Telluride Fire Festival: Red Hot & Re-Imagined, 12/3 -12/5!

01 Dec Telluride Fire Festival: Red Hot & Re-Imagined, 12/3 -12/5!

The 7th annual Telluride Fire Festival (like its previous incarnations), should be, well, smoking hot. The incendiary blockbuster has lined up crowd-pleasing events for the weekend of 12/3 – 12/5. For more about the Festival, to become a sponsor, volunteer, or subscribe to e-news, visit www.telluridefirefestival.org. 

Don’t forget to stop by the Slate Gray Gallery to see the work of this year’s Fire Fest’s artist, Ryan Bonneau. Three of his breathtaking photographs are to be auctioned off in support of the nonprofit. More about Bonneau’s work here.

Read on for event details.

For more on the history of the Telluride Fire Festival, go here.

The annual gathering of flame-inspired art is being reimagined by Rocky Mountain Arts for December 3-5, 2021 with fire art installations and fire performances outside at the historic Pandora Mill at the end of the box canyon. Newmont Corporation, the parent company, has given permission for the first-ever outdoor event in this awe-inspiring location framed by the majestic San Juan mountains.

The 2021 Telluride Fire Fest will offer art and culture to all – and safely. Masks will be provided for those without at the one indoor theatrical event.

“We want to continue to support artists and we can and will do that safely,” said Chris Myers, Board President.

Expect over-the-top fiery art shooting flames high into the night sky at the 7th annual event. The many  family-friendly activities at the Michael D. Palm Theater, guaranteed to enchant al, include dance, acrobatics, lyra, and cyr performances.

The Talent:

Artists and performers participating in the Festival hail from Paonia, Denver, Durango, Carbondale, Phoenix, and Telluride.

Event Activities:

Friday, 8pm—Radiant Revival — A Circus & Dance Experience will be held at The Palm Theater in collaboration with local Telluride and Boulder dancers and Homestead Circus Productions out of Paonia. Face masks required as well as proof of vaccination or negative covid test within 72 hours of the event with matching ID.

Saturday, 5pm—Resurrection—an outdoor fire dancing, flaming art, and sculpture burn will showcase spectacular propan-fired art and wood sculptures, which will ceremoniously burn to the ground. Guests will have an opportunity to see fire dancers and watch flaming fire art, listen to music and enjoy cocktails from the cash bar. Free Telluride Express shuttle meets at the courthouse every 10 minutes.

Saturday and Sunday—Free flow arts workshops at Telluride’s Wilkinson Public Library. Five free workshops are being offered, including juggling, stilt walking and clowning. Advance reservations are required.

About the historic Pandora Mill for the Festival’s Signature Event

The Festival’s signature event this year will take place at the end of the box canyon. Newmont Corp, has generously gifted this space for one very special night. Outside, adjacent to the historic Pandora Mill, guests will watch larger-than-life wood sculptures burn, flaming propane art installations, and fire spinners, alongside a stunning backdrop of steep forested mountains and cliffs.

The Pandora Mill at the end of Telluride’s box canyon was constructed in 1921 to process the gold, silver, copper, lead and zinc ore mined in the high country above town. The venue remains one of the last standing and most significant structures from the mining era. Newmont is working with the county on a plan to preserve this tangible piece of local history. Currently they company is working on a way to fund the restoration and continued maintenance of the 75,000-square-foot iconic building.

“Newmont Corporation’s, Devon Horntvedt was thrilled to support the nonprofit and give us the green light to hold a safe outdoor event next to this icon,” said Erin Ries, Executive Director.

Current Sponsors:

AmeriGas, Alpine Bank, Alpine Lodging, Camels Garden, Colorado Life Magazine, Cornerhouse Grille, Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project, The Hotel Telluride, Kure’s Ginger Beer, Jagged Edge Mountain Gear, The Madeline Hotel & Residences, Mountain Town Magazine, New Sheridan Hotel, Newmont Corporation, Scott’s Printing, SilverStar Luxury Properties, Telluride Ski & Golf Resort, Telluride Express, There Bar, The Victorian Inn, and Wood Ear.

Telluride Fire Festival and Rocky Mountain Arts, more:

Erin & Chris – she’s the one in the flaming pink wig – one hot couple, founders of Telluride Fire Festival.

Rocky Mountain Arts, a 501c3 organization, produces the Telluride Fire Festival, whose mission is to create and sustain interactive and performing arts that provide a platform for artists to entertain, educate and promote their unique work.

Rocky Mountain Arts also provides year-around programs for youth and adults to become involved in diverse and exciting experiences that encourage and support artistic growth with a focus on process and experimentation that helps build confidence and resilience.