Friday January 30
This page will be updated throughout Snowdown and should always contain the most up-to-date information on events. Contact the event coordinator with questions.
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The icon below an event description means the event is family friendly, but please read the event info and make your own judgement if the event is right for your family. Contact the event coordinator with questions.
SNOWDOWN T-SHIRT DAY
Magpie's Newsstand & Café - 707 Main
SNOWDOWN is all about how the West was fun, and it's time to don your official SNOWDOWN 2026-themed shirt. No merch, you say? We got you covered! Stop at Magpie’s for your button, hat, shirt, and poster. Get in the spirit and stake your little claim in history!
10 AM SCAVENGER HUNT JUDGING
Durango American Legion - 878 E 2nd Ave
(See WEDNESDAY, Jan 28, 12 PM for details)
11:30 AM KAN JAM
Balcony Bar and Grill - 600 Main
No, this isn’t what the pioneers did to preserve fruits and veggies! Grab a partner and toss the frisbee, but not your cookies, and be the winning team for this annual event! Must be 18+.
Event Coordinator: Allison Wall 303-956-2904
Entry Cost: FREE
2 PM SUPER SEXY CAR WASH
11th Street Station - 1101 Main
Don’t be square like Colorado’s borders. 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 winning dance moves. Judging will be based on your moves, attire, AND ability to wash a car! Classy, sassy, and chassis? Good clean fun? Must be 21+.
Entry Cost: FREE
NEW EVENT!
3 PM - 6 PM THE PARADE PIT STOP
The Garage - 121 W 8th St
Swing by The Garage for a mini carnival before the SNOWDOWN parade! Play some quick games like ring toss and pin-the-tail for just $1 each, and everyone wins a prize. Warm up with hot drinks, enjoy some good old-fashioned fun, and keep the whole family entertained. We're a family-friendly arcade with a bar, not the other way around! All ages welcome!
Event Coordinator: Jenn Kelley 970-317-8583
Entry Cost: $1
3:30 PM BUTTON MAKING
Durango Public Library - 1900 E 3rd Ave
Looking for a little extra SNOWDOWN-flavored flair? The library has you covered with our annual button-making event. Before there were zippers, there were buttons! Create your own design or choose from one of ours. All supplies will be provided. All ages welcome!
Event Coordinator: Jenny Gaechter 970-375-3397
Entry Cost: FREE
3:30 - 4:30 PM CHILI COOKOFF & BLOODY MARY PRE-SALE TICKETS
El Rancho Tavern - 975 Main
Avoid the Saturday 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)
NEW EVENT!
4 PM PIER RELAY
Oye - 1017 Main
Teams of 4 take on Main Ave in this oyster swig relay race. (You’ll be relieved to know that oysters were not sourced from the Rocky Mountains!) Each contestant slurps 3 oysters and chugs a 12-oz beverage, then races to a predetermined spot, turns around, and runs back to tag the next teammate. Talk about “pier pressure”! Sign up by Thurs, Jan 22. Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Brandon 970-403-3218
Entry Cost: $50/team
4 PM BEER PUPPETEER
Carver Brewing Company - 1022 Main
Where the art of puppetry meets Colorado's world-famous craft beer scene. One of those events you must see to believe - like Durango’s local kangaroo residents. Compete in teams of two to win prizes. No strings attached! Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Claire Carver 970-259-2545
Entry Cost: FREE
NEW EVENT!
4 PM BEER MILE
Cork & Larder - 120 W 8th St
This event is good for whatever “ales” you! It's a beer mile! Start at Cork and Larder and lap your way through downtown, chugging at each Cork and Larder checkpoint. First place gets bragging rights and a choice of a 6-pack. Run, snowshoe, or cross-country ski, depending on the weather! Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Susan Harrell 904-673-8304
Entry Cost: FREE
NEW EVENT!
4 PM CERAMIC HANDLE PULL-OFF
Durango Arts Center - 802 E 2nd Ave
Remember that time… in Ceramics class… when you had to pull…a handle for your mug? Well, here's a chance to show off your best, ahem, pulling skills, wink wink. From Colorado’s clay-rich soil to your dirty hands, this competition is as earthy as it gets. Competitors will face off in several categories, including Longest, Girthiest, and Thirstiest handle pulling, among others. Must be 18+.
Entry Cost: FREE
Event Coordinator: Evan Bradshaw 970-317-1399
5 PM SPAGHETTI DINNER
Elks Lodge #507 - 901 E 2nd Ave
Pasta la vista, baby! A spaghetti dinner is served before and after the parade or until sold out. Strap on your feedsack! 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
NEW EVENT!
5 PM KID JOKE JAM
EsoTerra Cider & Wines - 558 Main
Where young comedians take the spotlight with historical or hysterical one-liner jokes! Expect giggles, surprising punchlines, and the pure joy of kids making each other (and the grown-ups) laugh. It’s charming, goofy, and guaranteed to brighten your day. No stand-up pros—just stand-up pros in training! Ages 17 and under.
Event Coordinator: Elizabeth Philbrick 202-577-6583
Entry Cost: FREE
NEW EVENT! CANCELLED
5 PM HIGH ALTITUDE FLOW & BEATS
Gravity Lab - 732 CR 233
(See FRIDAY, Jan 23, 5 PM for details)
NEW EVENT!
5 PM DANCE FOR A DISCOUNT
Hermosa Cafe - 738 Main
Show off your best moves, from a mining town two-step to some modern mountain interpretive dance, to receive $1, $2, or $3 off a SNOWDOWN special shot ($5). Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Lindsey 970-259-2059
5:45 PM RED BALL EXPRESS
Downtown Durango - 1099 Main
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. This is the ultimate game of chance and your opportunity to be a “high roller” while supporting your community! You could win $5,000, $2,000, or $1,000 and help local non-profits. Here’s your chance to make history and have a ball! Find more information at DurangoRedBall.com. Must be 18+.
Event Coordinator: Jerome Bleger 970-759-1658
Entry Cost: $5
6 PM SNOWDOWN LIGHT PARADE, HOSTED BY PURGATORY RESORT
Main from College Dr to 12th St
Hosted by Purgatory Resort. This is Durango's only nighttime parade where brightly lit floats light up Main Avenue! The parade will showcase all sorts of historical and hysterical fun, celebrating 150 years of Colorado statehood. And a very special surprise at the end of the parade! So git the hitch in your giddy-up and bring your friends and family to get a good view! See SNOWDOWN.org for entry details. All ages welcome!
Event Coordinator: Chip Lile 970-749-1816
6 PM BEER BINGO
Durango Beer and Ice Company - 3000 Main
(See FRIDAY Jan 24, 6 PM for details)
6 PM MAGIC CARPET RIDE
Starlight Lounge - 937 Main
Saddle up, come on, and take a free ride! Does the carpet match the drapes? Who cares, if you are first to the finish line on your magic carpet! A $50 bar tab, $25 bar tab, and a free drink for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Rick Carney 970-749-7231
Entry Cost: FREE
7 PM - 9 PM BOOMER HOT DOG SHOW, GEN-X SKI BALLET & GEN-Z/MILLENIAL RAIL JAM
Chapman Hill - 500 Florida Road
From Colorado's pioneering ski towns to today's world-class resorts, we've been pushing the limits on snow for 150 years. Skiers and snowboarders will compete for a spot on the podium, judged on their line, technical ability, style, variety, and overall impression as they ride and glide through the course. Ages 14 and over, with a participant cap of 40. Proceeds benefit local youth Ski and Snowboard Programs. Register online via the DurangoWinterSportsClub.org website. Prizes for the top 3 males and females in each division: 14 - 18 and 18+.
Event Coordinator: Shane Ellis 970-799-5677
Entry Cost: $25
7 PM 42ND ANNUAL SNOWDOW FOLLIES
Durango Arts Center Theatre - 802 E 2nd Ave
(See FRIDAY, Jan 23, 7 PM for details)
7 PM SNOWDOWN FOLLIES VIDEOCAST
Animas City Theatre - 128 E College Dr
Did you miss the live show? Here’s your chance to catch the Follies on the big screen! It's almost as good as the real thing, at half the price! All tickets will go on sale at 1 PM on Sun, Jan 18, at AnimasCityTheatre.com. Purchase early as they tend to sell out! Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Michele Redding 970-799-2281
Entry Cost: $15
7 PM DANCE PARTY
EsoTerra Cider & Wines - 558 Main
A post-parade dance party featuring Nu Bass Theory. This is not the music of Jack Dempsey or Wild Bill Hickok, and not anything you would hear at The Stanley Hotel! Get ready for beats that'll shake the Colorado snow off your boots. Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Elizabeth Philbrick 202-577-6583
Entry Cost: FREE
NEW EVENT!
7 PM DANCE THRU THE DECADES
Lola’s Place - 725 E 2nd Ave
Travel through time on the dance floor at Lola’s Place! Our DJ will take you on a musical journey from retro classics to modern hits, one epic decade at a time. Come dressed in your favorite era attire, grab a themed cocktail, and dance the night away as we celebrate Durango then and now. All ages welcome!
Event Coordinator: Alec Ensign Martinez 970-385-1920
Entry Cost: FREE
7 PM TWISTER TOURNAMENT
The Subterrain – 900 Main
Twisters aren’t just for the Eastern Plains! Connect the dots with Aria PettyOne in an all-out SNOWDOWN style twister tournament! Prizes are awarded per round, with the grand prize for the "last one standing" at the finale. Spectators of all ages are welcome, but participants must be 18+.
Event Coordinator: Megan Riddle 970-880-4824
Entry Cost: $10
NEW EVENT!
8 PM BATTLE OF THE DJ’S
American Legion - 878 E 2nd Ave
Water wars, this is not. You get 30 minutes to impress our esteemed judges and the audience, who will vote for their favorite. Sets must be mixed & performed live. Limited under-21 slots available. Sign up by Wed, Jan 23. Under 18 with a parent allowed until 10 PM. More info can be found on the American Legion website.
Event Coordinator: Ryan Williams 970-422-5209
Entry Cost: $10
8 PM TORTILLA SLAP
Los Amigos Del Sur - 835 Main
¡Atención, amigos y amigas! It’s back — the 3rd Annual Tortilla Slap! We’ve turned up the chaos, added extra spice, and this year’s champ scores a custom tortilla cape. Think you’ve got the huevos to take the crown? Must be 18+.
Event Coordinator: Kane Tucson 970-946-4546
Entry Cost: $10
8:30 PM FLIPPY CUP
Starlight Lounge - 937 Main
Because Colorado saloons have been testing coordination since the frontier days. A $50 bar tab, $25 bar tab, and a free drink for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Rick Carney 970-749-7231
Entry Cost: FREE
9 PM HEAD-TO-HEAD SILENT DISCO
11th Street Station - 1101 Main Ave
Two DJs, two channels, one dance floor, you choose your vibe with the flick of a switch. Whether you're showcasing your best dance moves or competing as a DJ, this SNOWDOWN showdown will have you battling for the title of ultimate crowd-pleaser. Must be 21+.
Entry Cost: FREE
9 PM POLE DANCING CONTEST
Wild Horse Saloon - 601 E 2nd Ave Ste A
This is not your mother's Maypole! From Colorado's mining camps to mountain towns, we've always known how to entertain ourselves when the snow flies. Wild horses shouldn't keep you away from this one! Must be 18+.
Event Coordinator: Amber Morris 405-245-9968
Entry Cost: $5 cover fee
10 PM KARAOKE CONTEST
8th Avenue Tavern - 509 E 8th Ave
(See FRIDAY, Jan 23, 10 PM for details)
10 PM 42ND ANNUAL SNOWDOW FOLLIES
Durango Arts Center Theatre - 802 E 2nd Ave
(See FRIDAY, Jan 23, 7 PM for details)
10 PM SNOWDOWN FOLLIES VIDEOCAST
Animas City Theatre - 128 E College Dr
(See FRIDAY Jan 30, 7 PM for details)
10 PM CAKE WALK
Starlight Lounge - 937 Main
Show us why Colorado has been shaking its statehood for 150 years. Think you have junk in the trunk? Then twerk it out and see how the crowd reacts to this booty call. A $50 bar tab, $25 bar tab, and a free drink for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Must be 21+.
Event Coordinator: Rick Carney 970-749-7231
Entry Cost: FREE