Every summer, Telluride, Colorado, is transformed into a film lover’s wonderland. Think Cannes meets the Colorado backcountry. Whether it’s your first time attending or your tenth, here’s how to make the most of every moment at the Telluride Film Festival.
Day 1: Saturday
Morning
Swing by the Brigadoon Hospitality Tent on Brigadoon Plaza to grab your festival lanyard and bask in the excitement of what’s to come. Check out the festival schedule, snag a program, and browse festival merch and movie posters. From there, walk to Elk’s Park to catch the free “Coffee & Conversations” event. Find a seat and listen in on an intimate panel where surprise actors and directors talk shop.
Fuel up before the film frenzy at The Butcher & The Baker, a counter-service spot known for its artisan pastries, homemade bread, and local ingredients. Order a breakfast burrito with sausage from a nearby farm, or go plant-forward with a seasonal veggie hash. Pair your meal with a nitro cold brew, a Golden Milk latte, or kombucha on tap. If you don’t have much of an appetite, opt instead for a flat white or an espresso shot from Coffee Cowboy—a converted Airstream serving early-morning beverages to festival goers just off the main drag.
Once the secret schedule drops, make your way to the Werner Herzog Theatre or the Palm to wait for the buzzy premiere of your choice. Getting in line early to trade theories with fellow cinephiles is half the fun, so bring a blanket and chat with new friends while the San Juan Mountains glow in the background.
Afternoon
Hop on the free gondola to Mountain Village for a scenic midday break. Soak up jaw-dropping views of aspens, cliffs, and Telluride below from 10,500 feet in the air. At the top, wander the European-inspired plazas, get a caffeine fix at Telluride Coffee, and browse artsy shops like Rinkevich Gallery. If you’re up for a little adventure, play a round of disc golf or soar above the mountains on a zipline tour. Pro tip: The gondola runs until midnight, so use it later to catch panoramic sunset views or grab drinks at Telluride Distilling Company.
For lunch, enjoy Detroit-style pizza and local draft beer at Brown Dog Pizza. Bite into crispy pies like the Brooklyn Bridge, a sausage and pepperoni pizza that was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. If you’d rather go for Mexican food, head to La Cocina de Luz for tacos, enchiladas, or tostadas. Choose between fillings like carne asada or pulled chicken, and pair your meal with a Mexican coke.
Make your way to the Galaxy or Chuck Jones Cinema to watch a short film in the “Filmmakers of Tomorrow” series. Take advantage of these free shorts to discover emerging voices and experimental gems often overlooked for the big-name features. Many of the films offer a Q&A session with the filmmaker afterward, so stick around and cross your fingers.
Hoping to catch a red carpet premiere? Download the Telluride Film Festival app to snag a coveted “Q-number” at 2 p.m., it’s your digital spot in line for the evening’s hottest screening. These North American debuts are typically surprise drops, so leave your schedule open and stay flexible. Check in with volunteers or seasoned attendees for buzz about which title might be the must-see of the night—this is where making friends at the festival can pay off big-time.
Indulge in New American fare for dinner at 221 South Oak, a local gem tucked inside a historic miner’s cottage. Sit in the wood-floored dining room for white tablecloth service, or grab a cozy spot outside on the patio. Order off the vegetarian menu for inventive bites like beet tartare and creamy mushroom ravioli. Or, channel your carnivorous side with dishes like duck confit and braised bison short rib. Save room for dessert to treat yourself to the challah bread pudding, chocolate tart, or brown butter cheesecake.
Alternatively, grab dinner at Petite Maison to dine in a cozy-chic French brasserie. Think rustic mountain chalet meets contemporary bistro. Start with a bowl of French onion soup or mussels, then savor the pan-seared halibut or Coq Au Vin (red wine-braised chicken). Craving a cocktail? Try the Rose Garden Spritz, or get the Deux of Absinthe to compare traditional and new-world absinthe side-by-side. For dessert, the crème brûlée is a must.
Finish off your day under the stars at Elks Park, where cult classics screen on the lawn after dark. This year’s screening is Jean Cocteau’s 1946 Beauty and the Beast. Spread out a blanket, sip hot cocoa, and don’t be afraid to quote your favorite lines aloud. Bring a winter jacket to stay warm—temperatures can dip into the 30s, even this time of year.
Day 2: Sunday
Morning
Ease into Sunday with a sunrise stroll along the Bear Creek Falls trail, a peaceful 2-mile path that starts right in town and ends at a high alpine waterfall. Spot marmots, listen for woodpeckers, and watch the sky glow in pink and amber hues. Use this time as a relaxing reset to prepare yourself for another epic day of screenings.
Back in town, sit down for brunch at The Floradora Saloon for laid-back vibes and American breakfast staples. Go for the Avocado Bacon Omelet, or treat yourself to the decadent Breakfast Poutine smothered in sausage gravy. For a quicker bite, pop over to Baked in Telluride for a grab-and-go breakfast burrito or a warm cinnamon bun. Order a chai latte or drip coffee to pair with your meal, and head off for the next festival event.
Make your way to the Courthouse lawn to catch the Noon Seminar and listen to critics, directors, and insiders dive into the current state of cinema. It’s free, open to the public, and often delivers behind-the-scenes insights from top industry talent. It’s also a great spot to decompress with a drink between film screenings.
Afternoon
Pick an early-afternoon “TBA” screening to watch—these unannounced features often turn into sleeper hits. Roll the dice and choose one based on the venue or time slot, and you might just wind up seeing the next Oscar winner. Try asking festival staff members which one they recommend, just in case they’ve heard any whispers about which one is most worth your time.
Switch things up with a visit to the Sheridan Opera House courtyard, where you’ll find the annual Festival Poster Gallery. Admire past festival designs by famed artists and grab a print to bring home as a souvenir. Next, walk next door to Telluride Truffle to refuel with a few handmade truffles. Try creative flavors like Alpenglow (dark chocolate and Cabernet Sauvignon) and Bunny Hill (milk chocolate infused with banana).
If you’re itching to stretch your legs, rent a bike and cruise the Valley Floor trail for front-row views of Wilson Peak. Pedal past wildflower meadows, cottonwood trees, and the occasional hawk soaring overhead. This relaxing excursion is a favorite among festival goers without a car, so don’t wait until the last minute to secure your rental.
Evening
Time your dinner around golden hour to take a breathtaking gondola ride up to Allred’s in Mountain Village. Embrace the rustic elegance with touches like antler chandeliers and wood-beamed ceilings. Catch the sunset from the floor-to-ceiling windows—at more than 10,500 feet up, you’ve got the best view in town. Indulge in a three-course tasting menu with choices like wagyu beef carpaccio and Colorado rack of lamb. Reservations here are a must.
Glide back into town for the Telluride Film Festival’s Sunday night tribute screening at the Palm Theatre. Past honorees have included everyone from Cate Blanchett to Pedro Almodóvar, and are often surprise Oscar contenders. Afterwards, grab a drink and join the impromptu street party on Colorado Avenue to mingle with artists and filmmakers. Cap off your Telluride weekend with a nightcap at Last Dollar Saloon, a nearby watering hole that’s popular among locals and festival attendees alike. Choose from more than 60 beers on tap, including plenty of regional picks, and toast to the weekend on the rooftop deck.
