Experience the Ultimate Blues and Brews Festival in Telluride, Colorado

Telluride, Colorado, is a world-renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Every September, the charming town hosts the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, a four-day celebration of music, craft beer, and good times. If you're planning to attend this iconic festival, you're in luck! In this article, we'll guide you through the essential information you need to know, including dates, lineup, and tickets.

Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Telluride is a picturesque town surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The festival takes place in the iconic Telluride Downs, a former horse racing track that has been transformed into a music venue. The festival grounds offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making it the perfect setting for a weekend of music, food, and drink.

The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival has been a staple of the Colorado music scene for over 25 years. The festival features a diverse lineup of blues, rock, and soul music, showcasing both established and emerging artists. Past performers have included icons like Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, and Trombone Shorty, as well as up-and-coming talent.

Festival Dates and Schedule

The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival typically takes place over four days in mid-September. The exact dates vary from year to year, but you can expect the festival to kick off on a Thursday and wrap up on Sunday. Here are the typical festival dates:

• Thursday: Early Bird admission, usually around 2 pm
• Friday: Main stage performances, typically starting around 2 pm
• Saturday: Main stage performances, usually starting around 2 pm
• Sunday: Main stage performances, typically starting around 1 pm

Lineup and Performers

The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival boasts an incredible lineup of musical acts, featuring a mix of established artists and emerging talent. The festival typically features around 50 performances across multiple stages, including the main stage, the brewery stage, and the Theater Stage. Here are some past performers and the types of acts you can expect to see:

• Rock and blues legends, such as Buddy Guy and Joe Bonamassa
• Soul and R&B artists, like Trombone Shorty and Trombone Suzi
• Up-and-coming blues and rock bands, like Fantastic Negrito and The Lone Bellow
• Solo artists, like Brandi Carlile and Gary Clark Jr.

The festival also features a number of regional and local acts, adding to the diverse and eclectic lineup.

Theatrical Performances

In addition to music, the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival also features a range of theatrical performances, including comedy acts, spoken word performances, and circus arts. These performances take place on the Theater Stage and add an extra layer of entertainment to the festival.

Comedy and Spoken Word

The festival has a long history of featuring top comedians and spoken word performers. Past acts have included the likes of Marc Maron, Tig Notaro, and Hannah Gadsby. The comedy and spoken word performances take place on the Theater Stage and offer a welcome respite from the music.

Circus Arts

The festival also features a number of circus arts performances, including aerial acrobatics, fire dancing, and other unique and awe-inspiring acts. These performances add to the overall spectacle of the festival and provide a unique experience for attendees.

Tickets and Ticket Options

Tickets for the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival typically go on sale in the spring, and prices vary depending on the day and time of admission. Here are some general ticket information and options:

• Single-day tickets: These tickets grant access to the festival for one day only and can be purchased for around $50-$70 per day.
• 4-day passes: These tickets grant access to the festival for all four days and can be purchased for around $150-$200 per person.
• Early Bird tickets: These tickets are available for purchase early in the festival season and offer discounted pricing. Early Bird tickets typically go on sale in February or March and can be purchased for around $100-$150 per person.
• VIP tickets: These tickets offer a range of perks, including front-of-line access, exclusive food and drink options, and priority entry to the festival. VIP tickets typically cost around $500-$700 per person.

Food and Drink Options

The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival features a range of food and drink options, including craft beer, wine, and a variety of cuisines. Here are some general information and options:

• Craft beer: The festival features a range of craft beer options, including local favorites and national brands. Attendees can also take advantage of the beer garden, which offers a selection of craft beers and snacks.
• Wine: The festival also features a range of wine options, including white, red, and sparkling wines.
• Food: The festival offers a range of food options, including tacos, BBQ, and other regional specialties. Attendees can also take advantage of the food trucks and vendors, which offer a range of cuisines and specialties.

Food Options

The festival features a range of food options, including:

• Tacos: Several food vendors offer a range of tacos, from traditional carne asada to vegan and gluten-free options.
• BBQ: The festival features a range of BBQ options, including ribs, brisket, and pulled pork.
• Regional specialties: Attendees can also take advantage of regional specialties, such as farm-to-table cuisine and artisanal cheeses.

Beer Options

The festival features a range of craft beer options, including:

• Local favorites: Attendees can sample local favorites, including Purgatory Brewing Company and Ska Brewing.
• National brands: The festival also features a range