The Weekender // February 3rd - February 5th: Snowdown Edition

Happy Snowdown weekend, Durango! This weekender will be a bit different as we are just going to repeat what we’ve been telling you for months. It’s officially Snowdown 2023 and there are SO many fun, exciting events that you can attend! Whether you are planning to enter into these events, or you are choosing to spectate them, A Shakespearean Snowdown is for all. We know Snowdown can be a bit daunting for some as there is SO MUCH HAPPENING. So, we chose a few events happening this weekend that you simply cannot miss. As always, while you are out and about and hopefully crowing yourself master of every event you participate in, be sure to give us a follow on Facebook and Instagram and use the hashtag, #dodurango, to be featured on our pages. We want to see what the most EPIC Snowdown looks like to YOU. Further, if you are an overachiever and want to completely submerge yourself in all things Snowdown this weekend, check out these FIVE articles for a complete list of what’s going on:

Snowdown 2023: Editor’s Picks 

Snowdown 2023: Kid Friendly Events

Pinkies Up: The Culinary Side of Snowdown in Durango

Snowdown 2023: Why you HAVE to wear a costume 

Snowdown 2023: What you need to know

Calling all knights and fair maidens… Snowdown Tournament & Renaissance Fair @ Durango Transit Center - Brews provided by Ska Brewing & Steamworks 

FRIDAY & SATURDAY FROM 1PM - 5PM

A Renaissance Fair with real steel armored combat, blacksmith, fire performers, craftsmen, food, Medieval tents, historical reenactments and a tavern run by Steamworks and SKA! “How stands the hour?” It is time to get your armor on and have a great time. All ages welcome. Event Coordinator: Andrew Savage 505-427-6138 Entry Cost: FREE & Prizes!

For those looking for all honor and glory… Tallywacker on the Garden @ Carver Brewing Co

FRIDAY AT 2PM

“There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.” Can thee swingeth thy hips to maketh the ball through the obstacle course? Testeth thy arts 'gainst knights, Lady Macbeth, the three witches, and Yorick's skeleton on the Beer Garden upon Main. No outside food or drinks. Must be 21+. Event Coordinator: Claire Carver 970-946-5948 - Entry Cost: FREE - Prizes: Beer, gift cards, and swag

What LIGHT through yonder window breaks… Annual Snowdown Light Parade @ Downtown Main Street, Durango

FRIDAY AT 6PM

Hosted by Purgatory Resort. Let there be light Durango! It’s Durango’s only nighttime light parade where light emblazoned floats create a dazzling delight in Durango’s most spectacular procession along Main Avenue. Anyone who is anyone comes out to see the lads and lasses and maids and maidens display their timeless creativity on lighted floats. Come get lit with us and share in the revelry while floats compete for trophies in 10 categories with special emphasis on lights and theme. Don't forget to bring your best renaissance costume - enjoy the parade! Event Coordinator: Chip Lile 970-749-1816 or parade@snowdown.org - (Parade Contestant) Entry Cost: $100 per entry - Entry Deadline: 5 PM FRIDAY Feb 3rd or when parade roster is full - Entry forms available online at SNOWDOWN.ORG - Prizes: Many divisions, awards to follow parade

Sip thee on this glass… How Well Do You Know Y(our) Wine? @ Four Leaves Winery

SATURDAY FROM 12PM - 7PM 

Come in anytime between 12 NOON and 7 PM and receive 4 samples of wine. If you can correctly identify 3 of the 4 samples using our description menu, you win a coupon for a FREE glass of wine. If you can correctly identify all 4, you win a FREE bottle of wine! Must be 21+. Event Coordinator: Dean Fagner 970-403-8182 - Entry Cost: $7

Swing thy hips round and round… Snowdown Hula Hoop Contest @ Gazpachos 

SATURDAY AT 1PM

Weaving spiders, come not here, hence, you long legged spinners, hence! Beetles black, approach not here, worm nor snail, do no offense. Gyrate your loins in a circular motion for longer than any mankind and triumph shall be yours! Event Coordinator: Al Librande 970-749-3331 - Entry Cost: FREE - Prizes!

Can thee handle the heat… Bloody Mary Contest & Chili Cook-off @ The La Plata County Fairgrounds

SATURDAY - ALL DAY

There's nothing quite like a good ole fashioned chili cookoff -- especially when paired with a bloody mary contest. Sign me up! Event Coordinator: Greg Yucha 970-382-0788 greg.yucha@gmail.com - Entry Cost: FREE for contestants, samples 50 cents - Entry Deadline: 7 AM Day of event. - Prizes: 1st, 2nd, 3rd each category

Chili Cooks: 7:00AM 2:00PM

Bloody Mary Contestants: 7:00AM 2:00PM

Open to the public for Samples: Noon 2:00 PM

For more local events, check out these calendars: