Introduction to September in Durango
There is something magical about September in Durango. It is a relaxing transition period where the summer heat begins to fade and cool mornings welcome quiet moments. In the afternoons, sunshine allows for hiking, biking, and strolling downtown.
Even though things begin to chill out, weather-wise and visitor-wise, there are still a ton of fun local events happening. From gallery walks along the autumn streets to rootin’ tootin’ times at the Durango Cowboy Gathering, September in Durango is full of events. Make sure you mark your calendars with these Durango fall festivals.
What Makes September Special in Durango?
September in Durango means that the days are warm and sunny, while the evenings are crisp and cool. Golden aspens begin to change from lush green to gorgeous reds, yellows, and oranges.
The summer crowds begin to thin, but the town stays alive with locals and visitors alike soaking up the sunny weather. Outdoor patios like 11th Street Station will buzz and local trails like Animas Mountain Trail will see hikers, bikers, and runners enjoying the fall weather.
It’s a month that showcases the art community of Durango with festivals and walks. Whether you are a visitor or a local, there are plenty of things to do in Durango this fall.
Signature September Events
Four Corners Motorcycle Rally
Every Labor Day weekend, the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally rolls into Durango and fills the streets with a buzz of excitement. Riders from all over gather to enjoy scenic rides on the Million Dollar Highway, poker runs at the Durango Harley-Davidson, and live music at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.
The rally creates an unforgettable atmosphere with stunt shows, rodeos, bike shows, and more. It’s a mix of adrenaline and community spirit all in one action packed weekend!
Durango Autumn Arts Festival
On September 20 and 21 the Durango Autumn Arts Festival will pop up in downtown Durango. This vibrant arts festival closes down all of Second Avenue to celebrate local artists and businesses.
The Durango Arts Festival is a juried show, which means the artists in attendance were chosen out of a pool of over 200 applicants. You can stroll down historic downtown Durango and check out the fine artistry done by Four Corners artists.
There will also be interactive children’s art stations making it a great family-friendly event. If you are passionate about art or just wanting to take a stroll surrounded by amazing craftsmanship, check out the Durango Autumn Arts Festival.
Durango Fall Gallery Walk
Join local artists and others on the third Friday of September for the Durango Fall Gallery Walk. From 5-8 P.M. you can check out the twelve galleries in Downtown Durango as well as the amazing artists in the Smiley Building.
The Durango Fall Gallery Walk is a chance to talk to artists at local galleries like Studio &, purchase handcrafted jewelry and art from Sorrel Sky Gallery, and support the local vibrant art scene. Pieces range from contemporary to photography to sculptures and more.
Durango’s strong artist community is really felt during the fall gallery walk. By joining in on the Durango Fall Gallery Walk you get an opportunity to connect with the artists that call Durango home.
Durango Cowboy Gathering
At the Durango Cowboy Gathering, the Chuckwagon breakfast brings the old west flavor and makes the event fun and yummy. Local favorites like Serious Texas BBQ and Kennebec Cafe also dish up hearty Western fare.
The atmosphere at the three-day gathering, which takes place October 2 to 6, is lively with Western swing and country bands that will get your boots moving. Along with live performances and poetry sessions there is a cowboy parade, petting corral, horse back rides, and lots of Western themed fun.
More Local Events and Activities
September’s sunny days and cool evenings make it prime conditions for running. The Durango Double Marathon is great for runners of all lengths and hosts a half marathon, Duathlon, and 5k, all at the gorgeous Horse Gulch Trail System.
If running isn’t your jam but you still want to get outside, the trails are in perfect shape. You’ll even be able to catch some fall colors on high-alpine trails like Engineer Mountain Trail.
Until October the Durango Farmer’s Market is in full swing, with fresh produce, local goods, and booths for all ages. You won’t want to miss the fun happening all month at the Durango Public Library which is hosting yarn meetups, storytimes, and writing groups. September is the kind of month where you can spend all day experiencing the community and beauty of Durango.
Conclusion
September brings out the best of the Four Corners. It’s the perfect time to hit the trails, catch some fall colors, and head downtown to check out local culture events like the Durango Gallery Walk. Visit Durango’s events calendar is packed this month, from the exciting Four Corners Motorcycle Rally to the boot scooting Durango Cowboy Gathering. Fall in Durango might just make you fall for Durango!
