Plan your weekend and don’t miss a beat!
The 47th Annual Telluride Jazz Festival is almost here and we have everything you need to know to get ready! There are special events to complement the world-class music and fun opportunities to make life-long friends and memories. Telluride also offers outstanding dining, shopping, outdoor recreation and sightseeing opportunities to make the most out of your time here.
To ensure that you have the best experience possible, our staff has put together a comprehensive festival guide of pro tips, tricks, and how-to’s for the most epic weekend ever. Explore all the information in our Insider’s Guide below.
Packing
Mid-August Weather - Historic Average Temperatures: Low 41 High: 73
Summer is a beautiful time in Telluride! Lush hillsides shimmer with vibrant wildflowers and alpine landscapes. In the Rocky Mountains, weather can move fast and can be sporadic. Telluride’s weather is no exception. Sunshine, rain, overcast and everything in between should be expected during the month of August.
Currently, we are emerging from a monsoon pattern. That means Colorado has been getting a plume of moisture that comes up from the tropics, Gulf of Mexico and Gulf of California. It’s not the individual storms but rather a weather pattern that brings the storms to Southwest Colorado. That weather pattern appears to breaking down with brighter, sunnier days ahead.
With that in mind, Festival veterans know it’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. Nothing beats a tarp when things are looking wet. We recommend bringing waterproof, quick-dry and insulating layers in case of inclement weather. Sunshades and outdoor chairs are also welcome and encouraged.
Each day of the Festival, the gates open in the mid-morning and the event spans into the evening. During the daytime, weather can be mild and perfect for tee shirts, sandals and shorts. UV rays can be higher than you’re accustomed to and the air is dry, so we recommend that you bring sunscreen and a water bottle to fill at free water stations located throughout the venue.
We also recommend that you bring waterproof, quick-dry and insulating layers in case of precipitation. The Telluride Town Park field can become muddy with rain or snow so wearing waterproof boots and wool or synthetic moisture-wicking socks is also encouraged.
Sunsets during this time of year typically happen around 8:20 pm and can be stunning; however, be prepared for the quick drop in temperatures. Even on a warm day, temperatures can swing more than twenty degrees in a matter of hours. We recommended that you bring a change of clothing layers for this evening shift. Hats and long underwear are all great items to bring to the show in a backpack. We’ll have sweatshirts and beanies for sale in the merchandise booth if you need extra layers.
Basic Packing List:
Valid photo ID
Sunscreen/Hat
Lawn chairs (no high-back lawn chairs are permitted between the sound booth and the stage). Or skip the packing and rent a low-back chair! Reserve in advance and pick them up near the main gate entrance. Rentals are available for only $50 for the entire weekend → click here
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 plastic bottles and cans (no alcohol) and unopened food items 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)
Trouble with altitude? Our partner O2 Boost offers a great oxygen supplement to help with altitude. Use code Telluride15 to order online or stop by their booth on-site.
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 or buy one in the merch tent).
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)
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
Download The Schedules To Your Phone
Save the schedules to your phone for a detailed breakdown of which acts are playing where and when. Create your own personalized itinerary and plan your day in advance! Having the festival schedules on your phone enhances the overall experience, making it easier to immerse yourself in the incredible music and vibrant atmosphere at Telluride Jazz Festival.
Touch and hold each picture below to download them.
Getting Here, Parking & Getting Around Telluride
Telluride is located 8,750 feet high in the beautiful San Juan Mountains! Travel by car on scenic mountain roads or fly in to one of my regional airports to enjoy the festival. Colorado drivers can find current road conditions by visiting the CO Department of Transportation's website, click here.
2024 Travel Info - US 50 Emergency Bridge Improvements
Limited Opening of the US 50 Middle Bridge:
The first phase of repairs is complete on the US 50 bridge over Blue Mesa Reservoir. Emergency vehicles and those in smaller vehicles are now able to cross over the US 50 Middle Bridge. One lane will be open on the US 50 Blue Mesa Middle Bridge, and pilot cars, at slow speeds, will lead single-direction traffic alternating both ways (eastbound and westbound). One lane is open from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. This operation will continue until repairs are complete. For more info about allowable vehicles, visit the Local Access Information page.
We encourage attendees to arrive, park and use our free transportation system to get around town. Our parking staff will help direct you into a spot for the weekend. After that, our free Galloping Goose bus system, along with the scenic gondola between Telluride and Mountain Village and other custom options make getting around town a breeze. The after-hours venues, bars, restaurants and shops are located within a quick stroll from the festival grounds.
There's plenty of free parking available in the town of Telluride and Mountain Village. We do not have a specific parking lot for the Festival. You are free to park wherever there's a legal parking spot in Telluride or Mountain Village.
parking
Main Street and its adjacent side streets host paid parking (meters). Paid parking is enforced from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm from Monday through 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. For more information about Telluride parking visit The Town of Telluride's website.
Festival Camping
Camping at the Telluride Jazz Festival is a righteous experience! The beautiful Town Park Campground can be a fun, social camping experience that is a short stroll from the festival. It does get chilly at night so, pack appropriately-rated sleeping bags and gear. In the event of rain, a ground cloth or tarp does wonders.
HOURS OF OPERATION: AUGUST 8 AT 11:00 AM - AUGUST 12 AT 11:00 AM
A campground host will be on duty throughout the festival to answer questions and provide assistance when needed.
Campsites are first-come, first-serve. You cannot reserve a specific site. Please note that festival camping is more of a social experience than a wilderness experience. Expect camping to be close to your neighbors. A campground host will be on duty to help you find an available campsite and to answer any questions. Please respect your neighbors.
The campground is open 24 hours a day. You may arrive and set up camp 24 hours a day.
Children 11 and under are free. Children must be accompanied by adult supervision.
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.
Tent Camping Load-In Instructions
Walk in and line up at 2:00 pm. Load in starts at 2:30 pm.
All campers walk in to pick out a campsite. Do not line up with your vehicle in the park to check in. Park somewhere legal in town and walk into Town Park.
Campers start forming a line at 2:00 pm.
Remember to bring wristbands or proof of purchase (print or digital ticket confirmation) prior to getting a camp spot.
At 2:30 pm, the camp host will release all campers in line.
Only 1 tarp and 1 person allowed per group to pick a spot. Campers walk in with a tarp, find their camp spot, put their tarp down and return to the camp host to get a temporary vehicle permit.
Get your vehicle and give the temporary vehicle permit to the staff at the vehicle gate.
You are allowed 20 minutes to unload. No time for setting up.
Return to the vehicle gate to get a weekend parking permit and location to park.
There likely will be other campers, vehicles, or RV in the same camping area as you. Make friends!
Please only one person goes to choose a campsite for your group.
This is festival camping. Please be gracious to others camping near you and make friends! Please leave your pets at home. No pets allowed.
RV Load-In Instructions
RV's will collect a tag at the site they want and bring it to the Camp Host site to exchange for a RV Hang Tag to display in your windshield for the duration of the festival. Please bring proof of purchase.
Vehicles - Please bring proof of purchase of Vehicle Pass to exchange for Weekend Hang Tag.
RV’S: We have designated spots for RV’s. When you find the spot you want, grab the RV sign off the post and give it to the camp host, show them your RV confirmation and the host will give you your RV permit to put on your RV. Then you go get your RV and come back to the campground. Be sure your permit is in a location easily seen by staff walking through the campground. There likely will be a vehicle and/or tents in the same location as you, make friends.
RV cannot be driven out during the festival.
Vehicle Load-In Instructions
Vehicle permit: Those who purchased a Vehicle permit walk in with their tarp and choose a spot that their vehicle can fit and be completely off the roadway. Then come to the camp host, show confirmation and get your vehicle permit and then go get your vehicle. Be sure your vehicle permit is easily seen by staff walking through the campground.
There likely will be another vehicle and/or tent campers in the same location as you, make friends!
You cannot move your vehicle for the duration of the festival.
Tickets & Wristbands
Most but not all ticket buyers receive their wristbands in the USPS mail. For those that have digital delivery or will-call tickets, please visit the Box Office to exchange your tickets for wristbands (required for entrance). The Festival Box Office is located at 300 E Pacific Street next to the Telluride Post Office. The Box Office is open during the week of the Festival, and the hours of operation are listed below:
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
RFID Wristband Activation
Before you enter the festival, you must complete your MANDATORY wristband activation and register it with the correct attendee name and information. Your wristband is your investment, so secure it to avoid any issues. This is your ticket into the festival. Don’t lose it.
Festival Like a Pro
In addition to the Main Stage, the Telluride Jazz Festival offers a variety of special event programming to keep you busy all weekend!
“Society Stage” at Elks Park
Located in the heart of historic downtown Telluride, the grassy outdoor amphitheater at the Society Stage will host a series of interactive performances by student bands throughout the festival weekend. These performances give attendees and locals a chance to interact with festival artists while learning about jazz culture, history and methods.
Brought to you by the generous support from the Dalton Family Foundation, Dworbell Inc., the Raynier Institute & Foundation and The Telluride Foundation.
Jazz After Dark
Friday and Saturday
Patron doors open at 9:30 pm
General Admission doors open at 9:45 pm
Shows start at 10 pm
On Friday and Saturday nights, after the festival ends in Town Park, we continue the music with “Jazz After Dark” shows located in various venues throughout Telluride. One pass allows entry into three different shows.
Friday, August 9, 2024 - Jazz After Dark ($)
Marco Benevento - Sheridan Opera House
Cool Cool Cool - The Moon At O'Bannon's
Ghost Funk Orchestra - Telluride Elks Lodge
Saturday, August 10, 2024 - Jazz After Dark ($)
Antibalas - Sheridan Opera House
Karina Rykman - The Moon At O'Bannon's
Takuya Kuroda - Telluride Elks Lodge
Jazz After Dark passes allow access to all venues for the night purchased. Be aware, Jazz After Dark passes do not guarantee entry to the show, all venues are first come, first served and based on the capacity of each venue. As they fill up, we direct you to whichever Jazz After Dark venues are not full. As the night goes on, crowds at the Jazz After Dark tend to rotate, so even if you can't catch the start of the band you want to see, there's a good chance you can catch the last half of their show. So, if there is one particular band you really want to see, get in line early for the show! After the shows begin, entry is dependent on capacity.
The Patron Pass includes entry into all Jazz After Dark Shows and priority early entry.
Jazz On Main
Thursday at 4 - 6 pm (Downtown Telluride)
To kick off the festival, Thursday evening, features “Jazz On Main” in historic Downtown Telluride. Free and open to the public from 4-6 pm, the "Jazz On Main" series will feature five different venues with live jazz to kick off the weekend: Ellinoff Gallery, Floradora, Telluride Arts HQ, La Cocina Patio, and The Madeline Hotel.
Morning Jam
Saturday and Sunday from 9-10 am at the Telluride Arts HQ
Start your Telluride Jazz Festival mornings off with live jazz music at Morning Jam at the Telluride Arts HQ. Attendees can enjoy performance lead by students from Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse in the heart of downtown Telluride, steps away from the “Society Stage” at Elks Park and minutes away from the Telluride Town Park Main Stage.
All musicians are welcome and encouraged to join in on the jam for an improvisational performance to get their day swinging. The jam will be will be first come first play, with a sign up sheet. The jams will go from 9 - 10 am on both Saturday and Sunday and are open to the public.
First Note Yoga Sessions
Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 am (Elks Park)
Guided by professional instructor Annika Kristiansen, enjoy a smooth yoga flow at the free “First Note” Yoga Sessions. Learn activating breath techniques, liberating movements and playful exercises in the crisp mountain morning air. Nestled in the cozy amphitheater of Elks Park in downtown Telluride, the yoga sessions are a fun and inspiring way to start your mornings.
Guests of all skill levels are welcome to join. New to yoga or considering for the first time? Join us and discover the healing power of yoga.
Location: Telluride Elks Park - Colorado Ave and S Oak St (inclement weather location - Sheridan Opera House)
Time: 8:30 - 9:30 am on Saturday and Sunday of the Festival
What to Bring: Water, yoga mat, towel and active wear (come with or without - these items are not mandatory to join in the class)
Historical Walking Tour
Saturday, August 10 - Tour 1 at 9:00 AM Tour 2 at 10:45 AM
Discover the past with Saturday morning's Historical Walking Tour presented by the Telluride Historical Museum. Presenter and long-time resident Ashley Boling will guide visitors through Telluride’s storied past and celebrated landmarks. This tour is sold out, ticket holders can meet at 9 am in front of the Courthouse, across from Elks Park on Colorado Ave (Telluride’s Main Street).
All festival pass holders receive free admission to the Telluride Historical Museum throughout the event. Festival attendees will have the chance to visit the museum and learn about the region's rich Ute Native American heritage, mining, ski and festival history. Show your festival wristband for museum entry. The Museum is located at 201 W Gregory Ave.
New Orleans 2nd Line Parade
Sunday at 12 pm (Main Street)
Second Line Parades are a New Orleans tradition. Brass-bands take to the street, play and march. Onlookers who followed along to enjoy the music were known as the second line.
Join the New Breed Brass Band and Hooligans Brass Band along with Festival staff, attendees, and festival artists for a Second Line Parade down Main Street all the way to Telluride Town Park on Sunday, August 13.
Everyone is welcome! Colorful floats, costumes, beads and decorations are all welcome as attendees join in on the march through town.
The parade starts at 12 pm from Elks Park.
Kids Activities
Not just for adults, kids of all ages can enjoy the Telluride Jazz Festival! With student performances, a kids area and interactive activities in laid-back atmosphere, the Festival is a perfect event for families.
Living Folklore will have stilt-walkers and giant puppets to add ambiance to the festival experience! Be sure to get your picture taken with these magnificent creations under the backdrop of the Telluride Mountains as they periodically stroll the festival grounds throughout the weekend.
Arts, Crafts & Costume Making
Sunday August 11 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Leading up to the Parade on Main Street, the Wilkinson Public Library will host a complimentary kids program from 11:00 am - 12 pm, with costume-making and face painting. All materials are provided for attending families.
The Final Waltz
The festival weekend concludes with one final hurrah at Telluride’s most illustrious landmarks - the historic Sheridan Opera House. Built in 1913, the theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is referred to as “the crown jewel of Telluride”. Join us and cap off the festival with a performance from some of New Orleans’ finest - New Breed Brass Band.
Indulge
Belly up to the bars and discover a large offering of beer, wine and cocktails on tap throughout the festival. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. will be serving up the celebrated Pale Ale, Hazy Little Thing IPA, Oktoberfest, Cool Little Thing IPA, and NA Trail Pass. Explore the craft beer options here.
The festival also features two flavors of hard cider from Fenceline and five flavors of Topo Chico Hard Seltzer - Strawberry Guava, Oasis Cherry, Tangy Lemon-Lime, Tropical Mango and Ranch Water.
We are excited to present the complete list of wine at the 2024 Telluride Jazz Festival in collaboration with Ste Michelle Wine Estates. Full-bodied cabs, easy drinking pinot noir, dry white wine and some fun bubbles, the 2024 wine list has something for every kind of wine drinker. Cheers to an unforgettable celebration of music, taste, and enjoyment! Explore the wine list here.
Patron and VIP Experience pass holders will be treated to an open bar featuring a menu of specialty craft cocktails!
Patron and VIP Cocktail menu
SLUSHIES
Just Friends - Fiero Serrano Infused Tequila, Ginger, Lime, Coconut
NON-SLUSHIE
On Green Dolphin Street - Hirsch Bourbon, Falernum, Grapefruit, Lime
Alone Together - Nikka Vodka, Lemon, Elderflower, Cucumber
SATCHMO’S BLOODY MARY BAR (SUNDAY FROM 12:30-2:30 PM)
Vodka or Tequila, Freshies Mix, Horseradish, Pickled Okra, Pickled Beans, Pepperoncini, Pickled Onions, Olives, Assorted Hot Sauces (Tabasco, Melinda’s, Crystals, Tapatio, Lea & Perrins, Sriracha, Adobe), Fresh Fruit & Vegetables - Lemons, Limes, Celery, Spices - Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning, Old Bay Seasoning, House Bloody Salt
Food At The Festival
The food lineup at the 2024 Telluride Jazz Festival features standout culinary talent and extraordinary beverages against a stunning mountain backdrop. Go south of the border with Tex-Mex wraps, take a trip to the Mediterranean with healthy Greek salads, or enjoy some fried chicken from down South. These menus will keep your taste buds satisfied all weekend long. Explore the vendors and prepare for an incredible weekend of fun in the mountains!
Patron Backstage Dining
Prepare yourself for a mouth watering culinary experience! Renowned Telluride Chef Will Nolan has curated a top-tier food experience for Patron pass-holders. As a well-known name in the local restaurant scene, Nolan is poised to offer superior cuisine to patron pass-holders. The result is sure to be a dining experience unlike any other, with quality ingredients, expert preparation, and a chef-driven focus on healthy and flavorful food. The Patron experience is nothing short of exceptional. Trust us, this is exclusive world class luxury that you don’t want to miss!
Explore like a Local
Hands down, Telluride is one of the best towns in the world for outdoor recreation! With towering 13,000 foot Rocky Mountain peaks and 160,000 acres of pristine wilderness with trail systems, waterfalls and more all surrounded by alpine mountain views. There are endless adventures for novices to pros alike. Click here to explore the local and regional opportunities for hiking, biking, stand-up paddleboarding, fly fishing, horseback riding, shopping and more!
Hiking - If you’re up for adventure, there are plenty of beautiful hikes starting directly from downtown Telluride to explore: Bear Creek Trail is less than one block from Town Park (S. Pine Street) and is a perfect beginner trail up to a waterfall.
If you seek a more challenging hike, check out the Jud Wiebe Trail (N. Aspen Street) which takes you to a gorgeous overlook of the entire town.
Mountain Biking - Miles of mountain bike trails span the Telluride box cannon. Beginners should start with the Valley Floor Trail.
Experienced bikers might consider the Prospect Trail Loop off of the Telluride Mountain Village Gondola.
Scenic Off-Road Drives - Many scenic paved and backcountry roads weave through the peaks and valleys of Telluride. For those without a four-wheel drive car, HWY 145 South towards Dolores offers stunning views of the Telluride Valley, Wilson Mesa and Lizard Head Pass.
Those with a four-wheel drive, high clearance cars can consider a trip to Bridal Veil Falls.
Ride the Gondola - The only FREE transportation of its kind in the country, Telluride’s Gondola is a must-do while visiting during the week. If you don’t journey up to the free concert on Thursday night, make sure you take the time to check out this spectacular ride. Get out up top (Station San Sophia) to hike around or ride the Gondola down into Mountain Village to check out the local bars, shops and restaurants. The Gondola starts running each day at 6:30 am and goes until midnight on Thursday, 2:00 am on Friday and Saturday, and midnight on Sunday of the Festival weekend.
Paddleboarding - Located 27 minutes South of Telluride, Trout Lake offers stunning paddleboarding with beautiful alpine views. Paddleboards can be rented locally at different outdoors shops.
Fly-Fishing - Telluride is an angler’s paradise. Alpine lakes, creeks and rivers are frequent throughout the Telluride region. For more information about fly-fishing click here.
For more information about hiking, diving, paddleboarding, fly-fishing and biking in Telluride’s visitor guide.
Shop and See
Historical downtown Telluride is home to an abundance of great merchant shops and art galleries. From boutique clothing shops, inviting art galleries, and unique Victorian architecture, it’s easy to spend a day exploring. Click here for a full shopping guide.
Where To Stay
Use the guide below for discounts
A trip to Telluride for the Telluride Jazz Festival is not your average festival trip! The town is a one-of-a-kind destination with boutique shops, award-winning restaurants, outdoor recreation activities, historic relics and more. Planning for the trip of a lifetime can be easy with our lodging partners. From luxurious hotels, spacious condos, spas and pools to camping, there's something for everyone!