Come Experience Telluride’s Incredible Festivals. Most people think about an abundance of clean white snow and a long season of world-class skiing opportunities when they hear anyone speak about Telluride, Colorado, and they are definitely right about these wonderful aspects of this naturally stunning mountain town. However, Telluride also provides a beautiful vacation retreat for couples and entire families all year long, and every season offers its own unique outdoor activities and fun adventures. All manner of festivals and special events are held occasionally throughout the year, but the summer season is absolutely a dream come true for festival enthusiasts. These are just a few of the area’s most popular festivals that you might want to add to your must-experience list.
The Telluride Blues and Brews Festival
If two of your favorite things in life are incredible music and cold beer, then this festival should be on your radar. It’s been delighting crowds in Telluride for more than 20 years, and it brings both top musical entertainers and promising new talent to town for at least three wonderful days and nights of amazing performances each September. In addition to the blues, those in attendance are also treated to many other music genres that include indie, soul, rock, gospel and funk. Come thirsty because craft beers from around the country will be available along with beers that you absolutely won’t find outside of Colorado.
The Telluride Film Festival
Those who want to be among the first to see movies that may go on to become huge box-office hits should plan to visit Telluride during the yearly film festival. Held every September for more than 40 years, such films as Brokeback Mountain, Slumdog Millionaire and Juno were first screened in Telluride. There are typically around 50 films shown at venues throughout the town, and you’ll see movies from every genre. You’ll also have the rare opportunity to speak with the filmmakers and ask questions about the creative process.
The Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Another long-time favorite, this fabulous festival has been entertaining the world from its Telluride base for more than 40 years. Held each June, this event attracts talent from all around the world, and such entertainers as Bonnie Raitt, Counting Crows and Elvis Costello have provided extraordinary performances over the years. Talented newcomers have gotten their start here and gone on to become known worldwide, and you may just help discover a new musical star during the next festival.
The Telluride Jazz Festival
Also a yearly favorite for over 40 years, this festival is held each August to sold-out crowds. The entertainers deliver astounding performances, and past talent includes the likes of Macy Gray, Mavis Staples and the Hazel Miller Gospel Band. In addition to non-stop musical performances, this event also offers wine and spirit tastings and workshops that are led by the individual performers.
The Telluride Comedy Festival
Those who are in town for the incredible skiing and other winter activities will want to catch this excellent festival that is held each February in the historic Sheridan Opera House. It’s been a running success for 18 years, and those in attendance may expect to enjoy the comedic offerings of well-known comedians as well as promising new talent. This event often features top comedians who show up at the last moment to perform one of their favorite skits, and past performers include Casey Wilson from Saturday Night Live, Stephanie Weir from Mad TV and Rob Riggle from the Daily Show. Something different is offered each night of the event, and this includes sketch comedy, improv and stand-up comedy.
The Telluride Wine Festival
If you’re a lover of fine wines, then there could be nothing better than an entire festival that is devoted to divine wines. June calls out to wine enthusiasts from around the globe to participate in this event that has been running strong for some 36 years. Expert winemakers and the world’s best chefs create exquisite pairings that are sure to please even the most discriminating diner, and participants have the opportunity to taste a wonderful selection of incredible wines during multiple tastings. Past celebrity chefs include Bernard Guillas, Lionel Vatinet and Lisa Dahl, and you never know which great chef may be cooking for you until you arrive at the event.
