Telluride Wild West Fest

Experience the Telluride Wild West Fest

The Telluride Wild West Fest is one of the most meaningful festivals in Telluride, Colorado. Since the early 1990s, the Sheridan Arts Foundation has brought 40–50 children from Boys and Girls Clubs around the United States to experience a week of fun and esteem-building in Telluride. This initiative aims to provide mentorship and intriguing cultural experiences, allowing the children to challenge themselves in a non-competitive and supportive environment.

Keep reading this guide from Exceptional Stays to learn more! We are a team of local experts here to ensure travelers have the experience of a lifetime in Telluride, Colorado. We can’t wait to welcome you to our community’s distinctive beauty and charm!

One of the Most Meaningful Festivals in Colorado

Each summer, 40–50 underserved youth ages 12 to 18 from the Boys and Girls Club of America come from all over the country free-of-charge to immerse themselves in Western culture. Activities include the arts, outdoor adventures, and experiential learning. These youth gain valuable skills and experiences that can create a lifelong impact. 

Thanks to the generosity of grant foundations and donors, around $45,000 is raised yearly to ensure that the kids can attend this life-changing program at no cost to their families. The Sheridan Arts Foundation covers all lodging, meals, and activities. Some of the Telluride Wild Fest donors have been the Just for Kids Foundation, The Telluride Foundation, The PeyBack Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries, and CCAASE.

The Telluride Wild West Fest Throughout the Years

The idea for the Telluride Wild Fest happened in 1991 when Sandra and Keith Carradine wanted to raise funds to preserve the historic Sheridan Opera House. They established the Sheridan Arts Foundation and their first fundraiser gave them the idea to share Telluride’s distinctive culture and beauty with underserved children in the Boys and Girls Club. As the Telluride Wild West Fest continued to grow, some of the celebrities that have donated their time and talents include: 

• Franz Klammer: He is a professional athlete who won an Olympic gold medal in alpine skiing.

• Daryl Hannah: She is an actress, producer, and director best known for her iconic role as Elle Driver in Kill Bill.

• Rodney Crowell: He is a multi-Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter who has penned songs for stars like Jimmy Buffett, Bob Seger, John Denver, and The Grateful Dead. 

• Larry Mahan: He is a professional American rodeo wrangler who was the first to win five consecutive Rodeo Cowboys Association all-around cowboy championships.

• Christie Brinkley: She is an actress and supermodel known for her roles in National Lampoon’s Vacation, Vegas Vacation, and her modeling for Sports Illustrated and CoverGirl.  

• Mel Gibson: He is an actor and director who directed, starred in and produced Braveheart, which won a Golden Globe award and two Academy Awards. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to Exceptional Stays for the trip of a lifetime in the one-of-a-kind Telluride, Colorado community!