Telluride's NightGrass Festival Kicks Off with Bluegrass Mainstage

AJ Lee and Blue Summit headline Thursday's lineup at the iconic Sheridan Opera House

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:00am

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An abstract illustration composed of sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, green, and yellow, capturing the energy and rhythm of a bluegrass music festival.The annual NightGrass festival in Telluride kicks off its four-day celebration of bluegrass music with a dynamic lineup of mainstage and late-night performances.Telluride Today

The annual NightGrass music festival in Telluride, Colorado kicked off this week with a Thursday afternoon mainstage performance by the bluegrass group AJ Lee and Blue Summit, followed by an evening NightGrass gig at the historic Sheridan Opera House.

Why it matters

NightGrass is one of the most anticipated bluegrass events in the Rocky Mountain region, drawing music fans from across the country to the scenic mountain town of Telluride. The festival's mix of daytime mainstage shows and intimate late-night club gigs has made it a beloved tradition for bluegrass aficionados.

The details

AJ Lee and Blue Summit, a rising young bluegrass act, took the mainstage on Thursday afternoon to kick off the four-day NightGrass festival. The group then transitioned to an evening NightGrass performance at the iconic Sheridan Opera House, one of the festival's signature late-night venues.

  • The NightGrass festival runs from April 11-14, 2026.
  • AJ Lee and Blue Summit performed on the mainstage on Thursday, April 14, 2026.

The players

AJ Lee and Blue Summit

A bluegrass group that headlined the Thursday mainstage and late-night NightGrass performances at the festival.

Sheridan Opera House

A historic music venue in Telluride that hosts many of the NightGrass festival's intimate late-night shows.

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What they’re saying

“NightGrass is the highlight of the year for any true bluegrass fan. The combination of big-name acts on the mainstage and the smaller, more personal club shows is what makes this festival so special.”

— Jenna Wilkins, Telluride resident

What’s next

The NightGrass festival will continue through the weekend, with additional mainstage and late-night performances scheduled at venues across Telluride.

The takeaway

The kickoff of the NightGrass festival in Telluride signals the start of the town's vibrant spring and summer music season, drawing bluegrass fans from near and far to experience the unique blend of big-stage shows and intimate club gigs that make this event a beloved tradition.