The Vibe of Camp Alderwild: A Musical Retreat in Telluride
Camp Alderwild, hosted in the breathtaking locale of Telluride, Colorado, is quickly forming its unique identity within the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) festival scene. After its inaugural run in 2022, the festival, organized by Denver music producer Of The Trees, is captivating audiences for the second and final time in its current location this year, set for August 28 and 29 at the iconic Telluride Town Park.
The festival’s journey began with a dream — a shared vision among the organizers inspired by the striking landscapes of Telluride, which they found hard to resist. “When we first started talking about doing a festival or outdoor event, we would send each other photos of Telluride,” recalls Jay Rogovin, the long-time manager of Of The Trees and co-organizer of Camp Alderwild. Despite initial skepticism surrounding EDM’s place in the town, the growing acceptance of electronic music combined with the stunning mountain backdrop created an irresistible setting.
A Community Welcomes EDM Back
Historically, Telluride’s relationship with EDM was tenuous at best, having been over a decade since a significant electronic act, Pretty Lights, last graced the area with a two-night performance. The past experiences had left a residual wariness among locals. However, the time away has allowed perspectives to shift, and Rogovin recounts, “Enough time had passed, and Of The Trees was set on bringing electronic music back to the picturesque box canyon venue.” The invitation from Telluride felt like a serendipitous opportunity.
The Hard Work Behind the Scenes
With only a year to organize their return after last year’s success, the Camp Alderwild team rallied quickly. “There was an opening last second … we had just done our double Red Rocks in November, and they said you have until 4 p.m. to make a decision on whether or not you guys want to do this,” said Coombs. Their swift decision-making speaks volumes about their commitment and excitement for the festival, as Rogovin expressed, “This place was the dream, doing something here. The view from Town Park is unbelievable. It’s a dream to be able to paint that canvas.”
Expanded Experiences and Activities
The second iteration of Camp Alderwild promises to be even more immersive than the first, encompassing a broader range of activities alongside the spectacular musical lineup. This year features not only headline acts like Of The Trees and Daily Bread, but also a strong supporting cast including Detox Unit and KOAN Sound, the latter pairing up for a unique back-to-back set. The anticipation of surprises from Of The Trees adds another layer of excitement for attendees.
Beyond the music, organizers have carefully curated an expanded offering of wellness and adventure activities — from fly-fishing classes to mountaintop yoga, and even morning hikes — all designed to embrace and highlight the natural beauty of the landscape. This incorporation of wellness experiences into the festival lineup reflects a growing trend within the festival community, acknowledging that well-being and creativity often go hand-in-hand.
The Promise of More to Come
Rogovin expresses a sentiment that resonates deeply with attendees and organizers alike: “We felt like there was a little bit of unfinished business. We wanted to have a more robust year of planning.” With the anticipation of bolstered production values, including an exciting debut of new visual concepts, this year’s Camp Alderwild is positioned as a culmination of their efforts and a stepping stone for even greater experiences in the future.
The organizers are already looking ahead, with plans to shift the festival to a new yet-to-be-disclosed location next summer, expanding its offerings to include more days and stages. This year is framed as a bridge to what’s next, with a sense of closure that doesn’t signify an end but rather an evolution of the Camp Alderwild experience.
Camp Alderwild runs from 4 p.m. on August 28 and 29 at Telluride Town Park, with tickets priced between $135 and $240. Эveryone involved is eager to wrap up this chapter on a high note while looking forward to the new adventures that await each summer to come.
