21 Things To Do During Snowdown if You’re Under 21
By: Meritt Drake
Snowdown is meant to be an event to bring all of Durango together, but the amount of events can be overwhelming for those 21 and over. It can be discouraging to get all dressed up in a costume and head over to a seemingly non-alcohol related event only to be turned away at the door. However, there is plenty to do during this week for all ages.
Wednesday
1.) Dart Tournament
When and where: 2 p.m. @ Pongas
Hosted at Pongas, this is a double elimination style, 32-player bracket tournament. Despite being hosted in a bar, this event welcomes all players 18 and up. It costs $15 to enter, and there are prizes for winners.
2. Air Guitar Hero
When and where: 4 p.m. @ The Roost
This competition is for air guitarists of all ages, and best of all, is free.
3. Super Parent Lego Lava Walk
When and where: 4 p.m. @ 11th Street Station
In this competition parents (or anyone brave enough to try) walk barefoot across a path of Lego pieces.
4. Bicycle Roller Races
When and where: 6 p.m. @ The Irish Embassy
Hosted in the middle of the Irish Embassy pub, cyclers can race within age groups for the chance to win prizes, or spectators can cheer the cyclists on in their race to nowhere.
5. Twilight Nights Triathlon
When and where: 6 p.m. @ Purgatory
Triathlete hopefuls race around the base of Purgatory on fat bikes, snow shoes, and cross country skis in an attempt to win prizes.
6. Mechanical Bull Riding Contest
When and where: 9 p.m. @ The Wildhorse Saloon
This event is equally fun to participate in or watch, and even potentially win a trophy for winning your gender’s category.
Thursday
7. Speed Racer Adult Tricycle Race
When and where: 3 p.m. @ 11th Street Station
Revisit a childhood hobby on a special track created for adult tricyclists, complete with an official awards ceremony at 6 p.m. for the winners.
8. Hot Wing Eating Contest
When and where: 4 p.m. @ Animas City Theatre
Win free wings for a year by eating the most hot wings. This contest only costs $8, so even if you don’t win the big prize, you’re still getting a fairly cheap dinner.
9. Snowdown Comic Con Pinball Showdown
When and where: 6 p.m. @ J Bo’s Pizza & Ribs
Win by beating out the other pinballers, or by having the best costume. Machines are free to play on and it only costs $5 to enter the competition and have the chance at winning a cash prize.
Friday
10. Fort “Lex Luthor” College Trivia
When and where: 3:30 p.m. @ the Colorado Room at the Student Union
This trivia is hosted by FLC students and put on by FLC alumni.
11. Snowdown Bed Races
When and where: 4:30 p.m. @ 7th and 8th Ave.
Get ready for the parade by watching people race down the grid on mattresses. While there is an entry fee for teams, this is the perfect event to spectate.
12. Snowdown Light Parade and Fireworks
When and where: 6 p.m. on Main Street
Kick off the weekend of events by checking out all of the best costumes featured in floats from all sorts of Durango groups and fireworks.
13. Chapman Challenge Uphill Downhill Race
When and where: 7:30 p.m. @ Chapman Hill Ski Area
One of the most infamous Snowdown events, this race is one of the best events for Snowdown spectators. Racers do laps up and down the hill on skis, bikes, sleds, or whatever works.
14. Costume Ball and Balloon Drop
When and where: 8 p.m. @ the Main Mall
The costume ball is a free option for those who aren’t ready to head home after the parade. There will be live music and hot food and drinks to warm you up.
Saturday
15. Spam Carving Contest
When and where: 11 a.m. @ the Main Mall
Experience the novelty of carving a spam sculpture in this event run by FLC, where you can try your luck at winning one of the prizes for the top sculptures.
16. Latte Art Snowdown Throwdown
When and where: 12 p.m. @ 11th Street Station
Spectators of the competition get to start their full day of Snowdown activities with free coffee.
17. Human Foosball
When and where: 1 p.m. @ Animas Brewing Company
Teams compete in this full-sized adaptation of foosball to raise money for the Southwest Center for Independence.
18. Limbo... How Low Can You Go
When and where: 1:30 p.m. @ Gazpacho Restaurant
This event is quick and straightforward, bringing back childhood nostalgia and segwaying into another old favorite at the same location.
19. Hula Hoop Contest
When and where: 2 p.m. @ Gazpacho Restaurant
If limbo isn’t your game you might be better suited for this similarly quick and fun contest where the best hula hoopers will bring home prizes.
20. Booty Shaking Contest
When and where: 7 p.m. @ Wild Horse Saloon
One of the most entertaining nighttime events for those under 21, this contest is an obvious choice for those who want to show off their moves.
Sunday
21. Snowdown Closing Party
When and where: All day @ Purgatory Ski Resort
Close out Snowdown with a day of skiing and some final competitions. More importantly, get ahead of next year by being one of the first to hear the announcement of the 2020 Snowdown theme.
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