Each winter, the normally quiet mountain town of Durango comes alive with festivities designed to keep the spirits high during cold days and long nights. Snowdown is easily one of Colorado’s best multi-day festivals, regardless of the season.
Snowdown returns this year with a 2026 Theme “Uniquely Colorado – Then and Wow”. Festivities run from Friday to Sunday, January 23rd to February 1st, 2026, marking its 47th year since 1979.
The festival got its start like many other Colorado winter events: as a way to get through the dog days of the coldest part of the year. In 1979, John Murrah convinced The Durango Herald to seed his vision for a commerce-boosting celebration. They gave $2,000 and the legendary Snowdown was born.
2026 Theme—Uniquely Colorado – Then and Wow
The days are loaded with exciting, spirit-lifting events. Events are held all over Durango, including numerous bars, the County Fairgrounds, the Durango Rec Center, and the Animas City Theatre. There’s everything from doughnut-eating contests and scavenger hunts to 3-on-3 basketball tournaments and beer trivia.
The main highlights are the Light Parade at dusk on Friday and the fireworks show on Saturday at 6 pm. If you get in town by Thursday, check out the Snowdown Jokedown, a hilarious yearly tradition.
Some other wacky events include the annual Belt Sander Drag Races, where two contestants race their belt sanders down a 50-foot two-way lane, as well as the Cribbage Tournament. Who wants to take a last-minute trip down to Durango?
This clip showcases the downtown Light Parade:
Need a place to stay? Check out the best hotels in Durango.
Details
Address: Durango, CO 81301
Date: Friday, January 23 – Sunday, February 1, 2026
Cost: Free and Paid
Website: snowdown.org