Events on this Day

 Friday, September 29th
Cowboy Music and Poetry Train
8:00am / Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Gather up your favorite cowboys and cowgirls to enjoy true western poets, music, historical narration, and fall foliage when your ride the Durango Cowboy Train. During the journey to Silverton, you will hear poems and songs that will bring tears to your eyes or keep you in stiches. On the return train excursion from Silverton to Durango, you will hear exciting stories about the history of the area and our western heritage presented by professional narrators. The train leaves 8:15 am (be there early). Arrive in Silverton just in time for lunch at one of the local restaurants or bring your own. The train arrives back in Durango at 5:40 pm, just in time for the Friday evening program at the VFW, 1550 N. Main Avenue. Make your reservations now by calling 970-247-2733
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
Durango Vintage Festivus
9:00am / 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!
Cowboy Gathering Trail Ride, and Lunch with entertainment
10:00am / Bears Ranch
Offered by Bears Ranch (Hwy 550N), this beautiful 2 hour horseback ride will take you on a series of interconnected trails through Chris Park and the lovely Haviland Lake areas of the San Juan National Forest. Meander through colorful aspen groves and ponderosa pines as you enjoy breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and Hermosa Cliffs No better way to experience the beauty of Colorado than on the back of a horse. Return to the stables for a delicious catered lunch by Lone Spur Café along while enjoying some genuine cowboy entertainment. Space is limited. Book early! $160 (2 hr. ride and lunch) To purchase tickets go to www.bearsranch.com and click on Reserve Trail Rides or call (970) 844-4049.
Cowboy Mosey
10:00am / Historic Downtown
This Friday event encourages everyone to put on their boots, hats, and other Western-inspired "fashion" and come to town. Merchants and restaurants are asked to offer specials and bargains to everyone dressed western who wanders through the doors.
Bank of the San Juans birthday celebration
11:30am / Bank of the San Juans
Bank of the San Juans turned 25, so its time for a hotdog BBQ and cake party! Free hot dogs on the grill, chips, soda and birthday cake.    Everyone's welcome. Celebrations take place at both Durango branches (144 E 8th St. downtown and 1710 Main Ave. - North Main) and at the Pagosa Springs branch (195 Hot Springs Blvd,)
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.
Friday Puppy Party
2:00pm / Parkers Animal Rescue
Join Parker's Animal Rescue for our "Puppy Party"! Come play, snuggle, and socialize with our adoptable pups -- and maybe you'll find one that you just can't live without.   Don't miss out! Make sure to stop by, bring your friends (no personal animals), and find your new furry family member!   Always doublecheck our PAR social media accounts for any potential cancelations.   Learn more about our current adoptables at https://parkersanimalrescue.com/adopt.
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.
Pots and Pints - Ceramic Hand-Building Happy Hour
4:30pm / Durango Arts Center
Come get your hands dirty as you create a unique Candy Bowl! We will mix creativity with pleasure as we unwind from a busy week, enjoy happy hour drinks, spend time with community artists, and most importantly hand-build a Ceramic Candy Bowl. By the end of the evening your piece will be ready for glazing. You will select a glaze which will be applied to your ceramic piece when fired. Look for an email telling you when your piece is ready for pick-up and use. (about 21 days) Let the fun begin! $35.00 Per Participant
Western Art during Cowboy Gathering
5:00pm / Sorrel Sky Gallery
Sorrel Sky Gallery will feature Western Art during Cowboy Gathering, honoring the heritage, beauty, and wonder of the West. Featuring sculpture, fine art, photography, jewelry, and more, each piece is a reminder of what makes the West special. In addition, the new Cowboy Lineup photograph will be revealed. This first viewing of the full image will include the names of each cowboy, cowgirl, horse, and mule.
Cowboy Lineup Revealed
5:00pm / Sorrel Sky Gallery
Twenty-nine local cowboys and cowgirls from across La Plata County and beyond were invited to re-create the iconic Cowboy Lineup photo to promote the Durango Cowboy Gathering. Join us for a reception at Sorrel Sky Gallery to meet the participants who are featured. There will also be a special display of select western art by many well-known artists.
Sip & Create - Make A Fused Glass Bowl
5:00pm / Sun Sapphires
Mix creativity with pleasure and unwind from a busy week. Enjoy happy hour drinks, & learn how to make your own fused glass bowl. By the end of the evening, your decorated piece will be ready for firing and done 2-10 days later for pick up!   Fused glass involves arranging and layering pieces of colored glass into designs before they are heated in a specialized kiln. As the glass melts and fuses together, it forms a work of art that captures the imagination. Throughout the class, you'll be guided by a our experienced glass artist who will introduce you to the fundamental techniques of fused glass. You'll have the opportunity to unleash your creativity as you experiment with a wide array of vibrant glass colors, bringing your vision to life in the form of a one of a kind 5" bowl.   Whether you're an experienced artisan or a first-time explorer of the medium, this class caters to all skill levels.   We will guide you through the whole process of creating your very own glass art piece. All materials are included plus up to 2 drinks of either beer, wine or seltzer.   This event you will be making your own 5" glass bowl which can be used for small trinkets, appetizers, or keep it on display.   All materials included.  $48 per person - plus tax
Union Social House Oktoberfest
5:30pm / Union Social House
Join the fun with Games, Beer, Food and Music for the whole family!!   Arm Wresting, Chicken Bingo, Stein Holding, and more...   Music by The Pastor and The Pagan 6:00-9:00
Durango Cowboy Gathering = Two Evening Performances
6:00pm / Durango VFW Hall
Two Evening Performances by Cowboy Poets and Musicians. Part of the 35th Annual Cowboy Gathering.
Friday Nights with Leah Orlikowski
6:00pm / Fox Fire Farms
Music, food and wine. Come enjoy your Friday nights with Fox Fire Farms. Seating on spacious lawns. Bring rain gear if there is a chance of rain.  FREE ADMISSION  All seating is outdoors on our spacious lawns.
Live Music by The Pastor and The Pagan
6:00pm / Union Social House
Join the fun with Beers, Brats, Games and Live music.  Bring the family down for a great time.
The Odd Couple (The Female Version)
7:30pm / Durango Arts Center
By Neil Simon   Unger and Madison are at it again! Florence Unger and Olive Madison, that is, in Neil Simon's hilarious contemporary comic classic: the female version of The Odd Couple. Instead of the poker party that begins the original version, Ms. Madison has invited the girls over for an evening of Trivial Pursuit. The Pidgeon sisters have been replaced by the two Constanzuela brothers. But the hilarity remains the same.   House opens 30 minutes before the listed start time.
Eurydice
7:30pm / FLC MainStage Theatre
The 2023-24 season FLC Theatre will kick off with the award-winning play, Eurydice, by Sarah Ruhl. Eurydice is a modern retelling of the Greek tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice.   "Dying too young on her wedding day, Eurydice must journey to the underworld, where she reunites with her mother and struggles to remember her lost love. With contemporary characters and plot twists, the play is a fresh look at a timeless love story."
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