Events on this Day

Genuine Old West Chuck wagon breakfast. Biscuits, gravy, scrambled eggs and lots of black coffee.    Tickets cost $12 and are available at the wagon!

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.

The Ranch Animal Petting Corral is a new activity for the Durango Cowboy Gathering. The petting corral aims to provide a memorable and educational experience for families and children ages 12 and younger.    This activity will be held prior to and during the annual Durango Cowboy Gathering parade. The petting corral will be in the parking lot by the Hermosa Cafe (in front of Grassburgers restaurant.    These docile animals are accustomed to being around people and are eager to interact with children. This event will likely provide many youngsters their first opportunity to interact with farm animals.

"100 Kids & Horses" is an opportunity for children ages 12 and younger to ride or pet a horse and have their photo taken. It will take place on the 700 block of Main Avenue prior to the start of the Cowboy Parade.    The program is conducted by professional wranglers from Bears Ranch and Colorado Trails Ranch. All horses for the event are gentle stock used for trail rides. Wranglers will maintain control of the horses at all times, no child will be turned loose on a horse. The rides are short so that all children may take a turn.    Registration opens at 7:30 AM. Rides will be allocated in the order of signups that morning. There is no advance registration, so show up early. Registration is in front of Derailed Pour House, starting at 7:30.    Safety is of utmost importance. To participate in the event, a parent or legal guardian must sign a permission and liability release form for each child. Additionally, a staging area will be set up to ensure safe, orderly turn-taking. The area will be diligently managed to ensure that horses are separated from people, except when someone has a turn to ride or have a photo taken. Parents MUST be present for registration and when their child is with a horse. No drop-offs allowed even if a release has been signed. Helmets will be available for children to wear while riding, but they are not required. Kids may bring their own helmet if they like. Parents will make the decision about whether their child wears a helmet.

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 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!

One of the highlights of the Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering is the largest motorless parade in Colorado. This much anticipated event takes place downtown on Saturday morning following a delicious chuckwagon breakfast that begins at 7:30 a.m. at the corner of 5th and Main. An Old West gunfight in front of the Main Mall kicks off the parade which starts promptly at 10:30 a.m. The colorful procession does not involve any vehicles—just historic wagons and carriages, lovely ladies & gents dressed in period costumes, and buckaroos on stick horses. And of course, there will be horses, lots of horses as well mules, donkeys, and even a llama or two.    Anyone is welcome to enter the parade and there is no entry fee. So why not get dressed up and join in the fun? If you can't enter, come on down that morning and cheer on those who do. In addition to a cowboy breakfast, there will be live music at the Main Mall. You'll have a great time and will be supporting Durango's western heritage.

The daytime sessions are free!   You will find musicians and poets at the Strater Hotel, Wild Horse Saloon, the Four Leaves Winery and strolling the streets. Concurrent sessions change every hour in each location. Visit our Performer Page for a complete listing. In the Open Sessions, anyone can entertain. To sign up, call Karren Little at 970-382-8897.    Daytime session schedule  http://www.durangocowboygathering.org/images/PDFS/Saturday%20schedule.pdf

Hosted b the Durango Creative District, The Durango Cowboy Quickdraw Contest is a lively and entertaining event that's new for the 2023 Durango Cowboy Gathering. This time six-shooters are replaced by paint, marking pens, and crayons. Participants face off with 30 seconds to draw a subject selected by the judges for each round. Artists dressed in cowboy fashion are allowed an extra ten seconds to create a masterpiece (so cowboy up to win!) A panel of self-proclaimed expert judges will choose winners from each round for advancement to the finals.    There are divisions for different age groups and an expert category for "professional artists. Each round of the competition will feature a different subject to draw, and the judges will select two artists to advance to the next round. The final round will feature the top four artists competing for prizes and bragging rights as the best quickdraw artists in the West. The quickdraw contest is open to both kids and adults, with multiple categories for different skill levels. The contest promises to be a delightfully whimsical and enjoyable experience for all, participants and spectators alike. So come on down to the Durango Cowboy Art Contest and see who has the fastest draw and the most creative cowboy art skills!

Meet and Greet internet celebrity, Dexter the Brittany Spaniel from Ouray who walks on his two hind legs. As a puppy, he was hit by a car and lost one front leg. His other was badly damaged. Instead of relying on adaptive equipment to get around, he decided to teach himself to walk. Come visit Dexter immediately following the Cowboy Parade in which he will be a participant.

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.

Adults $15. Children 12 and under FREE with an adult.   The hilarious BJ Smith will be joining invited performers to entertain you with stories to tickle your funny bone and set your toes to tapping.

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.

Kristen is an engaging Western performer and speaker, as well as an award-winning singer/ songwriter and author/illustrator who has been delighting audiences as "Krazy Ani the Train Robber" since 2010 with her gun twirling, trick roping, and whip cracking prowess. However, her greatest joy has been performing for elementary schools and helping kids "Find their Brave" through hands-on trick roping lessons and inspiring creative activities.    $15 at the door.

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

After over a year of construction, planting, and patience, the Community Gardens at the SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab are thriving beyond anyone's wildest dreams!    On Saturday we are opening the gates to celebrate and share this space with the public for a Community Grand Opening Party! Please join us at the SOIL Community Garden for fresh garden snacks, live music, and activities for all ages!

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.

Invited poets and musicians will perform their interpretation of this year's poster followed by a reception with the artist. limited-edition print, "Whoa Little Cowboy". Hosted by Lindy Simmons    5:30 - 7:30pm: Reception with artist Laurie Lee. Autographed prints will be available for $30

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

Two Evening Performances by Cowboy Poets and Musicians. Part of the 35th Annual Cowboy Gathering.

Join the fun with Beers, Brats, Games and Live music.  Bring the family down for a great time.

Every Saturday 6-9pm Karaoke with your Bartenders Diana & Kimmie ! If you can pull it up on YouTube we can get you on the mic, play karaoke roulette and get a free pint ! Great Food, Tasty Beer in a Fun, Safe, and Friendly Atmosphere ! Cheers

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.

The season premiere of the San Juan Symphony Season 38, New Horizons, kicks off Saturday, September 30th, at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College and on Sunday, October 1st, at Henderson Performance Hall in Farmington with a program called EXUBERANCE.   The concert will feature American composer Amy Beach's Piano Concerto in C-sharp Minor, a Romantic masterpiece showcasing her profound talent and Russian influences. Audiences will be transported through sublime melodies and virtuosic piano passages, all interpreted with finesse and passion by soloist Kara Huber.    Following Beach's enchanting compositions, the audience will be treated to the evocative and powerful Symphony No. 5 by Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893). Tchaikovsky's symphony, with its haunting melodies and emotional depth, has earned its place as one of the most beloved works in the classical repertoire. The performance promises to be a true testament to the power of music, as the symphony's fifth movement takes audiences on an exhilarating journey marked by dramatic shifts and a triumphant finale. The musicians of the San Juan Symphony will deliver a performance that captivates the heart and soul.

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."