Telluride Summer Festivals: 10 Events That Bring Everyone Together
Its box cannon location in the Rocky Mountains makes Telluride a must-visit destination in the summer. With July highs around 77 degrees and scenic beauty, the city provides the perfect place to celebrate culture, food, and sights and sounds. Even better, festival-goers meet friendly people. Don’t wait. Read about the top Telluride summer festivals.
Top Telluride Summer Festivals Vacationers Can’t Miss
Mountainfilm (May)
Kick off summer with MountainFilm, a festival that celebrates over 85 films from around the world. Held every Memorial Day weekend, this film fest highlights nonfictional documentaries that discuss important issues relating to environment, culture, political and social justice.
In addition to viewing films, guests attend presentations, free community events, gallery walks, parties, book signings and live performances. Mountainfilm begins on Friday afternoon with a special symposium and gallery walk, and ends with the closing picnic and awards show on Monday afternoon. Get Mountainfilm tickets.
Telluride Balloon Festival (June)
Known as one of the most colorful Telluride summer festivals, the annual hot-air balloon fest promises three days of family-friendly fun.
Balloons launch from Town Park at sunrise on day two, and bystanders are welcome to help. As the festival progresses, visitors enjoy free workshops and special shows at dusk. All events are free and open to the public — just don’t forget the camera. Balloon festival info.
Telluride WOW Festival (June)
Need to get into shape? Escape the daily grind and focus on healthy habits during Telluride Weekend of Wellness (WOW) festival. This four-day event aims to educate, inspire, and motivate attendees through small class sizes, customized programs and personal sessions.
Due to a focus on personal goals, WOW only accepts a limited number of guests. This ensures everyone can focus on their individual needs. A sample day includes: morning beverages (non-alcoholic), a hike, cardio class, breakfast, fitness class and lectures, and dinner. Buy WOW tickets.
Telluride Bluegrass Festival (June)
Telluride Bluegrass Festival kicks off on the closest weekend to summer solstice. During this time, those in Colorado pack up their skis and get ready to enjoy sunshine and bluegrass vibes. Attendees enjoy four days filled with pickers, songwriters and soul. Past performers include Robert Plant, The Decemberists, Telluride House Band, Bonnie Raitt and dozens more.
The festival offers main stage performances, workshops, band and songwriting contests, and jam sessions. Nearly everywhere in Telluride has music buzzing through the air during this event. Read Bluegrass festival info.
Telluride Wine Festival (late June)
This four-day wine festival has showcased winemakers and chefs for over 35 years. Food and wine lovers from all over savor flavors while learning about the crafting process. Attendees can expect reserve and grand tastings, wine pairing dinners, and educational seminars.
In addition, the festival supports regional farmers, culinary, hospitality and educational organizations throughout the Colorado region. Purchase wine fest tickets.
Ride Festival (mid July)
One of the newest Telluride summer festivals, Ride Festival features local and renown performers. The event occurs over a full weekend and begins Friday with a free outdoor concert in Mountain Village. Saturday and Sunday welcome the main stage lineup in Telluride Town Park.
Past performers who have graced the stage include Pearl Jam, Beck, Cage the Elephant, The Lumineers, Los Lobos and Cake. Ride Festival is a family-friendly event, and children enjoy special activities and games in the kids tent. View Ride festival tickets.
Telluride Yoga Festival (mid July)
If connecting to nature while finding inspiration sounds fun, make plans for the Telluride Yoga Festival. This four-day event offers over 100 activities, including meditation, hiking, music, dining, social events and yoga.
During the event, hear from experts focused on the mind, body and soul. From embracing wholeness to intense flow series and kids yoga, the entire family will feel rejuvenated after this event. Learn more about Telluride yoga festival.
Jazz Festival (early August)
For something a bit smoother, get tickets to Telluride Jazz Festival. Ranking as a longtime favorite among Telluride summer festivals, this event showcases traditional, modern and progressive jazz musicians. Held on the first weekend of August, visitors find music paired with local food vendors, microbrewers, winemakers, distillers and crafters.
At night, see live music at Telluride music venues, and don’t miss the parade on Sunday. Guests see floats, costumes and decorations accompanied by a brass band. Find jazz fest tickets.
Telluride Mushroom Festival (mid August)
For over 35 years, Telluride Institute and local sponsors have honored fungi during the annual Telluride Mushroom Festival. The four-day festival includes educational lectures, paid and free food events, movies, paid and free workshops, panel discussions, and other fun activities.
Special events include the Chef’s Mushroom Cook-off, parade, book signings, and opening and closing ceremonies. Info on Telluride Mushroom Fest.
Telluride Chamber Music Festival (mid August)
As the longest running music festival in Telluride, this event provides up-close performances by classical artists. Guests hear from notable viola, violin, cello and piano players as they connect with the audience.
Telluride Chamber Music Festival also welcomes children with two different events: a free concert in the park and free youth concert. Families enjoy picnicking in Town Park while listening to live music. Or take kids to Michael Palm Theater for music, meet-and-greets, and ice cream. Read more about the Chamber festival.
Attending these Telluride summer festivals? Don’t forget to book a Telluride vacation rental.
After making reservations, check out the best Telluride restaurants.