Bringing Back the Wild West:  Gunfights Return to the Diamond Belle Saloon

Historic downtown Durango will continue to live up to its name this summer, as The Strater Hotel and the Diamond Belle Saloon bring back the traditional western saloon gunfight.

This staged event takes place at the Diamond Belle Saloon, which is directly adjacent to the Strater Hotel.  The Diamond Belle is revered as Durango’s original Ragtime piano bar, featuring costumed dance hall girls and bartenders, taking guests back to the turn of the century.

The gunfight is a theatrical reenactment between notorious bandits and the traditional lawman.  These gunslingers mosey into the Diamond Belle, dressed as stock characters straight out of a western movie.  As the outlaw begins to stir up trouble in the Saloon, in walks the peace officer.  A “Wanted” sign on the wall references the trouble at hand.  Just like in the movies, the scene soon spills out onto the street where the two men square off, waiting for the other to make the first move.  Shots are fired and one man is left standing. 

The gunfight not only draws the attention of saloon patrons, but also the interest of many tourists and locals alike wanting to get a peek at the action.  Before the last gun is fired, a crowd has swarmed to the scene and a good laugh is had by all.  “The storyline is different for each show”, explains General Manager, Michelle Thom.  “We love the excitement, energy, and fun that the show creates, and it’s a great representation of our Saloon and the Strater Hotel.”

The shootout involves a rotating cast of characters, and for a small fee the Strater Hotel will even allow visiting hotel guests to get involved in the action. 

The theatrical gunfights take place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:00 pm throughout the summer.  The Diamond Belle Saloon is located at 699 Main Avenue, on the corner of Main Avenue and 7^th Street.  For more information, please call the Strater Hotel at (970) 247.4431.