Summer is winding down and the kids are back in school. Even so, there are plenty of fun activities this fall and winter. Visit DowntownDurango.org/events to learn more about everything noted below.
The Autumn Arts Festival will be held Sept. 17 and 18 downtown on East Second Avenue. More than 100 artists will attend with their unique offerings. Support our local and regional artists by attending.
Another fall favorite is the Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering, to be held Sept. 29 to Oct. 2. There will be shows and the annual motorless parade.
The Animas Valley Balloon Rally returns Oct. 14 to 17. There are multiple ascensions planned for this unique event. Downtown will host two nights of hot air balloon glows – Oct. 14 and Oct. 15. These will be held in the 500 block of Main Avenue and are not to be missed!
The Durango Farmers Market continues through October. In September, the hours continue to be 8 a.m. to noon, but in October, it opens at 9 a.m. The Farmers Market is always held at TBK Bank downtown.
The Animas City Night Bazaar holds a fun evening in the North Main District on Aug. 31 and on Sept. 28. If you have not been, you should go! Businesses in the vicinity of 30th Street and Main Avenue open their doors and offer specials and fun activities. Local artists are also on site.
The last Rockin’ on the River concert at the Powerhouse Science Center will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 4. Red Light Cameras is the band to entertain you on the plaza.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad just released its winter train schedule. Included is the popular Polar Express Train. Get your tickets now as the preferred dates always sell out fast.
Children’s Halloween will be held downtown on Oct. 31. Plans are in the works for a new Halloween Carnival, in addition to trick or treating for the kids at nearly 100 downtown businesses. Stay tuned for more details.
Singing with Santa is always the day after Thanksgiving, which this year is Nov. 25. There are some changes planned for this event that kicks off the holidays downtown, but it will still be a great family event.
Noel Night planning is just getting started, and this amazing shopping night is set for Dec. 2. Did you know that this year will be the 20th anniversary for Noel Night? Noel Night has always been an event for locals, with steep discounts and deals on holiday items available.
Snowdown is Durango’s annual winter festival. This year’s dates are Feb. 1 to Feb. 5. The theme is Shakespeare this year, which means your costume from last year will probably work again!
I look forward to seeing you downtown and in the North Main District in the fall and winter months.
Tim Walsworth is executive director of Durango Business Improvement District. Reach him by email at timw@downtowndurango.org or by phone at 375-5068.
