Durango's 4th of July Celebration

 Thursday, July 3rd
Paint a Patriotic Mural
9:00am / Hermosa Cafe
You, too, can be an artist! Saunter over to Hermosa Cafe and pick up a paintbrush to participate in the community mural. Each year Hermosa Cafe provides a huge canvas, paints and some outlines to create a Patriotic Mural. Fun for adults - and also great for kids while adults are having tea and coffee! It is interesting to watch the picture emerge over the four days.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Scavenger Hunt
10:00am / Downtown Durango
Take a tour through the decorated storefronts of Downtown Durango in search of clues to win the 4th of July Scavenger Hunt! The Scavenger Hunt starts at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 3 and ends at 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 6. Participants can pick up a Scavenger Hunt instruction sheet at the Durango Welcome Center, or download a copy from the website. At each of the 10 clue locations, a number or letter will be provided to solve the final riddle. Participants turn in their completed sheets to the Welcome Center by 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 6. A winner will be picked at random from qualifying entries. Prize: $50 Heart of Durango Gift Certificate redeemable at 100 Downtown Durango and North Main District businesses.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Concert Hall @ The Park
5:30pm / Buckley Park
Free summer concerts every Thursday night at Buckley Park in downtown Durango! Bring your blankets, lawn chairs & picnic vibes. Food + drinks by Grassburger. All ages welcome! Presented by Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College + Alpine Bank   This week: Will Overman Band  Country-Americana with a wild streak   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
 Friday, July 4th
All American Gourmet Breakfast
7:30am / Rotary Park
Brought to you by the Rotary Club of Durango and the Daybreak Rotary Club. Scrambled eggs, green chili eggs, sausage, pancakes, fruit topping, biscuits and gravy will be served.    Tickets may be purchased online or by using the QR code on posters around town, or from a local Rotary Member. Adult ticket price is $15 presale or $20 after July 1. Children 6-12 $8 presale or $10 after July 1. First Responders are $10. Children under 6 are free.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Freedom 5K Run, Stroll & Walk
9:00am / Rotary Park
Join the City of Durango's Parks and Recreation Department and start your 4th of July festivities on the right foot. Bring your whole family and all your friends to participate, and dress to celebrate Independence Day! All ages are welcome to run, walk, stroll or stride this festive 5K along the scenic Animas River Trail. The race begins at 9:00 am at Rotary Park. Participants are encouraged to dress in creative and patriotic attire. Prizes will be distributed for first place in 3 categories: 12 & under, 13-18, and over 18 years of age. Participants must check in at the Freedom 5K race tent between 8:15 am and 8:45 am. This event is free.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Paint a Patriotic Mural
9:00am / Hermosa Cafe
You, too, can be an artist! Saunter over to Hermosa Cafe and pick up a paintbrush to participate in the community mural. Each year Hermosa Cafe provides a huge canvas, paints and some outlines to create a Patriotic Mural. Fun for adults - and also great for kids while adults are having tea and coffee! It is interesting to watch the picture emerge over the four days.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Southwest Civic Winds Super Hero Summer Spectacular
9:00am / Rotary Park
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Rotary Park to listen to the Southwest Civic Winds! The full concert band will perform Super Hero themes (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Avengers and more!) along with your favorite patriotic music. You will be in the right place to enjoy and celebrate Independence Day! This event is free.    Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Scavenger Hunt
10:00am / Downtown Durango
Take a tour through the decorated storefronts of Downtown Durango in search of clues to win the 4th of July Scavenger Hunt! The Scavenger Hunt starts at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 3 and ends at 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 6. Participants can pick up a Scavenger Hunt instruction sheet at the Durango Welcome Center, or download a copy from the website. At each of the 10 clue locations, a number or letter will be provided to solve the final riddle. Participants turn in their completed sheets to the Welcome Center by 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 6. A winner will be picked at random from qualifying entries. Prize: $50 Heart of Durango Gift Certificate redeemable at 100 Downtown Durango and North Main District businesses.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Stars & Sparkle: 4th of July Glass Workshop
12:00pm / Sun Sapphires
Kick off your Independence Day with a creative spark! Stars & Sparkle is a special daytime glass workshop perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking for a fun activity before the fireworks begin.   Choose from a variety of festive fused glass projects:  Star Suncatcher or Wall Hanging – $25 (Pre-cut 5" star base—perfect for all ages!)  Spoon Rest – $40  Channel Dish – $55  We'll provide all the materials, guidance, and inspiration you need to make something beautiful and functional.    Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Durango DEVO Buckley BBQ Bands Beer and Bikes
12:00pm / Buckley Park
Celebrate Independence Day the Durango way - on bikes, with good food, great music, and family-friendly fun at Bikes, Beer, Bands & BBQ in Buckley Park, hosted by Durango Devo, the City of Durango, and I AM Music. Bring a blanket or chair to Buckley Park and join us for an afternoon of live music, community activities, and delicious food. The event will feature meals prepared by DuranGourmet and served by Durango Devo, with Carver Brewing Co. pouring local beer and plenty of treats for kids and families. All proceeds will go to Durango Devo to help get more kids on bikes. Prices: $12.00 per plate or $15 for lunch + beer or soft drink. Kids Meal $6 for Hot Dog and Chips. Activities for all ages include face painting, henna tattoos, Ruby Balloon, and a great cornhole tournament. This event is free. Participants must purchase their food and drink.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Durango DEVO Kid's Bike Race
2:00pm / Buckley Park
A beloved tradition in the making, the Devo Fun Race invites all young riders - ages 3 to 10 - to join the fun. This free, festive race is open to the public and perfect for families visiting Durango for the holiday. Participants will ride a custom Devo course full of fun turns, good vibes, and lots of cheering. Each rider will receive a custom race plate and a medal. 1:00 pm Registration Opens at the Devo tent 2:00 pm Race begins Whether your little one is on a balance bike or ready to rip, this is a welcoming and exciting way to be part of the 4th of July celebration.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Children's Parade
3:00pm / Buckley Park
Calling all kids! Decorate, March & Celebrate! Red, white and blue is the color scheme, but use your imagination on how to turn your bike, wagon, trike, scooter or stroller into a float! Or create a costume and march. For kids ages 10 years old and under. Arrive early (2:30 pm) for our free decoration station, if you need some last-minute additions to your masterpiece. All children must be accompanied by a guardian. Families encouraged to join in the parade – as long as you are accompanying a 10 year old or under parade entrant.    Registration: Free, quick and easy from 2:30 pm to 2:55 pm.    Prizes: We will pick 3 winners from a hat of all registered entries for a $50 Heart of Durango gift card, redeemable at 100 businesses downtown.    Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Main Avenue Mile
4:00pm / Buckley Park
Celebrate freedom with a one MILE race down Durango's historic Main Avenue. Race the mile on a closed Main Avenue before the Main Parade begins! This running race down Main Avenue starts at 12th Street and proceeds south to College Drive where racers whip a u-turn and head for the finish line back at 12th Street. This is a fundraiser for local charities.   Ages: 7 and up. Qualifications: Must be able to complete a mile in under 16 minutes.   Prizes: For overall top 3 and age group prizes.   Entry Fee: $17.76 Until June 22nd. $25.00 June 23-30th. $40. July 1-4th. (Plus fees)   Registration: Online or register at Buckley Park between 3:00 pm and 3:45 pm.  Note: This is a running race. Join the Freedom 5K at 9 am for the run, walk, stroll, and saunter event.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Durango First Friday
4:00pm / Downtown Durango
Celebrate Durango's creative side! Hosted by the Durango Creative District, explore this evening of music, original performances, featured artist showcases and artisan pop-up markets all across town.    Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Wet & Wild! 4th of July Parade
4:30pm / Main Avenue in Downtown Durango
Line up early on Main Avenue for the annual 4th of July Parade. The theme this year is Wet & Wild. Certain blocks on Main Avenue will be designated a "Wet Zone!" Expect some imaginative floats as well as bands, singers, cyclists, fire engines and more. The Parade starts at College (6th Street) and Main Avenue at 4:30 pm and ends at 12th Street and Buckley Park. Bring a small American flag to waive and stand at attention when the VFW Color Guard passes by. Judges and announcers will be on the 800 block of Main by the Main Mall. This event is free to spectate.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Street Dance featuring High Country Hustle and The Afrobeatniks
5:00pm / Transit Center
After the parade, head straight for the Transit Center to celebrate into the night. The City of Durango and KSUT Presents bring you food, beer, dancing and two awesome bands. At 5:30 pm, High Country Hustle returns to start the party and get you on your feet and dancing. At 7:30 pm The Afrobeatniks will take the stage to rev up the night. Arrive to eat and dance, stay for the fireworks! This event is free. Participants may buy their dinner and drinks from one of the many great vendors. The food court includes Ska Brewing, YiaYia’s Concessions, Tacos Carranzo, The Ice Cream Lady and more. The activities area features corn hole, face painting, henna tattoos, and Ruby Balloon.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
True Western Roundup - Red, White & Bulls: Pro Bull Riding
5:30pm / La Plata County Fairgrounds
A variety of delicious food and drink will be available at each of the events.  Gates open at 5:30, Event begins at 7:00   Avoid long lines and buy your ticket online!   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Cancelled due to fire danger: 4th of July Fireworks Show
9:00pm / Transit Center
Weather permitting, Zambelli Fireworks will light up the sky with a big-boom fireworks show starting at 9:15 pm. The launch zone is the Durango Dog Park. Fireworks will be visible from most of downtown Durango, and along Rim Drive, with the Transit Center as the best view area. This event is free.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
 Saturday, July 5th
Durango Farmers Market
8:00am / TBK Bank, Parking Lot
The Durango Farmers Market is a venue for local agriculturalists, ranchers and artisans to meet and share their harvest and talents with the Durango community. At our market you have the opportunity to meet face to face with the producers and learn more about their growing methods. Vendors post their farming practices at their booth and most follow organic growing methods. Our market also offers hot ready to eat food from local vendors, value added foods such as jams, jellies and sauces and local artisans who make high-quality handcrafted items. All vendors must produce their goods within our five-county radius ensuring fresh produce and locally made goods. We also have live music performances each weekend as well as community information booths for non-profits and groups that promote our market values of local, sustainable and healthy living.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Paint a Patriotic Mural
9:00am / Hermosa Cafe
You, too, can be an artist! Saunter over to Hermosa Cafe and pick up a paintbrush to participate in the community mural. Each year Hermosa Cafe provides a huge canvas, paints and some outlines to create a Patriotic Mural. Fun for adults - and also great for kids while adults are having tea and coffee! It is interesting to watch the picture emerge over the four days.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Scavenger Hunt
10:00am / Downtown Durango
Take a tour through the decorated storefronts of Downtown Durango in search of clues to win the 4th of July Scavenger Hunt! The Scavenger Hunt starts at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 3 and ends at 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 6. Participants can pick up a Scavenger Hunt instruction sheet at the Durango Welcome Center, or download a copy from the website. At each of the 10 clue locations, a number or letter will be provided to solve the final riddle. Participants turn in their completed sheets to the Welcome Center by 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 6. A winner will be picked at random from qualifying entries. Prize: $50 Heart of Durango Gift Certificate redeemable at 100 Downtown Durango and North Main District businesses.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
2nd Annual Animus on the Animas Durango Boxing Classic
12:00pm / Outside! 10th Street between Main Ave. and Narrow Guage Ave.
Thirty USA Boxing certified amateur boxing matches right in downtown Durango! There will be food, beer, fights, and fun from noon to about 6:00 outside on 10th St between Main and Narrow Guage Ave. All proceeds benefit The Good Fight's scholarship fund!    Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Oscar's Cafe Pie Eating Contest
1:30pm / Durango Beer and Ice Company
If you've eaten at Oscar's Cafe here in Durango, then you've seen the HUGE pies behind the counter. (And if you haven't eaten there, you should.) Oscar's Cafe is supplying the pies, and Durango Beer & Ice is supplying the venue for a pie-eating contest!   For spectators we suggest a nice lunch and a beer at Durango Beer & Ice before watching the shenanigans. Contestants - we suggest you save room for the pie! Twelve apple pies, twelve contestants. Every contestant gets some goodies, and there will be a nice prize for the winner. Competitors must be 15 years or older. Competitors under 18 need a parent or guardian's consent. All competitors must sign a waiver. Click the registration button to the right to sign up.    Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Watermelon Eating Contest
4:00pm / 11th Street Station
It's not summer until you have had watermelon! Join us at 4:00 pm to watch - or compete - in the watermelon eating contest sponsored by 11th Street Station. Contestants will be accepted for each of the three age categories - at 4:00 pm Ages 6 & under, at 4:30 pm Ages 7 to 15, and at 5:00 pm ages 16 & older. Prizes for 1st & 2nd Places.    Early registration is strongly encouraged! Registration will end 15 minutes before the start for that age range, when all competitors must be present for check-in. Contestants under 18 years need a parent or guardian's consent. This event is free to spectate. To register in advance, send the following information to events@eleventhstreetstation.com – first and last name, age, phone and email.    Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Ice Cream Social
6:30pm / VFW Post 4031
Stroll down the Animas River Trail and stop at Rotary Park for an evening dinner and concert. The VFH Auxiliary is hosting an Ice Cream social in conjunction with the Southwest Civic Winds Jazz Concert. Prices: $3 Hot dog, $1 Chips, $1 Soda, and $2 per scoop of Ice cream..   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Civic Winds Jazz Orchestra - Super Hero Swing Concert and Dancing
6:30pm / Rotary Park
Wear your dancing shoes! Buy your dinner and dessert at the VFW Hall and walk across the lane to Rotary Park to enjoy the Civic Winds Jazz Orchestra. Dance the evening away to classic jazz hits, "super hero" swing music, and more! Be sure to bring a chair or a blanket to the park and enjoy an evening concert by the river. This event is free.     Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
True Western Roundup - Red, White & Bulls: Pro Bull Fighting
7:00pm / La Plata County Fairgrounds
It's a dance of danger. Professional bull fighters in the ring with 1200-1600 pound ornery animals. Freestyle bullfighting is a style developed in American rodeo by rodeo clowns who protect bull riders from the bull. Watch these professionals as they engage with the bulls. And then dance in the dirt with the Shari Rowe Band after the action! Ticket price: $35 and up – see the website. Gates open at 5:00 pm, with a variety of dinner and beverage options. Event starts at 7:00 pm.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
DJ Mech Dance Party
10:00pm / 11th Street Station
Dance party in celebration of Indepedence day!   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
 Sunday, July 6th
Paint a Patriotic Mural
9:00am / Hermosa Cafe
You, too, can be an artist! Saunter over to Hermosa Cafe and pick up a paintbrush to participate in the community mural. Each year Hermosa Cafe provides a huge canvas, paints and some outlines to create a Patriotic Mural. Fun for adults - and also great for kids while adults are having tea and coffee! It is interesting to watch the picture emerge over the four days.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Beats and Brunch
10:00am / 11th Street Station
Live music with a DJ, and special food selections at each food truck on site. No entry fee, people pay for their own food and drinks.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!
Scavenger Hunt
10:00am / Downtown Durango
Take a tour through the decorated storefronts of Downtown Durango in search of clues to win the 4th of July Scavenger Hunt! The Scavenger Hunt starts at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 3 and ends at 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 6. Participants can pick up a Scavenger Hunt instruction sheet at the Durango Welcome Center, or download a copy from the website. At each of the 10 clue locations, a number or letter will be provided to solve the final riddle. Participants turn in their completed sheets to the Welcome Center by 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 6. A winner will be picked at random from qualifying entries. Prize: $50 Heart of Durango Gift Certificate redeemable at 100 Downtown Durango and North Main District businesses.   Part of the 4th of July Celebration!