25 May Sheridan Arts Foundation: Wild West Fest 2026, 30+-Year Legacy!
After a one-year time-out to reimagine and strengthen its Wild West Fest program, the Sheridan Arts Foundation proudly announces the return of the beloved Telluride tradition that brings youth from Boys & Girls Clubs of America from across the country to Telluride for an adventure-filled week.
For more information, to sponsor a child, or to get involved, visit: sheridanoperahouse.com
Go here for more about the history of the Wild West Fest.
Go here for more about the Sheridan Arts Foundation.
From June 1–5, 2026, at the historic Sheridan Opera House and throughout the Telluride region, Wild West Fest enters its 32nd year with refreshed programming designed to expand the participant experience and create even more meaningful connections between visiting youth and the community.
Since Wild West Fest was founded in 1991, the Sheridan Arts Foundation has raised funds annually to cover the cost of bringing 35–45 youth to Telluride from around the country at no cost to their families. Participants join their counselors and staff for an inspiring week introducing them to travel, the arts, and the outdoors, and offering opportunities to try new things and build confidence.
“This program has always been about exposing our youth participants to new experiences they may not otherwise have,” said Wild West Fest coordinator Leah Heidenreich. “After taking time to listen, evaluate, and refine the program, we’re excited to welcome the Boys & Girls Clubs back to Telluride. Our updated format will highlight Telluride’s adventurous frontier spirit and focus on camaraderie and confidence.”
Wild West Fest blends Western heritage with immersive learning and outdoor adventure. Participants take part in activities such as horseback riding, ranch experiences, mountain excursions, movie night, line-dancing, and crafts.
Sheridan Arts Foundation executive director Ronnie Palamar adds:
“Wild West Fest is one way our community can invest in the next generation and share Telluride’s unique spirit. We do this work to get participants outdoors meeting new people, and experiencing nature and the arts. This event has always been about creating an environment where young people can challenge themselves, feel valued, and envision new possibilities for their future.”
Wild West Fest is made possible through the generosity of local businesses, national sponsors, and individual donors. The Sheridan Arts Foundation covers all lodging, meals, and activities for each participant, with the cost averaging more than $2,000 per child and total annual fundraising needs in the range of $65,000 – $75,000. The Sheridan Arts Foundation relies on individuals and businesses to sponsor a child or donate meals, experiences, and lodging.
Founded by Sandra and Keith Carradine, the Wild West Fest traces its origins to the effort to save the historic Sheridan Opera House from demolition in 1991. The fundraising events that preserved the 1913 landmark also sparked the idea of sharing Telluride’s culture and opportunities with young people from across the country. Today, the Sheridan Opera House remains a cornerstone of Telluride’s arts community and a hub for youth arts education and cultural programming.
Wild West Fest Youth Participant Schedule:
June 1: Arrival & Orientation
June 2: Equine time with Horseback Adventures (horseback riding) and Grace Reins (equine interaction), followed by a movie night at Sheridan Opera House.
June 3: Jeep mountain pass excursion followed by swimming at Ouray Hot Springs and Patron BBQ in honor of Mary Barrett Stevens at Camel Valley Ranch in Ridgway with time for fishing, ranch exploration, and meeting barn animals.
June 4: Cowboy Pancake Breakfast at Schmid Family Ranch with time for homestead exploration and learning followed by free time to explore Telluride.
June 5: Wild West Fest Roundup Day (Open to the Public) featuring live music, activities, and more. In the evening there will be line dancing and a free concert. Details below:
Wild West Fest Roundup Day
The public is invited to participate in and celebrate Wild West Fest with the Sheridan Arts Foundation and youth groups on Friday, June 5, from 11am-4pm during the Wild West Fest Roundup. The event features activities in Elks Park and Oak Street Park, including face-painting, old-western photo booth, Native American crafts, rock-painting, sluicing, lawn games and more:
• 11am-4pm Activities in Elks Park and Oak Street Park
• 1pm & 3pm Live music from Western Medicine
• 12pm-3pm Stagecoach & wagon rides
• 3:30pm Staged bank robbery reenactment and nickel drop
Line Dancing & Free Concert
At 7pm, the public is invited to join in for free line dancing lessons followed by Sean DeLand & the Western Slope live in concert. FREE and open to the public at the Sheridan Opera House.
Sheridan Opera House, more:
The historic Sheridan Opera House was built in Telluride, Colorado in 1913 by J.A. Segerberg as a vaudeville theater and cultural center, attracting variety shows, orchestras and touring theater companies.
In 1991 the Sheridan Arts Foundation (SAF) was formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, saving the building from commercial development and creating a community hub for live theater, concerts, movies, youth education, and lectures in Telluride.
The Sheridan Arts Foundation also runs the Telluride Plein Air Festival, Young People’s Theater program and presents music and arts programming throughout the year.
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