Upcoming Events at Michael D. Palm Theatre

Welcome to Michael D. Palm Theatre, a not-for-profit performing arts venue operated by Palm Arts on the Telluride School District campus. Since opening in 2004 and officially dedicated in 2005, this venue has become a cornerstone for Telluride’s rich arts scene, hosting everything from festival series to Metropolitan Opera Live in HD broadcasts and local performances. The main Palm Theatre seats about 650 guests, with a fixed seating layout for optimal sightlines, and the complex also includes the Black Box theatre (Bob Saunders Theatre) with seating for about 175. Whether you’re visiting for a festival, a concert, or a family performance, we’ve got you covered with clear ticketing and helpful venue details.

Telluride’s unique mountain town access means you can reach Palm Theatre via town transit, including the Galloping Goose bus and the gondola. Onsite parking is available at the Palm Arts complex, making your visit convenient from arrival to curtain call. Below you’ll find seating information, parking and transportation options, and trustworthy recommendations for nearby lodging and dining to complete your Telluride experience.

Note: Palm Arts operates on the Telluride School District campus, with the main venue and the adjacent Bob Saunders Black Box Theatre offering diverse programming. For the most accurate seating and accessibility details, check the event page you’re purchasing from. If you’re planning a multi-event trip, each date is treated as a standalone experience with its own seating and scheduling.

Accessible parking and transit

Onsite parking is available at the Palm Arts complex for ease and convenience.
Telluride transit options include the Galloping Goose bus and the gondola; Palm Theatre is town-based, so these services are practical for access to the venue from surrounding areas.

Nearby hotels and dining (affiliate partners)

Hotel Telluride — Adjoining lodging option with proximity to Palm Theatre; ideal for guests attending performances.
Nearby lodging partners and recommended dining options are listed on Palm Arts’ lodging page and partner network to ensure comfort after shows.

Notable events hosted at Palm Theatre

Telluride Film Festival, Mountain Film, Telluride Jazz Celebration
Telluride Chamber Music Festival
Metropolitan Opera Live in HD transmissions and a variety of local performances

Venue history

Opened in 2004; dedicated in March 2005 as a cornerstone of the community’s arts program.
The Black Box space is now known as Bob Saunders Theatre, offering a more intimate setting within the same campus.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Address: 721 W Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435.
Venue type: not-for-profit performing arts venue operated by Palm Arts on the Telluride School District campus.
Capacity: main Palm Theatre seats about 650 (official Palm Arts pages list 650; other sources cite ~667).
Onsite parking: available at the Palm Arts complex.
Seating/chart information: main theatre seating is fixed; the complex also includes a Black Box theatre (Bob Saunders Theatre) seating about 175.
Transit: Telluride offers transit options including the Galloping Goose bus and the gondola; Palm Theatre is town-based, so these services apply for access to the venue.
Nearby hotels: Hotel Telluride and other lodging options are adjacent/nearby; Palm Arts’ lodging page highlights Hotel Telluride and lodging partners.
Notable events hosted: Telluride Film Festival, Mountain Film, Telluride Jazz Celebration, Telluride Chamber Music Festival, plus Metropolitan Opera Live in HD transmissions and local performances.
History: opened in 2004; dedicated in March 2005; built via a public-private partnership on the Telluride School District campus.
Renaming/demolition: no demolition or renaming of the main venue; a Black Box space within the complex has been renamed Bob Saunders Theatre.

Michael D. Palm Theatre Tickets