Burp Fest at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival 2026

The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival traces its roots back to 1994, when it launched as the modest Telluride Brewer's Festival — a four-hour afternoon tasting featuring just 18 microbreweries. An unbilled local band called The String Cheese Incident played to the small crowd, a bit of festival lore that has taken on legendary status as the band went on to become one of the jam scene's biggest acts.

Festival founder and director Steve Gumble, operating through his SBG Productions company, saw an opportunity to evolve the concept. In 1997, the "Blues" officially came on board, with inaugural blues artists including The Funky Meters, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, and Leon Redbone. The addition of live music transformed the event from a straightforward beer tasting into a destination festival that married two of Colorado's greatest cultural assets: craft beer and live music.

Over the following decades, the festival grew into one of Colorado's most beloved annual events. Its intimate mountain-town setting, limited capacity, and commitment to booking both legendary and emerging artists created a loyal following that drives the event to sell out year after year. The decision to put 2026 tickets on sale earlier than ever — starting in November 2025 — reflects the festival's growing demand. The Telluride Blues & Brews has become more than a festival; it is a pilgrimage for music and beer lovers who return annually to experience the unique magic of world-class performances framed by 14,000-foot peaks and golden aspens.