Let Them Cook! — Opening Day Chef Competition

Let Them Cook! kicks off the Durango Farmers Market season with a high-energy, community-driven chef competition held on Opening Day and the first 2nd Saturdays on Main of the year.

Local chefs compete live using seasonal ingredients sourced directly from market vendors. Ingredients are preordered and prepaid to ensure a smooth, equitable competition that keeps the focus on creativity, community, and local food.

This is a demonstration-style competition—attendees watch the cooking and judging live, but no food is served from the competition itself.

Why It Matters

Proceeds from Let Them Cook! support:

The Taste the Market: Guest Chef Program
Infrastructure costs for the 2nd Saturdays on Main program

Together, these programs strengthen connections between farmers, chefs, and the broader community while supporting vibrant, accessible downtown events throughout the season.

How to Participate

This is a donation-based event.

Become a Friend of the Market with a $30 donation celebrating 30 years of the Durango Farmers Market and receive a raffle ticket.

You can earn additional raffle entries by joining our Sustainable Membership Program, allowing you to support the market year-round at a level that works for you.

What Your Support Funds

Chef stipends issued in Durango Farmers Market tokens, ensuring funds circulate directly back to local farmers and producers

Market-sourced ingredients used during the competition

Demonstration infrastructure, equipment, and event production

Educational signage and materials for market attendees

Program coordination and operational support

Event Details

Date: May 9, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Competition begins: 9:30 AM
Location: Main Avenue, 1100 Block (within the 2nd Saturdays on Main footprint)

Admission: Free to attend; donations encouraged to participate in raffles and support programming

Market access: The Durango Farmers Market remains free and open to all

Movement: Attendees may move freely between the market, food court, and competition area

Food: Competition food is for judging only; the market food court will be open

Beer tent: Located at 11th Street Station with proceeds supporting the Durango Farmers Market

Raffles: Three raffles throughout the event

Live music: Enjoy live music during the event

Seating: Limited seating; standing room encouraged

Weather: Outdoor event, rain or shine

Accessibility: ADA accessible