Seven Thursday evenings. Free concerts. Open air. Live music in Buckley Park in downtown Durango.
This summer, Concert Hall @ The Park returns to Buckley Park every Thursday night between June 25 and August 6.
Presented by the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College and supported by community partners, such as Hutton Broadcasting, this popular series creates a weekly gathering space filled with live sounds spanning Latin fusion, Americana, swing, soul, and more.
“Every summer we try to top ourselves, and this year’s lineup is packed with talent,” said Charles Leslie, director of the Community Concert Hall. The 2026 season continues a longstanding Thursday night tradition for summer entertainment, adding fresh voices and returning favorites.
What is the 2026 summer concert lineup?
No two Thursday nights sound the same. The Concert Hall @ The Park 2026 lineup features artists from varying genres, each bringing a fresh take to the summer stage. All shows begin at 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Sweet Lizzy Project
- Genre: Alternative, classic rock
Cuban-born, Nashville-based quintet Sweet Lizzy Project is renowned for blending a modern alternative edge with a classic rock heart, the band brings its powerful vocals, driving lyricism, and high-energy stadium sound to the open-air pavilion.
Thursday, July 2, 2026
The Spicy Pickles
- Genre: Jazz, swing
The Spicy Pickles are a nationally touring, high-energy jazz band known for bringing a fiery, authentic approach to the traditional swing era sound. Based in Denver, Colorado, the group was founded in 2013 by trumpet player and bandleader Joe Smith with a specific mission: to make vintage jazz and swing music irresistible to modern ears and swing dancers alike.
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Frontera Bugalu
Genre: Cumbia, Afro-Cuban, Mexican folk
Hear the borderlands sound of Frontera Bugalú. Hailing from the El Paso-Juárez border, the ensemble delivers a high-energy performance centered around the accordion and a driving rhythm section. Their music seamlessly blends energetic cumbia beats, classic Afro-Cuban rhythms, and traditional Mexican folk styles to tell the complex contemporary stories of Latino culture and life along the U.S.–Mexico border.
Thursday, July 16, 2026
The Fantastic Cat
Genre: Indie rock
Welcome the acclaimed indie-rock collective Fantastic Cat to the stage. Composed of four distinct, established singer-songwriters: Anthony D’Amato, Brian Dunne, Don DiLego, and Mike Montali, the group operates without a single frontman, instead swapping instruments, trading lead vocals, and sharing harmonies throughout the night. Their performance delivers a freewheeling, highly spontaneous live show that blends rootsy rock-and-roll grit with sharp, collaborative songwriting.
Thursday, July 23, 2026
John Stickley Trio
Genre: Bluegrass, prog rock, electro
Groove to the progressive, genre-defying instrumental sounds of the Jon Stickley Trio. Based out of Asheville, North Carolina, the ensemble is anchored by Jon Stickley’s lightning-fast, innovative acoustic guitar flatpicking, Lyndsay Pruett’s classical-to-jazz violin lines, and a driving, deep-groove rhythm section.
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Jessee Lee
Genre: Singer-songwriter, classic country
Witness the powerful, classic songcraft of Jessee Lee. The Texas-based, Nashville-recording artist brings a distinctive blend of vintage country and deep-pocket soul to the open-air stage. Known for her emotionally resonant voice and sharp, narrative-driven songwriting, her style honors the golden era of classic country while incorporating a soulful vocal delivery.
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Mojo Birds
Genre: Americana, R&B, Afro-Peruvian
The Mojo Birds deliver a high-energy, groove-driven style of Americana that bridges distinct musical traditions. Drawing heavily on the rootsy, ensemble storytelling of classic acts like The Band, they layer their sound with the smooth, rhythmic R&B textures of Al Green and intricate Afro-Peruvian percussion patterns.
Event Details: What to Expect at Buckley Park
Admission & Time:
The events are open to the public with free admission at Buckley Park. Concerts begin at 5:30 p.m.
What to Bring:
Bring a blanket, lawn chair, picnic basket, or just yourself to enjoy the evening. If you’d rather skip the hassle of bringing snacks, Grassburger will be on site with food and drinks to fuel your night of dancing.
Activities:
Dancing is encouraged, and Four Corners Broadcasting will provide live coverage on opening night for those unable to attend in person.
Parking:
City metered parking spaces and lots are free after 6 p.m.
Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College: The Venue Behind the Music
The Community Concert Hall Fort Lewis College is a nonprofit concert hall and multi-use performance venue located on the Fort Lewis College campus.
Its year-round programming spans far beyond the summer series, providing a platform for the Southwest Colorado performing arts community. The venue operates through a partnership with Fort Lewis College, a state-supported institution, and is sustained by community member contributions and collaborations with local businesses and organizations.
Educational outreach, arts education, and cultural programming remain central to the Concert Hall’s mission.
How to Stay Connected and Support Local Music
For the latest updates and complete Community Concert Hall events calendar, visit durangoconcerts.com.
Supporters can stay connected by following the Concert Hall’s social media channels, engaging with online content, and sharing events with friends and family. Contributions of any size help sustain the series and support live music in Durango.
Backing the local sponsors and businesses involved in Concert Hall @ The Park is another way to help keep the music going each summer!
Find Your Place in the Crowd at Buckley Park
The summer 2026 Durango events calendar shines with the return of free outdoor concerts through the Buckley Park music series. Over seven weeks, weekly entertainment will bring residents and visitors together in an atmosphere of shared enjoyment and connection.
The series remains a valuable tradition in the city’s cultural calendar, creating lasting summer memories and new opportunities for musical discovery.
Plan your Thursdays and join the community at Buckley Park for an accessible, inclusive celebration of music!
Concert Hall @ The Park 2026 is made possible through the efforts of the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, with support in part from Hutton Broadcasting and other community partners who help bring live music to downtown Durango each summer. Get tickets now!
