Two of the biggest and best annual events on the Durango-area calendar are coming up in July and August: Four Days for the Fourth and the San Juan Brewfest.
The city of Durango hosts four days of activities for the Fourth of July. This year the four days start on July 2 and end on July 5. July 2 kicks off the long weekend with the Community Concert Hall summer concert series at Buckley Park. The week’s free show features the Spicy Pickles, a high-energy modern swing band guaranteed to get you on your feet.
July 3 will be highlighted by the Oscar’s Café Apple Pie Eating Contest, held at Durango Beer & Ice Company at 3000 Main Ave. There will also be an ice cream social at the VFW Post 4031 and boxing matches at 10th and Main. You will also be able to enjoy pro bullfighting at the Fairgrounds thanks to Tru Western Roundup.
July 4 is the big day, and it will start with a gourmet breakfast by the Rotary Clubs of Durango at Rotary Park. The Durango Farmers Market will also occur that morning, plus there will be a free 5K run, stroll or walk on the Animas River Trail. Southwest Civic Winds will perform a free show at Rotary Park, then the action will shift to Buckley Park, where Durango DEVO presents BBQ, Bands, Beers and Bikes. There will be four hours of fun with proceeds benefiting DEVO.
The 4th of July Parade will start at 4:30 p.m., then we will all head back to Buckley Park for a free show featuring the Grammy Award-winning Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
Wrap up your weekend July 5 with breakfast in Durango – multiple restaurants will offer specials or deals if you can correctly answer some patriotic questions.
There are more activities, be sure to check out DowntownDurango.org/4th-of-July for all the action.
After Four Days for the Fourth, get ready for two days of the San Juan Brewfest. Held at Buckley Park on Aug. 28 and 29, the Brewfest is the Four Corners’ favorite beer tasting festival. Presented by Bank of the San Juans, the Brewfest benefits local charity Team Up.
The tasty beverages this year will be poured by 35 breweries and cideries, plus there will be canned cocktails and more. Each will bring at least three different styles of their best products, so there will be over 100 options to choose from for tasting. The Brewfest provides attendees with a souvenir five-ounce tasting glass and offers unlimited tastings.
The bands this year are outstanding. Friday showcases Desiderata with members from Durango. Saturday is headlined by The Galentines from Boulder. They are supported by ORA from Durango. The San Juan Brewfest thanks Animas City Theatre for booking all live music.
Tickets are on sale now at SanJuanBrewfest.com. Friday tickets are discounted by 20% and only cost $40. Saturday tickets are $50. There is also a VIP option for Saturday with many perks, including early entry, a meal from Grassburger, access to two VIP tents and “fancy” restrooms this year.
Learn more and get your tickets at SanJuanBrewfest.com. See you around this summer!
Tim Walsworth is executive director of Durango Business Improvement District. Reach him at timw@downtowndurango.org or 375-5068.
