Survive And Thrive Guide For The 2023 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
The Ultimate Handbook & Guide to the 29th Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
Congratulations! You've secured your tickets for the 29th Annual Telluride Blues & Brews Festival. Now that you're all set, it's time to plan ahead to have the experience of a lifetime. Of course, like any festival, there's a Main Stage, but here in Telluride, it goes way beyond that. Prepare to be captivated by life-changing performances from over 30 artists spread across multiple stages along with free yoga sessions, a 5k fundraiser race, an astonishing array of beer styles to sample, delectable food from top-notch vendors, ample outdoor recreation options, family activities and so much more to heighten your enjoyment. To ensure you make the most of your time, we have meticulously curated a guide with expert advice to navigate the festival weekend and make lasting memories.
Weather, Packing & Travel
Historic Average Temperatures for mid-September: Low 45 High: 62
Fall in Telluride is undeniably breathtaking but it is essential to remember that the weather in the Rocky Mountains is known to move fast and sporadically. The majestic hillsides can be adorned with a tapestry of vibrant golden hues as nature revels in the perfect balance of warm, sun-kissed days and crisp, invigorating nights. On the flip side, we can also get sunshine, rain, snow, overcast and everything in between during the month of September. It’s best to be over-prepared, rather than under-prepared.
The festival starts mid-morning and spans into the evening. During the daytime, the weather is typically mild and perfect for lightweight shirts, sandals and shorts. At an elevation of 8,750 ft, the UV rays can be intense and the air is dry, so we recommend bringing sunscreen and a water bottle to fill up at free hydration stations located throughout the venue.
In case of precipitation, we recommend bringing waterproof, quick-dry and insulating layers. Nothing beats a tarp when things are looking wet! The festival grounds can become muddy if there is heavy rain or snow. Bringing waterproof boots and wool or synthetic moisture-wicking socks are also encouraged.
Sunsets during this time of year typically happen around 7:15 pm and can be stunning; however, be prepared for the quick drop in temperatures. Even on a warm day, temperatures can swing more than twenty degrees in a matter of hours. We recommended bringing layers to change into during this evening shift. Light gloves, hats and long underwear are all great items to bring to the show in a backpack.
What to bring:
Valid photo I.D.
Sunscreen/hat
Lawn chairs (no high-back lawn chairs are permitted between the sound booth and the stage)
Tarps/blankets (no bigger than 5' X 8'. Please share your tarp when you're not using it)
Sunshade tents are only permitted on the back perimeter of festival grounds) in shade alley
Coolers with unopened plastic water/soda bottles and cans, and food items are allowed (coolers will be subject to search)
Cameras - phones and and point-and-shoot cameras are allowed but any camera with a detachable lens is considered professional and not allowed (ex: DSLR)
Strollers are allowed
Warm clothes (September can be chilly in Telluride), dress appropriately.
Rain gear (the festival goes on rain or shine)
What we provide what at the festival:
FREE drinking water - be an environmental steward and please bring your own water bottle
Port-a-potties (and plenty of them)
Hand sinks
Be green! Trash, recycling, and compost stations (please help keep the scene clean)
Lost & found (located underneath the big white tent at the festival entrance)
A wide variety of food and craft Vendors
Beer, wine and cocktails for purchase
Kids area
Medical tent (East edge of the festival grounds - campground side). EMTs have basic supplies like pain relievers and sun block.
What not to bring:
No glass
No pets (strictly enforced)
No alcohol may be brought into the festival - beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase
No illegal drugs
No unlicensed vending
No professional photo equipment, video cameras or recording equipment
No frisbees
No shelled nuts (seriously)
No weapons
Travel
Colorado drivers can find current road conditions by visiting the CO Department of Transportation's website, click here. For recorded phone information please call (303) 639-1111 or toll-free (877) 315-7623.
Box Office, Tickets & Wristbands
Register Your RFID Wristbands And Go Cashless
Wristbands have been shipped out! When you receive yours in the mail, register it and go cashless! Follow the instructions in the package and use your wristband to purchase food, drinks and merch with the tap of a wrist. Before you enter the festival, you must complete your mandatory wristband activation and register it with the correct attendee name and information.
Camping, Late Night Shows, and Tasting Sessions wristbands are not RFID and will be available for pick up at the Box Office. Please bring your printout ticket or your mobile device with ticket PDF to the Box Office or Late Night Show venue to redeem your wristband. If you do not have a printout ticket or PDF file, wristbands must be redeemed at the Box Office.
What are the box office hours of operation? . . .
The Festival Box Office is located at 300 E Pacific Street. The Festival Box Office is open during the week of the Festival, and the hours of operation are:
- Wednesday: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Friday - Saturday: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Can I exchange or return my ticket? . . .
All tickets are non-refundable and non-replaceable. Please keep them in a safe place!
RFID Wristbands . . .
To enhance your festival experience, we utilize RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) wristbands. This system allows attendees to skip the lines at the box office, streamline movement between each area of the festival, and enjoy the elevated comfort of the soft cloth wristband material.
After making a ticket purchase, each buyer will be shipped a high security wristband with a uniquely coded RFID chip embedded inside. Each package shipped will include detailed instructions on the proper procedure for registering and using your wristband. It is important that you read these instructions and follow them exactly. Wristband activation ensures a smooth process when entering the festival each day and allows you to add emergency contact info to your wristband. All you need to do is enter your wristband ID number and contact info to activate!
Wristbands are non-transferable. One wristband per person. Each individual accessing the event must have their wristband registered and on the their wrist at all times. Every wristband will be scanned as you enter and exit the Festival, Blues Stage, and Festival Campground. Please wait until the day of the Festival to put your wristband on and leave it on throughout the entire weekend. Be careful! Wristbands will only tighten, not loosen. Festival attendees are allowed to come and go freely all weekend long while wearing their wristband; however, all wristbands must be scanned upon exit at the gate in order to re-enter that same day.
The following tickets are RFID and will be shipped in advance:
- All 3-Day passes including Super VIP, VIP, and GA
- All single-day passes including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
The following tickets are not RFID and must be picked up from the festival box office:
- All camping passes
- All late night passes including Bal De Maison, Juke Joints, Fais Do Do
If you need help with any wristband issue, you can stop by the Festival Box Office near the main entrance. If you need help with any wristband issue in advance of the Festival, please contact us at info@tellurideblues.com
Wristband Policy . . .
- Wristbands will be mailed in advance of the festival. No hard tickets or Print Pass option will be available.
- All sales are final – no refunds and no exchanges.
- Only wristbands purchased through Front Gate Tickets are valid. If you purchased from an unauthorized source and/or the ticket is counterfeit, you will not be allowed entry.
- Wristbands must be worn securely on wrist and cannot be slipped on and off.
- 3-Day Passes must be scanned upon exit at the gate in order to re-enter that same day.
- Wristbands are non-transferable and non-exchangeable.
- Do not remove between days, stretch or tamper with your wristband in any way or you will not be allowed entry.
- Subsequent and/or multiple presentations of a counterfeited wristband are void and will be seized by Festival security staff.
- If your wristband is removed by Festival security/event staff for any reason, it will not be replaced.
- All ticketholders must pass through security and are subject to bag inspection. Prohibited items will be confiscated by event staff.
- The festival takes place rain or shine.
- There are absolutely no exceptions to this wristband policy.
Please note - there is a wristband replacement fee.
Wristband FAQs
Lost or Stolen Wristband . . .
If your wristband has been lost or stolen, please contact us at info@tellurideblues.com or 970-728-8037 in advance of the festival.
How Do I Activate My Wristband? . . .
Instructions on setup will be included when you receive your wristband. We strongly encourage you to activate your wristband as it ensures that your wristband remains yours all weekend long.
Can I Mess With My Wristband? . . .
Do not remove your wristband between days. If wristbands are removed or tampered with whatsoever, they are void and will be confiscated. If wristbands are too loose and look like they can be slipped on and off, they will be confiscated.
Removing Your Wristband . . .
Once the festival concludes and you’re ready to remove your wristband, safely cut at the end where the cloth strap is sewn onto the clasp, so it will pull through easily without damaging the strap, the clasp, or your fingers! Remember to keep your wristband on during the event days. Do not remove your wristband until you plan to leave the festival for the final time. For questions on how to care for or appropriately wear/remove your wristband, please visit the Box Office near the Main Entrance to the Festival.
I Have a Question About Wristband Activation Not Answered Here. Who Can I Contact? . . .
Please click here to contact us directly.
LOOKING FOR SOLD OUT TICKETS? OR BOUGHT TICKETS AND CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE FESTIVAL?
We’ve partnered with Lyte to give our fans a safe place to buy and return official tickets after sell out. Lyte matches sellers and buyers with no hidden fees or fake tickets. They do this by running an official waitlist for fans looking for tickets and accepting returns from fans who can no longer attend. Any ticket returned to Lyte goes directly to another fan on the waitlist.
Camping Guide
Welcome Festival Campers! Festival camping at is a righteous experience. We're looking forward to a memorable weekend full of good times in the fresh Rocky Mountain air. We've compiled a guide to help make the most of your stay in the campground. To ensure that you have the best experience possible, please read the load-in info, FAQs and other important details to ensure you have the best time possible.
Festival Like A Pro
In addition to the Main Stage, the festival offers an abundance of additional programming!
Survive
Blues Stage
Located adjacent to the festival grounds and campground, the Blues Stage offers indoor music and comedy throughout the day. The Blues Stage is a great place to get out of the sun, catch some blues music and laughs. Check out the full Blues Stage schedule for more information.
Yoga Sessions
Join instructor Annika Kristiansen in Elks Park Saturday and Sunday mornings at for Festival Yoga Sessions. Enjoy a fluid yoga flow, activating breath practice, liberating movement and playful exercises to discover new realms of embodied pleasure. Guests of all skill levels are welcome to join!
Rainbow Kids Area
Kids of all ages can enjoy various activities in the Rainbow Kids Area during the festival weekend with the help from Living Folklore. Living Folklore features children’s entertainment, workshops, and two parades specifically geared for the kids (or the kid at heart) – one on Saturday and one on Sunday. So, bring your kids to the Rainbow Kids Area located in the back of the festival grounds to join the wild and wacky Living Folklore Clowns, Giggly Sprout and Gumbo Wobbly, along with activities like a bungee trampoline, climbing wall, inflatable bounce games, face painting, a talent show, and much more!
Thrive
Bal De Maison
Original Bal de Maison were southern dances held as house parties - typically in the front room which was cleared of furniture. On Thursday, September 15, we’re throwing our own Bal De Maison, an opening party, with Christone "Kingfish" Ingram and opener Terry "Harmonica" Bean at the Sheridan Opera house. This show is sold out!
Juke Joint Late Night Shows
Some of the best shows you’ll see all weekend are after dark at Telluride’s intimate concert venues: Blues Stage, The Moon at O'Bannon's, Sheridan Opera House, and the Elks Lodge. For venue info, click here. At the Juke Joint shows, the bands usually like to play late and get rowdy. Friday and Saturday Juke Joint passes allow access to all venues for the night purchase but get there early as all venues are first-come, first served. Doors open each night at 9:45 pm and the VIP 3-Day Pass includes entry into all Juke Joints.
Friday, September 15 at 10 pm
Anders Osborne with opener D&G Railroad (Sheridan Opera House)
Buffalo Nichols (Elks Lodge)
The Record Company with opener A.J. Fullerton & Jake Friel (Blues Stage)
GA-20 with opener Lightnin’ Malcolm (The Moon at O'Bannon's)
Comedians Troy Walker, Katrina Davis, Laurie Kilmartin & Adam Cayton-Holland (Telluride Arts HQ)
Saturday, September 16 at 10 pm
The Rumble ft Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. with opener Lil Jimmy Reed - (Sheridan Opera House)
The Heavy Heavy with opener Ben Rice Band (The Moon at O'Bannon's)
The Teskey Brothers with opener Jackie Venson (Blues Stage)
Ally Venable Band (Elks Lodge)
Comedians Troy Walker, Katrina Davis, Laurie Kilmartin & Adam Cayton-Holland (Telluride Arts HQ)
Blues For Breakfast
Start your mornings off proper with a hearty breakfast, live blues music, and drinks at Blues for Breakfast! Kicking off at 9:00 am on both Saturday and Sunday of the Festival weekend, Blues for Breakfast offers a pleasant warm-up to a dynamic day and late night full of music. Join us at the Telluride's intimate Elks Lodge (located at 472 West Pacific Avenue), for a bite to eat as the first official chords of the day are struck. Saturday’s breakfast hosts The Telluride Blues Challenge Finals and Sunday’s hosts The Telluride Blues Challenge Finals Runner-Up. Elks Lodge will prepare a traditional breakfast spread featuring classics like pancakes, scrambled eggs, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, bacon and sausages. Coffee, juice and breakfast bar drinks will also be available. Breakfast is $15 for adults, kids 10 and under are $5, Bloody Mary's, Mimosas, and other breakfast bar drinks are extra.
Telluride Blues Challenge
Taking place during Blues for Breakfast, the Telluride Blues Challenge invites eight standout solo blues musicians to the finals to battle it out for a spot on the 2024 Main Stage and other prizes. This contest is a festival favorite and is not to be missed. Challenge starts at 9:00 am on Saturday morning at the Telluride Elks Lodge.
Blisters & Brews 5k Fundraiser Race
Blisters & Brews is a 5k Fundraiser Race giving Festival patrons the opportunity to exercise before they imbibe. The 5k Race raises money for the Telluride Adaptive Sports Program in remembrance of dear festival friend Felix Snow. Beginning and ending in Telluride's Elks Park, Blisters & Brews provides runners with a safe, beautiful way to kick off their Saturday in downtown Telluride. The route and start/finish area have been planned to enhance the running experience and highlight the beauty of the heart of Telluride.
Outside Group Hike
Kick your Sunday morning into high gear! Join other festival-goers on a brisk but leisurely hike on one of Telluride’s most popular trails up to the beautiful Bear Creek Waterfall. Hosted by Festival partner Outside, the group hike begins on Sunday, September 17 at 9:00 am from the Outside booth inside the festival grounds. The group will access the trail from the end of South Pine Street and enjoy a steady 2-mile climb leading up to the falls. Hikers should plan for approximately 1 hour to reach the falls. Team members from Outside will be on-site to answer questions about hiking, gear and more. They’ll also offering demo gear to try out and giving away free swag! For more info, make sure to stop by their booth inside the festival.
Revel Bikes
The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival is thrilled to team up with Revel Bikes. Based in Carbondale, Colorado, Revel Bikes makes some of the absolute best full-suspension mountain bikes. Mountain bikers are welcome to join them for a morning mountain bike ride with their team. Stop by the Revel booth in the Main Festival grounds for a chance to check out their new lineup of bikes and sign up for a demo.
Fais Do-Do
"Fais Do-Do" roughly translates to "Cajun dance party” and will be the final show of the 29th Telluride Blues & Brews Festival. The show is sold out, but will be quite the experience for those attending as The Word brings the house down at the historic Sheridan Opera House to close the weekend.
Party!
Drinks At The Festival
Beer Tasting Sessions
The Brewers Showcase will feature five tasting sessions in a new Beer Garden on the festival grounds located in between the Main Stage and the Blues Stage. These sessions provide attendees with the opportunity to interact with the brewers on a more intimate level. Two of the sessions will be held on Friday afternoon, two on Saturday afternoon and one on Sunday. Four of the sessions will offer attendees a tasting experience with 23 breweries pouring over 60 styles of craft beer. The sessions will also feature a special tasting tent by the Colorado Brewers Guild serving the best in Colorado craft beer from select breweries that can’t attend the event. Each session will run for two hours in length. Click here to learn more.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival is thrilled to team up again with long time craft beer partner Sierra Nevada Brewing Company for the 2023 Festival! Enjoy a variety of their beers at the Sierra Nevada Beer Truck, VIP bars, House of Brews, Blues Stage bars and special High Altitude Lounge. From an easy-drinking, festival exclusive Scapegoat Blonde, hoppy IPA’s and wild creations, Sierra Nevada’s styles will satisfy casual beer drinkers, aficionados and everything in between. Click here to explore the full list.
Beyond Beer: Hard Kombucha, Cider and Seltzer
For those looking to mix it up from our extensive craft beer, wine and cocktail offerings at the 2023 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, we are pleased to offer a selection of hard kombuchas, ciders and seltzers at our festival bars. Click here to explore the options.
Spirits & cocktails
We are thrilled to announce that we have partnered with Hotaling & Co. to curate a remarkable assortment of craft tequila, whiskey, and gin for our 2023 festival-goers. We are also excited to welcome back Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Along with a variety of classic cocktails, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company will be serving the best vodka lemonades made with fresh juice at the 2023 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival. Cheers!
Wine
More than just brews, we are excited to present a list of wine from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates with full-bodied reds with bold flavors to dry, zesty whites with a smooth finish. Our festival wine list has something for every kind of wine enthusiast.
Green
Marijuana use, possession and purchase is legal in Telluride! For those interested in marijuana use, we suggest asking the experts at the O.PenVAPE booth or at the Telluride Green Room about usage laws and effects. Like alcohol, marijuana can be enjoyable, but dangerous if consumed in excess. Go slow at first, especially with edible consumption! Festival partner O.PenVAPE will be on-site all weekend and is ready to talk with attendees ages 21 and up about all things marijuana and vaporizer innovation, so make sure to stop by their booth! If you're in town, make sure to swing by the Telluride Green Room!
Casual Mountain Biking on Telluride's Valley Floor
Explore like a Local
Telluride is one of the best towns in the world for outdoor recreation! The towering peaks of the San Juan Mountain Range offer adventure for novices to pros alike.
Survive
If you’re up for adventure, there are plenty of beautiful hikes starting directly from downtown Telluride to explore: Bear Creek Trail is less than one block from Town Park (located on South Pine Street) and is a perfect beginner trail up to a waterfall. For a complete list of trails in the region, explore the hiking guide here.
Thrive
If you're seeking a more challenging hike, check out the Jud Wiebe Trail (located on North Aspen Street) which takes you to a gorgeous overlook of the entire town.
Mountain Biking
Survive
Miles upon miles of single-track trails span throughout the Telluride box canyon. Beginners should start with the Valley Floor Trail.
Thrive
Mountain bikers! Join festival partner Revel Bikes for exciting morning mountain bike rides around Telluride’s renowned single track! These rides will start and end right near the festival gates on Saturday and Sunday mornings before the music starts on the Main Stage. Stop by the Revel Bikes booth in the Main Festival grounds for ride details. Make sure to bring your mountain bike or stop by their booth to reserve a demo, helmet, water, snacks and any other riding gear.
4x4 Off Road Drive in Telluride, Colorado - Photo by Ryan Bonneau
Scenic Off-Road Drive
Survive
Many scenic paved and backcountry roads weave the peaks and valleys of Telluride. For those without a four-wheel drive car HWY 145 South towards Dolores offers stunning views of the Telluride Valley, Wilson Mesa and Lizard Head Pass.
Thrive
Those with a four-wheel drive, high clearance car can consider a trip to Bridal Veil Falls.
Ride the Gondola - The only FREE transportation of its kind in the country, Telluride’s Gondola is a must-do while visiting during the week. If you don’t journey up to the free concert on Thursday night, make sure you take the time to check out this spectacular ride. Get out up top (San Sophia) to hike around or ride the Gondola down into Mountain Village to check out the local bars, shops and restaurants. The Gondola runs from 6:30 am to 12:00 am on Thursday, 6:30 am to 2:00 am on both Friday and Saturday, and 6:30 am to 12:00 am on Sunday of the festival.
Paddleboarding - Located 27 minutes South of Telluride Trout Lake offers stunning paddleboarding with beautiful alpine views. Paddleboards can be rented locally at Bootdoctors.
Fly-Fishing - Telluride is an angler’s paradise. Alpine lakes, creeks and rivers are frequent throughout the Telluride region. For more information about fly-fishing click here.
For more information about hiking, diving, paddleboarding, fly-fishing and biking in Telluride’s visitor guide.
Sip, Taste & Shop
Historical downtown Telluride is home to an abundance of great merchant shops and art galleries. From boutique clothing shops, inviting art galleries, and unique Victorian architecture, it’s easy to spend a day exploring. Visit Telluride.com for a full shopping guide.
Survive - Food At The Festival
Festival Food - If you're a foodie, prepare for food heaven! The delicious food vendor menus at the 2023 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival will keep your taste buds satisfied all weekend long. Our vendors satisfy even the most particular eater. Gluten-free? They've got you covered! Vegan or vegetarian? No problem! Paleo diet? You're in luck! Get to know the 2023 vendors here.
Thrive - Food On The Town
Some of the country’s most celebrated chefs call Telluride home. Truth is, you sort of work up an appetite here, and whether you’re looking for a fresh pizza, foie gras, or free-range steak, we’ve got a collection of restaurants that get our mouths watering just talking about them. For a list of Telluride restaurants, visit the Dining Guide.
Getting Around
Survive - Public Transportation
Ride the Gondola - The only FREE transportation of its kind in the country, Telluride’s Gondola is the best way to get to and from, Telluride to Mountain Village. Special festival hours:
Thursday - 7:00 am - 12:00 am
Friday and Saturday - 7:00 am - 2:00 am
Sunday - 7:00 am - 12:00 am
Ride the Galloping Goose - The Galloping Goose shuttle buses run every 20 minutes and is free. Stops are located every few blocks throughout Telluride, operating during the same hours as the Gondola for the weekend.
Transportation within Mountain Village - Free shuttles run throughout Mountain Village every half hour. Dial-A-Ride is available daily to guests in Mountain Village between 7 am and 12:30 am during summer and winter. Call 970.728.8888 for information.
Thrive - Telluride Express
Telluride Express - Our transportation partner, Telluride Express is Telluride's premier ground transportation service to and from all regional airports including Telluride, Montrose, Grand Junction, Durango, Cortez and Gunnison. They also offer door to door shared-ride, private and custom accommodations. To schedule a ride visit their website here or call (970) 728-6000.
Can’t Make It To The Festival? Tune Into The Livestream
Can't make this year's festival? You're in luck! Telluride Blues & Brews Festival will be airing the festival live from Town Park all weekend long with the help from our local community radio station KOTO FM. Stay tuned for more info coming soon.
DOWNLOAD THE SCHEDULES TO YOUR PHONE
We're reducing our carbon footprint and are not printing program guides this year. Download the schedules below so you’ll have them handy on your phone in case service is bad in Town Park. Save the schedules and create your own personalized itinerary and plan your days in advance.
Touch and hold each picture below to download them.
SIGN UP FOR TEXT UPDATES
This year, we'll be delivering our news, schedule changes, reminders and announcements through SMS text messages. We'll keep it to one text per day during the festival with the daily schedule so you’ll have them handy on your phone in case service is bad in Town Park. We'll also send out schedule changes or weather alerts if needed. You can unsubscribe at anytime. Sign up below.