Telluride, Colorado

Telluride’s Festivals and Events

A Guide to Events in Telluride

Telluride’s Top Festivals and Events

Telluride Festivals

In addition to being a world-class ski destination, Telluride is also a popular spot for a variety of summer and fall festivals. If you're looking for exceptional music and food experiences, it's time to book your trip to Telluride! Whether you're a bluegrass enthusiast, a lover of craft beer, or want to create special holiday memories for your loved one, this is a town that delivers.

Mountain lovers, music and film enthusiasts, and anyone who loves the great outdoors will feel right at home in Telluride. 

Mountainfilm

This documentary film festival continues to grow in both size and prestige each year. Unsurprisingly, the film is host to a number of films with a focus on adventure and environmentalism. Mountainfilm occurs each year in late May. In addition to documentaries, participants also enjoy short films, panels, and discussions with a wide range of globally-recognized presenters. You'll also have the chance to interact and be inspired by athletes, filmmakers, and activists who are working to make our planet a better place to live. If you want to learn more about the world around us, this is the festival for you.

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Telluride Film Festival

This global film fest was started in 1974 and continues to gain momentum year after year. Best known for its stunning Colorado Rockies location, cinephiles and industry insiders alike flock to Telluride each Labor Day weekend to view both classic films and premieres.

In addition to attending screenings, there are a host of panel discussions, immersive activities, and a chance to listen and learn from renowned actors and film directors. If you're a film lover who also loves the mountains and stunning landscapes, this is the festival for you!

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Bluegrass, Telluride

Early summer is a perfect time for a visit to Telluride, especially the June weekend when the Bluegrass Festival occurs. This is a long-running event that was established in 1973 and continues to excite and impress attendees. Every year, fans get to catch some of their bluegrass and Americana favorites while enjoying the beauty of Town Park.

In addition to musical performances, the weekend also offers jam sessions, workshops, and a creative atmosphere. If you're new to the genre or a longtime fan, this is a perfect festival to attend.

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Bluegrass, Telluride

Every September, music and craft brew fans hit the road and head to Telluride. This is an exciting festival that attracts participants from around the world, with many returning year after year. You'll enjoy the dulcet sounds of blues musicians who are at the top of their game.

The musical experience is enhanced by the incredible variety of top-notch beers on offer from some of the world's best craft breweries. If you've never experienced the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival, let this year be the one where you take the plunge!

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Ride Festival

Maybe bluegrass and blues aren't really your style. Rock 'n Rollers along with fans of Americana and alternative grooves head to town in July for the Ride Festival each July to enjoy this town-wide experience. Spread out across a number of venues, the Ride Festival offers an eclectic array of a variety of music types. In addition to the amazing headliners, festival-goers can also be the first to experience some of the world's most interesting emerging artists and bands. Who knows, maybe you'll discover your next favorite at Ride. 

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Jazz Festival

Every August, jazz aficionados head west to Telluride for one of the nation's best jazz festivals. Now in its 46th year, the Telluride Jazz Festival is more than just music. The intimate format allows you to experience first-rate music in a unique and special way. Add in the beautiful landscapes surrounding the festival, and you've got everything you need for a memorable experience.

And, it's not just established acts; expect to be introduced to some of the most exciting up-and-coming jazz acts around.

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Original Thinkers

A relative newcomer to the Telluride festival scene, this festival is, well, pretty original! You can expect to meet visionaries and storytellers that are out to make the world a better place. Held in the off-season of early October, this festival offers a thought-provoking experience that will likely prompt you to explore different perspectives and viewpoints. You'll learn about the creative initiatives that are working across a variety of mediums. If you want to enjoy an escape to the mountains while engaging your mind and spirit, this is the perfect festival for you.

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Holiday Events in Telluride

4th of July Celebration

4th of July

If you've ever visited the mountains in May, you understand why July 4th is the unofficial start to summer rather than Memorial Day. The mud's dried up and the wind's died down with temperatures consistently rising. Telluride is the perfect spot to celebrate American independence in style.

You can expect a small-town celebration that's typically American. Parades, picnics, and live music are just the beginning. This is a favorite time for families to visit as well as anyone who wants to start their summer off right. 

Thanksgiving in Telluride

Thanksgiving

For many families, Thanksgiving is their main holiday for get-togethers. It's a less hectic time of year than the festive season and offers a slower pace. Renting a vacation home and hosting Thanksgiving dinner for loved ones is an amazing way to celebrate. Local restaurants also feature traditional Thanksgiving dinners and festivities.

There are also community events scheduled throughout the weekend. If your family is spread throughout different locations and you want to all come together for this holiday, why not gather in one of the most beautiful spots in the world? 

New Year's Eve Celebration

New years eve

Do you look at the New Year as a chance to refocus and look forward? What better place to begin the next chapter than Telluride? Even if you're not a big skier or fan of winter sports, there's plenty to enjoy in Telluride during the festive season. From costume parties to causal hangs and elegant dinners, New Year's Eve in Telluride has it all.

If you haven't experienced fireworks in the box canyon, you're in for a special treat! A holiday visit to Telluride is the perfect destination for families, friend groups, and couples. There's something for everyone!

Telluride's festivals and events are one-of-a-kind experiences! From jazz and brews to forward-thinking initiatives, these festivals are a perfect opportunity to visit Telluride and experience something magical. Whether you're a hardcore festival goer who hits the road every summer in search of great music, or you want to experience something completely new to you, Telluride is the place to be.

A visit to this charming mountain town during a festival or holiday will surely be an adventure you'll remember forever. In addition to the many world-class festivals and entertainment events, Telluride also offers the perfect home base for your next family gathering or celebration. Now is an ideal time to begin planning your next unforgettable visit to Telluride.

Check out our vacation rental opportunities to find the perfect accommodations to make your stay even more special!