Durango Winter 2026–27 Events

OCTOBER 2026

16th–18th | Durango Devo 20th Anniversary / Devo Days Weekend
Purgatory Resort — Durango Devo is channeling its traditional Devo Days energy into a 20th Anniversary Celebration weekend in 2026, with riding, racing, clinics, games and community activities for cyclists of all ages.

16th–18th | Animas Valley Balloon Rally
Durango & Animas Valley — Watch colorful hot-air balloons fill the sky during morning mass ascensions, then enjoy downtown balloon glows and family-friendly festivities throughout the weekend. Events are weather permitting.

17th–18th | Durango Open Studio Tour
Studios throughout Durango — This free, self-guided tour invites visitors into the working spaces of local artists to see how art is made, meet the artists and shop original paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography, sculpture and mixed-media work.

23rd–31st | The Rocky Horror Show
Durango Arts Center — Richard O’Brien’s cult musical takes the stage for a Halloween-season run filled with rock-and-roll, outrageous characters and the familiar “Time Warp.” Mature content; check individual showtimes and ticket availability.

27th | Mesa Verde National Park Entrance Fee-Free Day
Mesa Verde National Park — Explore the cliff dwellings, scenic overlooks and ancestral Puebloan history of Mesa Verde without paying the regular park entrance fee in recognition of Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday.

29th | Halloween Bike Parade & Powerhouse Party
Animas River Trail & Powerhouse Science Center — Costumed riders of all ages parade along the Animas River Trail before gathering at the Powerhouse for trick-or-treating, games and Halloween fun from 4–6:30 p.m.

31st | Downtown Children’s Halloween Trick-or-Treat & Carnival
Downtown Durango — Children in costume can trick-or-treat at dozens of participating downtown merchants from 4–6 p.m., with additional carnival games and trunk-or-treat activities at TBK Bank.

NOVEMBER 2026

6th | Durango First Friday
Downtown Durango — Galleries, businesses and creative spaces stay active into the evening with local art, live music, performances, featured artists and pop-up markets from 4–7 p.m.

11th | Mesa Verde National Park Entrance Fee-Free Day
Mesa Verde National Park — Visit Mesa Verde without the regular entrance fee in honor of Veterans Day. Other reservation or tour fees may still apply.

14th–22nd | Colorado Photography Week
Durango & surrounding communities — A new statewide celebration based in Durango features photography exhibitions, artist talks, workshops, youth showcases and special events, anchored by the Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown.

20th | Purgatory Resort Opening Day
Purgatory Resort — Purgatory plans to begin its 2026–27 ski and snowboard season on November 20, conditions permitting, with new terrain and lift improvements joining more than 1,600 acres of mountain terrain.

Nov. 20–Jan. 2 | The Polar Express Train Ride
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad — Step aboard a vintage steam train for an immersive holiday journey featuring hot chocolate, a sweet treat, onboard entertainment and a visit from Santa on the return trip.

21st | Harvest Market
TBK Bank Parking Lot — Shop seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, preserved foods and handmade goods during the Durango Farmers Market’s special fall celebration from 9 a.m.–noon.

26th | Durango Turkey Trot
Fort Lewis College — Start Thanksgiving morning with one of Durango’s longtime holiday traditions, featuring a five-mile race and one-mile fun run beginning at 10 a.m. Proceeds support local charities.

27th | Singing with Santa & Downtown Tree Lighting
Downtown Durango & Buckley Park — Welcome the holidays with Santa, Christmas carols, hot chocolate, cookies and the lighting of Durango’s community Christmas tree. A downtown Reindeer Scavenger Hunt adds extra family fun throughout the day.

DECEMBER 2026

4th | Noel Night
Downtown Durango — One of Durango’s favorite holiday traditions brings extended shopping hours, local specials, food, entertainment and festive activities downtown from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. New for 2026 is the Miracle on 10th Street outdoor market.

4th–6th | 52nd Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival
La Plata County Fairgrounds — Shop original art, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, textiles, specialty foods, holiday décor and other one-of-a-kind gifts from regional makers during this three-day holiday market.

4th–6th | 23rd Annual Festival of Trees & Wreaths
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum — Wander through dozens of decorated trees and wreaths, vote for favorites and participate in family activities during this free holiday fundraiser supporting Community Connections.

11th–13th | The Nutcracker
Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College — State Street Ballet joins the San Juan Symphony for Durango’s beloved annual production of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, with four performances throughout the weekend.

12th | Holiday Farmers Market
La Plata County Fairgrounds — Local farmers and artisans return for a festive winter market featuring fresh seasonal foods, handmade gifts, warm food and live entertainment from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

19th | Bar-D Wranglers Christmas Jubilee
Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College — Durango’s longtime cowboy crooners bring Western music, storytelling and holiday favorites to the stage for their traditional Christmas Jubilee at 7:30 p.m.

31st | New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks
Purgatory Resort — Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the mountain as ski instructors and patrol descend in a torchlight parade followed by a fireworks show over the base area.

JANUARY 2027

2nd | Final Polar Express Train Rides
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad — The holiday train season concludes with its final departures to the North Pole.

16th | 26th Annual Durango Wedding Expo
La Plata County Fairgrounds — Meet wedding professionals from across the Four Corners, explore décor and floral ideas, sample treats, compare vendors and gather inspiration from noon–3 p.m. Pre-registration is available online.

Jan. 29–Feb. 7 | Snowdown: Chillin’ With My Villains
Throughout Durango — Durango’s legendary winter festival returns for its 48th year with the 2027 theme “Chillin’ With My Villains.” Expect costumes, live entertainment, competitions, parties and quirky community traditions throughout town.

FEBRUARY 2027

3rd | Snowdown Fashion Do’s & Don’ts
Durango — One of Snowdown’s signature traditions returns with outrageous themed fashion, costumes and plenty of Durango-style humor.

5th | Snowdown Light Parade
Downtown Durango — Up to 60 illuminated floats roll down Main Avenue for Durango’s biggest Snowdown night. The parade begins at 6 p.m.; arrive early for a good viewing spot.

6th | Snowdown Chili Cookoff & Bloody Mary Contest
Durango — Sample creative chili recipes and Bloody Mary entries during one of the festival’s favorite culinary competitions as Snowdown weekend continues.

Events, dates and times are subject to change. Please check with individual event organizers for the most current information.