My man and I are newbies to TBF and are super excited! We lucked out and got TP camping passes. We’re coming from the bay area, starting our drive early Sat morn on the 11th. Our plan was to make a trip out of the drive, hiking and camping along the way, seeing as southern Utah is georgeous (and, it’s our honeymoon). BUT, are we crazy?! Should we just be driving straight to Telluride??? What’s happening during those pre-fest days that have you all fired up? Because I’m not sure I want to miss it. We’ve been to other festivals and work at the Oregon Country Fair every year, so we’re not new to festivals in general, just this one (which I’ve been dreaming about going to for years).
Also, I know alcohol is allowed in TP. Does that include kegs (pony or full-size)?
Now, I can’t attest to your saneness. You are going to be joining us in TP after all and whoo boy, wait till you meet some of the folks.
Lots of festivities! goddess walkabout, rumballs, potlucks, high noons, bloody marys, picks, music showcases, birthday parties, high-fives, trippin over that @#@#$ log, shooting stars, and many other general shenanigans. Kegs, both sizes, often make their appearances. Some of them containing delicious home-brews or sometimes mead if we’re lucky.
So many hikes that leave within walking distance from Town Park. Bridal Veil & Bear Creek falls are both great. Hike along the Weibe through the cemetery!
Hey Alli, I’m also driving from the Bay Area. This will be my 12th fest and I’ve done the fest arriving on Saturday before hand and also Wednesday before.
If you haven’t been to Southern Utah then I recommend you hit that on the way over since you aren’t there very often. Are you thinking Moab/Arches, Canyonlands? I highly recommend that area - it is pretty hot midday so keep that in mind.
The only issue with arriving later is finding a spot. You’ll still be able to but you won’t necessarily get to pick your ideal spot.
This will be my ninth Telluride but only my sixth in Town Park. The festival is fantastic, but anymore, the pre-fest is what I go for. There is so much going on during those days leading up to the festival. Up at Camp Run a Muck, we’ll be hosting a series of concerts featuring bands and artists from the campground. Some of them are in the band competition and some of them are just enjoying their time in town. We might even end up with one of the main stage acts playing in Run a Muck immediately following Leftover Salmon’s main stage show, but I can’t say anything more until that’s confirmed.
The other historic camps will have their events, as well. Rum Balls on Wednesday at MASH has been the unofficial official start to the festival for many years and is a great event. It looks like the Bloody Mary Morning is back this year on Monday morning, so you won’t want to miss that.
The Goddess Walk on Sunday is always a blast. Come don your best Goddess outfit and travel around camp with the rest of the Town Park Goddesses getting pampered by the rest of us. There are usually specialty shots, food items and keg stands involved (so a big YES to the kegs)!
Tropical Tuesday at Steamboat Springs is always a highlight. Usually some great music and some deliciously dangerous liquor being served up right by the waterfall.
It’s sounding like the dome won’t be here this year, so no New Year’s Eve Party Sunday night, but I’m sure there will be plenty of parties rising up to take it’s place. The Town Park Cup won’t be returning this year, either, but I’ve heard rumors that something big will be taking it’s place.
In addition to all of these planned activities, you never know when Vince Herman is going to start a picking circle in the bathhouse or a costume parade will break out.
The point is, once you get to Town Park, make sure to roam around and stop in at some of the bigger, historic camps during the day or night. And make sure to bring you own cup to Bloody Mary Morning, Tropical Tuesday, and Rumballs. It’s also a good idea to have one with you at all times because you never know when someone will offer to make you a fruity rum drink.
Allicat,
I hope you are crazy if you plan on hanging in TP for this festival. As far as keg sizes are concerned it is mandatory TP rules you bring the biggest keg you can manage…Sorry its the rules :huh
Oh and you will have plenty of fun arriving Saturday. Look for me Monday before Goddess walk: it starts around 4pm.
I visited southern Utah last year and absolutely LOVED it (did Arches and Canyonlands). However, I did it during the off season. Recent TV news stories have highlighted the HUGE crowds that are over-running the national parks. You MAY find huge lines there.
If this is your only chance to see these parks, you should go. But if you think you can see them in an off or shoulder season, the wait will be worth it.
I love southern Utah … all of it not just the 5 national parks! Spring and Fall are the best times to visit as it isn’t so hot during the day. You could spend YEARS exploring if you like the great outdoors, especially if you like red rock country. I try to take 2-3 trips there a year.
However, this festival is super special. Many including myself would say it is the best :medal Even more so, the people you will meet here ARE the Best!! :wave And as some of those same people have said already, the pre-fest is something that only happens once a year and it is probably more fun than the festival itself. Don’t get me wrong, the sets you will hear will be fantastic! You will be trying to catch as much of the music as possible. But something about that time prior to Thursday is just soooo cool! There’s time to meet new friends, who will become like family to you. Some crazy fun activities each day also! :flight :whip :bag :hop
Hit southern Utah on the way back, or a later date. You have TP passes! Come straight to Telluride, maybe one night on the way. Get here by mid day Sunday, find a place to put your tent by talking with people and see who you want to camp next to and/or with. Then put your fancy dress on (you did pack it right?), and come on over to Kamp DukTape for the start of the Goddess Walk! I think it starts at 4pm.
Be prepared for your life to be changed :thumbsup
:cheers Paul
Oh, I forgot to remind you that Hooch and Kara are mostly correct. Everyone showing up to TP late, after 8am on Saturday the 11th, are required to bring one keg for each day they are late. Size doesn’t matter as they say! Midday Sunday, you’ll only be required to have 2 kegs. :cheers
Wow! Well, seeing as our car can’t fit 5 kegs, I guess we’re obliged to show up earlier. Thanks for all the info. Sounds ridiculously fun. See y’all soon!