We're All FESTIVARIANS

This is a special summer in Telluride and Mountain Village, with some festivals celebrating significant anniversaries, while others are brand new. What our cherished gatherings have in common, though, is the ability to bring us together to enjoy, explore and experience the best of the arts and more in the most beautiful place on earth.

MOUNTAINFILM

MAY 25 – 29

Using the power of film, art and ideas, Mountainfilm has inspired audiences to create a better world since 1979. Held every Memorial Day weekend, the Mountainfilm festival brings together a community of filmmakers and change makers, showcasing documentary films that celebrate adventure, activism, social justice, environment and indomitable spirit.

TELLURIDE FOOD & VINE FESTIVAL

JUNE 1 – 4

The exceptional Telluride Food & Vine promises the ultimate epicurean experience for residents and visitors alike. Over four days, the event, which is new this year, will showcase the exceptional talents of renowned chefs, wine and spirit producers, culinary personalities and more.

BALLOON FEST

JUNE 2 – 4

The event draws hot-air balloons and balloonists to the box canyon for a truly unforgettable sight as the colorful orbs are launched mornings from Town Park to float serenely above the valley. On Saturday evening, head to main street for the exquisite Balloon Glow.

WILD WEST FEST

JUNE 4 – 10

The Sheridan Arts Foundation invites underserved youth from the West End and Boys and Girls Clubs around the country to gather, at no cost, in Telluride for an empowering arts, culture and custom. For more, see page 28.

CHAMBER MUSIC & MUSICFEST

JUNE 24 – JULY 2

Chamber Music celebrates its golden anniversary this year with some exciting developments. The entity is now a classical music series, showcasing inspiring musicians, local, national and international, year-round. And fear not, last year’s collaboration with MusicFest is set to continue this year with nine days of intimate concerts in a beautiful private home, as well as beloved community spaces like the Wilkinson Public Library and Palm Theatre.

BLUEGRASS JUNE 15-18

The preeminent Americana roots music festival, this summer Bluegrass celebrates its 50th annual event with four days of music over the traditional Solstice weekend. As well as performances on the iconic Town Park stage (where the 2023 headliners include Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, The String Cheese Incident, Sam Bush Band, Emmylou Harris featuring Watchhouse, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, and Gregory Alan Isakov), the festival weekend also includes workshops, a songwriting/band contest and musical collaborations galore. Expect a very special experience. For more, see page 20.

YOGA FESTIVAL

JUNE 22 – 25

Both intimate and world class, this inspirational gathering, which turns 15 this year, offers yoga, meditation, music, wellness workshops, outdoor adventures and more. An unforgettable weekend of connection and inspiration.

PLEIN AIR

JUNE 28 – JULY 4

For its largest summer fundraiser, the Sheridan Arts Foundation brings renowned artists from around the country to paint the charming architecture of Telluride and surrounding natural beauty. The festival includes a quick-draw competition, artist choice cocktail party and threeday exhibition and sale, with proceeds supporting the nonprofit that owns and operates the historic Sheridan Opera House.

ART + ARCHITECTURE

JULY 10 – 16

Celebrate the art and design talent that thrives in this community. Join in on garden and home tours highlighting the artistry of architects, interior designers, landscape designers, fine artists, chefs, winemakers, brewers, authors, musicians and other innovators. A fascinating event, popular among locals, part-timers and visitors alike.

AMERICANA MUSIC JULY 13-16

American songwriters and acoustic music are in the spotlight at this wondrous festival, which has partnered with eminent singer-songwriter Jack Ingram and his partners, Jennifer Stevens and Kevin Howard. The trio will be curating the music and coordinating VIP experiences with artists throughout the weekend. A highlight is Sunday’s concert, a benefit for the venerable Sheridan Opera House.

JAZZ FESTIVAL

AUGUST 11 – 13

Since 1977, this gathering has celebrated the true American art form by bringing together acclaimed jazz, funk, soul and gospel artists — including legends, up-and-comers and the best student bands in the country — for a truly transformative experience that this year features Gregory Porter, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Tower of Power and more.

MUSHROOM FESTIVAL

AUGUST 16 – 23

Presented by the Telluride Institute, the festival brings together fungi fanatics, culinary experts, myco-artists and scientists who lecture and provide workshops and forays to attendees. For more than 40 years, the gathering has taken a deep dive into edible, toxic, psychoactive fungi and more. It is the largest wild mushroom festival in North America and is also quirky, thoughtful and informative. A highlight is the mushroom-themed main street parade and drumming party. Hands down a local favorite.

TELLURIDE RESERVE

AUGUST 17 – 19

A food and wine event, Telluride Reserve, which has been reimagined, features chefs, purveyors, winemakers, sommeliers and mixologists for an exceptional exploration of taste and culture. Each event is centered around industry collaboration and connects guests with admired creators from within the worlds of food and wine.

FILM FEST

AUGUST 31 – SEPT 4

A film lover’s film fest, the Telluride Film Festival manages to be both esoteric and relevant. The laidback event — its 50th fest takes place this year — showcases the best in film with brilliantly crafted programming. For more, see page 20.

BLUES & BREWS

SEPTEMBER 15 – 17

Telluride’s feisty farewell kiss to its summer festival season is this lively event that features a Brewers Showcase and a line-up — like this year’s headliners Bonnie Raitt, The Roots and The Revivalists — of world-class blues, funk, indie, rock, jam-band, gospel and soul acts. There’s also a plethora of other activities, including family-friendly fun and free morning yoga sessions. When the sun goes down, the lights go up in the Juke Joints, late-night club shows.

AUTUMN CLASSIC SEPTEMBER 21 – 24

Formerly Cars and Colors, the Telluride Autumn Classic remains a celebration of automobiles and colorful fall foliage, but now includes excellence in craftsmanship and engineering.

ORIGINAL THINKERS

OCTOBER 5-8

At the intersection between story and idea is Original Thinkers. Telluride’s ideas festival, the event gathers us under fall’s glowing aspens for an immersive and intimate experience featuring thoughtprovoking speakers, film and art that tell stories from all walks of life. Programming encourages engagement, will inspire (but not overwhelm) and provides time to connect with the ideas and stunning landscape. Go.

HORROR SHOW

OCTOBER 13-15

It isn’t just that it’s Colorado’s first and longestrunning horror film festival, or that its Instagram feed gives us sweaty palms, or even that MovieMaker named it one of the coolest film festivals. No, what makes this one of our faves is its passionate fans, who descend on our little town for a mix of horror, suspense, fantasy, sci-fi and dark comedy. Watching their enthusiasm makes us feel all warm and fuzzy, until the theater lights go down and our spines begin to tingle.