EVENTS

We humbly receive a wide range of support for our fundraising efforts. Some are small events held at member's homes, while others are held in larger public settings. Some examples include artistic or educational workshops, themed social gatherings, group tickets to performances, shows, and seasonal events.

2026 Upcoming Events:

October 24th: DFA Garage Sale @ VFW (1550 Main Ave)
Help support the Arts Programs in Durango by donating gently used items in good condition or volunteering to help with the Event. Every donation helps, and your participation is a wonderful way to support DFA and the community we serve.
Location: VFW, 1550 Main Avenue, lower level
Contact: Marsha Shutty

Donation Drop-Off:

Thursday, October 22: 1:00–5:00 p.m.
Friday, October 23: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Garage Sale Event:

Saturday, October 24: 8:00–4:00 p.m.

Cleanup Day:

Sunday, October 25: Time TBD

October 29th: DFA Wanderers Hike @ Animas Mountain
Join us for a beautiful fall hike on Animas Mountain! Bring water, snacks or lunch, layers, rain gear, sunscreen, a hat, and trekking poles.
Distance: 5 miles round trip (Easy)
Suggested Donation: $5
Time: 8:30am (@ Animas Mountain East Trailhead - 3269 W 4th Ave)

RSVP to Marsha Shutty or Karen Bell by October 27th (so we can contact in the event of a weather cancellation)

November 6th: Backstage Wall of Fame Fundraiser @ Stillwater Music (1316 Main Ave., Suite C)
In collaboration with Stillwater Music, DFA will present a month-long exhibit and sale of Gary Pennington’s music posters, opening on First Friday, November 6, 2026 from 4:30-6:30pm.
Posters will be available individually or in groups. Enjoy the posters, live music from Stillwater musicians, and an evening celebrating music and art!

November 12th: DFA General Membership Meeting @ Skyhorse Saddle Company (565 S. Lakeside Dr.)
Join the DFA meeting at 10:30am with a tour of their home and workshop following the meeting.

November 14th and 16th: Hatband Workshops @ Skyhorse Saddle Company (565 S. Lakeside Dr.)
Spend the day in the Skyhorse Saddle Company studio creating your own hat band. Only 9 participants per workshop (material and lunch provided)
Cost: $125 (contact Karen Bell)

Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM
Monday, November 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM

November 15th: DFA Wine Club Event @ Wolf’s in SkyRidge
Join us for an afternoon of wine tasting and food pairings. Wine Club Members: Please RSVP as soon as possible to let us know if you’ll be able to attend.
Guests are welcome! The cost is $30 per person, payable by cash or check to Durango Friends of the Arts (DFA). Contact Amy Wolf to RSVP and get the details.

Time: 3:30pm

November 17th: DFA Book Club @ Wells Group Training Room (2pm)

December 4th: The Art of Giving @ Durango Creative District
DFA is pleased to be part of The Art of Giving, an initiative supporting local artists and Durango’s arts organizations.

Join us at the Creative District, 1135 Main Street, during Noel Night on Friday, December 4. Participating artists will donate 5% of their sales to local arts organizations, including Durango Friends of the Arts.

DFA members, please come out and show your support! Shop local, get a head start on holiday shopping, and help spread the word about DFA.

December 17th: DFA Annual Christmas Party
The DFA Christmas Party will be held on December 17, and we are looking for volunteers to help make this festive event a success!
Please contact Kay Hatterman to volunteer your time or support.

2026 Past Events:

DFA Book Club Members – 2:00p.m. @ The Wells Group training room (1130 Main Avenue)
Discuss The Anthropology of Turquoise by Ellen Meloy, a beautiful blend of nature writing and memoir exploring the history, symbolism, and cultural significance of turquoise and its connection to the landscapes of the Southwest and beyond.
Questions? Contact Nancy Ottman

DFA Foodies Club Members and guests are invited to celebrate summer at Rancho Los Machos, graciously hosted by Nancy and Derrill Macho at their home. If you plan to attend, email Nancy and let her know what Mexican-inspired dish you plan to bring. Request that guests donate $30 to DFA. Hosts will provide Enchiladas Rojo and Blanco plus Margaritas and wine and other beverages. It promises to be a festive gathering filled with great food, laughter, and friendship. If you have not already, reserve your space and wear colorful attire to add to the Fiesta.

Wanderers Hiking Club @ Perins Peak
Perins Peak, featuring spectacular views of the La Plata Mountains, Animas Valley, and surrounding San Juan Mountains. The climb is well worth the effort!
• Meeting location: Perins Peak Trailhead, at the end of Tanglewood Drive in Rockridge Subdivision
• Distance/Elevation: Approximately 7 miles round trip (4-5 hours), ~1,750 feet gain • Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
• Suggested donation: $5
• What to bring: Trekking poles (recommended), water, lunch/snacks, layers & rain gear, sunscreen & hat.

Labor Day Margaritaville Party
Get ready to celebrate Labor Day with DFA friends at a festive Margaritaville Party hosted by Kay Hatterman. Come enjoy an afternoon of great food, tropical fun, and fellowship featuring cheeseburgers in paradise (or hamburgers with all the fixings), delicious sides, chips, guacamole, and refreshing margaritas!
Location: 2295 Scout Ridge Road
Cost: $55 per person

General Meeting@ Durango and Silverton Railroad Museum (private tour of the museum will follow the meeting).D&SNGRR Museum (behind the Durango train station; follow the signs through the station); 10:30 –11:00 am Social Time, 11:00–11:30 am Brief Business Meeting. Following the meeting, Harris Abernathy will lead a tour of the museum and share the history of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. With several new exhibits, even returning visitors will enjoy this special program.

Also enjoy the WhatsHappeningDurango.com local community events calendar!