Planet Bluegrass

What Planet Bluegrass does

Planet Bluegrass is a privately held Colorado music festival and event management company founded in October 1988 and headquartered in Lyons. It produces four major annual festivals — Telluride Bluegrass Festival (June, 11,000+ attendees), RockyGrass Festival (July, 5,000 attendees), Rocky Mountain Folks Festival (August, 5,000 attendees), and Camp Alderwild (August) — anchored on owned or long-tenured venue real estate at the Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons and Telluride Town Park in the San Juan Mountains. The company complements its festivals with a year-round 300-seat indoor venue (Wildflower Pavilion), two educational programs (RockyGrass Academy and Song School), and supporting businesses including a weddings vertical and a Country Store merchandise operation.

The underlying technology stack is event-operational rather than product-platform: a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront (shop.bluegrass.com), third-party ticketing through Eventim/See Tickets with a Queue-it virtual waiting room for high-demand on-sales, RFID wristband access (being phased out for barcoded tickets), and the Festivarian App on iOS and Android. Sustainability infrastructure includes waste-diversion tracking, reusable crockery systems, and a carbon-accounting partnership with Aclymate.

The business model is diversified across event passes, camping and vehicle passes, NightGrass indoor concerts, vendor and craft fees, food and beverage concessions, merchandise, education tuition, and corporate sponsorship (beverage, outdoor, and lifestyle brands). Pricing is all-inclusive, with the 4-day Telluride Bluegrass pass at $420, the 3-day RockyGrass pass at $275, and the Folks Festival pass priced similarly. The company serves Festivarians (a self-identified community of repeat attendees), professional and amateur musicians, families (children under 12 free), and local nonprofits that benefit from beer-booth tip donations and micro-grants ($500–$10,000). Planet Bluegrass converted to a Public Benefit Corporation under Colorado law in April 2018, formalizing its social and environmental mission, and achieved Greener Festival Improvers Certification across all three flagship festivals in 2024.

Name

Planet Bluegrass

Legal name

Planet Bluegrass

Website

https://bluegrass.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Planet Bluegrass is a Colorado-based, privately held festival and event management company that produces the Telluride Bluegrass, RockyGrass, and Rocky Mountain Folks Festivals, plus educational programs (RockyGrass Academy, Song School) and year-round concerts at Wildflower Pavilion, serving Festivarian attendees, professional musicians, and local nonprofits as a Public Benefit Corporation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Music Festivals & Events

NAICS

RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Campgrounds (721211)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Music Festival Organizers & Promoters (MPAGAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Concerts & Music Festivals (THAJAFAA), Seasonal & Pop-Up Campsites (Event/Harvest/Temporary) (THAGAOAH)

Keywords

• Music festival production
• Live event management
• Outdoor concert operations
• Music education programs
• Sustainable event operations

Headquarters

HQ city

Lyons

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Festival Tickets: The primary revenue stream comes from selling festival passes to Telluride Bluegrass, RockyGrass, and Rocky Mountain Folks Festival. Tickets include 3-day and 4-day festival passes, single-day passes, and early bird/discounted pre-sale options. Ticket prices are all-inclusive with fees and taxes included.
2. Camping Passes: Revenue from selling camping passes at various campgrounds associated with each festival. Camping is sold per person and includes festival admission. Vehicle passes and RV passes are sold separately.
3. Event Admissions and Experiences: Revenue from additional event experiences including NightGrass indoor concerts, workshops, contests (band contests, instrument contests), RockyGrass Academy, and Song School educational programs.
4. Merchandise Sales: Revenue from merchandise sales through the Country Store at festivals, featuring official festival merchandise and partner products.
5. Food and Beverage Concessions: Revenue from beer booth and food/beverage vendor operations at festivals, including beer, wine, cocktails, and food vendor fees.
6. Vendor Fees and Sponsorship: Revenue from vendor fees (craft vendors, food vendors, nonprofit vendors) and corporate sponsorships from festival partners including breweries, spirits brands, outdoor companies, and local businesses.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Planet Bluegrass produces and operates annual multi-day live music festivals in Colorado (Telluride Bluegrass, RockyGrass, Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, and Camp Alderwild) along with indoor concert programming at the Wildflower Pavilion and immersive music education programs (RockyGrass Academy and Song School). Revenue is generated primarily through festival passes, camping, educational tuition, merchandise, food and beverage concessions, and corporate sponsorships sold directly to consumers and brand partners.

Product overview

Planet Bluegrass operates as a multi-festival company managing five distinct music festival products and educational programs across Colorado. The core portfolio includes the Telluride Bluegrass Festival (June) in Telluride, RockyGrass Festival (July) and Rocky Mountain Folks Festival (August) at the Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons, and Camp Alderwild (August) in Telluride. Supporting these are the Wildflower Pavilion Concert Series venue and two educational programs: RockyGrass Academy and Song School. The company also offers festival camping, sustainable festivation initiatives, beer booth donation programs, and maintains a community platform through the Festivarian App. The festivals collectively represent over 30 years of operations and serve as a Public Benefit Corporation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Telluride Bluegrass Festival: Annual bluegrass music festival held in Telluride, Colorado every Summer Solstice
• RockyGrass Festival
• Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
• Camp Alderwild
• Wildflower Pavilion
• RockyGrass Academy
• The Song School

Products and services

• Telluride Bluegrass Festival Annual four-day bluegrass music festival held at Telluride Town Park in Telluride, Colorado each June (Summer Solstice). Features main stage performances, workshops, NightGrass indoor late-night concerts, free community shows at Elks Park and Heritage Plaza, and contests. Sold to individual attendees via festival passes, single-day passes, and bundled camping.
• RockyGrass Festival Three-day traditional bluegrass festival held at the Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons, Colorado each July. Marketed as a picker's festival with main stage and Wildflower Stage performances, workshops, and contests. Sold as 3-day passes, single-day passes, and combined camping-plus-festival bundles.
• Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Three-day folk and songwriter festival held at Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons, Colorado each August. Marketed as the 'Summit of the Song' with main stage and Wildflower Stage performances, workshops, and the Songwriter Showcase. Sold as 3-day and single-day passes with camping options.
• Camp Alderwild Intimate multi-day music event held in Telluride, Colorado in late August. Recent editions feature performances by Of The Trees and Daily Bread.
• Wildflower Pavilion Concert Series Year-round intimate indoor concert series held at the 300-seat Wildflower Pavilion on the Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons, Colorado. Hosts Spring and Fall series performances plus collaborations such as ROCK MUSIC: Unplugged and COUNTRY MUSIC: Explored with the Boulder Philharmonic in Fall 2026.
• RockyGrass Academy Week-long intensive bluegrass music education program held each July before the RockyGrass Festival at Planet Bluegrass Ranch. Offers classes in instrument playing, vocal coaching, songwriting, band scrambles, mandolin-building (lutherie), and Kids Camp for all skill levels, serving approximately 300 musicians per year.
• The Song School Annual week-long songwriting intensive held each August at Planet Bluegrass Ranch during Folks Festival week. Connects aspiring songwriters with internationally known songwriting faculty and music professionals, with a Tuition Assistance Fund and Open Stage.
• Festival Camping On-site and nearby camping accommodations at festival venues including Telluride Town Park, Warner Field, Mary E. Ilium, Lawson Hill, and LaVern Johnson Park campgrounds. Sold per person (often bundled with festival passes) plus separate vehicle and RV passes with length restrictions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Waste diversion rates of 73% for Telluride and 48% for RockyGrass/Folks (compared to 16% Colorado state average)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

37 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Denver Beer Co.coreGTM or Marketing PartnerFestival sponsor and partner providing beer offerings at Telluride Bluegrass, RockyGrass, and Folks Festival. Denver Beer Co. shares Planet Bluegrass's commitment to sustainable brewing practices and community building in Colorado.
• Stem CiderscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCraft cidery partner providing cider offerings at festival events. Based in Lafayette, Colorado, founded in 2013 by Eric Foster and Phil Kao with commitment to quality, style, and cider traditions.
• Howdy BeercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFestival partner providing beer offerings. Brand focuses on authenticity, good times, and approachable beverages without pretense or status.
• Upslope Brewing CompanysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBoulder-based craft brewer with 17 years experience brewing clean, flavorful beers. Focus on quality, accessibility, and great value makes craft beer approachable for everyday drinkers.
• Great Divide Brewing CompanysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerColorado legacy brand carrying forward tradition of brewing bold, authentic flavors crafted the classic way honoring heritage, quality, and pioneering spirit of the Rockies.
• Tullamore D.E.W.supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSecond largest Irish whiskey brand globally and fastest growing in its category. Known for smooth and gentle complexity as the original triple blend Irish whiskey.
• Reyka VodkasupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerFirst-ever vodka distilled in Iceland using Icelandic spring water and lava rock filtration. Powered by geo-thermal energy and made in small batches.
• Hendrick's GinsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHandcrafted in Scotland in small batches with 11 fine botanicals and infusions of rose and cucumber. Known as the world's most unusual gin.
• Klean KanteensupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerChico, California-based company creating durable stainless-steel drinkware since 2004. Certified B Corporation, member of 1% for the Planet, and Climate Neutral Certified.
• Leave No TracecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner501(c)(3) nonprofit providing Leave No Trace programs, education, training and outreach. Planet Bluegrass partners with Leave No Trace for sustainable camping education and the Campsite Challenge competition.
• Eco-ProductssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBoulder-based company providing eco-friendly foodservice products nationwide. Grown from small distributor to most recognized brand of environmental foodservice products.
• Taylor GuitarssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerWorld-leading acoustic guitar manufacturer known for innovative technology and master craftsmanship. Provides prizes for songwriting competitions including the Songwriter Showcase winner receives a Taylor Guitar.
• Santa Cruz Guitar CompanysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerMaster luthiers building heirloom-quality instruments honoring violin lutherie traditions. Supports Telluride Bluegrass Festival as part of celebrating First Fifty Years.
• Pinhead InstitutesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerTelluride-based nonprofit and Smithsonian Affiliate promoting preK-12th grade science education across rural Southwest Colorado with access to world-leading scientists.
• Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association (TMVOA)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerTMVOA's mission is to preserve and promote a vital resort community with attention to sustainable village, vibrant economy, event sponsorship, gondola funding, and community research.
• Town of Mountain VillagecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership enables free FirstGrass outdoor concert at Sunset Plaza (9,540 feet elevation) in Mountain Village for festival kickoff. Supports festival access via free gondola.
• Zeal OpticssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerColorado-based eyewear company focused on outdoor adventure with guiding beliefs: Use Less, Give Back, Explore More. Aligned with Planet Bluegrass sustainability values.
• Meier SkissupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerDenver-based ski manufacturer using locally harvested Colorado Aspen and Pine Beetle Kill wood. Award-winning light and poppy ride considered among the most sustainable skis manufactured.
• Sunsense SolarsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPremier solar electric and energy storage company in Western Colorado providing turnkey Engineering, Procurement and Construction services for solar systems.
• Green GoosupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerWomen-owned, family-operated B Corp creating plant-based first aid and personal care products made in the USA using 100% natural ingredients.
• ShokzsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerGlobal leader in open-ear sports headphones designed for outdoor enthusiasts with complete situational awareness. Bud-free, sweat-resistant design for active lifestyles.
• OZO Coffee RoasterssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBoulder-based retail operator and roaster founded in 2007 with community first focus and mission to connect diverse communities through coffee.
• AllTrailssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerApp for exploring the outdoors with world's largest outdoor community. Helps people discover trails and spend more time outside.
• Natural LifesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerWomen's lifestyle brand making irresistible treasures with free spirit style and positive vibe from clothing to accessories and home items.
• WrovenDensupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCrested Butte-based brand making lightweight all-in-one sleep systems for toddlers and young children. Operates Kids Zone on festival grounds.
• Good BrusupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerOrganic functional symbiotic made in Denver, CO supporting gut health microbes. Tasteless and backed by over 25 clinical studies.
• Socorro TequilasupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCrafted from 100% Blue Weber agave, pure balanced tequila with no additives. Traditionally made with honest craft and appreciation for what tequila should be.
• Q MixerssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPremium mixers made with real ingredients, less sugar, max fizz. For crafting cocktails, mocktails, or simply mixing up drinks.
• Rocky Mountain CannabissupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerColorado's premier cannabis shop with options in every category striving for innovation in product, purchasing, and customer service.
• The Andy Clark FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation providing scholarships for RockyGrass Academy. Applications accepted for scholarship support for music education.
• AclymatesupportingTechnology or IntegrationLocal Colorado company offering all-in-one platform to help small business track emissions and purchase offsets. Partnered with Planet Bluegrass to develop software estimating carbon impact of events.
• Seas of TreessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Planet Bluegrass, Town of Telluride, San Miguel County and Telluride Foundation to plant 2,000 tree demonstration forest in Telluride.
• Sheridan Opera HousesupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIconic Telluride venue hosting NightGrass late-night concerts during Telluride Bluegrass Festival.
• Palm TheatresupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTelluride venue partner for NightGrass indoor concerts during Telluride Bluegrass Festival.
• The Alibi (Telluride)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTelluride venue partner for NightGrass indoor concerts during Telluride Bluegrass Festival.
• Boulder PhilharmonicsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrchestra partnership for ROCK MUSIC: Unplugged and COUNTRY MUSIC: Explored performances at Wildflower Pavilion in Fall 2026 series.
• Colorado Old-time Fiddlers' AssociationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMusic organization supported by Planet Bluegrass through donations and community partnerships for preserving traditional music.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Superfly Presents: Boutique independent festival producer behind Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, with a similar focus on community-driven, experiential festival brands. Comparable as a similarly scaled independent operator building premium, curated live music events with strong brand identities.
• C3 Presents: Independent festival producer behind Austin City Limits Music Festival and Lollapalooza. Comparable as a similarly sized independent promoter that builds iconic, recurring festival brands with strong community identities, though operating in broader genres (rock, indie, electronic) rather than acoustic/bluegrass.
• MerleFest: Annual folk and traditional music festival held in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, founded in honor of Doc Watson. Comparable as a long-running, multi-decade folk/bluegrass/roots festival with camping, educational programming, and a similar community-driven identity.
• WinterWonderGrass: Colorado-based bluegrass festival series with events in Steamboat Springs, Squaw Valley, and other mountain venues. Direct genre peer operating in the same bluegrass/acoustic niche within the Colorado mountain festival market.
• FloydFest: Multi-day music festival held in Floyd, Virginia, blending Americana, bluegrass, folk, and roots music. Comparable as a similarly sized independent mountain-region music festival with camping, sustainability commitments, and a curated, community-oriented brand identity.
• DelFest: Annual bluegrass festival founded by Del McCoury and family in Cumberland, Maryland. Comparable as a multi-day, family-oriented traditional bluegrass festival with camping and educational programming serving the same core demographic.
• Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival: Long-running traditional bluegrass festival held annually in Oak Hill, New York. Direct genre peer operating a similar multi-day, multi-stage bluegrass festival model with comparable artist booking, camping, and community programming.

Broad incumbents

• AEG Presents: One of the largest live entertainment companies in the world, operating major festivals (Coachella, Stagecoach, New Orleans Jazz Fest), touring, and venue ownership. Comparable because it operates in the same live music festival/promotion space, though at a vastly larger scale and broader genre footprint than Planet Bluegrass.
• Live Nation Entertainment: The world's largest live entertainment company, operating Ticketmaster, hundreds of festivals, and concert promotion globally. Comparable as a live music promoter and festival operator, though vastly larger in scale and operating across all major music genres rather than specializing in bluegrass/folk.

Others

• Folk Alliance International: Industry organization representing the folk music community globally, including the annual Folk Alliance International Conference and the Clearwater Award (which Planet Bluegrass received in 2022). Comparable as an ecosystem/industry partner operating in the same folk/roots music community.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/planetbluegrass
• Facebookfacebook.com/planetbluegrass
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/planet-blue-grass

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Planet Bluegrass