Community connectionIn a move that was quite ahead of their time, brothers John and Charles Shaw, and Charles’s wife, Lisa Bodwalk, bought a neglected building in 1997 from the local school district, and transformed it into a solar-powered community hub. The Smiley Building is celebrating 20 years of growing community and connection with an open house. Go on a guided or self-guided tour, watch demonstrations, take a class, and more.
Details: May 31, free, 4 p.m., The Smiley Building, 1309 E. 3rd Ave., smileybuilding.com
Cinema H20Brush up on your environmental knowledge at the Wild and Scenic Film Festival. There will be 10 films that touch on environmental politics, outdoor spots, river waters, and more. The festival, now in its 16th year, is hosted by Animas River Days, and teaches us the value of one of nature’s elements that is always taken for granted.
Details: May 31, $15, various times, Animas City Theater, 128 E. College Dr., animascitytheatre.com
[image:2]Get highSee the surreal sight of dozens of colorful hot air balloons as they sail through the sky at sunrise during the Telluride Balloon Festival, weather permitting. At dusk, see the balloons illuminated at Main Street Glo, as pilots fire up the propane to make a hot air balloon light show. If you miss the first mass ascension, there will be another on Sunday at sunrise.
Details: June 1- 3, free, various times, various locations, colorbandit.com
Dead in the eyesLocal band Red Eyed Djinn will cover American jam band Grateful Dead once a month throughout the summer. Hear “Truckin’,” “Touch of Grey,” “Ripple,” and other classic tracks brought to life with the same psychedelic style of one of the most influential bands of the 20th century.
Details: June 2, no cover, 9:30 p.m., The Balcony Backstage, 600 Main Ave., facebook.com/red.e.djinn
[image:1]
Take me to the river
It’s that time of year, the time for Durango’s “whitewater rodeo.” The Animas River Day tradition is in its 35th year. The event starts out with a kayak slalom, raft slalom, freestyle kayaking, and other events in our natural waterpark. Catch the parade viewing party at Santa Rita Park, followed by an after-party at The Ranch.
Details: June 2, free to register prior to the event, $5 to register the day of, various times, Santa Rita Park, 2700 Main Ave., animasriverdays.com
Bargain books
Books are the gift that keeps on giving, so you might as well purchase some for yourself for a bargain price at White Rabbit Bookstore and Curiosities’ spring cleanout sale at the Durango Flea Market. You can purchase any book for $1, or a mixed bag for $5. Build your library – and your brain – and keep your wallet fat.
Details: June 3, free, 9 a.m., Durango Flea Market, La Plata County Fairgrounds 2500 Main Ave., facebook.com/whiterabbitbooksandcuriosities
