August 7-8, 2026

Tradition and Evolution

An immersive experience in the heart of the Rocky Mountains

Since 1977, Telluride’s majestic perch high in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado has been the site of an annual cultural event combining the finest pristine natural aesthetics with boundless artistic creativity. The Telluride Jazz Festival ranks among the world’s most scenic music events in the country. Add on the desirable intimate format and abundant offering of alpine recreational activities to historical performances and the result is an immersive live music experience that has brought audiophiles from around the world for over four decades.

The 2026 Lineup Is Here

We’re excited to share the 2026 Telluride Jazz Festival lineup—and a new vision for the festival.

This year, we’re expanding to two stages, creating a deeper conversation between where jazz comes from and where it’s going.

The Main Stage will feature genre-fluid artists, special projects, and boundary-pushing performances. The Foundation Stage will focus on straightahead jazz and the core of the tradition.

Highlights include:

• Lettuce performing a tribute to Miles Davis’ electric era

• A rare, Colorado-exclusive “Powered Down” set from The Disco Biscuits - For the Biscuit’s very first visit to Telluride, they’ll be breaking out a new concept in Biscuit history, the Powered Down set. First debuted in Chicago at the end of 2025, Marc and John wield acoustic axes, Marlon’s kit gets a bit stripped down and Aron cooks on the 88s, with a bit of augmentation. Intrigued? We are, too!

  So. What to expect? You already know mind-bending jams are on the menu, served up by master class musicians. Allow yourself to get lost in the music and maybe even experience a disconnect from gravity. It will certainly be easy to leave reality behind, if only for a while (there are lots of good reasons to go on a magical mystery tour, right?). In any case, we love the audaciousness of bringing Disco Biscuits to Telluride Jazz Festival. You might ask why, but we say, “Why not?”

• A curated lineup of artists like Theo Croker and Endea Owens & The Cookout carrying the jazz tradition forward.

We look forward to sharing this next chapter with you.

News & Updates

 America's Destination Jazz Festival

FOUR DECADES OF HISTORY SINCE 1977

The Telluride Jazz Festival is an annual August celebration of live jazz, funk and soul set against the stunning backdrop of Telluride Town Park. This intimate festival offers a rare chance to experience world-class music up close, featuring Grammy-winning artists, groundbreaking innovators, rare super-groups, and some of the nation’s finest student bands. With a mix of loyal patrons, local fans, and curious travelers, the festival fosters a relaxed, welcoming vibe—whether you’re kicking back in your chair or letting loose on the dance floor, every moment is yours to savor.

More Than Just A Music Festival 

Great food vendors, craft brews and cocktails on tap cover the basic amenities and provide a sample of Colorado’s renowned craftsmanship. At night, the music moves from Telluride Town Park into historic indoor music venues within easy walking distance. The special Jazz After Dark late night performances often present memorable collaborations and up-close viewing of the artists in their element.

The Setting

Nestled at the end of a lush canyon and surrounded by waterfalls flowing from some of the most rugged peaks in the Rocky Mountains, the natural beauty of Telluride is unmatched by anywhere in the country and perhaps the world. The town stretches eight blocks wide and twelve blocks long and boasts 300 days of sunshine each year. With colorful Victorian-era homes, clapboard storefronts, boutiques, art galleries, gourmet restaurants, historic buildings and more, Telluride is truly a delight to explore.

The Festival site, Telluride Town Park, is a beautiful open space strategically located at the end of our town’s Main Street. Anchored by the state-of-the-art Main Stage and complimented by the free Society Stage and forested festival campground, the Festival venue ranks as one of the most scenic music locations in the world. The towering mountain peaks and glowing aspen trees that dot the hillsides provide the perfect amphitheater for music to resonate through the mountain canyon.

Experience The Festival