Cover Photo Credit: Shannon Farrell
The aspens are painting the mountains in green and Bridal Veil Falls is roaring, while the Telluride Bluegrass Festival banner is floating above Colorado Avenue.
It’s one of the best - and busiest - times of the summer in Telluride, Colorado. Every year, Planet Bluegrass prepares to host the four-day music festival that has welcomed the likes of Doc Watson, Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, Alison Krauss, James Taylor, Emmylou Harris, The Band, Johnny Cash, Billy Strings, and Sierra Ferrell, to name a few.
While the festival brings magic and music to the Box Canyon, it's also a marathon of long days and unpredictable weather, so be prepared for anything and everything. Here is everything you need (and want) for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival:
Telluride Bluegrass Apparel & Accessories
Photo Credit: Haley Becker
1. Rain Jacket
They say it rains every year at Telluride Bluegrass. Who are 'they'? We’re not sure—but they’re right. It rains every year.
Whether you invest in a lightweight and breathable option or the budget-friendly poncho, Jagged Edge Mountain Gear has rain jackets for everyone. Outdoor Research's Helium Rain Jacket is not only affordable, but also comes in vibrant colors!
2. Puffy
A down or synthetic puffy jacket is essential in any mountain town all year! When the sun goes down at 8,750 feet, it gets cold even if you’re grooving to Lake Street Dive with your favorite festy friends.
3. Festy Fashion
Q: How are Baja Llama button-up shirts, vintage tie-dye Jagged Edge tees, Toad & Co flowy floral dresses, Ripton jorts, and fur vests essential?
A: You can’t go naked.
Other Festival Essentials
- Extra Socks
- Comfortable Dancing Shoes
- Layers
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses
- Wide-brimmed Hat
Telluride Bluegrass Gear
Photo Credit: Nicole Bergman
1. Festival-approved Chair
What constitutes a festival-approved chair? According to Planet Bluegrass: “Please use only low-back chairs in front of the sound booth on the Festival grounds. If we can roll a basketball under it, we will ask you nicely to move behind the sound booth.”
Our favorite festival chair is Kelty's Low Loveseat - perfect for pals, pups, and partners. Rumor has it, Jagged Edge and Kelty are collaborating on a booth inside the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, too!
2. Daypack
A comfortable bag storage option is one of the most essential items for Telluride Bluegrass. Where else will you keep the rest of your need-to-have festy gear?
Backpacks and totes are ideal for the all-day adventure inside the festival, while fanny packs are ideal for easy access items, style, and supply refills if you can leave the festival during sets. Jagged Edge makes packs, bags, and totes in Colorado with US materials. You could even call us a festival-friendly brand!
3. Sunshade
You can think about the blinding sun at almost 9,000 feet and practically get a sunburn. Imagine dancing in a crowd and enjoying libations under that sun. Are you craving shade now? We know you are, and that’s why it’s crucial to come prepared with a means of escaping the sun rays and heat, whether that be a sunshade, cabana, or nearby river.
Thank us later.
4. Water Bottle
What’s more essential than water?
Pro tip: Add a carabiner to your water bottle for hands-free dancing!
5. Binoculars
If you’re in the back of the pack but desperate to see the Main Stage because Alison Krauss is headlining, then invest in binoculars or monocular. Nocs are lightweight, easy to use, waterproof, and styled in funky colors.
Other Festival Essentials
- Chapstick
- Coozie
- Gear Wagon
- Headlamp
- Packable Blanket
- Sunscreen
- Wipes
Shop at Jagged Edge Mountain Gear, the only locally owned mountain gear store in Telluride, Colorado, and check out the brand's locally sewn and USA-made products online or in-store.
