Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Colorado

The Telluride Bluegrass Festival 2011 unfolds over three days in June, bringing music to this renewed mining town best known for its skiing. In the summer, Telluride is blessed with long, sunny days and pleasant views. This three-day celebration, with the mountains as a stunning backdrop, features a long list of music acts. As you would expect from the Telluride Bluegrass Festival lineup, some of the best and biggest names in the field will make their way to the mountains in the summer.

Telluride Bluegrass Festival History and Facts

The first festival was held in 1973 in conjunction with the summer solstice. Every year, one of the most popular Colorado events happens around the official start of summer and the longest day of the year. Over the years, more and more people have gathered in the heart of the San Juan Mountains to enjoy great scenery and great music. The Telluride Bluegrass Festival lineup gets stronger every summer.

Tickets to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival

Admission is charged for anyone over the age of 12, and all kids need to have an adult with them. 2011 Telluride Bluegrass Festival tickets are available for one day, or you could upgrade to a full festival pass.

Telluride Bluegrass Festival tickets also are available for the NightGrass series. These concerts are held a the Sheridan Opera House and the Fly Me to the Moon Saloon. Both are a short walk away from the Town Park grounds, and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival lineup is even better when you add in these shows. A few concerts also take place at the Telluride Conference Center, a free gondola ride away from the heart of town.

Directions to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival

Telluride is nestled in the Rocky Mountains along the San Juan Skyway. This scenic drive is a 200-plus mile loop that passes through other historic mining towns such as Durango, Cortez, Silverton, and Ouray. From Durango, follow the Skyway (Highway 160) west to Cortez, where the Skyway turns to Highway 145. Follow that north until you arrive at Telluride.

The trip from Denver is about 330 miles. Once you have your Telluride Bluegrass Festival tickets in the car with you, follow Interstate 70 to the west until Route 50 in Grand Junction. In Montrose, take Route 550 until Highway 62, which is a short trip to Route 145 into Telluride.

From Highway 145 and the Telluride airport, the festival's home is easy to reach. Take Colorado Road to the east until you reach Telluride Town Park at 500 E. Colorado Avenue. A free shuttle runs throughout town, and much of the small town is within walking distance.

Lodging near the Telluride Bluegrass Festival

Camping is a popular way to experience the festival. Several campgrounds provide a place for festival-goers to spend the overnight. Many of the campsites require four-day passes, which cost the same whether you're planning to spend one night or four. Both tent camping and RVs can be accommodated at the various campgrounds.

If you'd rather stay in a plush accommodations, you'll have plenty of choices in Telluride. Whether you choose a cozy mountain chalet, friendly bed and breakfast inn, or one of the Colorado hotels, you'll have a fine place to spend the night and check out the Telluride Bluegrass Festival lineup for the next day.

Right in the heart of Mountain Village, the Hotel Madeline is located at 568 Mountain Village Boulevard. The elegant hotel, which offers excellent views of the San Juan peaks, has 89 guestrooms and suites. The former Capella Telluride pampers its guests with refined luxury, along with an indoor pool, spa, and fireside lounge.

The Hotel Telluride at 199 North Cornet Street welcomes guests during the bluegrass festival as well as ski season. The guestrooms feature high thread count sheets and MP3 players, as well as luxury bath products. The rooms also have private patios or balconies, a place to sit, relax, and soak in the mountain views.

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