The Telluride Bluegrass Festival 2025 is not sold out yet, offering fans a chance to attend.
The festival, happening from June 19-22, is a big deal in town, drawing around 12,000 music lovers each day to enjoy performances in a stunning box canyon. It’s pretty rare for tickets to still be up for grabs, as they usually sell out in a flash.
Tucker doesn’t think the lineup is the issue. This year’s headliners include Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Allison Krauss & Union Station, Lake Street Dive, and the legendary Sam Bush, who’s been part of the festival for over 50 years.
He suspects that some folks might be hesitant to even look for tickets because they assume it’s already sold out. Tucker mentioned that they’re trying to change that mindset.
In recent years, Planet Bluegrass has been tackling the frustration of sell-outs. For the 50th anniversary in 2023, they reclaimed tickets from scalpers and bots, reselling them to real fans. Last year, they introduced a pre-sale registration system to ensure buyers were genuine people. Fans paid a small fee to get early access to tickets, which also helped fund their carbon offset initiatives.
Interestingly, the festival didn’t technically sell out in 2024. Telluride allowed them to increase capacity, so there were tickets available for walk-up attendees. It was close, but not completely sold out.
Economic factors might be affecting ticket sales too. Festivals across the U.S. have seen a dip in sales, with some smaller events being canceled due to low interest. Even big names like The Black Keys and Jennifer Lopez have faced challenges.
Fans on Reddit have pointed out that high ticket prices, unpredictable weather, and a crowded summer festival schedule could be turning people away. For instance, a four-day pass to the Electric Forest festival costs around $600, plus camping fees.
Tucker acknowledged that no event is immune to the current economic climate. However, he believes the Telluride Bluegrass Festival is in a better position than many others due to its rich history and the community it fosters. He sees the current ticket availability as a chance to welcome new fans into the festival family.
“This is your opportunity to make this happen,” Tucker said, encouraging everyone to join in on the fun.
Tickets for the 52nd Telluride Bluegrass Festival are priced at $130 for a single day and $405 for a four-day pass. You can find more info and camping options at shop.bluegrass.com.
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