Spirits with the Spectres takes place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in downtown Durango, Colorado. The evening fundraiser features ghastly history and ghostly storytelling, hors d’oeuvres, a costume contest, and a craft cocktail competition across downtown venues.
Organized to benefit the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Durango Education Foundation, this event brings the community together to raise money for Durango School District classrooms, students, and educators. Hutton Broadcasting sponsors the gathering, supporting learning opportunities across Southwest Colorado.
Get tickets or sponsor Spirits with the Spectres.
What are the event details?
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Rotation Start Times: 4 p.m. for first-timers & 5:45 p.m. for new tales
- Tickets: $150 (only 120 tickets available)
- Beneficiary: Durango Education Foundation
- Location: Historic Downtown Durango, Colorado (begins at the underground Pullman Ballroom at the Strater Hotel, 699 Main Ave.)
- Highlights: Ghostly storytelling and ghastly history, local tastings, and community fellowship
What happens at Spirits with the Spectres?
Spirits with the Spectres is an exclusive annual event in Durango filled with regional historical ghost stories, locally made hors d’oeuvres, and craft cocktails to benefit local public schools. Guests sample craft beverages and food while hearing historical anecdotes from Horsefly History’s local storytellers and employees of the purportedly haunted locations along the tour route.
In 2025, tourgoers visited spooky locations like The Ranch/Hermosa Cafe, the Black Heron Lodge, and the Sleeper Car.
You can also get a palm reading and take part in the evening costume contest and craft cocktail contest.
How does the event support Durango schools?
Proceeds from ticket sales directly support the Durango Education Foundation. The nonprofit directs funding to schools throughout District 9-R.
For more than 40 years, the Durango Education Foundation has raised funds to support classrooms in Durango with grants, scholarships, community education events, and larger campaigns.
About the Durango Education Foundation
The Durango Education Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to developing community resources that enrich educational opportunities for Durango School District 9-R students and staff. Its mission centers on connecting community support with district classrooms to spark innovation, empower educators, and help every student reach their full potential.
Driven by a vision of a united community delivering exceptional, equitable public education where all students succeed, the foundation grounds its work in four core values: innovation, collaboration, equity, and integrity. Through these principles, the organization partners with teachers, families, and local businesses to steward resources transparently and ensure all students have the tools they need to succeed.
Find ways to give to the Durango Education Foundation.
Get Tickets or Sponsor Spirits with the Spectres
Support Durango School District 9-R classrooms, teachers, and student programs by joining community partners like Hutton Broadcasting for an evening of history and local tastings at Spirits with the Spectres 2026. Buy one of the 120 available tickets or register as an event sponsor by visiting durangoeducationfoundation.org.
Spirits with the Spectres Fundraiser FAQs
What is the Spirits with the Spectres event in Durango?
Spirits with the Spectres is an annual autumn fundraiser in downtown Durango, Colorado, benefiting the Durango Education Foundation. The evening walking and tasting event pairs guided local storytelling with craft drink samples across historic downtown locations. Guests sample regional libations and hear historic ghost stories from locals who’ve witnessed them. The gathering brings community members together to celebrate local heritage while raising money for public school programs throughout Durango School District 9-R.
Where does Spirits with the Spectres take place?
The event takes place in historic downtown Durango, Colorado, using central community venues and historic properties along the Main Avenue corridor. Attendees gather at designated event locations for tastings and historical narratives. Because downtown Durango features historic architecture, guests move through classic local buildings and designated hospitality areas. All stops are near local hotels, public parking areas, and transit routes in the central business district.
Who benefits from Spirits with the Spectres ticket sales?
All proceeds directly support the Durango Education Foundation, an independent nonprofit serving Durango School District 9-R in La Plata County. The foundation directs event funds into biannual classroom grants that pay for specialized learning tools, art supplies, and science equipment beyond standard tax allocations. Funds also support experiential learning trips, vocational projects, staff professional development, and emergency student wellness resources. The annual event helps bridge school budget gaps, so educators have the resources for effective classroom instruction.
Can minors attend Spirits with the Spectres?
No, Spirits with the Spectres is strictly limited to adults ages 21 and older. Event staff checks government-issued photo identification during check-in before issuing admission materials. Because the gathering serves craft alcoholic beverages as part of the scheduled tastings and presentations, individuals under the age of 21 cannot enter the event venues or participate in the evening activities. Attendees must bring a valid driver’s license, state ID card, or passport to gain entry to the presentations and tasting stations.
How do I buy tickets for Spirits with the Spectres?
Buy tickets by visiting the Durango Education Foundation website at durangoeducationfoundation.org. Admission covers event entry, historic presentations, and local tastings. Organizers limit overall ticket capacity to maintain comfortable group sizes within downtown venues and ensure adequate tasting supplies. Because local foundation events frequently sell out ahead of time, buy tickets in advance rather than waiting for day-of-event availability.
