In addition to the many outdoor activities that Telluride has to offer, there are a number of good cultural and shopping opportunities, as well as many art galleries, in downtown Telluride. I enjoyed going back for the second time in September 2025. My recommendations include:
MIXX Projects: At 307 E. Colorado Ave., this is a contemporary gallery featuring art and home accessories. Tweed, Interior Design Studio and Boutique, at 151 S. Pine St., is a great home furnishings store as well.
On my recent trip, I enjoyed visiting the Tony Newlin Gallery at 100 W. Colorado Ave.for nature and wildlife photography and the Gold Mountain Gallery for paintings, furniture, lighting and sculptures. 135 W. Colorado Ave.
Make sure to visit the Telluride Arts District which features exhibition space, galleries and studios. They host the First Thursdays Art Walk, monthly from 5 pm to 8 pm. There are 15 galleries featured.
The Sheridan Opera House: Located in the historic New Sheridan Hotel, the Sheridan Opera House was built in 1913 as a vaudeville theater. This historic venue now hosts concerts, films and private events. Make sure to check out their website for the current schedule when you are in town. This intimate 238-seat theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also part of theThe Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit which connects five opera houses in the Colorado mountains including Aspen, Leadville and Ouray. 110 N. Oak St.
In addition to its many outdoor activities, Telluride has many cultural and music events throughout the year. The highlights include the Telluride Balloon Festival in June, Telluride Film Festival in August/ September, Telluride Brews & Blues Festival in September and the Sunset Concert Series in the Mountain Village.
Friends just returned and loved the experience provided by Telluride Wranglers. You take a horse drawn wagon through aspen and pine forests and then enjoy a chuck wagon style BBQ provided by a private chef. The menu features a number of burgers and sides. The company also features trail rides and sleigh rides in the winter.
Others include the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in June, Telluride Wine Festival, Telluride Chamber Music Festival. Telluride Plein Air Festival featuring landscape artists, Telluride Yoga Festival, Shakespeare in the Park and the Telluride Jazz Festival in August.
