Telluride Autumn Classic 2025 – Colorado’s Premier Festival of Cars, Colors, and Culture
Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, the Telluride Autumn Classic stands as one of Colorado’s most vibrant celebrations of fall. More than just a car show, this event brings together the beauty of autumn, the passion of automotive enthusiasts, and the charm of Telluride’s historic mountain town.
A Festival Beyond Cars
The Telluride Autumn Classic is a three-day festival that transforms the town into a dynamic celebration of culture, design, and community. Enthusiasts and visitors alike experience an atmosphere where classic cars, luxury exotics, vintage motorcycles, art, and live music come together against a backdrop of golden aspens and towering peaks.
What sets this event apart is the fusion of automotive excellence with lifestyle experiences. It is not only about admiring rare vehicles but also about immersing oneself in curated activities that highlight the best of Telluride’s autumn season.
Highlights of the Telluride Autumn Classic
1. The Concours d’Elegance at 9,000 Feet
At the heart of the festival is the Concours d’Elegance, where rare classics and modern marvels line the streets and plazas. Vehicles are carefully curated, representing decades of design innovation and craftsmanship. From pre-war collectibles to contemporary hypercars, every automobile on display reflects passion and prestige.
2. The Mountain Village Motoring Experience
The Mountain Village Motoring Experience is an open-air showcase featuring an array of high-performance cars, SUVs, motorcycles, and lifestyle exhibits. Visitors walk through beautifully set plazas where they can engage directly with industry experts, test innovative automotive technology, and discover new trends in mobility and design.
3. The Vintage Motorcycle Exhibit
Motorcycle lovers are drawn to the Vintage Motorcycle Exhibit, which highlights two-wheeled legends from across the globe. These machines tell stories of freedom, rebellion, and timeless engineering, each restored with devotion to detail.
4. The Summit Stage Concerts
As the sun sets, music takes center stage with live performances from celebrated bands and local artists. These concerts add rhythm to the mountain air, transforming the festival into a multi-sensory experience that celebrates art in all its forms.
The Setting: Telluride in Autumn
Few destinations rival Telluride’s fall beauty. The surrounding mountains blaze with golden aspens, crimson brush, and snow-dusted peaks, creating a landscape that feels like it was painted by nature. Strolling through Main Street, visitors enjoy a mix of Victorian architecture, boutique shops, art galleries, and the inviting warmth of local cafes.
This unique setting amplifies the festival’s charm—cars gleam brighter, music feels richer, and conversations flow effortlessly against a backdrop of alpine serenity.
Why Enthusiasts and Families Love It
The Telluride Autumn Classic appeals not only to car collectors but also to families, travelers, and cultural explorers. It is as much a community celebration as it is an automotive showcase. Guests enjoy:
- Kid-friendly activities in the Mountain Village
- Opportunities to meet car owners and hear their restoration stories
- Food and wine tastings from Colorado’s finest artisans
- Scenic drives that connect attendees with the beauty of the region
Travel Tips for Visitors
Getting There
Telluride is accessible by Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) and Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), with shuttle services connecting visitors to the town. For those driving, the journey itself is part of the magic—winding mountain roads framed by fall foliage.
Where to Stay
Accommodations range from luxury ski resorts in Mountain Village to cozy boutique inns downtown. Booking early is recommended, as the festival draws a global crowd.
Insider Recommendations
- Arrive early for the Concours d’Elegance to enjoy the exhibits before crowds gather.
- Take the free gondola ride between Telluride and Mountain Village for panoramic views of the San Juans.
- Don’t miss the sunrise—watching the first light touch the aspens is unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
The Telluride Autumn Classic is not simply an event—it is a celebration of passion, artistry, and community, framed by one of the most stunning natural landscapes in North America. For those seeking an experience that blends heritage, performance, music, and mountain beauty, this festival is an essential pilgrimage each fall.
It is where the elegance of machines meets the majesty of the mountains, leaving every guest with lasting memories of autumn in Telluride.
Details
Address: Telluride, CO 81435
Phone: 970-519-3015
Date: Thursday – Saturday, September 25 – 27, 2025
Cost: General Admission or VIP ticket
Website: tellurideautumnclassic.com
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