๐ Telluride Mushroom Festival 2025
The Ultimate Fungi Gathering in the Heart of Colorado's San Juan Mountains
๐ August 13-17, 2025 | ๐ Telluride, Colorado
๐ From the Zombie Mushrooms Team
We're absolutely thrilled to present this comprehensive guide to the legendary Telluride Mushroom Festival! As fellow fungi enthusiasts and mushroom cultivation experts, we know this event represents the pinnacle of mycological gatherings. Whether you're a seasoned forager, curious cultivator, or just beginning your mushroom journey, this festival offers unparalleled learning opportunities in one of the most stunning locations on Earth.
๐ Festival Overview
Since 1981, the Telluride Mushroom Festival has established itself as the premier mycological gathering in North America, bringing together the world's leading experts, passionate foragers, innovative cultivators, and curious enthusiasts for an extraordinary celebration of all things fungi.
This remarkable 5-day event transcends the typical festival experience, serving as an annual reunion where the global fungi community converges to explore cutting-edge research, traditional wisdom, and emerging applications of mycology. The festival masterfully weaves together scientific rigor with cultural celebration, creating an environment where breakthrough discoveries meet ancient practices.
The 2025 edition promises to deliver expanded programming that includes hands-on workshops, immersive mountain forays, specialized integration spaces, and interactive "play spaces" designed to foster deeper connections within the community. The event culminates with the legendary Puff Ball costume dance party following the traditional parade - a vibrant celebration that has become synonymous with the festival's joyful spirit.
๐ฌ Scientific Focus
Cutting-edge research presentations covering psychedelic studies, biomedical applications, and breakthrough cultivation techniques.
๐ฒ Mountain Forays
Guided expeditions into Colorado's pristine wilderness led by expert mycologists and local naturalists.
๐จ Cultural Celebration
Art installations, culinary demonstrations, and community events that celebrate fungi's role in human culture.
๐ค Community Building
Networking opportunities, integration spaces, and collaborative workshops fostering lasting connections.
๐ Location & Dates
๐๏ธ Telluride, Colorado
Elevation: 8,750 feet above sea level
Setting: Nestled in a pristine box canyon surrounded by 13,000+ foot peaks
Climate: Cool mountain air with warm days and crisp evenings
Ecosystem: Diverse alpine and subalpine environments perfect for mushroom foraging
๐ Festival Dates
August 13-17, 2025
๐ฏ Wednesday: Pre-festival events & registration
๐ฏ Thursday-Saturday: Main festival programming
๐ฏ Sunday: Closing ceremonies & farewell forays
๐จ Important Location Notes
- High Altitude: Allow time for acclimatization - drink plenty of water and take it easy the first day
- Weather Variability: Mountain weather can change rapidly - pack layers and rain gear
- Limited Accommodations: Book lodging well in advance as Telluride fills up quickly during festival season
- Transportation: Plan your travel route carefully - the town is accessible but remote
๐ค Featured Speakers & Experts
Note: The 2025 speaker lineup is being finalized and announced in phases. Paul Stamets has been confirmed as a returning keynote speaker, with additional world-class experts being announced throughout the spring. We'll update this directory as more speakers are confirmed!
Paul Stamets
Mycologist, Author, and Visionary
Paul Stamets stands as one of the most influential mycologists of our time, renowned for his groundbreaking research into the therapeutic and ecological applications of fungi. As the founder of Fungi Perfecti and author of multiple seminal works including "Mycelium Running" and "Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms," Stamets has revolutionized how we understand the potential of mushrooms.
His pioneering work in mycoremediation - using mushrooms to heal damaged ecosystems - has garnered international recognition and offers hope for environmental restoration. Stamets' research into the medicinal properties of fungi, particularly in the realm of neurological health and immune system support, continues to break new ground in both scientific and therapeutic communities.
๐ Notable Achievements:
- Inventor of numerous patents in mushroom cultivation and applications
- Featured in Netflix documentary "Fantastic Fungi"
- Recipient of the Bioneers Award for environmental innovation
- Frequent TED Talk speaker with millions of views
Expected Topics: Mycoremediation applications, psilocybin research updates, and the future of mycological medicine
๐ More World-Class Speakers Coming Soon!
The festival traditionally features 20+ renowned experts including researchers, cultivators, chefs, and thought leaders. Stay tuned for announcements of additional confirmed speakers including returning favorites and exciting new voices in mycology.
๐ Festival Programming
The Telluride Mushroom Festival offers an incredibly diverse program designed to accommodate all levels of mycological interest and expertise. From beginners taking their first steps into the world of fungi to seasoned professionals sharing cutting-edge research, there's something extraordinary for everyone.
๐ Lectures & Presentations
- Keynote Sessions: Featured speakers presenting breakthrough research
- Scientific Symposiums: Peer-reviewed research presentations
- Cultivation Workshops: Hands-on growing techniques
- Identification Clinics: Learn to identify wild mushrooms safely
- Medicinal Mushroom Seminars: Therapeutic applications and research
๐ฅพ Mountain Forays
- Guided Foraging Expeditions: Expert-led mushroom hunting
- Ecosystem Walks: Understanding fungal roles in nature
- Photography Tours: Capturing fungi in their natural habitat
- Specialized Forays: Targeting specific species or habitats
- Sunrise & Sunset Expeditions: Optimal foraging conditions
๐ ๏ธ Hands-On Workshops
- Cultivation Techniques: From spores to harvest
- Microscopy Sessions: Identifying species at cellular level
- Preservation Methods: Drying, freezing, and storage
- Extraction Workshops: Creating tinctures and extracts
- Culinary Preparation: Cooking with wild and cultivated mushrooms
๐ Special Events
- Welcome Reception: Network with fellow enthusiasts
- Wild Foods Dinner: Gourmet meals featuring foraged ingredients
- Mushroom Parade: Colorful celebration through town
- Puff Ball Dance Party: Legendary costume celebration
- Vendor Marketplace: Books, supplies, and mushroom products
๐ Featured Special Event
๐ฝ๏ธ Trout Lake Dinner Experience with Chef Chad Hyatt
๐ Date: Wednesday, August 13th, 2025
โฐ Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
๐ Location: Trout Lake, CO (20 minutes from Telluride)
๐ฐ Investment: $300 per person
Join renowned chef and author Chad Hyatt of "The Mushroom Hunter's Kitchen" for an unforgettable evening of gourmet dining featuring wild mushrooms in one of Colorado's most spectacular natural settings. This intimate experience combines culinary mastery with breathtaking alpine scenery.
๐ Practical Information
๐ซ Tickets & Passes
โ ๏ธ Important: Passes are limited and historically sell out!
Early registration is strongly recommended.
- Full Festival Pass: Access to all events and activities
- Day Passes: Single-day access options
- Special Event Tickets: Premium dinners and experiences
- Student Discounts: Available with valid ID
๐ What to Bring
- Hiking Boots: Essential for mountain forays
- Layered Clothing: Weather can change quickly
- Rain Gear: Afternoon storms are common
- Collecting Basket: For foray participants
- Field Notebook: Document your discoveries
- Camera: Capture unforgettable moments
- Sunscreen & Hat: High altitude sun protection
๐จ Accommodation
- Telluride Hotels: Luxury mountain resorts
- Mountain Village: Convenient gondola access
- Vacation Rentals: Condos and private homes
- Camping Options: RV parks and campgrounds
- Early Booking: Essential due to limited availability
โ๏ธ Getting There
- Telluride Airport (TEX): Small regional airport
- Montrose Airport (MTJ): 1.5 hours drive
- Grand Junction (GJT): 2.5 hours drive
- Denver (DEN): 5+ hours drive through mountains
- Shuttle Services: Available from major airports
๐ค Community & Networking
The Telluride Mushroom Festival is renowned not just for its educational content, but for the incredible community it brings together. This year features enhanced networking opportunities and community-building activities.
๐ง Integration Spaces
New for 2025: Dedicated areas for reflection, discussion, and processing the wealth of information shared during the festival.
๐ฎ Play Spaces
Interactive areas designed for connection, creativity, and collaborative learning experiences among attendees.
๐ฑ Digital Connection
Follow live updates and connect with fellow attendees through the festival's Instagram platform.
๐ฑ Sustainability & Values
As a non-profit organization, the Telluride Institute is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. The festival operates with a deep respect for the natural environment that hosts this incredible gathering.
โป๏ธ Eco-Friendly: Minimal environmental impact practices
๐๏ธ Conservation: Protecting fragile alpine ecosystems
๐ Education: Promoting responsible foraging practices
๐ค Community: Supporting local businesses and suppliers
