Back in 1979, the people here in Durango were covered in winter’s darkness, so we longed to do something to keep our spirits up during the colder, winter months. So we created a week-long festival, and we named it Snowdown! This year, Durango’s annual Snowdown Festival marks its 42nd straight year! The Snowdown Festival runs from Wednesday, January 29th through Sunday, February 2nd, 2020.
Every year there is a different theme for the Snowdown Festival, allowing locals to dress up all week in crazy, hilarious, themed costumes and parade around town from early dawn until late in the wee hours, enjoying a variety of insanely funny events. This year’s Snowdown theme is A Rockin’ Snowdown. (Past themes have included: An Old West Snowdown, Romancing the Snow, The Great Cabin Fever Reliever, Clown around Snowdown, Hot Fun in the Wintertime, and Steampunk Snowdown)
For Snowdown 2020, dress up like your favorite rock star and be ready for non-stop fun! Pick up this year’s event schedule anywhere in town and try to make it to as many events as you can! Some adult-friendly events for Snowdown have included a Bloody Mary Contest, Do’s and Don’ts Fashion Show and Lunch, Keg Cap Frisbee, Costume Contest, Dart Tournament, Bed Race, Outhouse Stuffing Contest, Butt Darts, Bartender’s Contest, Beer Trivia, Air Guitar Contest, Ping Pong Tournament, a week-long Scavenger Hunt, a Costume Ball, and the infamous Snowdown Follies (don’t count on getting coveted tickets for this event—most locals can’t even get in!)
Kids can participate in many events for Snowdown – as many Snowdown events are created just for them! Some past events have included the famous kick-off Parade, the Kids and Teen Follies, a Spelling Bee, a Triathlon, a Pinball Tournament, Costume Contest, Dance Contest, Trivia Contests, Dodgeball, Pet Fashion Shows, Snow Games, Spam Carving, and more!
The historic D&SNG Railroad offers a special train ride that the whole family will love. The Snowdown Balloon Rally Train departs Durango at 8:00am (earlier than usual) on Saturday, February 1st, and stops in the Animas Valley for the amazing hot-air balloon mass ascension. You can get off the train for 15 to 20 minutes for photos, if you want. The Train ride continues to the Cascade Canyon for a beautiful ride through the wintry San Juan National Forest.
Nothing is taken seriously during Snowdown week; it’s all about silliness, laughter, and fun for all. (Not that we really need an excuse to party here in Durango.) Call us for help reserving your hotel rooms. Lodging sells out fast for this popular Colorado festival. We hope to see you at A Rockin’ Snowdown 2020!
