Scavenger Hunt
All Day throughout Downtown Durango
Take a tour through the decorated storefronts of Downtown Durango in search of clues to win the 4th of July Scavenger Hunt! The Scavenger Hunt starts at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 3 and ends at 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 6.
Participants can pick up a Scavenger Hunt map at the Welcome Center or any decorated storefront.
At each clue location a number or letter will be provided to solve the final riddle. Participants turn in their completed maps to the Welcome Center by 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 6.
A winner will be picked at random from qualifying entries. Prize: $50 Heart of Durango Gift Certificate redeemable at 93 Durango businesses.
Paint a Patriotic Mural
All Day at Hermosa Café
You, too, can be an artist! Saunter over to Hermosa Café and pick up a paintbrush to participate in the community mural. Each year Hermosa Café provides a huge canvas, paints and some outlines to create a Patriotic Mural.
Fun for adults – and also great for kids while adults are having tea and coffee! It is interesting to watch the picture emerge over the four days.
All-American Gourmet Breakfast
7:30-10:30am at Rotary Park
Brought to you by the Rotary Club of Durango and the Daybreak Rotary Club. Scrambled eggs, green chili eggs, sausage, pancakes, fruit topping, biscuits and gravy will be served.
Tickets may be purchased online or by using the QR code on posters around town, or from a local Rotary Member. Adult ticket price is $15 presale or $20 after July 1.
Children 6-12 $8 presale or $10 after July 1. First Responders are $10. Children under 6 are free.
Click here for more information and to buy tickets.
Freedom 5K Run, Stroll & Walk
9:00-11:00am at Rotary Park
Join the City of Durango’s Parks and Recreation Department and start your 4th of July festivities on the right foot. Bring your whole family and all your friends to participate, and dress to celebrate Independence Day! All ages are welcome to run, walk, stroll or stride this festive 5K along the scenic Animas River Trail.
The race begins at 9:00 am at Rotary Park. Participants are encouraged to dress in creative and patriotic attire. Prizes will be distributed for first place in 3 categories: 12 & under, 13-18, and over 18 years of age.
Participants must check in at the Freedom 5K race tent between 8:15 am and 8:45 am. This event is free.
Southwest Civic Winds Patriotic Concert
9:15-10:45am at Buckley Park
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Rotary Park to listen to the Southwest Civic Winds! The full concert band will perform Super Hero themes (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Avengers and more!) along with your favorite patriotic music. You will be in the right place to enjoy and celebrate Independence Day!
This event is free.
Click here to learn more about Southwest Civic Winds.
Children’s Parade
3:00 pm at Buckley Park
Calling all kids! Decorate, March & Celebrate! Red, white and blue is the color scheme, but use your imagination on how to turn your bike, wagon, trike, scooter or stroller into a float! Or create a costume and march. For kids ages 10 years old and under. Arrive early (2:30 pm) for our free decoration station, if you need some last-minute additions to your masterpiece.
All children must be accompanied by a guardian.
Families encouraged to join in the parade – as long as you are accompanying a 10 year old or under parade entrant.
Registration: Free, quick and easy from 2:30 pm to 2:55 pm.
Prizes: We will pick 3 winners from a hat of all registered entries for a $50 Heart of Durango gift card, redeemable at 93 businesses downtown.
Main Avenue Mile
4:00pm at Buckley Park
Celebrate freedom with a one MILE race down Durango's historic Main Avenue. Race the mile on a closed Main Avenue before the Main Parade begins!
This running race down Main Avenue starts at 12th Street and proceeds south to College Drive where racers whip a u-turn and head for the finish line back at 12th Street. This is a fundraiser for local charities.
Ages: 7 and up.
Qualifications: Must be able to complete a mile in under 16 minutes.
Prizes: For overall top 3 and age group prizes.
Entry Fee: $17.76 Until June 22nd. $25.00 June 23-30th. $40. July 1-4th. (Plus fees)
Registration: Online at https://runsignup.com/Race/CO/Durango/DurangoMainAvenueMile or register at Buckley Park between 3:00 pm and 3:45 pm.
Note: This is a running race. Join the Freedom 5K at 9 am for the run, walk, stroll, and saunter event.
Wet & Wild! 4th of July Parade
4:30-5:15pm on Main Avenue
Line up early on Main Avenue for the annual 4th of July Parade. The theme this year is Play It Like A Local! Summer in Durango is all about us locals doing what we love: hiking, biking, rafting, concerts, festivals, campouts, and more. Expect some imaginative floats as well as bands, singers, cyclists, horses, fire engines and more.
The Parade starts at College (6th Street) and Main Avenue at 4:30 pm and ends at 12th Street and Buckley Park. Bring a small American flag to waive and stand at attention when the VFW Color Guard passes by. Judges and announcers will be on the 800 block of Main by the Main Mall.
This event is free to spectate. $5 entry fee for parade floats. Click here for parade entry form.
Street Dance featuring High Country Hustle and The Afrobeatniks
5:00-9:30pm at the Transit Center
After the parade, head straight for the Transit Center to celebrate into the night. The City of Durango and KSUT Presents bring you food, beer, dancing and two awesome bands. At 5:30 pm, High Country Hustle returns to start the party and get you on your feet and dancing. At 7:30 pm The Afrobeatniks will take the stage to rev up the night. Arrive to eat and dance, stay for the fireworks!
This event is free. Participants may buy their dinner and drinks from one of the many great vendors.
The food court includes Ska Brewing, YiaYia’s Concessions, Tacos Carranzo, The Ice Cream Lady and more. The activities area features corn hole, face painting, henna tattoos, and Ruby Balloon.
First Friday Art Walk
5:00-8:00pm throughout Downtown Durango
Celebrate Durango’s creative side! Hosted by the Durango Creative District, explore this evening of music, original performances, featured artist showcases and artisan pop-up markets all across town.
Click here for more information on participating venues. This event is free.
Red, White & Bulls: Pro Bull Riding
7:00pm at La Plata County Fairgrounds
Have you ever seen a bull up close and personal? Do you know the sounds and the thump on the ground when an 1100 pound animal tries to buck off the rider?
Visit the True Western Roundup as they present pro bull riding on Friday July 5. And then dance in the dirt with the Mustang Disposition Band after the action! Ticket price: $35 and up – see the website. Gates open at 5:00 pm, with a variety of dinner and beverage options. Event starts at 7:00 pm.
Click here for more information and tickets.
4th of July Fireworks
9:15pm at the Transit Center
Weather permitting, Zambelli Fireworks will light up the sky with a big-boom fireworks show starting at 9:15 pm. The launch zone is the Durango Dog Park.
Fireworks will be visible from most of downtown Durango, and along Rim Drive, with the Transit Center as the best view area.
This event is free.
