums Re.Present and Fail on Cue independently. The band has been a fixture on the touring circuit and is renowned for its high energy live performances.
Durango Cowboy Gathering Premiere Performance with RJ Vandygriff & RW Hampton
8:30pm / Durango VFW Hall
RJ Vandygriff  An award winning singer/songwriter, playwright and actor who has appeared on stage with George Strait, Garth Brooks, Alabama, The Judds, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Moe Bandy, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Andy Williams, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Sons of the Pioneers, Red Steagall, Michael Martin Murphy, and Baxter Black just to name a few. Whether he’s performing as a solo artist or starring in the highly acclaimed musical “The Cowboy Ain’t Dead Yet!” RJ is one of those performers who creates a “moment” when he steps to the microphone.   RW Hampton  Blessed with a wonderfully rich baritone voice that has made him one of the leading Western Entertainers in America today. After 22 years in the entertainment business, RW is still pure cowboy, singing about what he loves best. During his acting career, RW has worked in three Kenny Rogers films as well as a film with Kris Kristofferson. His music has earned him numerous honors from such organizations as the Academy of Western Artists and the International Western Music Association.
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