Two-day, two-stage immersive format is headlined by The Disco Biscuits, Lettuce, Don Was & The Pan Detroit Ensemble, Robert Randolph on the Main Stage with jazz standouts Endea Owens & The Cookout and Theo Croker highlighting the new Foundation Stage
The Telluride Jazz Festival has unveiled its 2026 artist lineup, featuring rare performances, special tribute sets, vibrant collaborations, boundary-pushing groups, and traditional jazz artists. Headliners include The Disco Biscuits: Powered Down, Lettuce: Celebrating the 100th Birthday of Miles Davis, Don Was & The Pan Detroit Ensemble honoring 50 years of The Grateful Dead’s Blues for Allah, Grammy Award-winning Robert Randolph, and more.
The festival introduces a new two-stage format, designed to showcase both the roots of jazz and the genre’s ongoing evolution.
2026 Artist Lineup
The Disco Biscuits: Powered Down – Legends in the jam-band scene, The Disco Biscuits make their Telluride debut with a rare Powered Down show. This stripped-back, piano-driven, acoustic yet electric set, leans into improvisation and musical interplay. This Powered Down performance is a Colorado exclusive for 2026.
Lettuce: Celebrating the 100th Birthday of Miles Davis – Drawing from Miles’ electric era, Lettuce brings their deep-pocket groove and improvisational fire to one of the most influential periods in jazz history.
Don Was & The Pan Detroit Ensemble – 50 Years of Blues For Allah – Led by Blue Note Records president Don Was, the Pan Detroit Ensemble reimagines the Grateful Dead’s Blues for Allah with rich, jazz-infused arrangements.
Robert Randolph – 2026 Grammy Award-winning pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph showcases his virtuosic style rooted in gospel, soul, and blues.
Adrian Quesada's Trio Asesino – Grammy-winning guitarist and Black Pumas co-leader Adrian Quesada presents a cinematic, instrumental project blending Latin, psychedelic, and protest-inspired influences.
DTF: Deitch, Teitel, Fribush – This Hammond organ trio supergroup fuses modern groove-based jazz, hip-hop-infused “future funk,” and experimental textures for high-energy live performances featuring Lettuce/Break Science drummer Adam Deitch, The Rumble/Dumpstaphunk guitarist Ari Teitel and Hiss Golden Messenger organ player Sam Fribush.
Endea Owens & The Cookout – A high-energy ensemble blending jazz, soul, and groove-driven rhythms into joyful, community-centered performances.
Theo Croker – Trumpeter and composer Theo Croker fuses jazz, funk, hip-hop, and electronic influences to create a forward-thinking, genre-defying sound.
Voodoo Orchestra - An elite student jazz ensemble directed by Caleb Chapman known for its high-energy performances, advanced musicianship, and collaborations with world-class artists. The group blends traditional big band jazz with modern styles, earning national recognition for its professionalism and innovative approach.
University of Colorado Boulder Thompson Jazz Combo - A small, audition-based ensemble highlighting the best of the University's jazz studies program, focused on developing advanced improvisation and modern jazz repertoire. Known for its tight musicianship and creative expression, the combo often performs both classic standards and contemporary works.
Telluride Student All-Stars Jazz Ensemble - The Telluride Student All-Stars Jazz Ensemble is a premier youth jazz group led by professional program alum Josh Quinlan and Annie Booth that brings together talented high school musicians for intensive summer training and performance at the Telluride Jazz Festival. The ensemble emphasizes advanced improvisation, ensemble cohesion, and exposure to professional jazz practices, providing students with a high-level, performance-driven experience.
TBA – An additional artist to be announced.
New Two-Stage Format & Festival Highlights
The 2026 festival introduces an expanded two-stage experience, pairing the dynamic Main Stage with the debut of the Foundation Stage for a richer, more immersive program. The Main Stage will feature genre-blending artists and boundary-pushing performances, while the Foundation Stage will highlight traditional jazz and its foundational roots.
Other highlights include:
Jazz After Dark: Late-night shows on Friday and Saturday evenings at three locations.
Opening Show: Thursday kickoff performance in Mountain Village.
New! Jazz Brunch: Sunday morning in Mountain Village.
Second Line Parade: Saturday morning fan favorite.
Passes & Tickets
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 10 a.m. MDT, including the new Society Pass. Early buyers can take advantage of Tier 1 pricing until July 15.
General Admission
2-Day Pass: Tier 1 – $230 | Tier 2 – $260
Friday Single Day: Tier 1 – $130 | Tier 2 – $150
Saturday Single Day: Tier 1 – $130 | Tier 2 – $150
VIP Experience - VIP Pass offers access to a dedicated viewing area with unobstructed sightlines in front of the stage, along with a private space to relax, connect, and enjoy the festival throughout the day. Guests enjoy a daily hosted happy hour featuring craft beer, wine, and specialty cocktails, along with upgraded amenities including private restrooms and priority entry to the festival. Designed for those who want a more seamless and comfortable experience—while staying fully immersed in the energy of Telluride Town Park.
2 Day VIP – Tier 1 - $450 | Tier 2 - $480
Single Day VIP Friday – $265
Single Day VIP Saturday – $265
New! Jazz Society Club Pass ($2,500) - Elevate your weekend with a more intimate connection to the music, the setting, and the artists. The Society Club Pass is crafted for those who want to move seamlessly through the festival while enjoying premium access, thoughtful hospitality, and a fully curated experience.
At the center of Society Club is unparalleled proximity to the music—anchored by an on-stage viewing platform that places you just steps from the performers. The experience is complemented by a dynamic culinary program featuring chef-driven meals, live show cooking, and a dedicated seafood/raw bar, alongside a full-service open bar with craft cocktails, wine, and premium selections. With backstage dining moments, priority access to late-night programming, and refined spaces to relax throughout the day, Society Club offers a festival experience that is immersive, social, and effortless.
Safari Cabanas - Safari Cabanas offer the perfect way for groups to enjoy the Festival in comfort and style. Each cabana features a premium wall tent, thoughtfully curated with luxurious amenities and concierge service. Outfitted with stylish décor, a covered front porch, a fire pit, and relaxed seating for eight, these specialty tents provide an ideal space to watch Main Stage performances, spend the day with friends, or make your home base in Town Park.
Standard Cabana – $3,500
Premium View Cabana – $4,000
Camping Passes - Camp out under the stars in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, steps from the stages and historic downtown Telluride. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, the festival grounds provide an extraordinary backdrop for a weekend filled with world-class music, relaxation, and camaraderie.
3-Day Camping – $65
Vehicle Pass (limited to 30) – $275
RV Pass (limited to 10) – $475
Jazz After Dark - Three shows each night, one pass. Jazz After Dark is the premier after hours concert series during the Festival, extending the music into intimate venues including the historic Sheridan Opera House, The Moon at O’Bannon’s and The Alibi. Attendees can enjoy Don Was & the Pan Detroit Ensemble and Robert Randolph at the Sheridan Opera House, DTF: Deitch, Teitel, Fribush and Adrian Quesada at The Moon at O’Bannon’s. The Alibi will host a late night jazz club featuring Theo Croker and Endea Owens & the Cookout.
Friday – $35 | Saturday – $35
