Festival Dates & Venue
The 2026 Telluride Comedy Festival runs Thursday through Sunday over Presidents’ Day weekend. Most performances begin around 8:00 PM with doors opening earlier for seating and pre-show activities. All mainstage events happen at the Sheridan Opera House in downtown Telluride — visit the venue for schedule and ticket details: Sheridan Opera House.
Experience the Telluride Comedy Festival
The Telluride Comedy Festival features headline sets, late-night showcases, and curated workshops. Expect a mix of established names, touring comics, and local performers delivering intimate, high-energy shows in a 230-seat historic theater. Each night delivers a unique lineup, with moments of surprise, improvisation, and long, contagious laughter.
The festival draws visitors from across Colorado and beyond, creating a communal vibe in town during daytime adventures and evening performances. Staying close to downtown lets you walk to shows, arrive relaxed, and linger over post-show conversation.
2026 Festival Highlights & Features
Highlights usually include headline stand-up shows, sketch ensembles, improv sets, and special themed nights. Workshops give aspiring performers tips on writing and stage work. Look for pop-up events such as open mic showcases, panel discussions, or industry meetups scheduled around mainstage programming.
Main Stage Performances
Main stage nights present top stand-up and sketch acts curated for an intimate theater setting. Expect tight sets, strong storytelling, and moments that stay with you long after the final bow.
Workshops & Interactive Events
Workshops let fans learn craft elements or try improv in a supportive setting. Workshop seats are limited; reserve early if participation matters to your trip.
Planning Your Visit
Plan lodging and tickets early, since the Telluride Comedy Festival can sell out. Book a rental with flexible cancellation when possible. If you fly, most guests land at Montrose Regional Airport then take a shuttle or drive. Once in town, leave the car and walk where possible — parking fills fast during festival nights.
Buying Tickets
Purchase tickets through the festival or venue box office when they become available. Options often include general admission, cabaret seating, and VIP tables with premium views. Check the Sheridan Opera House site for current inventory and pricing.
Telluride Comedy Fest Accommodation Options
Exceptional Stays offers a range of options for festival visitors. Explore Telluride vacation rentals for downtown condos and historic homes, or choose Mountain Village rentals for ski-area access and elevated views. Each property listing includes proximity notes so you can pick lodging ideally located for show nights.
Rental tip: pick a property with easy walkability or parking after evening shows.
Transportation & Logistics
For arrival and local travel information, see our Telluride Transportation Guide. Many guests use town shuttles, local buses, or the free gondola between Telluride and Mountain Village. Plan for winter road conditions if driving; reserve airport shuttles early during festival weekends.
Beyond the Festival — Things to Do
Extend your visit with outdoor activities and local culture. Walk Telluride’s historic Main Street, sample regional dining, or ride the gondola to mountain viewpoints. For more ideas, browse our Telluride destination guide: Telluride destination guide.
Local Dining & Entertainment
After shows, enjoy downtown restaurants and bars offering relaxed atmospheres for post-show conversation. Reserve popular spots in advance during festival weekends.
Outdoor Activities
Skiing, snowboarding, guided snowshoe outings, and scenic walks offer daytime balance to evening performances. Bring layered clothing and plan altitude acclimation time for best comfort.
Why Choose Exceptional Stays
Exceptional Stays provides curated lodging across Telluride. Choose from a variety of vacation rentals at multiple price points, each selected for comfort and location. Our experienced guest services team can arrange pre-arrival concierge support including grocery stocking, airport transfers, and local recommendations. Learn about our services: Telluride concierge services.
How to Book & Plan Early
- Reserve lodging early through our Telluride vacation rentals listings.
- Purchase festival tickets as soon as they become available from Sheridan Opera House.
- Arrange transport from Montrose or Grand Junction airports with shuttle services.
Ready to book? Check Telluride vacation rentals availability