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

Local chefs are paired with student sous-chefs and challenged to cook live using seasonal ingredients sourced directly from Durango Farmers Market vendors.

This is a demonstration-style competition where attendees watch the cooking and judging. No food is served - allowing the event to remain accessible, educational, and easy to enjoy as part of Opening Day.

Why It Matters

Proceeds from Let Them Cook! support two core Durango Farmers Market priorities:

The Taste the Market: Guest Chef Program, which connects chefs, farmers, and the community through seasonal cooking education
Infrastructure costs for the 2nd Saturdays on Main program, helping make downtown activations possible throughout the season

What Your Ticket Supports

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

📅 May 9, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Main Avenue, 1100 Block
🎟 $10 ticketed viewing area (the market remains free and open to all)

Let Them Cook! is designed as an annual Opening Day fundraiser - setting the tone for the market season ahead while supporting local food, youth mentorship, and vibrant downtown events.

Thank you for being part of it.

Let Them Cook!

Opening Day chef competition supporting the Taste the Market: Guest Chef Program and 2nd Saturdays on Main