Snowdown Light Parade

FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2026 

6 PM DUSK THE ANNUAL SNOWDOWN LIGHT PARADE 

Hosted by Purgatory Resort once again! The SNOWDOWN Light Parade! It’s Durango’s only nighttime parade where light-bedecked floats create a dazzling delight in Durango’s most spectacular and entertaining procession along Main Avenue. Floats compete for bragging rights in several categories.

Attending the parade? There will be many street and parking closures for the biggest annual event in Downtown. Mind the no parking signs and be aware of traffic disruptions. A full list of all closures will be posted here in January 2026. PLEASE CONSIDER TAKING THE SPECIAL SHUTTLE TO AND FROM THE PARADE. EVERY 20 TO 30 MINUTES FROM THE LA PLATA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS AND EVENT CENTER TO THE TRANSIT CENTER, APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 8 PM

 

VOLUNTEER!!   Parade Marshals NEEDED! If you can help us make this parade happy, we can always use a little extra help! Sign up to volunteer HERE.

 

Want to be in the parade? The 2026 Snowdown parade is now accepting entries! Read the info below, then click the link to register, and the second link to pay the fee.

Snowdown Parade is on Main Avenue starting from College Drive to 12th Street

REGISTRATION: IS NOW OPEN, CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

Entry Cost: $125 per entry, $100 for schools or children's organizations, click HERE to pay.

Entry Deadline: 5 PM Friday, January 16, 2026 or when parade roster is full. 

Event Coordinator: Chip Lile 970-749-1816 or Parade@snowdown.org

Download Rules & Regulations HERE

Download Instructions for Line Up HERE

Download Float Participation Instructions HERE

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SNOWDOWN PARADE FLOAT CAPTAINS

PARADE LINE UP STARTS AT:    3:00 P.M.      (4:00 P.M.  Pedestrian Only Floats)

 

VEHICLE FLOATS LINE UP ON:    5^TH ST BETWEEN 3^RD AVE AND 6^TH AVE

 

PEDESTRIAN ONLY FLOATS LINE UP ON:  500 BLOCK OF MAIN AVE

 

CHECK-IN ENDS AT:     5:30

Welcome to the Snowdown Light Parade. Please read the instructions below carefully.   Parade Officials will visit your float once parked. A parade official and public safety official will check-in each float and inspect as needed and provide you with any further instructions. Be ready for a 5:45 p.m. start. Parade officials will direct your float to move when your turn in line is coming. Parade officials will do their best to separate similar floats and themes whenever possible. Pedestrian floats will be spaced out at the beginning of the parade and balloon rally floats will be spaced throughout. Your cooperation with parade officials is much appreciated. 

VEHICLE FLOATS:

1. Line up begins at 3:00 p.m. on E. 5^th Street between 3^rd Avenue and 6^th Avenue. Please enter 5^th Street from the Park Elementary end and head west towards 3^rd Avenue.
2. Park float where directed by parade officials.
3. Parade officials will come to your float and check you in and give your float a number.
4. At 5:45 p.m. start your engines!
5. Parade officials will direct the order as the parade line reaches your float.
6. At end of parade route you will be directed to exit North on Main in front of Buckley Park or East on 12^th Street; pull forward as directed by parade officials for unloading of passengers and/or direct exiting to 3^rd Avenue.

PEDESTRIAN ONLY FLOATS non-vehicle:

1. Line up begins at 4:00 p.m.
2. Float captains check in with parade officials on block.
3. Assemble your team in designated areas as directed by parade officials.
4. Leave center lanes of Main Avenue open for Fire, public safety and V.I.P. vehicle floats please.
5. When the parade starts; Pedestrian floats will be spaced out appropriately and follow floats as directed by parade officials to ensure safety and other considerations such as music, theme, etc.
6. At end of parade route pedestrians will be directed into Buckley Park directly from parade route for safety and disbandment.

SPONSOR FLOATS, OVERSIZED FLOATS AND SUPPORT VEHICLES:

1. You will receive special instructions at time of parade from officials as needed.