You can find anything from wine and beer fests to horror nights and a whole weekend of jazz in Telluride. We’ve rounded up the details for five of these must-attend festival events to put on your calendar in 2020. For even more information, visit Telluride.com or their Calendar of Events.
1. Original Thinkers Festival
The Original Thinkers Festival held in early October is an opportunity for curious minds to ponder ten big ideas through film and conversation. Event organizers (a collection of filmmakers and producers), select ten shows to be paired with expert speakers, performances, and opportunities for conversation. Past speakers have included scientists, fitness experts, filmmakers, dancers, veterans, activists, and all-around inspiring individuals.
2. Telluride Mushroom Festival
In early August, join the Telluride Institute and mushroom lovers of all ages for this festival that’s been going strong for thirty years! Events include a parade, open mic and mushroom poetry, classes on cooking with mushrooms, and talks by mycology experts on everything from history and research to the health and wellness benefits of mushrooms. Experience mushroom hunting on one of their forays into the forest complete with expert identification and harvesting advice. Last year’s festival theme was “Healing the Mind, Healing the Planet”. Check their website soon for details on this year’s theme and events.
3. Telluride Balloon Festival
Come to Telluride’s Town Park on June 6th and 7th at sunrise to witness the launch of colorful and majestic hot air balloons. This will be the festival’s 37th season providing a feast for the eyes by sending bright balloons floating through the valley to where they land a mile outside of town. Don’t miss Saturday night, when the balloons line Telluride’s main street and all glow in sync, illuminated by their burner flames.
4. Telluride Horror Show
Billed as Colorado’s first horror film festival, and one of MovieMaker Magazine’s 20 coolest film festivals, the Telluride Horror Show is now in its eleventh year. Three venues, including the historic Sheridan Opera House built in 1913, screen horror gems from both well known and up-and-coming filmmakers. It’s a weekend full of movies and events like campfire tales, killer karaoke and horror trivia, and author meet and greets. The 2020 lineup isn’t available yet, but you can visit TellurideHorrorShow.com to watch clips from last year’s films and get a good idea of the event’s offerings.
5. Telluride Jazz Festival
The Telluride Jazz Festival is in its 44th year and features award winning musicians. Held over an entire weekend in August, the venues include an outdoor stage set up in Town Park, and five historic smaller venues on Main Street for nighttime performances. While main stage events require a purchased ticket, “Jazz on Main” is free and open to the public. There is even a morning jam session at a local cafe where all musicians are encouraged to join. On Sunday, the festival sponsors a mardi gras style parade complete with beads, floats, colorful costumes, and most importantly for a jazz festival–big brass bands. But it’s not just music. You can also hit up this festival for its culinary experiences, craft beers and cocktails, and free yoga both Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Next time you venture out to Telluride, remember that it’s not just for skiing. These festivals are only a sample of the amazing experiences that Telluride has to offer. Take an extra morning (or even another day), to check out all that this town has to offer!