Town Park virgin? Get your answers here!

[SaintSteveG]

This will be my first time at TBGF, and our Town Park camping is drawn. Been to Rocky Grass several times, and I love the campground jams. I would like to join in at Town Park this year, but I play no strings. I play a small djembe drum or harmonica. Are these instruments used, or is it strictly bluegrass instruments? I'd love to play, and don't want to be a fool, but those are my instruments.

 Listening to: YMSB

[TellurideTom]

This will be my first time at TBGF, and our Town Park camping is drawn. Been to Rocky Grass several times, and I love the campground jams. I would like to join in at Town Park this year, but I play no strings. I play a small djembe drum or harmonica. Are these instruments used, or is it strictly bluegrass instruments? I'd love to play, and don't want to be a fool, but those are my instruments.

You'll be fine as long as you don't start a drum circle.

You'll have plenty of chances for showing your licks on the harp, and a subtle drum beat keeps the timing going when there's no bass around.

Welcome to the family.

[Hot Sugar]

This will be my first time at TBGF, and our Town Park camping is drawn. Been to Rocky Grass several times, and I love the campground jams. I would like to join in at Town Park this year, but I play no strings. I play a small djembe drum or harmonica. Are these instruments used, or is it strictly bluegrass instruments? I'd love to play, and don't want to be a fool, but those are my instruments.

I've brought my djembe a few times, but never got much use out of it. I'd say just bring the harp. Harps are welcome in most circles.

[ToddG]

First year at Telluride. Camping at Illium. Arriving Saturday or Sunday the weekend before. What all pre-festival events will be going down monday-wednesday? We are bringing bicycles and plan on riding to Ouray one day, but looking to get the full weeks festival experience, and really get to spend some quality time in Telluride. Any suggestions on must do activities, music, eats??


 Listening to: Elephant Revival-Drop

[Margarine]

Hello,
First timer to the festival and had some questions about camping:
Do I need an additional vehicle pass if I plan to camp at Mary Ilieum, and want to be near the car?
If so, can I get the additional vehicle pass when I buy my Mary Ilium campsite pass? (can't spell it for the life of me.)
I plan to buy two 4day passes on this shop forum(I understand from other posters who have messaged me that plenty of tickets will show up here in the coming weeks.) 
Do you suggest I get my Mary Ilieum campground passes now, before I get tickets, just to secure a spot?
Thank you for any advice or information you can provide!

[TellurideTom]

Hello,
First timer to the festival and had some questions about camping:
Do I need an additional vehicle pass if I plan to camp at Mary Ilieum, and want to be near the car?
If so, can I get the additional vehicle pass when I buy my Mary Ilium campsite pass? (can't spell it for the life of me.)
I plan to buy two 4day passes on this shop forum(I understand from other posters who have messaged me that plenty of tickets will show up here in the coming weeks.) 
Do you suggest I get my Mary Ilieum campground passes now, before I get tickets, just to secure a spot?
Thank you for any advice or information you can provide!

Yes you will need a vehicle pass. Most people use the vehicle pass if they are sleeping in it, such as a VW bus or a camper of some sort. I don't know what the parking situation is for Ilium, but I believe it's not far if you need to get things out of it. One thing to also be aware of is that camping passes are sold per person, not per site and all persons will need to have a four day pass for the festival as well.
Good luck.

[whosfeelingyoungnow]

I apologize ahead of time for the WALL of text and if most of this stuff has already been covered. As someone who doesn't spend a ton of time online, I haven't been able to go back through all 70 pages.

1) I see that the general recommendation is that people try to make it to Town Park/Warner as close to the Saturday before the festival as is possible. If I arrive early, how do I go about finding a spot, setting up, paying for camping days past what's included in my four-day pass? Also, how much will I miss in terms of general festivities/spaces to camp if I can't arrive til Monday or Tuesday? Just not sure how the transition between regular camping and Planet Bluegrass camping works, despite diving through the forums. I want to get in early to find a great spot and enjoy the atmosphere but obviously don't want to step on any toes or break any rules in doing so!

2) Does the tarp run happen every night or this the type of festival where they get put down the first day and then left for the duration of the festival? I've been to festivals where you pretty much did a tarp run every single day (e.g. Sasquatch) and others where you were safe to leave your tarp/blanket for the duration of the festival (e.g. Pickathon). Again, just want to make sure I'm following proper etiquette.

3) If I'm one of those people who really likes being right up front, smack dab against the stage, what's the best way to go about this at the festival? If I want to be right up front for an act later in the day, will I need to get up there first thing and wait? Obviously, I don't and won't want to stand or be that close for the entire festival or every minute of every day but there are a couple acts that I've seen before, am always up front for, etc. and I don't want to miss out on that experience at Telluride.

4) Am I correct in understanding that if I don't have a vehicle pass, my best option is to drop my tarp/supplies and then park in Mountain Village and ride the gondola back?

5) Any can't miss activities/things to do during the time between arriving and the start of the festival? I'm a musician but unfortunately wouldn't feel safe bringing my upright bass as it's a rental and I only started in November, so I'm not sure how much I'll be able to participate in jams outside of singing or watching, but want to make sure I know what other things are not to be missed. I'm in my early twenties and will be attending with my father, who is definitely not as active or social as I am, but he's still down for most activities and late night shows, if that helps at all.

6) Any preferred method for me to thank all of you amazing people for taking the time to answer my questions and for keeping such an amazing vibe going at this festival. Seriously, y'all seem amazing and are making this "virgin" feel totally prepared for her first TBF, I wanna do something!

[BuckeyeDog]

I apologize ahead of time for the WALL of text and if most of this stuff has already been covered. As someone who doesn't spend a ton of time online, I haven't been able to go back through all 70 pages.

1) I see that the general recommendation is that people try to make it to Town Park/Warner as close to the Saturday before the festival as is possible. If I arrive early, how do I go about finding a spot, setting up, paying for camping days past what's included in my four-day pass? Also, how much will I miss in terms of general festivities/spaces to camp if I can't arrive til Monday or Tuesday? Just not sure how the transition between regular camping and Planet Bluegrass camping works, despite diving through the forums. I want to get in early to find a great spot and enjoy the atmosphere but obviously don't want to step on any toes or break any rules in doing so!

2) Does the tarp run happen every night or this the type of festival where they get put down the first day and then left for the duration of the festival? I've been to festivals where you pretty much did a tarp run every single day (e.g. Sasquatch) and others where you were safe to leave your tarp/blanket for the duration of the festival (e.g. Pickathon). Again, just want to make sure I'm following proper etiquette.

3) If I'm one of those people who really likes being right up front, smack dab against the stage, what's the best way to go about this at the festival? If I want to be right up front for an act later in the day, will I need to get up there first thing and wait? Obviously, I don't and won't want to stand or be that close for the entire festival or every minute of every day but there are a couple acts that I've seen before, am always up front for, etc. and I don't want to miss out on that experience at Telluride.

4) Am I correct in understanding that if I don't have a vehicle pass, my best option is to drop my tarp/supplies and then park in Mountain Village and ride the gondola back?

5) Any can't miss activities/things to do during the time between arriving and the start of the festival? I'm a musician but unfortunately wouldn't feel safe bringing my upright bass as it's a rental and I only started in November, so I'm not sure how much I'll be able to participate in jams outside of singing or watching, but want to make sure I know what other things are not to be missed. I'm in my early twenties and will be attending with my father, who is definitely not as active or social as I am, but he's still down for most activities and late night shows, if that helps at all.

6) Any preferred method for me to thank all of you amazing people for taking the time to answer my questions and for keeping such an amazing vibe going at this festival. Seriously, y'all seem amazing and are making this "virgin" feel totally prepared for her first TBF, I wanna do something!

I will try and answer some of your questions, and folks like Telluride Tom can correct me if I am wrong. As for camping, if you have a Town Park pass, the campground opens up the Saturday morning before the festival starts. There is a land rush for the prime spots, but even if you show up Tuesday or Wednesday you will find space for a tent. It can get crowded but we're all friendly. The parties start immediately after your tent is set up. You will need to unload your gear and you will be allowed to park your car somewhere in town if you get there early, but by Wednesday or so you will probably need to park it in Mountain Village.
The tarp run is every day. There is nothing more enjoyable than sitting out there in line in 20 degree weather, and you get to make friends as well.  Town Park has its own line. But if there are only two of you, you don't really need to drag a tarp in. You can go up front for shows, people are happy to share their tarps, especially if you buy them a cold one. 
As for the stage, you won't be smack dab against it unless you have a pit pass. There is a pit, holds maybe 200 people, right in front of the stage for artists and family. There is a small fence about 60 feet, you can stand in back of that.
For the vehicle pass, see what I said above. If you are in TP, you will unload and they will give you a parking pass for the week. If you get there early, you can park in the lots in town, if you get there late you will have to park in Mountain Village after you unload.
For activities, plenty going on in TP and in town. There is another thread that lists many of them. Bring your instrument as long as it has a case to protect it from the cold. Many folks bring instruments, very safe there. If you don't want to pick at 2 AM, get some Nightgrass tickets. These are additional shows to what goes on at the main stage. Hope this helps.

[Skubes]

I apologize ahead of time for the WALL of text and if most of this stuff has already been covered. As someone who doesn't spend a ton of time online, I haven't been able to go back through all 70 pages.

1) I see that the general recommendation is that people try to make it to Town Park/Warner as close to the Saturday before the festival as is possible. If I arrive early, how do I go about finding a spot, setting up, paying for camping days past what's included in my four-day pass? Also, how much will I miss in terms of general festivities/spaces to camp if I can't arrive til Monday or Tuesday? Just not sure how the transition between regular camping and Planet Bluegrass camping works, despite diving through the forums. I want to get in early to find a great spot and enjoy the atmosphere but obviously don't want to step on any toes or break any rules in doing so!

2) Does the tarp run happen every night or this the type of festival where they get put down the first day and then left for the duration of the festival? I've been to festivals where you pretty much did a tarp run every single day (e.g. Sasquatch) and others where you were safe to leave your tarp/blanket for the duration of the festival (e.g. Pickathon). Again, just want to make sure I'm following proper etiquette.

3) If I'm one of those people who really likes being right up front, smack dab against the stage, what's the best way to go about this at the festival? If I want to be right up front for an act later in the day, will I need to get up there first thing and wait? Obviously, I don't and won't want to stand or be that close for the entire festival or every minute of every day but there are a couple acts that I've seen before, am always up front for, etc. and I don't want to miss out on that experience at Telluride.

4) Am I correct in understanding that if I don't have a vehicle pass, my best option is to drop my tarp/supplies and then park in Mountain Village and ride the gondola back?

5) Any can't miss activities/things to do during the time between arriving and the start of the festival? I'm a musician but unfortunately wouldn't feel safe bringing my upright bass as it's a rental and I only started in November, so I'm not sure how much I'll be able to participate in jams outside of singing or watching, but want to make sure I know what other things are not to be missed. I'm in my early twenties and will be attending with my father, who is definitely not as active or social as I am, but he's still down for most activities and late night shows, if that helps at all.

6) Any preferred method for me to thank all of you amazing people for taking the time to answer my questions and for keeping such an amazing vibe going at this festival. Seriously, y'all seem amazing and are making this "virgin" feel totally prepared for her first TBF, I wanna do something!

As far as #1 goes, you really do want to get into town as early as your schedule permits.  As BuckeyeDog said, your TP pass includes camping from the Saturday before festival through Monday morning after.  There is a lot of fun to be had in the days leading up to the music.

This leads me to #6.  One of the best ways to go about "thanking" people is volunteering your time/$/donations to one or more of the many events different camps host.  You'll make instant friends for life and help ensure these traditions can continue for many fests to come.   

[TellurideTom]

I apologize ahead of time for the WALL of text and if most of this stuff has already been covered. As someone who doesn't spend a ton of time online, I haven't been able to go back through all 70 pages.

1) I see that the general recommendation is that people try to make it to Town Park/Warner as close to the Saturday before the festival as is possible. If I arrive early, how do I go about finding a spot, setting up, paying for camping days past what's included in my four-day pass? Also, how much will I miss in terms of general festivities/spaces to camp if I can't arrive til Monday or Tuesday? Just not sure how the transition between regular camping and Planet Bluegrass camping works, despite diving through the forums. I want to get in early to find a great spot and enjoy the atmosphere but obviously don't want to step on any toes or break any rules in doing so!

2) Does the tarp run happen every night or this the type of festival where they get put down the first day and then left for the duration of the festival? I've been to festivals where you pretty much did a tarp run every single day (e.g. Sasquatch) and others where you were safe to leave your tarp/blanket for the duration of the festival (e.g. Pickathon). Again, just want to make sure I'm following proper etiquette.

3) If I'm one of those people who really likes being right up front, smack dab against the stage, what's the best way to go about this at the festival? If I want to be right up front for an act later in the day, will I need to get up there first thing and wait? Obviously, I don't and won't want to stand or be that close for the entire festival or every minute of every day but there are a couple acts that I've seen before, am always up front for, etc. and I don't want to miss out on that experience at Telluride.

4) Am I correct in understanding that if I don't have a vehicle pass, my best option is to drop my tarp/supplies and then park in Mountain Village and ride the gondola back?

5) Any can't miss activities/things to do during the time between arriving and the start of the festival? I'm a musician but unfortunately wouldn't feel safe bringing my upright bass as it's a rental and I only started in November, so I'm not sure how much I'll be able to participate in jams outside of singing or watching, but want to make sure I know what other things are not to be missed. I'm in my early twenties and will be attending with my father, who is definitely not as active or social as I am, but he's still down for most activities and late night shows, if that helps at all.

6) Any preferred method for me to thank all of you amazing people for taking the time to answer my questions and for keeping such an amazing vibe going at this festival. Seriously, y'all seem amazing and are making this "virgin" feel totally prepared for her first TBF, I wanna do something!

Planet Bluegrass takes over control of Town Park the Saturday before festival at 8:00 AM and the land rush for Bear Creek Preserve happens (no vehicles allowed). This area of Town Park does not allow camping during the rest of the year except during Telluride Blues and Brews. Those of us that arrive before that are part of ABGAT (Advanced BlueGrass Assault Team) and we have to purchase camping spots from Town Park. Since you are only allowed to camp for 7 consecutive days in any month, we arrive the Saturday before (this year being June 3). There are usually enough of us that we purchase all the available camp spots, but there may be room for one or two in some of the spots. Rules are, according to Town Park, there can be no more than two vehicles and two tents per site during that period, so if you came early you would have to check with each camp site to see if they can fit you in. None of the pre-fest activities occur during this ABGAT period, so you won't be missing anything.
Check the thread on Pre-fest Activities to see what you want to attend and what you can miss, but you don't want to miss Rumballs on Wednesday afternoon.

I think you've gotten the answers to most of your questions now, so if there's anything else feel free to ask.
Welcome to the community. 

[TadSmithDurham]

Hey folks, Festi-virgian here...after reading through this thread, I now appreciate how lucky I was to get a TP pass my first year. This forum has been amazingly helpful and now I’m even more stoked about TBF.

Wanted to ask about trying to catch a ride from Montrose on Fri or Sat (before the festival)...I posted in the Hitching A Ride section a couple weeks ago but nothing yet. There’s only four posts total....seems odd. Do the mods clear out all the prior years’ posts? Is there another place that people look for rides?


Thanks!

Tad

 Listening to: Spoon

[TheLorax27]

Hey folks, Festi-virgian here...after reading through this thread, I now appreciate how lucky I was to get a TP pass my first year. This forum has been amazingly helpful and now I’m even more stoked about TBF.

Wanted to ask about trying to catch a ride from Montrose on Fri or Sat (before the festival)...I posted in the Hitching A Ride section a couple weeks ago but nothing yet. There’s only four posts total....seems odd. Do the mods clear out all the prior years’ posts? Is there another place that people look for rides?


Thanks!

Tad

Hey Tad,

Yes they clear out old posts to make room for the current ones.  I wouldn't worry, closer to the festival someone will be able to help you out.  I perhaps can assist though you may want to get to Town Park before I could grab you.  I think I will be rolling through Montrose Saturday mid-day.  I would just leave your post up and see who can help as the fest draws nearer. To me hanging out in Montrose waiting to get picked up would be torture as you'd be so close to the paradise that is Telluride.

Great decision getting Town Park, you will have the time of your life!

Nate Grant 

[TellurideTom]

Hey folks, Festi-virgian here...after reading through this thread, I now appreciate how lucky I was to get a TP pass my first year. This forum has been amazingly helpful and now I’m even more stoked about TBF.

Wanted to ask about trying to catch a ride from Montrose on Fri or Sat (before the festival)...I posted in the Hitching A Ride section a couple weeks ago but nothing yet. There’s only four posts total....seems odd. Do the mods clear out all the prior years’ posts? Is there another place that people look for rides?


Thanks!

Tad

Here's a few other options if you can't find anyone coming through town that can give you a lift.

Telluride Express

TelluRides

Roadrunner Bus Service

 

[swander99]

Hey folks, Festi-virgian here...after reading through this thread, I now appreciate how lucky I was to get a TP pass my first year. This forum has been amazingly helpful and now I’m even more stoked about TBF.

Wanted to ask about trying to catch a ride from Montrose on Fri or Sat (before the festival)...I posted in the Hitching A Ride section a couple weeks ago but nothing yet. There’s only four posts total....seems odd. Do the mods clear out all the prior years’ posts? Is there another place that people look for rides?
Thanks!
Tad

  I would also 'bump' your post weekly so it stays fresh, and people keep seeing it. Many of us don't know how much room we have until the last minute, as well, so it's waaay too early to get discouraged.

 Listening to: Radio Heartland

[Australian fan]

Hey folks, Festi-virgian here...after reading through this thread, I now appreciate how lucky I was to get a TP pass my first year. This forum has been amazingly helpful and now I’m even more stoked about TBF.

Wanted to ask about trying to catch a ride from Montrose on Fri or Sat (before the festival)...I posted in the Hitching A Ride section a couple weeks ago but nothing yet. There’s only four posts total....seems odd. Do the mods clear out all the prior years’ posts? Is there another place that people look for rides?


Thanks!

Tad

Can't offer a ride but can strongly recommend the shuttle service from Montrose to Telluride. It is super efficient. Good luck