The Telluride Festival is a family-friendly event that gathers music lovers worldwide for four days of socializing, casual dancing, music contests, and fun. Set amidst the rugged San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival is an iconic celebration of diverse music genres and breathtaking natural splendor. It is mostly focused on bluegrass and country music and is visited by 15,000-48,000 people annually.
LineUp of the Festival
The festival starts on the main stage on Thursday, June 20th, with an eclectic mix of performers gracing the stage. Charley Crockett, Madison Cunningham, and the Telluride House Band featuring Sam, Béla, Jerry, Edgar, Bryan & Stuart will set the tone for an unforgettable evening. Joining them are Big Richard, The Langan Band, Sierra Hull, Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass, and Chris Thile, promising a night filled with diverse musical experiences.
Friday, June 21st, brings another stellar lineup featuring The Infamous Stringdusters, Elephant Revival, and Leftover Salmon, known for their captivating live performances. As We Speak, a collaboration between Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, and Edgar Meyer, featuring Rakesh Chaurasia, will undoubtedly mesmerize the audience. AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Chatham County Line, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, and Larry & Joe add their unique sounds to the mix, ensuring a day packed with exceptional music.
Saturday, June 22nd, is a day not to be missed. The legendary Sam Bush Band headlines the event. Sierra Ferrell, Telluride Troubadour, and Punch Brothers will keep the energy high, while Ocie Elliott, The Lil Smokies, Sistastrings, and The Fretliners showcase their talent across various genres. The day culminates in the Band Contest Finals, where emerging talents compete for recognition and applause.
Wrapping up the festival on Sunday, June 23rd, is a lineup that promises to leave a lasting impression. Lyle Lovett and His Large Band bring their signature blend of Americana and country, while Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway deliver soul-stirring bluegrass melodies. Jerry Douglas & Tommy Emmanuel, Ripe, Mighty Poplar, Peter Rowan, and The Sensational Barnes Brothers round out the day with performances that captivate hearts and minds, ensuring a memorable conclusion to an incredible festival experience.
NightGrass
Experience the late-night magic of the Festival with NightGrass concerts held in various venues around Telluride. The 2024 NightGrass schedule includes Elephant Revival at Telluride Conference Center on Wednesday, June 19, Leftover Salmon at The Palm Theatre and AJ Lee & Blue Summit at Sheridan Opera House on Thursday, June 20, Ripe and The Sensational Barnes Brothers at The Palm Theatre and Mighty Poplar at Sheridan Opera House on Friday, June 21, The Infamous Stringdusters at The Palm Theatre and Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway at Sheridan Opera House on Saturday, June 22, and Punch Brothers at Sheridan Opera House on Sunday, June 23. Doors open at 10 pm, with shows starting at 11 pm.
The Family Tent
The Family Tent offers a blend of musical and educational activities catering to children and their parents. Kids can enjoy the family area within the Festival grounds, engage in hiking and horseback riding, marvel at the Living Folklore Clowns and Jugglers’ Grove, participate in activities with Betty Hoops, and join in on beloved Telluride traditions such as the Annual Kids’ Parade, which meanders through the festival grounds on Sunday at 2:45 pm. Additionally, the ever-popular talent show returns on Saturday at 2:30 pm.
Workshop Schedule
A long-standing Telluride tradition continues with the 2024 Festival offering free workshops in Elks Park, located off West Colorado Ave. These complimentary events will take place daily from Thursday through Sunday of the Festival weekend, providing diverse entertainment. From the tranquil mornings with Yoga sessions starting at 8 am to the vibrant sounds of the Troubadour Contest, Town Mountain, Sierra Ferrell, Bryan Sutton & Friends, Wes Corbett & Friends, and the dynamic performances by Two Runner and Full Cord, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Tickets & Parking
For those planning to immerse themselves fully in the experience, the 4-Day Pass is available for $395.00, offering access to all festivities throughout the event. Alternatively, single-day passes are available: Thursday Pass for $130.00, Friday Pass for $130.00, and Sunday Pass for $130.00. Children aged 12 and under can enter for free with a paying adult. NightGrass tickets range from $40 to $50. Additionally, camping can be bundled with ticket purchases for added convenience. Mary E Ilium (includes 4-Day Pass) is $485. The festival parking lot is just outside of Town at the Mountain Village parking garage.
Past Performers
The festival has occurred on the third weekend of June in Telluride, Colorado, since 1973. In the past years the festival featured Johnny Cash, Sam Bush, David Byrne, Chris Daniels & The Kings, Bill Monroe, Nanci Griffith, Mark O'Connor, Dixie Chicks, String Cheese Incident, Railroad Earth, New Grass Revival, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Willie Nelson, Robert Plant, John Prine, Nickel Creek, Yonder Mountain String Band, John Butler Trio, Mumford & Sons, Elvis Costello, Telluride House Band, Trampled by Turtles, Kacey Musgraves and Yonder Mountain String Band, to name a few.
