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About
About TellurideSince 1977, the Town of Telluride, set high in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, has hosted a beloved cultural tradition that blends breathtaking natural beauty with world-class musical artistry. The Telluride Jazz Festival remains one of the most scenic and intimate music events in the country, offering a uniquely immersive experience where pristine alpine surroundings meet exceptional live performance. For nearly five decades, music lovers from around the world have gathered here to celebrate jazz in all its forms.
The 2026 Telluride Jazz Festival continues this legacy as a two-day, two-night celebration of live music, held each August in the iconic Telluride Town Park. The festival’s intimate format allows guests to fully experience the openness and beauty of the venue while enjoying a dynamic soundtrack from acclaimed artists, Grammy Award winners, innovative performers, rare collaborations, and standout student ensembles.
Festivalgoers can enjoy a curated selection of food vendors, craft beverages, and cocktails that highlight Colorado’s renowned culinary and brewing culture. As the sun sets, the music carries beyond the park and into Telluride’s historic venues, all within easy walking distance. These Jazz After Dark performances offer intimate, late-night sets and spontaneous collaborations that often become festival highlights.
A signature tradition returns on Saturday with the vibrant New Orleans-style Second Line parade down Main Street. Complete with brass bands, colorful costumes, and plenty of beads, the parade invites everyone to join in a joyful procession through town, an expression of the spirit, community, and creativity that define the Telluride Jazz Festival.
Getting To Telluride
Flying to Telluride
Flights are available to the region directly into Telluride or nearby Montrose, Durango, Cortez, and Grand Junction. Five different carriers service the airports, and there are nine non-stop destinations: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco/Oakland and Phoenix. International airports in Denver, Salt Lake City, and Albuquerque are a scenic six to seven-hour drive away as well.
Ground transportation is available from all regional airports. Our transportation partner, Telluride Express is Telluride's premier ground transportation service to and from all regional airports including Telluride, Montrose, Grand Junction, Durango, Cortez and Gunnison. They offer door to door shared-ride, private and custom accommodations. To schedule a ride visit their website here or call (970) 728-6000.
Telluride Regional Airport is approximately 15 minutes from Telluride and/or Mountain Village. At 9,070 feet above sea level, the airport offers picturesque views of the San Juan Mountains. Ground transportation is available from all airports. For private pilots, the Telluride Regional Airport is a fixed base operator that can provide fuel and maintenance. For Air Charter services in the region, please click here for a list of Charter Service providers in the area.
Driving to Telluride
Telluride is centrally located in southwestern Colorado, along the scenic San Juan Skyway. A perfect base camp for adventures, Telluride is easily accessible from a variety of locations.
For current road conditions, call (877) 315-7623 or visit COTrip.
Travel in Telluride
Everything in Telluride is within walking distance, so there is no need for a car during the festival weekend. Both Telluride and Mountain Village offer free and paid ground transportation, as well as a free gondola system to move between the two communities. Our gondola system is the most convenient and scenic way to travel between Telluride and Mountain Village. The Gondola runs Sunday-Thursday 7am-12am and Friday & Saturday 7am-2am.
Transportation within Telluride:
Free Shuttles: Galloping Goose hours are 7am-12am Stops are located every few blocks throughout Telluride.
The Telluride Express offers custom transportation solutions for groups and special accommodations. To schedule a ride visit their website here or call (970) 728-6000.
Transportation within Mountain Village:
Free shuttles run throughout Mountain Village every half hour
Dial-A-Ride is available daily to guests in Mountain Village between 7 am and 12:30 am during summer. Call (970) 728-8888 for information or visit the town's website.
Telluride Express offers custom transportation solutions for groups and special accommodations. To schedule a ride visit their website here or call (970) 728-6000.
Parking is available in both Telluride and Mountain Village. We encourage guests to park and take advantage of the free gondola to travel between the two towns.
Tickets & Wristbands
Wristband Policy
Wristbands will be available for pick-up at the festival box office.
All sales are final – no refunds.
Only wristbands purchased through Front Gate Tickets are valid. If you purchased from an unauthorized source and/or the ticket is counterfeit, you will not be allowed entry.
Wristbands must be worn securely on wrist and cannot be slipped on and off.
Wristbands are non-transferable and non-exchangeable.
Do not remove between days, stretch or tamper with your wristband in any way or you will not be allowed entry.
Subsequent and/or multiple presentations of a counterfeited wristband are void and will be seized by Festival security staff.
If your wristband is removed by Festival security/event staff for any reason, it will not be replaced.
All ticket-holders must pass through security and are subject to bag inspection. Prohibited items will be confiscated by event staff.
The festival takes place rain or shine.
There are absolutely no exceptions to this wristband policy.
What are the box office hours of operation?
The Festival Box Office is located at 300 E Pacific Street. The Festival Box Office is open during the week of the Festival, and its hours of operation are:
Friday: 12 pm - 8:15 pm
Saturday: 12 pm - 8:15 pm
Once you have exchanged your ticket for a wristband it is non-transferable. Mutilated or torn wristbands will not be honored.
What do I do with my ticket when I get to the festival?
Each ticket holder must be present when exchanging tickets for wristbands at the Festival Box Office. An individual will not be able to receive wristbands for other ticket holders not present. Please bring a Valid Photo I.D.
Where can I pick up my Jazz After Dark Tickets?
Tickets can be redeemed for wristbands at the festival box office or at the door to each venue. Please note - Society Club Pass holders are granted 15 minutes early access to all Jazz After Dark Late Night Shows.
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets go on sale March 25, 2026 at 10 am (MT). For more info, click here.
Are Kids FREE?
Children 11 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.
How do I find my tickets after purchasing?
The easiest way to get your tickets is to find your email order confirmation; tickets are attached as a PDF file you can print. Please be sure check your junk or spam folders if you do not receive your tickets in your inbox. If you are not able to locate your order confirmation, you can always contact us at 970-728-8037 or send an email to info@telluridejazz.org
Get Involved
How can I sign up to be a Volunteer?
It's easy to get involved and be a part of the show by volunteering for the festival weekend! Earn a festival pass, and staff tee-shirt, while making new friends and memories!Read more and apply here.
Interested in attending the festival as Media?
Please click here to apply for media & press credentials.
Want to attend as a Food or Craft Vendor?
We are looking for high quality products, either handmade or unique and beautiful. Artisans and crafts people are highly encouraged to apply. Food booth selection will be based on affordable and creative menus, and we do not duplicate craft or food booths. For more info, click here.
Interested in attending the Festival as a Partner?
Have a creative idea? We'd love to hear it! Contact patrick@sbgproductions.com for more info.
Festival Guide 'How To'
What to bring!
Valid photo ID
Sunscreen/Hat
Lawn chairs (no high-back lawn chairs are permitted between the sound booth and the stage).
Tarps/Blankets (no bigger than 20' X 20'). Please share your tarp when you're not using it.
Sunshade tents are only permitted on the back perimeter of festival grounds) in shade alley.
Coolers with unopened water or soft drinks and food are allowed. Coolers will be subject to search.
Camera (no professional photo equipment allowed)
Strollers are allowed
Warm clothes (August can be chilly in Telluride), dress appropriately.
Rain gear (festival goes on rain or shine)
What NOT to bring!
No glass on festival grounds
No pets on festival grounds or in the campground (Strictly Enforced)
No alcohol may be brought into the festival - beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase.
No illegal drugs
No unlicensed vending
No professional photo equipment, video cameras or video recording equipment
No frisbees
No shelled nuts (seriously)
No weapons
What we provide on the festival grounds
Free drinking water (Be an environmental steward and please bring your own water bottle).
Port-a-potties (and plenty of them)
Hand sinks
Be green! Trash, recycling, and compost stations (please help keep the scene clean)
Lost & Found (located at the box office)
ATM (located adjacent to the Festival Store directly on the right as you walk into the main grounds)
A wide variety of food and craft vendors
Beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase
Kids Area
Medical Tent (East edge of the festival grounds - campground side). EMT’s have basic supplies like ibuprofen and sun block
What accessibility facilities are provided?
We are committed to creating an inclusive and comfortable experience for all guests. The festival grounds are accessible, and a designated raised viewing platform near the sound booth is available for wheelchair users and their companions. Accessible restrooms, including ADA-compliant portable units, are located throughout the venue.
A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available in the Telluride Town Park parking lot, accessed via the vehicle bridge at the main entrance to Town Park.
Where can I park?
We do not have a specific parking lot for the festival. You are free to park wherever you can find a legal parking spot in Telluride. Please be aware that Main Street and its adjacent side streets are paid parking (meters) - the paid parking is enforced from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday thru Saturday. Sundays are excluded from parking enforcement. If you decide to park in the metered parking areas, you can purchase a receipt for up to three hours of parking at a rate of fifty cents per hour. During the festival weekend, permit parking (O, G, and W Residential Zone parking) does not apply. You may leave your vehicle parked in these areas for the duration of the festival. For more detailed information on available parking during the festival please stop at our informational barricade at the entrance to town.
Can we bring our pets?
Please leave your pet at home - Town Park laws forbid them in the festival and campground. Do not leave your pet in your car or tied to your car! If you are traveling with your pet, please arrange to leave them with a local pet boarding & sitting service.
Local Ordinances You Should Know About (STRICTLY ENFORCED)
Please be aware that open alcohol containers (beer cans, bottles, etc.) are not allowed in the town of Telluride or Mountain Village. You are not allowed to leave the festival with a glass of beer or wine.
Lodging & Accommodations
Where should I stay during Telluride Jazz Festival?
There are two ways to stay: Festival Camping and Lodging. Deciding where to stay for the Festival might be the hardest part of your trip planning. Do you prefer the fun atmosphere in the Festival Campground or the historic charm and modern luxury of Telluride and Mountain Village?
Camping
Camping is the most fun way to experience the festival. Stake out your campsite, pitch a tent and let the fun-filled weekend begin! The campground in Telluride Town Park opens on Thursday morning and is only steps away from the Main Stage and Main Street. For more info on Camping, click here.
Lodging
In the Town of Telluride, you'll find accommodations with intimate Victorian settings or modern design elements—all just steps away from award-winning restaurants. Head to Mountain Village and discover well-appointed lodging with town access via the free Gondola System and on-site, full-service spa services. The best deals are available through our Festival lodging partners click here.
Camping
Do I need to Purchase a Separate Pass for Camping?
Yes, camping passes are sold per person and are available here.
Can you bring a Dog?
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted in the campground.
Can I camp near my friends?
Camping sites are first come first serve. If you would like to camp next to friends you will have to arrange this as best as possible with the area available.
Will there be a host or security?
There will be a host located in the festival campground all weekend. There will be security provided 24 hours a day from Thursday-Sunday. Campground security and host will strictly enforce all rules including quiet hours.
Can I keep my valuables in the campground?
We will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items. If you leave anything at your campsite it is at your own risk.
Will I be able to charge my phone?
For general campers, there will be outlets and charging stations provided. Charging stations may also be found by the bathrooms.
Can I bring alcohol into the campground?
Yes, you are allowed to bring your own alcohol/food/beverages into your campsite. You are not allowed to walk into town with any open containers. You will not be allowed to bring any alcohol in to festival grounds either.
Can we have grills or small stoves for cooking?
You are allowed to use the grills that are already in the campground, personal charcoal grills and propane grills in Town Park campground. If you are camping in Warner field you are not allowed to use charcoal grills, propane grills are permitted.
Can I give my pass to a friend?
Once you have exchanged your ticket for a camping wristband it is non-transferable. Mutilated or torn wristbands will not be honored.
Can I bring friends into the campground?
No, you are not allowed to bring non-campers into the campground for security reasons.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is permitted but we ask all of our campers to please be respectful of their neighbors. Marijuana may not be consumed openly or publicly. The best course of action is to be respectful to those around you at all times. Security will intervene if there are complaints.
Are there Showers/Bathrooms? ADA accessible? What hours can you use showers? Are they free? Where are they located?
Yes, the all-in-one facility on-site includes ADA accessible restrooms, showers, dishwashing station, trash and recycling.
The shower facility is token operated:
Each token is valued at $1.00 which equates to 75 seconds of hot water (...in case you were digging for your calculator: $4.00 = 5 minutes of hot water).
The token machines are bill to token (no coins or credit cards accepted). Please note that the machine will dispense the amount in tokens that you insert bills for and the office is not set up to refund for tokens.
How do I check into the campground?
Please drive directly to the campground and festival volunteers will direct you to unload your vehicle and where to park your vehicle. From there you will be able to got to the Box Office and exchange your tickets for wristbands. You do not need your credentials to unload your equipment. You have 30 minutes to unload your vehicle unless you have purchased a campground vehicle pass.
Are campsites designated?
No, all camping is first-come/first-serve with no designated sites being enforced. There are no campsites in the campground and it is communal camping. So get to know your neighbors.
Will there be a lost and found?
Lost and found is at the warming hut next to the Town Park Oval on the path from the Box Office to the main entrance of the festival.
Will there be electrical outlets?
Yes there are outlets but they are very limited and only at bathroom locations.
Can I bring a bicycle? Are there local places to rent a bicycle?
You are allowed to bring a bicycle. However, there are no designated places to lock your bike within the campground. You can rent a bike from one of the many bike stores in Telluride. Please note that no bikes will be allowed in the festival grounds, you must leave your bike at the designated bike parking area at the Box Office or locked at your campsite.
How close are the campsites to the festival site?
Depending on your campsite all camping is within a 2-3 minute walk to the festival site.
Where do I park?
If you have purchased a campground parking pass you will be able to park in the campground with a pass displayed in your windshield. If you have not purchased a campground parking pass campground volunteers will direct you to free parking for campers elsewhere.
Will there be ice available for purchase?
Yes, ice can be purchased through the campground host.
How long can I be in the campsite?
Festival camping takes place in the Town of Telluride Campground. If you plan to arrive before Thursday, you’ll need to reserve a designated campsite through the Town of Telluride and pay applicable camping fees.
Starting at 2:00 PM on Thursday, the festival takes over campground operations, and camping becomes first-come, first-served, with no assigned sites.
All campers must depart by 11:00 AM on Sunday, when the campground returns to Town of Telluride management.
Can I camp in the campground without a festival ticket?
No campers will be allowed in the campground that do not hold tickets for the Festival.
Regional Camping
There are plenty of options to camp outside of the Town of Telluride. The two closest campgrounds that we recommend are the Sunshine Campground and the Matterhorn Campground. Both are conveniently located within a short driving distance and are easily accessible without a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Sunshine Campground
Sunshine Campground is a single loop, paved campground with 15 campsites nestled in a dense aspen forest featuring a small mountain lake. A spectacular view of Sunshine Peak is visible from many sites. Hiking trails, fishing and jeep roads are found nearby. Lizard Head Wilderness is a short drive away. Unfortunately, reservations cannot be made in advance, all sites are first-come, first-serve. For more information, click here.
Matterhorn Campground
Matterhorn Campground is a highly developed campground adjacent to Colorado State Highway 145 near Telluride, CO. There are 28 campsites with 4 of them offering RV hookups (electricity and septic). Most sites have pleasant views, especially the walk-in tent sites with unobstructed and panoramic views of the mountains. Showers are available to both overnight and day use guests. All sites have picnic tables, combination fire-rings and grills, and lantern poles. Firewood is available for a fee. Reservations can be made in advance but certain sites are first-come, first-serve. For more information, click here.
