As fall begins to creep in and summer activities begin to die down there is plenty fun left to be had in Durango. This Durango Arts Month, held every September, is packed full with activities from beading workshops to author events at Maria’s Bookshop and live performances ranging from theatrical to musical. Durango Arts Month not only highlights the work of established artists but also provides a platform for emerging talent.
Venues across the town participate in the festivities by offering a wide range of events for all art lovers. There are so many events to choose from that it might be hard to pick one. Don’t worry; here is a list of the top 10 events.
Celebrate Durango Arts Month with these must-attend events.
#1 Fall Gallery Walk
With such a large art community the galleries in Durango have artwork of all kinds. On September 20, explore downtown Durango on a gallery walk that takes you around Main Avenue and up to the Smiley Building.
It's the perfect activity for any art appreciator with options from contemporary to Western to sculpture. There are even places to view glass art or earthenware along downtown. Immerse yourself in all the local art and maybe even make a purchase for that special someone along the way.
#2 Paint and Sip- On Your Own Terms
Explore your inner artist by attending EsoTerra Ciderworks weekly paint and sip event. On every Sunday till October 20 head over to EsoTerra at any time and paint your heart out. Gather a group of friends or come alone and decide whether or not you want to paint within the line or outside them! Purchasing a $25 ticket for this event gets you a canvas, paints and a cider. Let your creative juices, and the cider, flow while supporting a local business!
#3 Author Event and Book Signing with Zak Podmore at Maria’s Bookshop
A highlight on the Durango Arts Month Schedule is Zak Podmore’s author event at Maria’s Bookshop. Zak’s new book “Life After Dead Pool” is a must read. This book is a somber yet hopeful story about Lake Powell and Glen Canyon.
Residents of the Southwest and even visitors will find this book fascinating and enjoyable. Zak is an excellent speaker whose passion for water and conservation will inspire you.
#4 First Friday Art Walk
Looking for mocktails, live music, and a chill time? The First Friday Art Walk has you covered. On September 6, featured local artists will be at Durango Sustainable Goods chatting it up and selling art. Goods like glass bowls, jewelry, decor made from bike parts, and so much more will be available for purchase. With live music by Beau and delicious mocktails, this local art show will be the place to go.
#5 64th Annual Southern Ute Tribal Fair Powwow
From September 6, 2024 to September 8, 2024 the 64th Southern Ute Tribal Fair will take place in Ignacio, Colorado. This lively celebration is bound to be full of activities for visitors of all ages and is also free to attend. The three-day event will be action packed with events such as a rodeo, Tribal Parade, and plenty of contests. The Southern Ute Tribal Fair is going to be a top event during Durango Arts Month. It's important to celebrate Indigenous culture and arts. What better way to do that than attending the Southern Ute Tribal Fair and experiencing all the fun it has to offer.
#6 Music in the Mountains and FLC Artists in Residence Collaborative Performance
Arts month has everything, classes, showcases and even performances. One of the live performances this Durango Arts Month is the Fort Lewis College Artists in Residence and Music in the Mountains Collaboration. This must see event will be a beautiful chamber performance featuring violins, cellos, and more. An event like this one is a great way to spend a night out and show your appreciation for local performers.
What makes this event and many other Durango Arts Month events great is that it is free and open to the public. So, head on up to Fort Lewis College on September 6 to experience this breathtaking performance.
#7 Fresh Flower Bundle Dye Workshop
Durango Arts Month offers a wide range of workshops and classes, one of them being on how to make fresh flower bundle dye. This workshop presented by Bluebird Dye Garden at Durango Sustainable Goods will be a creative and fun experience for participants. Bundle dyeing is a special art that combines natural plant dyes with creativity. Dye your own bandana during this one-of-a-kind event to keep or gift. Make sure you sign up in advance since there are limited spaces for the class.
#8 Books, Brats, and Brews
Not only is September Durango Arts Month it is also Library Card Sign Up month. To get the best of both worlds, Durango Public Library is hosting Books, Brats, and Brews, a celebration for all ages. This event will feature free books, BBQ, and local beer provided by SKA Brewing. It’s going to be a party on the back patio with live music from Sounds Like Practice and Galavant. Don’t miss this fun filled event on September 20!
#9 Beads and Beyond: Dreamscape Necklaces
A great way to experience Durango Arts Month is to take a class at Beads & Beyond. Throughout the month Beads & Beyond will be hosting a variety of beading classes and tutorials, some free some not. One of the events they are hosting is an advanced class on dreamscape necklaces. For $50 dollars learn how to make a gorgeous necklace out of mixed gemstones, glass, and metal. This class and others at Beads & Beyond teach you how to make your own unique jewelry. Attendees will enjoy hands-on learning and at the end have their own piece of art to take home.
#10 The Book of Will
It wouldn’t be a month celebrating the arts and culture in Durango without a theatrical performance. This year Merely Players presents The Book of Will a true story about the plan to save William Shakespeare’s plays after he died. The Book of Will is bound to make you laugh while pulling on your heart strings. This play about the power of friendship and purpose is a must attend event this Durango Arts Month. Not only will it be entertaining, it is appropriate for all ages. With performances starting at the end of September and ending in October, this lovely play is a great way to close out your Durango Arts Month.
Conclusion
Don’t Miss Out on These Amazing Events
With a diverse lineup of events, like galley walks, live performances, cultural events, and hands-on workshops; there is something for everyone during Durango Arts Month. Each event is a great way to connect to the community and the arts scene in Durango. By going to as many events as you can, you will get the full spectrum of what the arts and culture in Durango have to offer. Your participation supports local artists and businesses. Don’t just attend—immerse yourself in Durango’s arts scene!
