The Four Corners region may be known mainly for its proximity to national parks and monuments, but there’s so much more happening in the towns of Farmington, New Mexico, and Cortez and Durango, Colorado.
People living in and visiting the area can take part in art shows, music performances, and movie festivals, as well as food and drink celebrations. Below are some of the festivals and events that happen throughout the year in the Four Corners area.
Mac & Cheese Fest
Farmington: Saturday, June 24, 2024
The Mac and Cheese Fest in Farmington, New Mexico, is a culinary event that celebrates everyone’s favorite comfort food: macaroni and cheese. This festival brings together a variety of local chefs and restaurants, each offering their own creative take on this classic dish. Visitors can expect to sample a wide range of mac and cheese variations, from traditional recipes to gourmet and innovative versions that include unique ingredients or unexpected flavor combinations.
As if endless Mac & Cheese wasn’t reason enough to start planning a trip, the festival often features other elements such as live music and craft beer tastings, plus local vendors and artisans provide a great opportunity to explore and purchase local products. Due to alcohol being served, this event is 21 and over.
Tico Time Rise and Vibes Festival
Aztec, NM: May 10 – 12, 2024
Ever been to a music festival with a water slide?
Just down the road from Durango is Tico Time River Resort [future internal link], an 82-acre Costa Rica-themed venue near Aztec, New Mexico, which hosts two music festivals back to back.
First up is Rise and Vibes, which is focused on roots and reggae music and is right on the Animas River. That means you can sit on the beach or in the water, listening to live roots and reggae, taking in the magnificent views and vibes as more than 25 artists perform on the main stage.
Tico Time Bluegrass Festival
Aztec, NM: May 17 – 19, 2024
The following week, Tico Time River Resort hosts their eponymous three-day Bluegrass Festival, with over 25 amazing artists scheduled. Both events feature walk-in camping sites, car camping, RV hookups, glamping (with real beds), onsite food vendors, a general store, yoga, and other activities.
You may just want to stay all week with friends and practice your beach volleyball skills for the summer events season.
Riverfest
Farmington: May 24 – May 26, 2024
Riverfest is another can’t-miss event that brings art, music, and entertainment to the banks of the Animas River. This festival not only showcases a diverse array of musical acts but also includes Art in the Park, offering a platform for local artists to display their talents. Riverfest is a true celebration of both music and art, perfect for those looking to indulge in the community spirit of Farmington.
Music in the Mountains
Durango: July 11 — August 4, 2024
One of the longest-running classical music festivals in Colorado, Music in the Mountains features not only classical music but also pops orchestra concerts, chamber concerts, a family-friendly concert and picnic, world music concerts, and a signature benefit event and gala.
The festival begins with three days of free concerts in the purpose-built mobile concert hall, designed as part of their Road Show program to bring music to the people. In total, 40 events are planned for the four-week period, featuring 60 musicians from around the world.
Rocky Mountain Ukulele Festival
Durango: August 2 – 4, 2024
The Rocky Mountain Ukulele Festival is a weekend celebration of the popular four-stringed instrument from Hawaii. The festival, which began in 2015, includes classes, jams, concerts, open mics, and a ukulele marketplace.
San Juan Brewfest
Durango: August 23 and 24, 2024
San Juan Brewfest is a beer-tasting and sampling and definitely not chugging festival that takes place at Buckley Park in downtown Durango. It features samples from 35 breweries with about 100 different beers and ciders, plus live music. This is a 21-and-over event, and please leave your pets at home. There may be some wobbly people around by the end.
Durango Autumn Art Festival
September 21 and 22, 2024
This family-friendly event celebrating its 30th year features works from established and emerging artists from around the country, with over 100 booths, live entertainment, and a Creation Station for the kids to get a jump on their art careers.
This free event hosted by the Durango Arts Center attracts more than 7,000 attendees from Southwest Colorado and the surrounding Four Corners region, with prizes awarded to the top artists.
Animas River Jam
Farmington: TBA (Usually October)
Celebrate the Animas River with the Animas River Jam, featuring diverse music genres, food, and family activities at Boyd Park. Admission is free, and attendees should BYOB: bring their own blanket.
If you appreciate good music, art, film, food, and drink, the Four Corners area is a must-visit destination!
Durango Independent Film Festival
February 28 – March 3, 2024
The Durango Independent Film Festival, now in its 19th year, is a platform for independent filmmakers. The festival showcases a diverse collection of films with particular attention paid to Native Cinema, adventure, documentaries, LGBTQ stories, and more.
The festival runs from February 28 to March 3, with showings at the Durango Arts Center and Gaslight Theater, both located in downtown Durango. In addition to the films, there are also panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and, of course, parties!
Downtown Art Walk
Farmington: April – November
The Northwest New Mexico Arts Council brings life to Main Street in Farmington with the Downtown Art Walk on select Friday nights. In 2024, mark your calendars for April 5, June 7, October 4, and a special event on November 23 for Small Business Saturday.
Durango First Friday
Durango First Friday is described as “a monthly art walk celebrating all things local” and is an opportunity to roam city sidewalks, interact with local artists, or even indulge your own creativity with hands-on workshops.
The event happens on the first Friday of every month from 4 – 8 p.m., rain or shine. In addition to works by community artists, there’s also live music and great food. Be sure to check their website for pop-up details.
Durango Celtic Festival
March 29 – 31, 2024
This three-day event celebrates Celtic music, both traditional and modern, and a blend of both. In addition to the music, there are also workshops and ceilidhs, which are traditional social gatherings that include singing, dancing, and storytelling.
Durango Bluegrass Meltdown
April 19 – 21, 2024
If Celtic harmonies aren’t your cup of mead, how about the music of Appalachia? Bluegrass musicians from around the country descend upon Durango from April 19 to the 21, and they’re bringing the dobros and banjos!
Durango Bluegrass Meltdown kicks off with a free event featuring about two hours of live music from the Colorado College Bluegrass Ensemble. It continues through the weekend with award-winning musicians, barn dances, late-night shows, and open jam sessions throughout the city.
Wine Experience
Durango: April 26 and 27, 2024
This two-day event turns Southwest Colorado into a wine-drinking paradise. This celebration of food and wine kicks off with a Walkabout on Friday afternoon, where ticket holders stroll through downtown Durango sampling different wines and appetizers.
Saturday is the Grand Tasting at the Smiley Building, with hundreds of Colorado wines, spirits, and cuisines available for sampling.
