The Best August Events in Durango, CO

As summer winds down, the city of Durango heats up for one final hurrah in August with an array of fun and unique festivities ranging from family friendly to adults only. Here are three top Durango, CO events to wrap up the season with before the cooler weather arrives.

Bring the Family to the La Plata County Fair

August 7-11, 2019 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds the family event of the year will finally be here! Head out to the La Plata County Fair to view the most prized farm animals in the county including cattle, pigs, goats, rabbits, chickens and many more. Agriculturists will also be showing off their season's bounty, and there will be prizes and scholarship money galore for top winners in each category.

Kick up your heels at the Family Fair Dance, or catch some thrills at the carnival or the local's favorite event—the Demolition Derby. There are contests for rooster crowing, draft horses, rabbit costumes, and a 4-H dog show to enjoy. Exhibitors and exhibitions will include the Durango Flea Market, Rocky Mountain Chocolates, a horse show, the Durango Shootout, youth games and tons more. Bring the family and be ready for a memorable experience at the La Plata County Fair.

Hop on the Blues Train—Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Typically something that is popular with tourists becomes all the rage with locals when the annual Blues Train takes over the tracks on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This year's dates are the weekend of Friday, August 16 and Saturday, August 17, 2019, giving you two opportunities to book a ticket to this sell-out event. This is a 3.5 hour music showcase featuring six different performances in different vintage coaches.

As the mighty train travels the rails and the music plays on, passengers can take in monumental sunset views of the famous ‘Highline' above the Animas River, which is the most gorgeous part of the journey. There are three bars featuring wine, craft beer and light fare that can be enjoyed as passengers meander from coach to coach taking in the sounds of the featured artists. Tickets are $100, and only those 21 and up can hop aboard the Blues Train.

Suds it Up at San Juan Brewfest 2019

For 20 years the annual San Juan Brewfest has been bringing the best of the best beers to Durango's Buckley Park located in historic downtown Durango, CO. On August 24, 2019, this event will return with an entire day of tastings, festivities and live music. As the largest regional beer tasting festival in the state, this event never disappoints beer lovers.

There will be 51 breweries represented, and they will bring a minimum of two beers for attendees to have a taste of. Check out all the booths while live music entertains you, and you can soak those suds in the stomach a bit with several incredible food vendor's offerings throughout the day.

You can go in VIP style if you desire with a ticket that gives you access to the action one hour early and other perks. VIP's can gain entry into a shaded tent with food and drinks, and they will also be invited to a private party with the brewers the night before Brewfest. Tickets are available now, and all proceeds benefit the United Way of Southwest Colorado. This event is for 21 and up only, no dogs are allowed, and attendees are encouraged to bring along a designated driver.

Don't let the summer pass you by without taking advantage of what these August events in Durango, CO have to offer. Fairs, festivals and musical trains—what a great way to wrap up the season!