Southwest Colorado has an array of activities planned this Fourth of July holiday weekend, as long as people are willing to travel to nearby towns and can handle a little rain.
Some of the more notable events include a drone light show in Durango, a fireworks show in Silverton, parade in Bayfield and a Lyle Lovett concert at the La Plata County Fairgrounds in Durango.
Fourth of July has always lent itself well to outdoor activities, and Southwest Colorado has no shortage of things to do under a blue sky, including hiking, biking, rafting, camping and horseback riding.
But outdoor enthusiasts might want to plan for brief, intermittent storms this holiday weekend. La Plata, Archuleta and San Juan counties are expected to experience daily scattered showers and afternoon thunderstorms through Monday, with high temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees. There is a possibility for rain during the firework and drone shows in Silverton and Durango, so pack an umbrella and poncho.
Here’s a list of five activities to consider this weekend to celebrate Independence Day. A more complete schedule of events follows, with events in Durango, Bayfield, Silverton, Cortez, Mancos, Rico, Towaoc, Dove Creek, Pagosa Springs and Farmington.
Durango nixed its annual Fourth of July fireworks show for the third year in a row because of the extended drought and fire danger. Instead, the Parks and Recreation Department is embracing the wonders of technology and will feature a $30,000 drone show put on by Verge Aero. One of Verge Aero’s drone shows was featured on “America’s Got Talent Extreme” this year. Check out the performance at https://bit.ly/3AbwpfS.
While the drone show might not feel as classically patriotic as a fireworks show, residents and animals who are sensitive to explosive sounds may feel more comfortable with the dull humming of drones.
The show begins at 10 p.m. Saturday, with drones expected to be launched from Greenmount Cemetery. The show will be visible from most areas in downtown Durango, including the Transit Center, where there will be celebrations. Fort Lewis College mesa overlooking Durango will also provide good viewing.
Drive to Silverton on Monday to enjoy a parade, flyover, firehouse barbecue, ducky derby and traditional fireworks show.
Silverton’s local emergency preparedness committee decided the town can have fireworks, unlike Durango and Bayfield. Fire chief Gilbert Archuleta and the Silverton Volunteer Fire Department have worked out the safety logistics of the show, which is brought to residents by Silverton 4th of July Association and the town of Silverton.
Silverton typically puts on one of the largest fireworks shows on the Western Slope. And at 9,300 feet in elevation, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, it isn’t to be missed.
It is illegal and unsafe to celebrate Fourth of July with your own neighborhood fireworks show in La Plata, Archuleta and San Juan counties, but in Farmington, pyromaniacs can set off personal fireworks safely and legally from dusk to 10 p.m. through July 10 in the north parking lot of McGee Park.
Parking is first-come, first-served. No alcohol is allowed. McGee Park is providing trash receptacles for clean up, but visitors are asked to make sure fireworks are completely cold or drenched in water before throwing them away.
Residents and visitors can always celebrate the weekend on the water. Mild to Wild will host a river parade all day Monday on the Animas River. To be a part of the parade, residents and visitors can schedule a trip with Mild to Wild or any other company. Or residents can take their own flotation device. Rafters are encouraged to dress patriotically, and Mild to Wild will hand out fun gadgets.
Vallecito and Nighthorse lakes are open for the season. Visitors can fish, boat and enjoy the views as they celebrate the nation’s independence.
Southwest Colorado has plenty of live music options this weekend.
Before Durango’s drone show on Saturday, McCurry Trio and Desert Child will put on a street dance at the Transit Center. There will be beer from Ska Brewing Co., food and kids’ activities while participants dance into the night.
Country singer Chevel Shepherd will be back in her hometown, Farmington, at 5 p.m. Saturday for a free concert at the civic center. Shepherd is the winner of Season 15 of “The Voice.” Recently, she has partnered with the Professional Bull Riders and is currently working on her debut EP, which is due for release soon.
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band will play their country-western swing music under the stars at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Ward Lee Field at La Plata County Fairgrounds. The show will feature Lovett’s classics, as well as songs from his new, widely acclaimed album, “12th of June.” General admission tickets cost $55 and are available at https://www.durangoconcerts.com/.
Street Dance and Drone Light Show, 6-10:15 p.m., Transit Center, 250 W. Eighth St. Live music will be provided by McCurry Trio and Desert Child. There will be beer from Ska Brewing Co., food and kids activities. Drone show begins at 10 p.m.
Rob Webster, 6-9 p.m., Union Social House, 3062 Main Ave.
Rockin’ on the River Summer Music Series, 4-7 p.m., Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio.
All American Gourmet Breakfast, 7:30-11 a.m., Rotary Park, 1565 East Second Ave. $12 for adults, $6 for children. Menu: pancakes, eggs, sausage, biscuits, gravy and more.
Freedom 5K, 9 a.m., Rotary Park, 1565 East Second Ave. Run, walk or stroll Animas River Trail. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m.
River Parade, all day, Animas River. Book a trip online to be a part of the parade. Hosted by Mild to Wild.
Patriotic Music in the Park, 9:15-10:30 a.m., Rotary Park, 1565 East Second Ave.
Annual Fourth of July Picnic, 12-4:30 p.m., Buckley Park, 1200 Main Ave. Benefits Building Homes for Heroes.
Stars and Stripes Parade, 5 p.m., Main Avenue. Starts at College Drive, ends at Buckley Park.
100 Year Flood, 6-10 p.m., Balcony Bar and Grill, 600 Main Ave. No. 210.
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band, 7:30 p.m., Ward Lee Field, La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.
Blue Ribbon 5K & 10K Fun Run, 8 a.m., Memorial Park, 1800 Greene St. Registration at 7 a.m.
Summer Fun Parade, 10:30 a.m., Courthouse, 1557 Greene St.
Flyover, 11 a.m., look up anywhere in Silverton.
Parade After-Party, San Juan Valley Fire Station, 1450 Greene St. Water fun for kids and a firehouse barbecue.
Silverton Brass Band Concert, Courthouse Lawn, 1557 Greene St.
Family Picnic Time and Sasquatch Expedition Camper Raffle, Memorial Park, 1800 Greene St.
Annual Ducky Derby, 2 p.m., Cement Creek near Memorial Park, 1800 Greene St. Purchase ducks in advance at Visitor Center or Memorial Park day of.
Fireworks Show, 9:30 p.m., visible throughout downtown Silverton.
Pancake Breakfast, 7 a.m., Bayfield Lions Club, 451 Church St.
Pie Sale and Craft Fair, 8 a.m., Calvary Presbyterian Church, 89 E. Mill St.
Firecracker 5K, 9:15 a.m., presented by Momentum, Bayfield Primary School.
Flag Raising, 10:15 a.m., intersection of Mill and Pearl streets.
National anthem by Kristy Gingerich, 10:15 a.m., intersection of Mill and Pearl streets.
Parade, 10:30 a.m., Mill Street.
Vendors, 11:15 a.m., Joe Stephenson Park, 1189 Bayfield Parkway.
Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo, 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Monday. Archuleta County Fairgrounds, 344 U.S. Highway 84.
Park to Park Artisan and Food Market, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Town Park, Hermosa Street.
Fourth of July Parade, 10 a.m., downtown Pagosa Springs.
Gem & Mineral Show, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., McGee Park, 41 Road 5568.
TGIF Music & Lunch, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., Orchard Park, 105 N. Orchard Ave. Food provided by Three Rivers Pizzeria.
Downtown Art Walk, 5-9 p.m., downtown Farmington.
Gem & Mineral Show, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., McGee Park, 41 Road 5568.
Ice Cream Social, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., E3 Children’s Museum, 302 N. Orchard Ave.
Chevel Shepherd in Concert, 5-9 p.m., Farmington Civic Center, 200 W. Arrington St. Shepherd won Season 15 of “The Voice.”
Gem & Mineral Show, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., McGee Park, 41 Road 5568.
A Star Spangled Sunday featuring Kissmah Brass 2.0, Farmington Museum and Visitor Center, 3041 E. Main St.
Fireworks Display, 9:25 p.m., Sullivan Hill, North Sullivan Avenue.
Electric Light Parade, 9 p.m., Main Street, downtown Farmington.
Cortez Rotary Club Independence Day Beer Garden, daylight hours, Centennial Park, 123 Roger Smith Ave.
Four Corners Community Band, 6 p.m., Centennial Park, 123 Roger Smith Ave.
Firework Show, at dark, Parque de Vida, 400 N. Mildred Road.
Firework Show, at dark, Boyle Park, 150 Grand Ave. Subject to cancellation for dry weather.
Dennis Yazzie and the Night Breeze Band, 4 p.m., Ute Mountain Casino and Hotel, 3 Weeminuche Drive.
Troubadour Experience: George Strait Tribute Band, 4:30 p.m., Ute Mountain Casino and Hotel, 3 Weeminuche Drive.
Firework Show, at dusk, Ute Mountain Casino and Hotel, 3 Weeminuche Drive.
Southwest Freedom Big Truck n’ Car Show, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Cahone Park, 52367 U.S. Highway 491.
The Kev and Maddy Guitar Duo, 4-7 p.m., Weber Park.
Tournament Day, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Weber Park.
Parade, 9 a.m., Dove Creek Airport.
Awards and Announcements, 10 a.m., Weber Park.
Kids Games, 10:30 a.m., Weber Park.
Adult Games, 12:30 p.m., Weber Park.
Greased Pig Challenge, 2 p.m., Weber Park.
Cornhole Contest, 3 p.m., Weber Park.
Crossroads Band Performance, 6:30 p.m., Weber Park.
Fireworks Show, 9:30 p.m., Bean Tower Area, Weber Park.
Old Timer’s Community Picnic, daylight hours, Town Park.
Light Parade, 9 p.m., Soda and Silver streets.
Dan Holmes Memorial Fun Run, 8:15 a.m., Courthouse, 1 N. Commercial St.
Parade, 11 a.m., 116 E. Mantz Ave.
Pat Fallon’s Philly Cheesesteak and Hot Dog Lunch, Noon, Rico Fire Department, 119 S. Glasgow Ave.
Rico Blues Project, 2 p.m., Enterprise Bar & Grill, 3 N. Glasgow Ave.
Duck Race, 3 p.m., Dolores River.
Fireworks Show, dusk, visible throughout town.
An earlier version of this schedule gave an incorrect location for Monday’s Pancake Breakfast in Bayfield. The breakfast will be held at 7 a.m. at 451 Church St.
