October is shaping up to be yet another busy month in the heart of Durango with multiple events and happenings. Here is a preview of some of the fun times coming up.

On Oct. 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., join the Snowdown bored of directors (yes, that’s how they spell it) at the kickoff event for Snowdown 2023. See the poster unveiling, learn about volunteer opportunities, and sign up to host events. The 2023 Snowdown theme is Shakespeare, and the dates are Jan. 27 to Feb. 5. It’s the 44th year for the annual cabin fever reliever. Visit Snowdown.org for more information.BID and the Animas Valley Balloon Rally bring you the sixth Downtown Hot Air Balloon Glow. This year it will be held over two nights instead of just one. Join us in the 500 block of Main Avenue on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15 to see six hot air balloons and three candlesticks glowing in historic downtown Durango. Arrive around 6 p.m. to see the balloons inflate, and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the balloons will be glowing. Schedule subject to change and the event is weather and wind dependent. Learn more at DowntownDurango.org/downtown-balloon-glow.Children’s Halloween is always a great time for local kids. This is always held on the day of Halloween, which this year is on Monday Oct. 31. Bring your kids who are 10 and younger, in costume and accompanied by an adult for safe and fun Halloween trick or treating. Local first responders will be handing out tricks and treats alongside up to 100 businesses. New this year will be a Halloween carnival at TBK Bank! Learn more at DowntownDurango.org/childrens-halloween.Don’t forget about the Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering, held at multiple venues in Downtown from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2. The largest nonmotorized parade in Colorado will be held on Oct. 1 starting at 10:30 a.m. on Main Avenue. Visit DurangoCowboyGathering.org for details.Be sure to visit the Durango Farmers Market on Saturday mornings in October to get those fall harvest goodies. The market moves its start time to 9 a.m. in October and goes until noon every Saturday of the month. It is held at TBK Bank. Watch for information about holiday markets soon.The Four Corners Comedy Festival is the same weekend as Cowboy Poetry Gathering – Sept. 29 to Oct. 2. There are shows all over town at multiple venues – come out and laugh! Point your web browser to FourCornersComedyFestival.com for the full schedule and tickets.Last but not least, the Rocky Horror Show will be held three nights at the Durango Arts Center. Get your tickets for Oct. 28, 29 or 30.

You can learn more about all these events, and many others, at DowntownDurango.org/events.

I look forward to seeing you downtown and in the North Main District in the fall and winter months.

Tim Walsworth is executive director of Durango Business Improvement District. Reach him at [email protected] or 375-5068.