2024 Meltdown events
Friday, April 19
Free Concert
5 to 7 PM
Ernie’s at 11th Street Station, 1101 Main Ave.
The warm-up for the Meltdown has become one of our festival’s more popular traditions. This free, two-hour concert for all ages is held at Ernie’s on Friday afternoon when the festival opens. This location invites you to stop in for a quick bite, kick back, and listen to some music on the deck. You’ll always have a great plate of food and a cold drink in your hand.
Enjoy performances by Dirty Chords and the Colorado College Bluegrass Ensemble. Adult beverages will be available for purchase.
Don’t miss this free festival starter!
Saturday, April 20
Band Contest – Preliminary Round
3 to 5 PM
Durango Elks Lodge, 901 E. 2nd Ave.
The Durango Bluegrass Meltdown is thrilled to host the third annual Meltdown Band Contest! Gather your bandmates and enter to win a mainstage performance set for 2025’s Meltdown, as well as recording time from Eagle Sound and a cash prize. Contest finals occur on the Main Stage at the Durango Arts Center at 10 AM on Sunday. Learn more about it on our Band Contest page!
A Special Evening with Damn Tall Buildings
8 to 10 PM
Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave.
Experience the amazing talent of Damn Tall Buildings! This high-energy trio will perform two full sets in the Durango Arts Center, and you’ll want to be part of this intimate show.
Old-Time Barn Dance with SLO County Stumblers and Six Dollar String Band
7:30 to 10 PM
Durango Elks Lodge, 901 E. 2nd Ave.
Admission is free with a Saturday or weekend Meltdown wristband or $20 at the door.
In 2006, after recognizing the popularity of the old-time music scene with bands such as Reeltime Travelers and Sweet Sunny South, the Meltdown introduced the Old-Time Barn Dance at the Elks Lodge dance hall. SLO County Stumblers will host this year’s Old Time Barn Dance, with Six Dollar String Band kicking off the fun. This has evolved into a “don’t miss” event! Nobody has more fun during the entire Meltdown weekend than the folks of all ages who pack the Elks Lodge dance floor.
Late Night Show with East Nash Grass
8 to 10 PM
Animas City Theatre, 128 E. College Ave.
Age 21 and over only! Admission is free with a Saturday or weekend Meltdown wristband or for $20 at the door.
East Nash Grass brings the heat to the Meltdown Late Night stage at the ACT. You’ll be dancing the night away with blazing instrumentals, fun lyrics, and great jams!
Jamming
Various times
The Strater Hotel (699 Main Ave.) and other locations
The Meltdown features many indoor and outdoor (weather permitting) locations for informal jamming. The management of the Strater Hotel welcomes musicians to gather and play for their own enjoyment and that of the hotel guests.
The Strater Hotel lobby is open for jamming until 10 PM, and late-night jamming is open into the wee hours in the Pullman Room in the basement of the Strater Hotel.
Many downtown bars and restaurants also encourage musicians to play at their discretion and may offer complimentary food and drink. Spring afternoons in Durango are often pleasant, and jamming on the sidewalks and at outdoor cafes can be a fantastic way to make new friends and expose the general public to the joys of bluegrass.
Look for the Meltdown flyer in the windows of participating establishments.
