Telluride is a world class ski town in winter, but come summer it’s home to Colorado’s festival scene. The Telluride Blues and Brews Festival is just one of the many music festivals in the area this year, but it’s the only one with — *deep breath* —three days of funk, blues, indie, jam-band, rock and soul performances, more than 20 different breweries, wine and cocktails, and up to five-days of camping, food and sunset views of the Rocky Mountains. Colorado is known for its mountainscapes, and usually you have to hike for these kind of views, but the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival gives you a chance to take in the scenery of Telluride without sore legs or running out of breath — though there are certainly options for both if that’s your thing.
Down on the flat canyon ground and surrounded by 14,000 foot tall mountain peaks, the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival’s Main Stage and Blues Stage are open to all festival goers. Performances by headliners Bonnie Raitt, late night television favorites The Roots and eight-piece roots rock band The Revivalists are a snippet of the more than 30 artists performing on the Main Stage. The Blues Stage is the only indoor stage of the weekend and with a full cocktail bar, theater chairs and moody underground jazz club vibes it’s well suited for the festival’s comedy acts that will be announced closer to the festival, as well as smaller music performances. The stage’s Music Maker Drink House is filled with vinyl listening stations and hosts artist meet-and-greets and a photography exhibit shot by Tim Duffy. There’s also a Campground Stage which is small and has laid back vibe compared to the Main Stage, and is only available to those camping at the festival.
This festival isn’t just about the blues, the brews are just as important. Five tasting sessions with over 60 craft beers will be poured at The Brewers Showcase and get a chance to taste six different festival-exclusive rare beers. Colorado is one of the more relaxed states when it comes to possessing and smoking cannabis, but the festival grounds do follow all public consumption laws.
According to the festival site, there will also be kids activities, “cozy late night club shows, free morning yoga sessions, local and regional food and craft vendors” and more. And since it will be fall in gorgeous Colorado, you’ll have everything that Telluride has to offer: various outdoor activities, like hiking and mountain biking. There’s also a free gondola between the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village to take advantage of.
The Specs
- 9,500 people attend each day of the festival.
- Tickets are available at four different levels. VIP tickets are currently sold out, but start at $1,100.
- Three-day GA tickets are $300.
- Children under 11 are free with a paying adult.
FAQs
Where is the festival held?
Telluride Town Park. The address is 500 E Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435 USA
Can you tell me more about Telluride Town Park?
Sure. Telluride Town Park is located at the end of the town’s Main Street and is superbly scenic. The backdrop to this music venue includes towering mountain peaks, lush hillsides and mountain canyons. You gotta see it.
What is the closest airport to the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival?
The Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is the closest airport. It is about 7 miles away from the festival.
Do I need a festival ticket to enter the campgrounds?
Yes, you need both a festival ticket and a camping ticket.
Is there parking available?
There is no festival specific parking lot. Metered and unmetered parking is available in the surrounding area.
Is the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival ADA accessible?
Yes, the festival provides wheelchair access and there is first come first serve handicap parking available.
Where should I stay when in town for the fest?
The festival site (tellurideblues.com) has recommendations that are a mix of rentals, hotels, resorts, etc.
What is the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival artist lineup?
The Telluride Blues & Brews festival lineup includes: Bonnie Raitt, The Roots, The Revivalists, The Word (featuring: Luther Dickinson, Cody Dickinson, Robert Randolph, John Medeski & Rayfield ‘Ray Ray’ Holloman), The Robert Cray Band, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, The Teskey Brothers, The Record Company, Anders Osborne, Buffalo Nichols, Adia Victoria, The Heavy Heavy, Jackie Venson, Gail Ceasar, Lil Jimmy Reed, Kirk Fletcher, Ally Venable, Lady A, Lightnin Malcolm, Rip Lee Pryor, Thornetta Davis and more.
Who was on the Telluride Blues & Brews 2022 lineup?
The 2022 festival featured Buddy Guy, Gov’t Mule, Ceelo Green As… “Soul Brotha #100″ (A James Brown Tribute), John Hiatt & The Goners, The War and Treaty, Tab Benoit, Anders Osborne, Samantha Fish, Curtis Harding, Thee Sacred Souls, Devon Gilfillian, Carolyn Wonderland, Shinyribs, Oh He Dead, Colin James, Robert Jon and The Wreck, Zach Person, Eddie 9V, Ghalia Volt, Dwayne Dopsie, Jontavious Willis, Dave Jordan & The Nia, Shane Hall, The Singing Stars, Scramble Campbell and more.
