August 3-5, 2018 | Telluride, Colorado
Fresh from a highly successful first year under new management, the Telluride Jazz Festival returns for its 42nd year on August 3-5, 2018 with renewed energy. With official dates set for the celebration of live music, art, yoga, music education and outdoor recreation, the new year is set to build upon 2017’s momentum.
The Telluride Jazz Festival ranks among the world’s most scenic music events. Add in the intimate festival format, outdoor recreational activities, nationally touring acts, legendary shows in historic nightclubs and the result is an immersive live music experience unlike any other. Join us this summer to experience the event that has brought people from around the world for over four decades.
Here are the top 10 reasons why the Telluride Jazz Festival should be on your 2018 summer calendar.
1. The Town
Telluride is strategically located in a box canyon nestled among the majestic 13,000 foot peaks of the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado. Easily accessed trail systems deliver you to high alpine lakes, rivers, and campgrounds throughout the 160 thousand acres of pristine wilderness in the region. This beautiful mountain retreat is the ultimate outdoor destination, complete with world class recreational offerings.
2. The Views
The natural beauty from Main Street in Telluride is breathtaking. Because of its significant role in American Western history, the core area of Telluride was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964. This listing is the highest level of status available from the United States Secretary of the Interior. These sites are so special that they are eligible for consideration to become national parks. A stroll through the town will help convince you of this fact. With the colorful Victorian-era homes, clapboard storefronts, boutiques, art galleries, gourmet restaurants, historic buildings and more, Telluride is a delight to explore.
3. The Outdoors
The abundance of recreational activities in Telluride's alpine environment are limitless. Hiking, Biking, Swimming, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, 4x4 Off-Road Drives and more are all accessible from your doorstep. If you’re up for adventure, there are plenty of beautiful hiking trails including five waterfalls that that can all be easily enjoyed via short hikes directly from downtown Telluride. For a list of Telluride activities, click here.
4. The Festival
Under the new management, the enhanced Festival experience is set to provide a better rounded weekend. Attend as a Patron or VIP and get styled like never before!
- The Patron Experience is by far the best way to attend the Telluride Jazz Festival! With an on-stage seated viewing area (limited) and catered meals with the artists backstage, Patron pass-holders will be treated to a weekend of world-class music, decadent food and drinks all surrounded by the unparalleled views of Telluride Town Park. Early Bird Patron Passes are on sale now, click here.
- The Telluride Jazz Festival VIP Experience features an exclusive VIP area inside the Festival grounds with a covered, heated lounge with unobstructed stage views, seating in front of the stage, a hosted bar with beer, select wine and specialty cocktails, private, up-scale restrooms and more! VIP Passes go on sale February 1, 2018. Click here for ticket info.
5. Festival Events
In addition to the world class music on the Main Stage, the Telluride Jazz Festival has plenty to keep you entertained. From artist workshops, a wine and spirits tasting, to a Kids Area and so much more, there's something for everyone. On Sunday morning, join the Festival staff, attendees and a brass band at Elk's Park for a Second Line Parade down Main Street all the way to Telluride Town Park. Colorful floats, costumes, beads and decorations are all welcome and encouraged as attendees join in on the march through town. For more Festival events info, click here.
6. The Late Night SHows
After the music ends in Town Park for the evening, we move the festival scene into various music venues located throughout the town of Telluride. This late night series is called "Jazz After Dark" and, once they get jamming, a walk down Main Street feels like a walk down Frenchmen Street in New Orleans. See them all - one Jazz After Dark pass allows entry into three different shows! Artists and venue information will be announced soon. For more info, click here.
7. The Food
Some of the country’s most celebrated chefs now call Telluride home. In fact, Condé Nast readers ranked Telluride in their Top 20 List of Best American Cities for Foodies. And Fodor’s ranked Telluride in the Top 10. The best part about all this collection of chefs and foodies is that Telluride's award winning restaurants are all located within walking distance. For a list of dining options in town, click here.
8. The Gondola
The towns of Telluride and Mountain Village are linked by a spectacular, 13-minute ride on a FREE gondola—the first and only free public transportation system of its kind in the United States. This popular scenic attraction provides access to hiking and biking trails in the summertime. A ride on the "G" is an absolute must during a visit to Telluride.
9. Telluride Historical Museum
The Telluride Jazz Festival has partnered with the Telluride Historical Museum to offer free museum admission to pass and ticket holders during the festival weekend. 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. For more info, click here.
10. Student Education and Outreach
The Telluride Jazz Festival and its programs represent music education of the highest order. World class Jazz musicians bring their talent, skills, and knowledge to our community, sharing them all on the Town Park Main Stage, "Society Stage" at Elks Park, Jazz After Dark historic venues, Telluride School District and other regional education institutions. Jazz music, as America’s unique art form, is at the heart of our programming, and we are always looking for new ways to reach and grow our audience with ticketed and free performances. For more info, click here.
2018 artist lineup and weekend schedule will be announced in the early spring. Sign up for our newsletter below for important notifications. Patron Experience Passes are on sale now. General Admission and VIP Tickets go on sale February 1st. For more updates, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.