Summer Festivals in Telluride You Don’t Want to Miss

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There’s no better place than Telluride, CO, to enjoy beer, food, and music festivals this summer! Check out these festivals in Telluride that you definitely don’t want to miss.

The RIDE Festival

Whether you’re a music aficionado or a nature lover, you’ll love the RIDE Festival. This festival in Telluride is all about bringing stellar rock and roll music to a stunning mountainous landscape. It first made headlines in the summer of 2012 and has since attracted many crowds to experience outstanding music in a one-of-a-kind setting.

This family-friendly event traditionally kicks off on a Friday in July and ends Sunday. This weekend is the perfect time if you want to enjoy music as well as combine summer adventures such as camping, hiking, and river rafting. If you’re wanting to attend this festival, book your tickets and accommodations in advance to avoid missing out on tickets.

Telluride Wine Festival

Looking for something a little less rock and a little more delicious? Check out the Telluride Wine Festival! This is a weekend-long showcase of exceptional food and wine set among the beauty of Telluride. This festival combines artisan-renowned winemakers and skilled chefs in America.

This full weekend typically takes place at the end of June, starting Thursday and ending Sunday. For 2023, however, this festival has been canceled. We still want to mention it so folks can keep their eyes out for when this event returns, as you certainly don’t want to miss it. Because not only does it celebrate good food and fine wine, but it also aims to support regional farmers and the culinary and hospitality businesses. In addition, it helps encourage the community to embrace more sustainable practices.

Telluride Plein Air Festival

Celebrate outdoor painting with the Plein Air Festival. Each summer, over the Fourth of July Weekend, the Sheridan Arts Foundation hosts 20-25 nationally renowned plein air artists in Telluride for a week of outdoor art.

What is plein air painting? It’s about leaving the four walls of the studio behind and experiencing painting in the landscape. And this festival in Telluride allows locals and tourists alike to observe some of the nation’s top plein air artists at work. It all culminates in a three-day sale, where artists display the work they created all week for purchase. It’s a wonderful festival to appreciate the arts, watch paintings be created, and purchase beautiful pieces of unique work. As a bonus event, the festival being over the Fourth of July weekend means you can also appreciate the Telluride Fourth of July Parade as well!

Telluride Mushroom Festival

If you’re looking for a truly unique festival, you may want to check out the Telluride Mushroom Festival. Since 1981, this event has been bringing in the best mycologists to speak on everything mushrooms. Each year the festival is based on a theme which throws light on mushroom science where talks and seminars are held.

If you’re a mushroom enthusiast, you’ll have the chance to learn about mycoremediation, ecology, sustainability, health, and wellness for a weekend in August. Of course, the parade is a favorite among festival goers, as Telluride shuts down to thousands of mushroom-decorated costumes marching down Main Street to music. So don’t forget a costume if you plan to attend!

Telluride Blues and Brews Festival

If you love music and beer, this festival in Telluride is your next go-to. This three-day and night multi-stage celebration showcases an eclectic mix of live blues, funk, indie, rock, jam-band, gospel, and soul performances accompanied by some of the best craft breweries in the country.

Coming with your family? No worries, this festival also features kid’s activities, as well as cozy late-night club shows, free morning yoga sessions, local and regional food and craft vendors, and so much more. This event takes place in September, and while it’s the tail end of summer, you can begin to enjoy the beginning of the golden fall season!

Telluride Autumn Classic

The perfect festival in Telluride to close out summer – the Telluride Autumn Classic, previously known as the Telluride Festival of Cars and Colors. This four-day festival takes place in September as summer takes its leave and fall enters the mountains. This is where enthusiasts of all makes and models get together for a world-class celebration of automobiles, motorcycles, aircraft, and much more. From high-end restorations and exotic cars to live music and art, this is a fun festival to look at cool cars and take amazing photos with vintage vehicles set against the backdrop of the rugged mountains.

Ready to Enjoy the Festivals in Telluride? Book a Stay with Us!

The festivals in Telluride are world-class, and bring people far and wide to experience them. Looking for a place to stay for a festival that’s not going to be in crowded Telluride? MTN Lodge Ridgway would be happy to help you. We’re located in Ridgway, Colorado, and are the perfect place to stay just outside Telluride. We have comfortable rooms and incredible mountain views. Let’s make your stay a memorable one.

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