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About
About Telluride
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 Telluride Jazz Festival is a three day and night live music event centered around jazz that is held in August every year. The intimate small festival format offers the unique chance to experience the openness and beauty of the legendary Telluride Town Park music venue, accompanied by a once-in-a-lifetime soundtrack provided by acclaimed artists, Grammy Award winners, cutting edge innovators, rare super-groups, and some of the best student bands in the country. The core audience of loyal patrons, dedicated locals, and curious travelers creates a relaxed vibe where laying back in your chair or letting your hair down to dance are equally encouraged.
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. On Sunday, the day kicks off with a New Orleans Second Line brass band parade down Main Street. Colorful floats, costumes, beads and decorations are all welcome as patrons join in on the march through town.
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 from 7:00 am - 12:00 am.
Transportation within Telluride:
Free Shuttles: Galloping Goose shuttle buses run every 20 minutes between 7 a.m. and 1 a.m. during the festival weekend. 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 and winter. Call (970) 728-8888 for information or visit the town's website.
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.
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 & Passes
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:
Thursday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Can I exchange or return my ticket?
All tickets are non-refundable and non-replaceable. Please keep them in a safe place! Once you have exchanged your ticket for a camping 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 - Patron 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 February 1, 2022 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! Volunteer applications open on February 1, 2022 at 10 am (MT). 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 underneath the big white tent at the festival entrance)
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 handicap facilities are provided?
The festival is wheelchair accessible and we provide a raised platform to the side of the sound booth for those in wheelchairs. Handicap restrooms and porta-potties are also provided on the festival grounds. A limited amount of handicap parking is available in the Telluride Town Park parking lot. Access to this parking is over 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-Monday in all campgrounds. 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?
Yes there are showers and bathrooms available and they are ADA accessible.
What hours can you use showers? Are they free? Where are they located?
Restroom and shower facilities are available in the campground (flushing toilets and all). There is a $3 charge to run a hot shower for 5 minutes and $1 for additional time. Shower tokens are needed, which can be obtained from a token machine outside the shower buildings that converts $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills only - no coins or credit cards.
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?
A majority of camping is located within the Town of Telluride campground. If you arrive prior to Thursday you have to camp in a town designated campsite and pay Town of Telluride fees. After 8 am on Thursday the festival takes over the campground and all camping becomes first come first serve - no designated sites. If you arrive Thursday morning, you are allowed to line-up early but will not be allowed to enter until 8:00 am. All festival campers must be out of the campground by Monday at 11:00 am. at which time control of the campground returns to the Town of Telluride. Warner Field and Zone One camping areas (walk-in/tent only) are only available starting Thursday morning at 8:00 am.
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.