Can you hear it? The sounds of distant jam sessions, the laughter of old friends reuniting for another season…
And can you feel it? The hot Colorado sun warming your skin and that nostalgia-inducing summer night air cutting through the heat of the day? The inescapable energy from the moment you set up camp until the last song of the final set of the closing day…
It’s that time of year: festival season. And what better way to kick off summer than under blue skies, surrounded by peaks of the San Juan Mountains?
This June marks 45 years of music for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, which is set to take place June 21-24, 2018, and is sure to deliver a line-up of music and fun for the entire family. The annual summer solstice event draws festivarians of all ages, creeds and cultures from nearby mountain towns and cities thousands of miles away, and will feature artists like Chris Thile, Bela Fleck, Emmylou Harris, and Sam Bush, and bands including Greensky Bluegrass, The Wood Brothers, The Infamous Stringdusters, Yonder Mountain String Band, Punch Brothers and so many more. As you mark your calendar, count down the days, and start hitting up the grandparents to watch the kids for the weekend, reconsider! Maybe this is the year to let the little ones tag along for the memory-making adventure that is Telluride Bluegrass. Here’s why:
Inside Telluride Bluegrass: The Family Tent
Each day of the Festival (noon-5 p.m.), kids can participate in (mostly) free activities at the Family Tent – the “whimsical, music, and educational activities” headquarters.
Activities include arts and crafts, hoop decorating, face painting, yoga, listening to story telling sessions, sing-a-longs and more. This area is also wonderfully shaded and a provides a relaxing place to cool down with the kiddos during set breaks.
Also in this area is the Jugglers’ Grove where kids can learn how to juggle and help others hone their skills in the Jugglers’ Grove each day of the Festival!
And finally, the Annual Kid’s Parade celebrates the last day of the Festival. Bring the kids to the 21st annual Kid’s Parade for a march around the festival featuring giant puppets and the carrying of banners and flags!
Around Telluride: Hiking, Biking and More
The town of Telluride provides to access play areas and miles of creeks, forest roads and singletrack for the whole family.
Playgrounds & More
In addition to a free Telluride/Mountain Village gondola ride to kick off the family fun, you will also find playgrounds with slides, swings and more near the festival grounds. These are great places for little ones to roam free (while supervised) while still letting parents hear music from the main stage.
Hiking
If you’re looking to escape the festival crowds for a little while, head over to the San Miguel River Trail. Along the way, explore the local vendors at the Telluride Farmers Market for some local eats and yummy treats (ice cream!). The Trail provides kids with an easy four mile path along the San Miguel and plenty of entertaining wildflowers and birds.
The kids want a longer hike? Follow the trail east to connect to the Idarado Mining Legacy Trail Pandora Mill. From here, you can also access the road to Bridal Veil Falls, a 1.8 mile hike to the tallest free-falling waterfall in the state.
Biking
Need a more intense workout? Mountain biking is a favorite for Telluride Bluegrass Festival-goers and the town has trails for all abilities. Riders can hit some downhill at the Mountain Village Downhill Park and find more secluded singletrack all around Telluride. Check out the MTB Project site for all the details.
Fishing
Finally, if you (and the kids) are looking for a more relaxing option — pack a picnic, grab the fly rod and head for the river. Anglers have great options nearby and within an hour’s drive of town including the San Miguel River, Upper Dolores River and the Uncompahgre River. For all the intel (flies, water flows, access points, etc.), reach out to the local fly shops.
The Telluride Bluegrass Festival is more than “just” music. This annual gathering has something for everyone, even the kids! So pack up the gear (including sunblock, your best wide brim hat, a kid carrier/wagon and some kid-sized ear protection), grab your tickets and get ready for a weekend the little ones will never forget.
