Fairs/Festivals
Telluride Autumn Classic Fine Arts Festival | September 24-27, 2026
Telluride, Colorado
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Emerging Artists: Emerging artists may apply.
- Submission Limit: 2
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 5, Max: 5
- Total | Max: 5
Opportunity Summary
Experience the Telluride Autumn Classic Fine Arts Festival, an exclusive 4 day boutique event located in the beautiful Heritage Plaza of Mountain Village, Colorado. Only 38–44 artists are selected through a careful jury process to ensure a diverse, high-end collection. The festival is free and open to the public, ensuring high foot traffic from both art lovers and car enthusiasts.
NEW ADDITIONS FOR 2026!
NEW ADDITIONS FOR 2026!
- New Event App: Attendees can easily locate your booth using the interactive map in our new official app, which includes a direct link to your website.
- Maximum Exposure: Accepted artists receive a featured bio and image on our website and event app.
- Additional Display Options: By popular request, artists may apply for new curated display opportunities alongside worldclass automobiles and motorcycles on the Saturday Mountaintop Concours and during Saturday’s Happy Hour & Casino Night.
- New on-site artist-only hospitality area with refreshments and snacks on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the event.
Jump to
General Information
The Telluride Autumn Classic is a 4-day festival held on the last weekend of September (24-27, 2026) each year amid the spectacular autumn foliage of the San Juan Mountains. This is where enthusiasts of all makes and models convene for a world-class celebration of automobiles, motorcycles, aircraft, and so much more. From high-end restorations, vintage and exotic vehicles, to live music and a vibrant fine arts festival, this historic town of Wild West lore will be filled with so many family-friendly attractions, it’ll get everyone’s motor running! Fuel your passion for cars, colors, and the arts!
ARTWORK CATEGORIES
Medium Categories
You can apply in more than one category, but only once per category if you like. You must submit a separate application and images, including a booth shot, for each medium. Each category will be juried separately.
Ceramics
Original clay and porcelain work, functional or sculptural. No artwork from mass-produced studios, collectives, or items made with commercial kits, molds, patterns, plans, or prefabricated pieces is allowed. Artists may not exhibit work purchased in part or in entirety from other artists for resale.
Digital Art
Includes any original work in which the original image, or the manipulation of other source material, was executed by the artist using the computer. (Digital photo editing within the confines of what could be done in the darkroom is allowed in the photography category.) Work must be signed and numbered limited editions, using archival papers, inks, and emulsions. Signage of an overtly commercial nature listing the availability of numerous sizes, print surfaces, and/or other framing options is prohibited.
Drawing
Work created using dry media, including chalk, charcoal, pastels, pencil, wax, crayons, etc., or from a fluid medium of ink on archival material, is accepted in this medium. A limited number of reproduction prints is allowed.
Fiber
Unique, one-of-a-kind artwork crafted from fibers, including embroidery, basketry, weaving, and tapestry, created solely by the exhibiting artist, is accepted. Includes, but is not limited to, wearable art. No machine-tooled work, machine-screen printing, or other forms of mass production are accepted.
Glass
Functional and sculptural work using kiln forming, blowing, molding, or casting, as well as cold working processes, is permitted. No forms of mass production or reproductions are allowed.
Jewelry
Jewelers must be the designers and hands-on makers of their one-of-a-kind work. No commercial casts, molds, or production studio work.
Leather
One-of-a-kind, unique pieces created by the exhibiting artist are welcome. No machine-tooled, machine-screen-printed, or other forms of mass production accepted. No factory-produced items, regardless of additional modification or enhancement by the artist, are allowed.
Mixed Media
This category includes works, both 2- and 3-dimensional, that incorporate more than one type of physical material. Includes non-sculptural work as determined by the artist. Original one-of-a-kind pieces are accepted. Limited reproductions are allowed.
Painting
Acrylic, oil, gouache, and watercolors are accepted. Limited reproduction prints are permitted but must be produced from the artist's original source material. All prints must be part of a signed and numbered edition on archival material. Additionally, all work displayed in the booth—both originals and editions—must be for sale.
Paper
Flat and three-dimensional, unique one-of-a-kind works made with paper by the exhibiting artist are accepted. Limited reproductions are allowed.
Photography
Includes traditional film photography, hand colored images, emulsion transfers, and digital photography that has not been manipulated to achieve results beyond what could be done in a conventional darkroom. Only the artist's source material is acceptable. Work must be in editions, signed and numbered on archival material, and all work displayed in the booth must be for sale. Signage of an overtly commercial nature listing the availability of numerous sizes, print surfaces, and/or other framing options is prohibited.
Printmaking
Only hand-pulled original mono-print, serigraph, lithograph, etching, woodcut, or other relief techniques are allowed. Prints must be in limited editions, signed and numbered on archival material. Signage of an overtly commercial nature listing the availability of numerous sizes, print surfaces, and/or other framing options is prohibited.
Sculpture
Unique, one-of-a-kind art that is 3-dimensionally sculptural and is original work, created in any medium by the exhibiting artist, is welcome—no reproductions or mass-produced work.
Wood Objects/Hand-Crafted Furniture
Unique, one-of-a-kind, original hand-tooled, machine-worked, or carved work made entirely by the exhibiting artist is accepted—no reproductions or mass-produced work.
ARTWORK CATEGORIES
Medium Categories
You can apply in more than one category, but only once per category if you like. You must submit a separate application and images, including a booth shot, for each medium. Each category will be juried separately.
Ceramics
Original clay and porcelain work, functional or sculptural. No artwork from mass-produced studios, collectives, or items made with commercial kits, molds, patterns, plans, or prefabricated pieces is allowed. Artists may not exhibit work purchased in part or in entirety from other artists for resale.
Digital Art
Includes any original work in which the original image, or the manipulation of other source material, was executed by the artist using the computer. (Digital photo editing within the confines of what could be done in the darkroom is allowed in the photography category.) Work must be signed and numbered limited editions, using archival papers, inks, and emulsions. Signage of an overtly commercial nature listing the availability of numerous sizes, print surfaces, and/or other framing options is prohibited.
Drawing
Work created using dry media, including chalk, charcoal, pastels, pencil, wax, crayons, etc., or from a fluid medium of ink on archival material, is accepted in this medium. A limited number of reproduction prints is allowed.
Fiber
Unique, one-of-a-kind artwork crafted from fibers, including embroidery, basketry, weaving, and tapestry, created solely by the exhibiting artist, is accepted. Includes, but is not limited to, wearable art. No machine-tooled work, machine-screen printing, or other forms of mass production are accepted.
Glass
Functional and sculptural work using kiln forming, blowing, molding, or casting, as well as cold working processes, is permitted. No forms of mass production or reproductions are allowed.
Jewelry
Jewelers must be the designers and hands-on makers of their one-of-a-kind work. No commercial casts, molds, or production studio work.
Leather
One-of-a-kind, unique pieces created by the exhibiting artist are welcome. No machine-tooled, machine-screen-printed, or other forms of mass production accepted. No factory-produced items, regardless of additional modification or enhancement by the artist, are allowed.
Mixed Media
This category includes works, both 2- and 3-dimensional, that incorporate more than one type of physical material. Includes non-sculptural work as determined by the artist. Original one-of-a-kind pieces are accepted. Limited reproductions are allowed.
Painting
Acrylic, oil, gouache, and watercolors are accepted. Limited reproduction prints are permitted but must be produced from the artist's original source material. All prints must be part of a signed and numbered edition on archival material. Additionally, all work displayed in the booth—both originals and editions—must be for sale.
Paper
Flat and three-dimensional, unique one-of-a-kind works made with paper by the exhibiting artist are accepted. Limited reproductions are allowed.
Photography
Includes traditional film photography, hand colored images, emulsion transfers, and digital photography that has not been manipulated to achieve results beyond what could be done in a conventional darkroom. Only the artist's source material is acceptable. Work must be in editions, signed and numbered on archival material, and all work displayed in the booth must be for sale. Signage of an overtly commercial nature listing the availability of numerous sizes, print surfaces, and/or other framing options is prohibited.
Printmaking
Only hand-pulled original mono-print, serigraph, lithograph, etching, woodcut, or other relief techniques are allowed. Prints must be in limited editions, signed and numbered on archival material. Signage of an overtly commercial nature listing the availability of numerous sizes, print surfaces, and/or other framing options is prohibited.
Sculpture
Unique, one-of-a-kind art that is 3-dimensionally sculptural and is original work, created in any medium by the exhibiting artist, is welcome—no reproductions or mass-produced work.
Wood Objects/Hand-Crafted Furniture
Unique, one-of-a-kind, original hand-tooled, machine-worked, or carved work made entirely by the exhibiting artist is accepted—no reproductions or mass-produced work.
Application Requirements
IMAGES:
5 (1 must be an image of your booth set up)
$ FEE (Application Fee):
$45 per application
Artists may not apply more than once in the same category.
NO Crafts or Commercial vendors will be accepted.
5 (1 must be an image of your booth set up)
$ FEE (Application Fee):
$45 per application
Artists may not apply more than once in the same category.
NO Crafts or Commercial vendors will be accepted.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
110
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
44
Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event
12
Booth Information
VENUE:
Welcome to the great outdoors at Heritage Plaza! Located in Mountain Village, Telluride, Colorado, at an elevation of 9000 feet, be prepared for varying mountain weather this fall. While sunny days are common, nights can get chilly. The Telluride Autumn Classic is a ‘rain or shine’ event—no refunds for weather-related issues!
EVENT PUBLIC ADMISSION:
Heritage Plaza is pedestrian-only, so wear your walking shoes! The vendor artist area is free for festival attendees and the curious public.
SHOW HOURS:
- September 24, 2026 (Thursday): 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- September 25, 2026 (Friday): 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- September 26, 2026 (Saturday): 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- September 27, 2026 (Sunday): 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
BOOTH RATES:
10x10 Booth Space: $625
20x10 Booth Space: $1150 (limited availability)
ADDITONAL COSTS:
Telluride Mountain Village Special Business License: $50
Optional Electricity Add-On: $25 (limited availability)
LOAD IN DATE:
September 24, 2026 (Thursday): 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
LOAD OUT DATE:
September 27, 2026 (Sunday): 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
SECURITY:
We provide overnight security. Please note that it is important that you have sides to close up your booth each night!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- The booth application fee is $45 and is non-refundable, even if you are not accepted.
- There is a $50 Special Mountain Village Business License fee in addition to your booth fee—this is mandatory!
- Space is limited! 10x10 and a few 20x10 booths are available.
- Artists must provide their own tents, tables, chairs, and at least 65 lbs of weights per tent leg—stability is key!
- Special booth placement requests are welcome, but the final decision rests with the event director and artist coordinator.
- All artists must comply with state and local licensing and insurance regulations.
- Need electricity? It’s available but extremely limited! Request it during your application. There is an additional $25 fee. Use sturdy cords and safety tape in pedestrian paths if you need power.
- Show us your setup! At least one image of your booth is required to ensure professionalism.
- Artists must be present at their booths—no substitutes allowed!
- All exhibited art must be original and handcrafted.
- Storage space for booths is limited, so plan accordingly!
- Maintain a clean booth area throughout the event, and leave it cleaner than you found it during load out.
- Artists are responsible for obtaining the necessary state licenses and paying state and local taxes.
- Lastly, don’t forget to secure liability event insurance—better safe than sorry!
NEW FOR 2026 – Artist Display Opportunities (By Popular Request)
Saturday Classic Car Mountaintop Concours Art Display--Can't Decide yet??---You can purchase this option up until September 10.
- Display one (1) curated artwork positioned alongside a participating classic car
- Artwork will be matched with a vehicle/motorcycle to complement its style, era, or theme
- Takes place during official Saturday concours hours, placing artists in the center of the car showcase
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Selection: Featured artwork is curated by the event organizers and intentionally paired with participating Supercars, Corvettes, Shelbys, or other Concours-level vehicles based on style, era, or theme.
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Equipment: We request that you provide your own easel for the display.
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Schedule and Location: This event takes place outdoors at the Mountaintop Concours location on Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Limited availability; placement is curated by event organizers. If interested, this option is available with the Concours Display Pass – $200 - Ideal for artists seeking maximum visibility, direct interaction with car owners, judges, and attendees, and a true art-and-automotive integration experience
The Telluride Autumn Classic is a rain-or-shine event, and we highly recommend preparing for varying mountain weather conditions. However, we understand the immense value of your artwork and the absolute importance of protecting it. Festival organizers will monitor the weather closely and will make the official determination if conditions are not favorable for an outdoor art display. If organizers decide the weather poses a risk to the artwork, the event will be called off for artists and we will refund your fee for this specific display option.
Saturday Evening Happy Hour & Casino Night Art Display
- Opportunity to display one (1) artwork during Happy Hour & Casino Night (5:00–9:00 PM)
- Intimate, high-energy evening setting with car owners, collectors, and patrons
- Available with the Artist Display Pass – $150, which includes full event access
- Limited availability; display space is first-come, first-served
- Attend Happy Hour & Casino Night (5:00–9:00 PM) without displaying artwork
- Network and connect with car owners and collectors
- Available with the Artist Social Pass – $50
Refund Policy
Booth fees are refundable, minus a $100 processing fee, until July 31, 2026. After 7/31/2026, booth is non-refundable. A cancellation request must be made in writing (via email) to anita@tellurideautumnclassic.com. The $45 application fee is not refundable.
Additional Fees
20x10 Booth Space: $1,150
10x10 Booth Space: $625
Electricity Access: $25
Saturday Classic Car Mountaintop Concours Art Display: $200
Happy Hour & Casino Night Artist Display Pass: $150
MV Special Business License: $50
Happy Hour & Casino Night Artist Social Pass: $50
Terms to Apply