10 Best Famous Festival In Durango | Best Popular Festival In Durango

Durango state, located in northern Mexico, is known for its vibrant culture and rich history. One of the many ways this is celebrated is through the numerous festivals held throughout the year.

From traditional religious celebrations to modern music festivals, Durango has something for everyone.

In this blog, we will explore some of the best festivals in Durango state. Whether you are a local or a visitor, these festivals are not to be missed. Join us as we dive into the vibrant and colorful world of Durango’s festivals!

10 Famous Festival in Durango

1. Basque Festival

The Basque Festival in Durango, Colorado is an annual event that celebrates the unique heritage and culture of the Basque community in Durango.

The Basque Festival in Durango has been a regular event since 1978. The festival typically begins with an opening ceremony at the Durango Basque Club and then transitions into a full weekend of activities, including dancing, live music, traditional Basque cuisine, sports, art and culture.

The celebration culminates with the traditional Rake Races, a Basque game of competition, which dates back centuries in the Basque community.

2. National Cowboy Poetry Gathering

The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is an annual celebration of Western music, literature, and culture. Held in the historic Old West town of Durango, CO, the event has been going strong for over 30 years. The five-day gathering brings together poets, musicians, historians, dancers, and storytellers from around the nation to share and learn about cowboy and ranch life.

The Gathering includes performances, workshops, films, and exhibitions that cover traditional and contemporary topics such as Western music, Native American culture, ranch life, and cowboys and cowgirls. The event also features a Cowboy and Cowgirl Reunion, a cowboy church service, an equine auction, and more. The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is organized by the Western Folklife Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating traditional western lifestyles and traditions.

3. Four Corners Folk Festival

The Four Corners Folk Festival is a three-day outdoor music celebration held in the Animas City Park in Durango, Colorado each year in late summer. Established in 1997, the festival showcases the best of traditional and contemporary folk music and the many individual performers and groups who maintain the rich folk music tradition.

The lineup features national and local artists from many genres including folk, Americana, bluegrass, old-time, Celtic and more. Admission to the festival is free to children under 12 and discounted for military members, students and seniors.

The festival offers a relaxed and fun atmosphere with music, kid’s activities, local food vendors and craft booths. Additionally, there are seminars, yoga classes, workshops and a dance tent. Past performers of the festival include artists such as Alison Krauss, The Wood Brothers, Little Feat, Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, and Tim O’Brien.

In addition to the main festival, the Four Corners Folk Festival also hosts a number of related events, including the Four Corners Jam, the Bluegrass & Old-Time Fiddler’s Jamboree and the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown.

4. Durango Ragtime and Early Jazz Festival

The Durango Ragtime and Early Jazz Festival is an annual jazz festival taking place in Durango, Colorado. It is one of the longest running jazz festivals in the country and takes place over the course of a three-day weekend in November. The festival features a range of traditional ragtime and early jazz music, from pre-1920s styles to 1940s jazz and swing.

The festival typically includes over 40 performers joining bands, solo and duo acts, and tributes. The festival also hosts an array of workshops, jam sessions, and other special events. It is open to the public and typically attracts audiences of all ages. In addition, the festival includes a special competition that allows emerging performers to compete for cash prizes and recognition.

5. Mountain Harvest Festival

The Mountain Harvest Festival in Durango, Colorado is an annual celebration that takes place from mid to late September. It is held in historic downtown Durango and features live music, local food and craft vendors, an artisan market, Pumpkin Chunkin’ Contest, kids’ activities, and more. This family-friendly event has something for everyone, and it draws thousands of people from around the region.

The main musical event is the “Americana Showcase,” which runs all day in the downtown area, but the Mountain Harvest Festival really shines with its craft vendors and farmers market, which showcase homemade items, foods, and drinks that are unique to the region.

The festival also hosts events such as the Chautauqua Lecture Series, the Durango Farmer’s Dinner, and the Durango Farmers Market each year. It also features a parade, 5K and 10K runs, and a cornhole tournament. The festival also holds a beer festival and cider tasting, which are great for craft beer and hard cider enthusiasts. With a full calendar of activities each day, there’s something for everyone at the Mountain Harvest Festival in Durango, Colorado.

6. Durango Brew Train, Colorado

The Durango Brew Train is a unique and memorable way for guests to explore the Durango, Colorado area’s craft brewing culture and experience the beauty of the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado. The train includes a three- or four-hour tour that typically departs from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station in downtown Durango. Passengers can choose from two distinct tours: the Standard Tour or the Signature Tour.

The Standard Tour features 5 craft breweries, while the Signature Tour features 4 craft breweries and a stop at Silverton’s historic Ice Rink. During each trip, passengers can enjoy beer tastings at each stop and socialize with fellow beer-lovers on the historic locomotive. The Brew Train also offers a variety of food-themed trips that feature local breweries and restaurants. For more information or to book, visit www.durangobrewtrain.com.

7. Durango Jazztrain

The Durango Jazztrain is a small music venue located in the heart of Durango, Colorado. Established in March 2020, this up and coming music venue has quickly become the premier place to experience live jazz, blues, reggae, and funk in Southwest Colorado. The Durango Jazztrain boasts a stunning selection of beers, including local brews, and a menu of delicious eats along with live music and vibes.

The Durango Jazztrain offers a variety of local music acts and special events throughout the year. All shows are hand selected and offered several days a week, and house band’s serve up jazz and blues from 8pm-12am.

Not only does Durango Jazztrain offer live music, it also serves as a great place for locals and visitors alike to mingle, meet new people, and get some great live music. With comfortable seating and atmosphere, the Durango Jazztrain is sure to be a popular stop for anyone visiting Durango.

The Durango Jazztrain has hosted some of the best acts in the Southwest, from the Urban Renewal Project to the Simpkin Project to soul blues band Kwaidam. Through the past year, Durango Jazztrain has quickly become one of the hottest spots in town and a must-visit place in Durango.

8. Durango Film Festival, Mexico

Durango Film Festival is an annual film festival in Durango, Mexico, focusing on presenting and promoting emerging filmmakers from Mexico and Latin America. The festival was established in 2007 and to this day has showcased over 500 feature and short films from 40 countries.

It also presents workshops, panel discussions, and master classes to help emerging filmmakers network and learn from established industry professionals. The festival takes place every year in April and offers awards such as Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best Short, and Best Cinematography. The festival also honors one deserving artist with the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes the contributions of filmmakers who have made significant impacts on Mexican cinema.

9. John Dunn Memorial Shindig

The John Dunn Memorial Shindig in Durango is an annual event honoring the memory of John Dunn, an influential educator and philanthropist in Durango, Colorado. The celebration usually takes place in July and features music, dancing and fun activities for all ages.

The event celebrates Dunn’s life and achievements and raises money for charitable causes in the community. The celebration often features live music from local and nationally known performers, delicious food from local vendors, and plenty of opportunities for dancing and family fun. For more information about this event, contact the Durango Area Tourism Office.