The annual nonprofit Telluride Fire Festival made its debut in January 2015. The event was inspired by Burning Man, the annual celebration of community, art and fire, that draws 70,000 people to the Nevada desert every Labor Day weekend. The goal was to bring the Burning Man ethos to Telluride along with the larger-than-life fire art to the region to support these artists and allow more people the ability to see, interact with, and create this visual magic. Since 2015, the annual event continues to offer dynamic art performances each evening in a variety of locations. Additional ticketed entertainment, plus an over-the-top Fire Ball with theatrical performances, music, cash bar, and an outdoor fire sculpture garden. Free and fee-based fire related workshops are also a staple component of the Telluride Fire Festival. This past December 3-5, 2021 we changed it up again with new fiery art, unique performance art and a new venue at the end of the box canyon.
October 2019, the Festival changed their nonprofit name to Rocky Mountain Arts, which embodies more than the fire arts and helps educate our supporters about the multi-faceted programs and performances offered by the nonprofit.
The 2022 event offered outdoor fire art, fire performances, an indoor circus and dance show and free workshops through generous donations, grants, and sponsorships.