The Durango Bluegrass Meltdown is in its 24th year in 2018. Run by volunteers, the event is a labor of love and has become one of the best events early in our event season. Dates this year are April 20, 21 and 22. You can find all the details and get your tickets at DurangoMeltdown.com.
The Meltdown kicks off with a free show Friday at the Powerhouse Science Center, on the plaza by the river. The StillHouse Junkies play at 5 p.m., then the Colorado College Bluegrass Ensemble plays at 6 p.m. Then there are seven shows Friday night at the Henry Strater Theatre and the Durango Arts Center.
On Saturday, things really get going, with 33 performances, starting at 10 a.m. and going until late at night. Catch these shows at the Strater, Arts Center, Wild Horse Saloon and the Animas City Theatre. The Elks Lodge hosts the free band showcase from noon to 6 p.m., and then an old-time barn dance starts at 7 p.m.
The action continues Sunday with 20 performances at the Stater, Arts Center and Wild Horse. There are also workshops Saturday and Sunday.
Be sure to check out this year’s Durango Bluegrass Meltdown April 20-22.
The North MAIN Event is being held for the first time ever this year, and we hope to make it an annual event. It will be on Saturday, April 21, and is a four-block party on north Main.
Kudos to the city of Durango for the focus they have put on the north Main business corridor. With the nearly completed Character District plan for north Main, we now have a vision for what the corridor can become.
That vision calls for redevelopment and infill projects to occur along north Main, which will allow for walkable sections, or nodes.
The North MAIN Event will mimic what this vision will look like by activating a four-block stretch of north Main, from 26th to 30th streets. Everyone is invited to come out and experience the future of this important part of Durango.
There will be games, food, live music and activities for the whole family. Offerings include historical tours, a slack line, a quarter pipe, tortilla making, chalk art and more!
We encourage attendees to walk or bike around the area and learn more about local businesses, community amenities and all the great things going on in the north Main district!
Participate in the passport program to receive a free gift bag and get entered into a drawing for an Osprey pack! Participate in a station activity and receive a stamp in your passport. The first 100 people to collect all their stamps and return the passport will receive a gift bag, and be entered into a drawing for an Osprey pack!
Special thanks to Mountain Motion Media, GOAL Academy High School, Local First, Zia Taqueria, Merida Odiorne USHealth Advisors, Taco Bell of Durango, ArchEarth Building & Construction and Durango Brewing Company for sponsoring.
Parking is available at the fairgrounds and Recreation Center lots.
For more details go to TheMainEventDurango.com.
Tim Walsworth is the executive director of the Durango Business Improvement District. Contact him at timw@downtowndurango.org.
