FRI Jan 31
FRIDAY January 31
SNOWDOWN T-SHIRT DAY
Magpie's Newsstand & Café - 707 Main
Are you “game” to play dress-up? Time to don your official SNOWDOWN 2025-themed shirt. No merch you say? We got you covered! Stop at Magpie’s for your button, hat, shirt and poster. If you are ready to play games, you won’t be “board”, we promise!
8 AM HOT AIR BALLOON RALLY AND MASS ASCENSION
US-550 N at Lone Pine Dr
You won’t be “Sorry” if you get up early to view the beautiful hot air balloons flying in the Hermosa Creek area. This spectacular event is sponsored by Basin Coop, DSNRR and The General Palmer. It features a beautiful display of colorful hot air balloons ascending in the early morning frost over the Animas Valley. You won’t need a Chute or a Ladder to view them either! What a great sight to wake up to! Flights scheduled Saturday 8 AM and Sunday 8 AM weather permitting.
Event Coordinator: Mike Bertetto 505-974-0593
Event Criteria: Pilots by invitation; Sponsors: first 20 applicants
10 AM SCAVENGER HUNT JUDGING
Durango American Legion - 878 E 2nd Ave
(See WEDNESDAY Jan 29, 12 NOON for details)
12 NOON KAN JAM
Balcony Bar and Grill - 600 Main
Grab a partner and toss the frisbee but not your cookies. Be the winning team for our annual event KAN JAM! Must be 18+.
Event Coordinator: Allison Wall 303-956-2904
Entry Cost: FREE
Prizes!
12 NOON COSTUME MONOPOLY
Skyridge Soaps & Suds - 100 Jenkins Ranch Rd Unit A2
(See FRIDAY Jan 24, 12 NOON for details)
2 PM OPERATION: SUPER SEXY CAR WASH
11th Street Station - 1101 Main
Show off your best moves in this SNOWDOWN event! You will have 3 minutes to show the judges and the crowd your best threads and your winning dance moves. Judging will be on your dance moves, attire AND ability to wash a car! Good clean fun? Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Vanessa Suarez 716-946-3031
Entry Cost: FREE
Prizes: 1st $350, 2nd $150, 3rd $50, Crowd Favorite $50
2-5 PM GET PARADE READY
The ArtRoom Collective at the Smiley - 1309 E 3rd Ave
Get parade ready in the Smiley Building ArtRoom! Life's A Game, so come get crafty with us. Score early parking, get decorated, grab food, then walk to the parade. Our artists will help make you Game-Ready with crafts like game piece earrings and costume apparel! Feed the whole family with Smiley Cafe’s groovy grub to go! Crafts are free while supplies last. All ages are welcome!
Event Coordinator: Cindy Atchison 970-769-1116
Entry Cost: FREE
NEW EVENT!
3:30 PM IN IT TO WIN IT AT THE POWERHOUSE
The Powerhouse - 1333 Camino Del Rio
Join us at The Powerhouse for an exciting, family-friendly event during SNOWDOWN! Families will compete in a series of fun and fast-paced "Minute to Win It" challenges, with chances to win amazing Powerhouse prizes like T-shirts, gift cards to Maria's Perch, day passes and more! Your entry fee includes pizza for the whole family, so you can enjoy a tasty bite before heading off to watch the SNOWDOWN parade. Gather your crew, bring your A-game and get ready for some family-friendly fun and friendly competition! Now mu seum, now you don’t. All ages welcome!
Event Coordinator: Sydnie Golden 716-982-4209
Entry Cost: $25 for a team, $7 for individuals
Prizes!
3:30 PM FRIDAY FUN: CRAFTNOON FOR KIDS
Durango Public Library, Youth Services - 1900 E 3rd Ave
We’re celebrating SNOWDOWN with a special "Crafternoon for Kids" where you can unleash your creativity and prepare for the parade! All materials will be provided. We can’t wait to see what you come up with. Let’s get crafty for SNOWDOWN! Ages 5-12.
Event Coordinator: Jenny Gaechter 970-375-3397
Entry Cost: FREE
Prizes!
3:30 - 4:30 PM CHILI COOK-OFF & BLOODY MARY PRESALE TICKETS
The Garage - 121 W 8th St
You can avoid long lines and get your tickets early, for tomorrow we eat chili and drink a Bloody Mary, or a few. Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Greg Yucha 970-382-0788
Entry Cost: $1 per ticket/chili, $2 per ticket/Bloody Mary (CASH ONLY)
4 PM BEER PUPPETEER
Carver Brewing Company - 1022 Main
"Beer Puppeteer" – where the art of puppetry meets the world of craft beer. Shout hallelujah come on get “hoppy”. Immerse yourself in a unique experience that combines the whimsical wonder of puppetry with the delicious complexity of craft brews. Compete in teams of two. Until you are numero “Uno”. Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Claire Carver 970-259-2545
Entry Cost: $40
Entry Deadline: Registration open 1 hour before event
Prizes!
4:30 PM HAND ON THE VAN
In front of Durango Coffee Company - 730 Main
Hosted by Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission. Ages 4-12 We have the “Monopoly” on this contest, so come join us! Hand on the van is a Mr.-Beast inspired competition between kids to see who can keep their hand on a Durango police car the longest. Don’t “Worry”, just because there’s a police car involved, no one is in “Trouble”. Ages 4-12.
Event Coordinator: Silvie Bosmans 970-234-6408
Entry Cost: FREE
Prizes: The last three kids will receive awesome prizes!
NEW EVENT!
5 PM DRESS TO IMPRESS IRL EDITION
Lizard Head Trading Company - 965 Main
Bring your favorite online fashion game to life and create your own Project Runway! Using clothing on our racks, put together outfits based on several themes, and model them down the runway. Show your styling skills or speculate and vote on your favorite outfits and be a “model” contestant! Wear neutral clothing to allow for quick transitions! Get those creative juices flowing with free drinks! All ages welcome!
Event Coordinator: Kira Gullion 970-779-1829
Entry Cost: FREE
Prizes: For every round
5 PM ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS
Starlight Lounge - 937 Main
Don’t get caught between a rock and hard place!! Rock breaks scissors, paper covers rock, and scissors cut paper! Sounds simple right? The game is played in best of series and the player winning the most rounds will be declared the winner! Be a two-fisted player. Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Rick Carney 970-749-7231
Entry Cost: FREE
Prizes: 1st $50 Bar tab, 2nd $25 Bar tab, 3rd FREE drink
5 PM SPAGHETTI DINNER
Elks Lodge #507 - 901 E 2nd Ave
Pasta la vista baby! Spaghetti Dinner before and after the parade or until sold out. Spaghetti, meatballs, salad and bread. All ages welcome.
Event Coordinator: Suzanne O'Nan 970-560-0125
Entry Cost: $10 ($5 for kids 10 and under)
5:45 RED BALL EXPRESS
1099 Main (running from 2nd Ave down to Main on 11th St)
Hosted by Rotary Clubs of La Plata County and Alpine Bank. Red Ball Express is a local fundraising event organized by the Rotary Clubs of La Plata County. All proceeds from the event support Rotary projects in La Plata County and local programs. This is the ultimate game of chance and your opportunity to be a “high roller” and help support your community! You could win $5000, $2000 or $1000 and help local non-profits and the 4 local Rotary clubs continue the good work they do in our community. Watch as big red exercise balls are rolled down the hill from 2nd Ave down 11th St. If your combination makes it into the chute (no ladder) first you are the winner. You don’t need a “Clue” to know about gaming! Must be 18+. More information at www.durangoredball.com
Event Coordinator: Jerome Bleger 970-759-1658
Entry Cost: $5 per ticket
Entry Deadline: Tickets must be purchased before 4:30 PM, day of event.
6 PM SNOWDOWN LIGHT PARADE
Main from College Dr to 12th St
Hosted by Purgatory Resort. This is Durango’s only nighttime parade where lit floats cover Main Avenue. The parade will be showcasing all sorts of board games everyone enjoys, but don’t worry, they won’t have the “Monopoly” on creativity. This is no “Charade”, it’s serious fun! So bring your family and friends as you “Scrabble” to get a good view! There will be fun music and dancing, so don’t stay home and be an “Old Maid”! All ages welcome.
Event Coordinator: Chip Lile 970-749-1816 parade@snowdown.org
Entry Cost: $100 per entry
Entry Deadline: Friday Jan 24 or when parade roster is full. Entry forms available online at SNOWDOWN.ORG
Prizes: Winners are chosen by judges for the "best of " in these categories: WTF? was that float?, Children's float, Best in Parade float, Best Party float, Best Use of Theme float, Best use of Lights and Best Overall float.
NEW EVENT!
6 PM THROWDOWN MMA EXHIBITION MATCHES
The Tangled Horn Pub - 275 E 8th Ave
Hosted by former and current local pro-fighters, MMA and boxing exhibition matches are sure to get the
juices flowing to keep us warm this winter! Doors open 1 hour prior to fight times. Must be 18+.
Event Coordinator: Seth Broadhead 707-559-0204
Event Cost: $15
Prizes!
NEW EVENT!
6 PM "CHUTES AND LADDERS" RAIL JAM
Chapman Hill - 500 Florida Rd
Come show off your terrain park skills as you climb and grind your way to the top of the podium! Awards will be given to the top male and female ski and snowboard athletes. Skiers and boarders will be judged based on technicality, style, line choice, variety and overall impression. A competition that’s worth the “risk”? Must be 11+.
Event Coordinator: Shane Ellis 970-799-5677
Event Cost: $25
Prizes: 1st, 2nd, 3rd for Ski Male /Female, Snowboard Male / Female
6 PM MAGIC CARPET RIDE
Starlight Lounge - 937 Main
Come on and take a free ride! Race to the finish on your magic carpet! Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Rick Carney 970-749-7231
Entry Cost: FREE
Prizes!
NEW EVENT!
6 PM BEER BINGO
Durango Beer and Ice Company - 3000 Main
Sit back, grab a bingo sheet & join in on the bingo game that can score prizes. Don’t be a square, join in the fun! Whether you win by straight in a line, diagonally or “4 corners” we promise you will have fun! Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Diana Garza 970-424-4151
Entry Cost: FREE
Prizes!
7 PM 41ST ANNUAL SNOWDOWN FOLLIES
Durango Arts Center Theatre - 802 E 2nd Ave
(See FRIDAY Jan 24, 7 PM for details)
7 PM DRUNKEN DICTIONARY
EsoTerra Ciderworks- 558 Main
Do you eschew obfuscation? Here’s your chance to prove it! Join EsoTerra Ciderworks for the Drunken Dictionary Showdown, where we’ll uncover if your vocabulary is truly as sophisticated as you claim or if you’re merely bluffing like a Scrabble novice. Each contestant will receive a word and must define it—no dictionaries allowed! Our judges and the audience will assess your answer. Should you falter, a persuasive argument may save you. Take the stage in this spelling bee-style elimination.
As for the twist: the audience votes by tossing ping pong balls! Whoever impresses both the judges and the crowd with their linguistic prowess will walk away with a fabulous EsoTerra prize. So, darlings, prepare to showcase your brilliance—and dodge a few ping pong balls—on the road to victory! Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Elizabeth Philbrick 202-577-6583
Entry Cost: FREE
Prizes: 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Best Costume
NEW EVENT!
7 PM TWISTED SISTER TWISTER
The Subterrain - 900 Main Suite F, entrance is on 9th St
Get twisted with Aria PettyOne in an all-out SNOWDOWN style ‘80’s themed Twister tournament! That’s a tongue twister, but don’t let it bend you out of shape! Prizes per round with grand prize for "last one standing" at the finale. Spaces are limited, registration in advance is required to participate, please email dgosubterrain@gmail.com. All ages welcome to come watch! Must be 18+ to participate.
Event Coordinator: Megan Riddle 970-880-4824
Entry Cost: $10
Prizes!
NEW EVENT!
7 PM THE MAKER LAB DANCE FLOAT
Durango American Legion - 878 E 2nd Ave at 9th St
Come get a closer look at the awesome float constructed by the Maker Lab. If you don’t know what the Maker Lab is, you will, after you follow it up to the Legion Parking Lot after the parade and get to shaking that money maker! Then take a break and check out the libations inside. Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Ryan Williams 970-844-4545
Entry Cost: FREE
7 PM SNOWDOWN FOLLIES VIDEOCAST
Animas City Theatre - 128 E College Dr
If you missed getting tickets for the SNOWDOWN Follies don't despair, watch the show on the big screen at the Animas City Theatre! It's almost as good as the real thing, at half the price! All tickets will be online at 1:00 pm on Jan 18 at animascitytheatre.com - purchase early as they tend to sell out quickly! Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Michele Redding 970-799-2281
Entry Cost: $15
NEW EVENT!
7:30 PM FUSION PARTNER DANCING
Rotary Park Gazebo - 1580 E 2nd Ave
Come dressed in your favorite game board attire and learn to sexy partner dance consensually and get down! Don’t get confused, just fused! We will start with a quick lesson at Rotary Park Gazebo 1 hour after the parade ends and move to multiple music venues to dance throughout the night! All ages welcome!
Event Coordinator: Robin Wolthausen 415-827-6925
Entry Cost: FREE
Prizes!
8 PM TORTILLA SLAP
Los Amigos Del Sur - 835 Main (inside The Main Mall)
Atencion amigos y amigas! The moment you’ve all been waiting for is here, the second annual Tortilla. Boy, have we spiced things up! We’ve amped up the fun, improved our efficiency and dialed up the flavor for an event that’ll have you shouting Ole! Get ready for a fiesta that’ll have you slapping tortillas like a pro and laughing till your guac spills over! Contestants will have to hold liquid in their mouth while their counterpart will take a crack at their cheeks with a tortilla, in hopes of knocking the drink out as well as them from the competition. Holy guacamole that sounds fun! Do you have the huevos to play? Must be 18+.
Event Coordinator: Kane Tucson 970-946-4546
Entry Cost: $10
Prizes!
NEW EVENT!
8 PM MR. BLACK REUNION TOUR-SING ALONG GUESS THAT SONG
Derailed Pour House - 725 Main
From SNOWDOWN of years past...Back in black! Mr. Black has returned!! Join us for their rock & roll reunion tour. 80s & 90s is their jam, sing along if you can. Name the song and the artist of each song played during a setlist and win! Throw in your best 80s dance moves on our board game created dance floor and win more!! This event is a first come, first served basis as space is limited. Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Morgan Kirkpatrick 970-247-5440
Entry Cost: FREE
Entry Deadline: One hour before event
Prizes: Cash prizes 1st & 2nd
8:30 PM FLIP CUP CONTEST
Starlight lounge - 937 Main
Worried about getting “flipped off”? Don’t be, come join the fun. Place a cup on the table slightly off the edge then flip the cup. Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Rick Carney 970-749-7231
Entry Cost: FREE
Prizes!
9 PM POLE DANCING COMPETITION
Wild Horse Saloon - 601 E 2nd Ave Ste A
Contestants 18 and over will battle for the title of King or Queen of the POLE! This is not your mother’s May pole! Wild horses shouldn’t keep you away from this one! Must be 18 +.
Event Coordinator: Amber Morris 405-245-9968
Entry Cost: $5 door charge!
Entry Deadline: 5 minutes before event
Prizes! 1st, 2nd, 3rd.
9 PM RISKY RHYTHMS - A HEAD - TO - HEAD SILENT DISCO!
11th Street Station - 1101 Main Ave
Are you ready for some “Friday Night Fever?” Join us for the return of our Silent Disco Head to Head Tournament. Whether you're joining us to showcase your best dance moves, or a DJ ready to compete, we guarantee this SNOWDOWN event will be a battleship boogie! Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Vanessa Suarez 716-946-3031
Entry Cost: FREE
Prizes!
10 PM SNOWDOWN FOLLIES
Durango Arts Center - 802 E 2nd Ave
(See FRIDAY Jan 24, 7 PM for details)
10 PM SNOWDOWN FOLLIES VIDEOCAST
Animas City Theatre - 128 E College Dr
(See FRIDAY Jan 31, 7:30 PM for details)
10 PM KARAOKE CONTEST
8th Avenue Tavern - 509 E 8th Ave
(See FRIDAY Jan 24, 10 PM for details)
NEW EVENT!
10 PM CAKE WALK
Starlight Lounge - 937 Main
This is not your old fashioned cake walk. It’s all about that bass! Baby got back? Show us your junk in the trunk and see how the crowd reacts to this booty call. See if you can get “behind” this event! Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Rick Carney 970-749-7231
Entry Cost: FREE
Prizes! 1st - $50 Bar tab 2nd - $25 Bar tab, 3rd - FREE drink