Indulge in the 2023 Patron Experience

Prepare yourself for a mouth watering culinary experience!

Renowned Telluride Chef Will Nolan has curated a top-tier food experience for Patron pass-holders. As a well-known name in the local restaurant scene, Nolan is poised to offer superior cuisine to patron pass-holders. The result is sure to be a dining experience unlike any other, with quality ingredients, expert preparation, and a chef-driven focus on healthy and flavorful food. The Patron experience is nothing short of exceptional. Trust us, this is exclusive world class luxury at an approachable price that you don’t want to miss!


Meet Chef Will Nolan

Chef Will, a New Orleans native, moved to Colorado in 1995 and has been a part of the culinary scene and an advocate of sustainable sourcing ever since. Will has had cooking in his blood as long as he can remember taking his first job at a young age in New York at The Mashomack Hunting Club, where he learned how to clean game birds and the art of the kitchen. During high school in New Orleans, he worked his way through all the ranks at BBQ restaurant, Tipton County until he finally became the youngest pitmaster around. After high school, he moved around the world to learn the culinary arts leading him to Singapore, where he helped to create a restaurant concept before moving back to New Orleans where he became saucier at the prestigious Grill Room in the Windsor Court Hotel. This experience ignited a kickoff into hotels where Will enjoyed a successful career working as the Executive Chef of hotels including The Wyndham Bourbon Orleans, The Palace Restaurant (General Palmer in Durango), Auberge's Hotel Madeline in Telluride and the Viceroy Snowmass. Recently he opened Little House in Telluride with MO Hospitality group and is the current chef/owner of BlackSalt Hospitality. Will's appreciation for sustainable sourcing has led him to numerous accolades and local and national TV features. Will was nominated in 2012 for Food & Wine’s best new chef and in the same year was featured on NBC's The Today Show. 


Backstage Dining

Backstage dining for Patrons puts an emphasis on high-quality, fresh, and locally-sourced ingredients. Patron passholders can enjoy lunch and dinner served alongside the festival artists in a cozy, covered lounge located backstage. It’s sure to be an exclusive sensory feast that complements the top of the line views and world class jazz performances. Dive into the full weekend menu!

Click menus to enlarge


Pair with Craft Cocktails curated for the Patron Experience

Experience an endless flow of craft beer, select wine, and specialty cocktails expertly crafted by mixologist Andrés Vargas-Johnson at the Patron Area's stage-view bars. Sip on the best beverages all weekend long without worrying about the tab. Get ready to enjoy an assortment of drinks, sit back, relax and enjoy the music.

Patron Experience Amenities

On-Stage Viewing Platform With An Open Bar

Watch your favorite performance from the side of the Main Stage. Covered on-stage seating offers the most intimate festival experience possible. Experience a clear view of performers and the beautiful Town Park backdrop with an open bar featuring craft beer, wine and specialty cocktails within arms reach.

Wine and Dine alongside the artists Backstage

Patrons can enjoy special backstage access featuring catered meals, a complimentary bar, covered dining area and upscale, patron restrooms backstage.

Complimentary bars with craft beer, wine and specialty cocktails

Enjoy an open bar all weekend long showcasing the best in craft beer, select wine and specialty cocktails prepared by mixologist Andrés Vargas-Johnson at stage-view bars in the Patron Area.

Private Opening Concert

Kick off the festival with a special opening concert on Thursday, August 10 featuring Tuba Skinny at the historic Sheridan Opera House.

"Dessert & Champagne" Opening Reception

Patron pass-holders will be greeted to creative cuisine, sparkling libations and live music. The Patron Welcome Reception will take place at the iconic Sheridan SHOW Bar in the heart of downtown Telluride. Setting the tone for an elegant weekend, the Reception features a meet-and-greet with the Board Of Directors for the Telluride Society For Jazz, live music and a special menu of culinary bites designed for the occasion.

Jazz After Dark Entry Both Nights with priority, early entry

After the festival ends in Town Park on Friday and Saturday (August 11 and 12), the music will continue into the night at Jazz After Dark shows located around town in Telluride's best indoor nightclubs and historic venues. Once the "Jazz After Dark" series gets jamming, a walk down Main Street feels like a walk down Frenchmen Street in New Orleans. Here, you can catch your choice of acts in an intimate, up close and personal setting at three venues. Get set-up at a comfortable pace with 15 minutes of early, priority entry before the general public.

Access to "The Final Waltz" Closing Show

The 2023 Telluride Jazz Festival concludes on Sunday, August 13 with a special performance from The Soul Rebels. Join us for what is sure to be a memorable way to end the Telluride Jazz Festival.

Access to Patron/VIP Area

Enjoy the music from an exclusive, less crowded Patron/VIP Area inside the festival with uninterrupted stage views. The Patron/VIP area also features yard games, fire pits and intimate pop-up shows.

Unobstructed Seated Viewing Area In Front of Stage

The VIP area offers a clear and up-close view of the stage featuring one of the most intimate concert experiences available.

Patron Restrooms

Dedicated, upscale restrooms will be available in the VIP and Patron Area.

Priority Check-In at Box Office

Skip the line and get straight to the fun with a dedicated check in.

Priority Entry To Festival And Jazz After Dark Shows

Get set-up at a comfortable pace with 15 minutes of early, priority entry before the general public.

Free entry to the Telluride Historical Museum

Situated in a historic, refurbished 1896 hospital, The Telluride Historical Museum brings Telluride’s past to life through exhibits, tours and events. The exhibits feature artifacts that highlight eras in the region's diverse history. The museum also employs expert historians to offer tours and insight of the museum and the many historic landmarks around town.

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