FAQ: Answers to your questions
Where do I exchange my tickets for a wristband?
Our box office takes over the Durango Arts Center box office during Meltdown Weekend. Find the DAC at 802 E 2nd Ave.
Can children attend for free?
Yes! Any child under 12 can attend for free.
What if the weather is bad?
The Meltdown is an indoor festival. It can be raining, snowing, blizzarding, or shining outside, but it’s comfortable inside our venues!
As for the outside, remember that Durango can have snow in April. Plan your travel and wardrobe accordingly! We don’t offer refunds because of adverse weather.
I need a refund or need to transfer my ticket.
We don’t generally offer refunds. If you need to transfer your ticket, contact the Meltdown ticketing crew at tickets@durangomeltdown.com.
Where is the Meltdown?
We have five venues. For Meltdown 2020, our primary stages included:
- Durango Arts Center
- Wild Horse Saloon
- Animas City Theatre
We also hosted the Old Time Barn Dance and Band Contest at the Elks Lodge. Our Friday Free Concert was at 11th Street Station.
How far apart are the venues?
About 3 to 4 blocks by foot. We encourage you to leave your car parked for the weekend and walk between venues.
How does seating work?
Seating is first-come, first-served. Please don’t save seats. We’ll remove any personal belongings left on the seats.
After the second song of the set, Meltdown staff will assist waiting patrons in finding available seats.
What if I am thirsty?
Each venue offers a full bar and light snacks. Water is free.
Where can I jam?
The Strater Hotel is where most folks gather for pickin’ circles. Jamming is allowed in their public spaces until 11 PM on Friday and Saturday nights. After 11 PM, pickers will be asked to go downstairs to the Pullman and Centennial Rooms.
In order to continue this amazing Meltdown tradition, we ask that you follow these rules:
- No jamming in your hotel room
- No personal alcohol in hotel public spaces
- No alcohol on the sidewalk or outside the Strater
Volunteering is my jam! How can I help out?
The Durango Bluegrass Meltdown has always been run entirely by volunteers, who do everything from serving on the board to checking wristbands. If you’re interested in joining our amazing team, please reach out to us at info@durangomeltdown.com.
Who should I contact to become a Meltdown Sponsor?
The Meltdown offers several levels of sponsorship. Show the Meltdown community that you are a big supporter! Email info@durangomeltdown.com to learn more.
I would love to advertise with the Meltdown!
We have spots open for your amazing logo or ad. Our program ad deadline is the end of March of each year. Inquire at info@durangomeltdown.com
Does the Meltdown take donations?
Ticket sales cover only approximately half of the Meltdown’s annual budget. We heavily depend on grants and donations from generous individuals like yourself to ensure the continuity of the Meltdown each year. As a 501(c)(3) organization, any donation made outside of ticket sales is fully tax-deductible.
Your support is invaluable to us, and we deeply appreciate any contribution you can provide. Click here to donate today!
What is Bluegrass in the Schools?
Bluegrass in the Schools (BiS) is our longstanding educational music outreach program serving Durango and neighboring communities since 1997. BiS brings live bands and professional sound into schools to introduce young students to the rich tradition of American folk art. For more information, visit our Meltdown Kids page.
What is KidsPick?
KidsPick is our exciting outdoor performance and children’s pickin’ circle where youngsters can learn the art of jamming! The Meltdown provides several kid-sized bluegrass instruments as free loaners. Stay updated on upcoming KidsPick events by following our Facebook page!
Can I record the performances?
No. Audio and video recording of performances is prohibited. Audience recordings violate our contractual agreements with the artists. However, we have two amazing Meltdown archivists, Bill Doherty and Richard Skaggs, who upload permissible audio recordings on Archive.Org. We also live-stream one venue’s Saturday performances on our YouTube channel!
