The 26th annual Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering kicks of Thursday, Oct. 2, and runs through Sunday, Oct. 5. This year, like ever year, the gathering will celebrate all things cowboy and cowgirl and the rich traditions, history and culture of the American West. Events include live concerts, art shows, musical theater, train rides and trail rides, as well as a chuck wagon breakfast and cowboy parade. Both Friday and Saturday nights feature two performances of cowboy poetry and music at the Henry Strater Theatre in downtown Durango.

Here’s a sampling of some of the events (a full schedule is available on the Cowboy Poetry Gathering website):

Thursday, Oct. 2

SPECIAL CONCERT ~ Tim Sullivan Band 
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Rochester Hotel Garden Bar ~ 726 E. Second Avenue
Award-winning singer/songwriter performs Country and original Western music.  FREE admission.
Food and beverages available.
FREE admission
www.timsulllivanmusic.com
www.rochesterhotel.com

YOUTH ART SHOW
5:00 -7:00 pm
Durango Welcome Center ~ 802 Main Avenue
Reception and exhibit of original art by students in elementary, middle and high school.
Live poetry and music performance.
FREE admission.
Exhibit is open daily 9 am to 6 pm through Sunday, October 5
www.durango.org

PREMIER PERFORMANCE ~ 7:00 pm
Well-known singer-songwriter Tom Russell carries on the tradition of folk, Tex-Mex and cowboy music of the American West.
tomrussell.com. Premier concert at the Henry Strater Theatre ~ 699 Main Avenue.
Tickets $40

Friday, Oct. 3

COWBOY POET TRAIN
479 Main Avenue
Departs 10 AM, Returns 3:30 PM ~
The Durango Cowboy Poet Train departs in the morning to head to Cascade Canyon. Musicians, poets and storytellers will perform on board during the ride to the canyon, where passengers can disembark for lunch along the banks of the Animas River (each ticket includes a box lunch).
Contact the D&SNG Train for rates and information:
970-247-2733 or 1-888-872-4607 or www.durangotrain.com

WESTERN SWING DANCE
7:00 pm
Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Avenue.
Fundraiser for the Arts Center features the band “Wild Country.”
Tickets are $8 and available only at the door.
Contact Susan Cardin at 970-799-5661
www.durangoarts.org

EVENING PERFORMANCES ~ 6:00 pm and 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy cowboy poetry and music from a renowned lineup of performers that includes Diane Tribitt, Kevin Davis, Skylar Harwood, Trinity Seely, Juni Fisher, Ken Cook, Kristyn Harris and Dick Warwick. Both shows are at the Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Avenue.
Tickets $25, reserved seating

Saturday, Oct. 4

CHUCKWAGON BREAKFAST 
7:00 to 9:00 am ~ Animas Museum, 3065 W. Second Avenue
Special FREE presentation by Marsha Bankston: “Lizzy Knight: From English Blacksmith to Colorado Ranch Woman.” Tickets for breakfast $10 adults, $3 children age 3 and under, available at animasmuseum.org or at the museum.  Proceeds benefit the Animas Museum.

COWBOY PARADE
10:00 am
Sponsored by Boot Barn
Colorado’s largest motorless parade begins at the Durango train depot on Main Avenue. The year’s Grand Marshal is 91-year-old Francis Hotter, and her 96-year-old brother Lawrence Huntington will escort her. The Hotter and Huntington families have been ranching in La Plata County since the 1880s.
Contact Pam Jacobs at 1-512-517-5619 or email for details about participating in the parade.
Learn more about how to enter the parade here.

PIONEER HISTORY TOUR
11:15 am
Greenmount Cemetary
The Victorian Aid Society re-enacts the colorful history of Durango and lives of citizens in early days. Donations benefit local historical organizations.
Call 970-385-5482.
www.victorianaidsociety.org

EVENING PERFORMANCES ~ 6:00 pm  and 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy cowboy poetry and music from a renowned lineup of performers that includes Diane Tribitt, Kevin Davis, Skylar Harwood, Trinity Seely, Juni Fisher, Ken Cook, Kristyn Harris and Dick Warwick. Both shows are at the Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Avenue.
Tickets $25, reserved seating

Sunday, Oct. 5

A COWBOY AND HIS CREATOR
8:30-9:30 am
Henry Strater Theatre
Inspirational poetry and music featuring many of our invited performers.  Hosted by Sam Noble.
FREE Admission, open seating.

SUNDAY BRUNCH
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Diamond Belle at the Strater Hotel ~ 699 Main Avenue
Special brunch menu.
For information, call 970-375-7151
www.diamondbelle.com

We hope all you cowboys, cowgirls,  ranchers and ranch hands will stay with us at the Durango Quality Inn during this year’s Gathering!