As the rest of the country bakes in the blistering hot July sun, visitors to Durango are enjoying a mid-80’s summerfest at 6,500’ above sea level. With sun-shining, river-bubbling, breezy days in town, Durango is looking like a postcard perfect destination for summer vacation. 

With great weather and palpable energy, the Durango event calendar is in full swing. Between your rafting trips and guided tours, check out these much-anticipated afternoon and evening events:

  1. Bayfield Downtown Block Party | August 15 on Mill Street

The 4th annual Bayfield block party is your chance to experience small towns around the southwest. Get outside Durango for a day with your Colorado community. Expect live music, bring your own dancing shoes and lawn chairs, and enjoy food, brews, and shopping too! 

  1. Bow Wow Film Festival | August 1 at Durango Arts Center

Whether you’re traveling with or missing your pup at home, the Bow Wow Film Festival is a fun, sweet, and different way to celebrate our favorite four-legged friends. For the love of all things Dog, this traveling festival hosts 90-minutes of films to make you laugh, cry, smile, and hug your best friend. The two day event supports the La Plata County Humane Society, so join your community for an evening of support and fun. 

  1. Live Music by ‘Voice’ winner Chevel Shepherd | August 9th at the La Plata County Fairgrounds

The greatest stars always remember where their roots are. When Farmington’s own Chevel Shepherd won Season 15 of the “Voice,” her life changed for the better. With a powerful voice and a country artist flare, Chevel Shepherd is bringing her musical talent to the stage in Durango. 

Tickets are on sale now for her performance August 9th at the La Plata County Fair. Six-Dollar String Band will open at 7pm, followed by Chevel at 8pm. Find more information at Durango Concerts.

  1. Raptors in the Wild Series | Ongoing at La Plata County Fairgrounds

Interact face-to-face with the beautiful hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls at the Wings Over the Rockies bird show. A unique and intimate display of age-old falconry techniques, this educational series is ongoing through July. Learn about the local and exotic bird varieties, as well as how these predatory birds hunt and fly. Shows start at 11am or 2pm, weekdays at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. 

  1. Animas City Night Bazaar | Monthly on Main Avenue

3057 Main Ave (parking lot behind A Smile by Design)

Community-centric events are just part of the pace in Durango. At the Animas City Night Bazaar, held at the end of each month, long summer days give way to cool evenings of dancing, sharing, and celebrating. You’ll find live music, local food, wares, artisan goods, and creative themes for each event. Plug in to the local hive of activity and celebrate what makes this town so special: it’s people.