Your 2025 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival Survival Guide
Ready for a weekend of world-class music, craft beer, and mountain magic? Telluride Blues & Brews isn’t just about the Main Stage — it’s yoga in the park, group hikes, a 5K fundraiser, late-night Juke Joints, and food that will keep you dancing. Use this guide to plan ahead, pack smart, and get the most out of your time in Telluride.
Weather, Packing & Travel
September in Telluride is pure magic — golden aspens, sunny afternoons, and crisp evenings. But mountain weather is unpredictable. You could see sunshine, rain, or even snow in one day, so pack for it all.
Average temps mid-September: High 62°F / Low 45°F
Sunset: ~7:15 pm (expect quick temp drops after dark)
What to bring:
Valid photo ID
Reusable water bottle (free hydration stations)
Sunscreen + hat
Backpack or wagon
Low-back lawn chair (no high-backs near stage)
Tarp/blanket (5x8 max — please share!)
Cooler with sealed water/soda/food (subject to search)
Snacks
Warm layers (gloves, hat, long underwear)
Rain gear + waterproof boots
Camera (phones & point-and-shoots only; no detachable lenses)
Stroller (yes!)
Leave at home:
Glass, pets, outside alcohol, illegal drugs, unlicensed vending, professional camera gear, frisbees, shelled nuts (yep), weapons.
Festival provides:
Free water, plenty of restrooms and sinks, compost/recycling/trash stations, food + craft vendors, drinks for purchase, kids’ area, medical tent, and lost & found.
Tickets & Wristbands
All RFID wristbands must be activated online before the festival to enable entry and cashless payments. Super VIP, VIP, GA 3-Day, and single-day passes are shipped in advance.
Do: Register your wristband and wear it securely all weekend.
Don’t: Remove, stretch, or tamper with it — damaged bands will be void.
Lost wristband? Contact info@tellurideblues.com or 970-728-8037. Replacement fee: $25.
Not RFID (pick up at Box Office): Camping, Late Night Shows (Bal De Maison, Juke Joints, Fais Do Do).
Box Office Location: 300 E Pacific Street
Thu: 12–5 pm
Fri–Sat: 10:30 am–8:15 pm
Sun: 9:30 am–7:15 pm
All sales final. Only wristbands purchased via Front Gate Tickets are valid.
Festival Like a Pro: Beyond the Main Stage
Blues Stage – Indoor music + comedy, great for a mid-day reset.
Yoga Sessions – Sat & Sun mornings in Elks Park with instructor Annika Kristiansen. All levels welcome.
Rainbow Kids Area – Parades, clowns, climbing walls, face painting, bounce games & more.
Bal De Maison – Thursday opener with Samantha Fish (sold out).
Juke Joint Shows – Late-night sets at Sheridan Opera House, Elks Lodge, Blues Stage & more. Passes grant access to all venues, but space is limited — arrive early!
Blisters & Brews 5K – Saturday morning fundraiser for Telluride Adaptive Sports Program. Run, walk, or roll.
Fais Do-Do – Cajun-style closing party at Sheridan Opera House with David Shaw.
Drinks at the Festival
Beer Tasting Sessions
4 sessions in the Beer Garden (Fri & Sat afternoons).
28 breweries, 70+ styles, plus a Colorado Brewers Guild tent.
Special Sat evening session: high-ABV, barrel-aged, rare & wild beers.
House of Brews
Daily rotating taps from Sierra Nevada + festival breweries.
10+ styles daily, each beer offered once in limited quantities.
Sierra Nevada Special Releases
Rare, aged, and experimental beers tapped between Main Stage sets. One keg only — when it’s gone, it’s gone.
Explore Like a Local
Telluride is an outdoor playground. When you’re not at the fest, squeeze in some adventure:
Hiking – Bear Creek Trail (waterfall views, easy access) or Jud Wiebe Trail (challenging, with town overlook).
Mountain Biking – Join Revel Bikes rides or hit local singletrack. Beginners: Valley Floor Trail.
Scenic Drive – Hwy 145 toward Dolores (views of Wilson Mesa & Lizard Head Pass). With 4WD: Bridal Veil Falls.
Ride the Gondola – Free, one-of-a-kind ride between Telluride & Mountain Village. Stunning views day or night.
Paddleboarding – Trout Lake, 27 minutes south of town. Rentals available locally.
Fly Fishing – Lakes, rivers, and creeks galore.
Food: Fuel Your Festival
Onsite Eats – Tex-Mex wraps, Greek salads, BBQ, fried chicken, and more. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.
Around Town – From pizza to fine dining, Telluride’s food scene is world-class. Check the Dining Guide for picks.
Getting Around
Gondola – Free Telluride ↔ Mountain Village. Festival hours:
Thu: 7 am–12 am
Fri & Sat: 7 am–1 am
Sun: 7 am–12 am
Galloping Goose Shuttle – Free, every 20 minutes around town.
Mountain Village Shuttles – Free daily service + Dial-A-Ride (970-728-8888).
Telluride Express – Ground transport to/from regional airports. Call (970) 728-6000.
Can’t Make It? Tune In
Catch the free festival livestream all weekend via KOTO Community Radio, featuring exclusive artist interviews between sets.
Quick Tips
Download daily schedules to your phone
Bring a water bottle & stay hydrated
Share your tarp, make new friends
Dress in layers — you’ll thank yourself at sunset
Most of all… soak it in — the music, the beer, the mountains, the memories.
That’s your complete survival guide for Telluride Blues & Brews Festival 2025. Pack smart, plan ahead, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend in the San Juan Mountains.