Breckenridge offers an ideal environment for experiencing the arts. The BreckCreate arts district provides classes and workshops throughout the year. You can find art to bring home any time of year in the world-class galleries throughout Breckenridge. But, summer is the best time to experience a broad variety of art at the festivals and events. From vertical dancing to giant trolls, these festivals allow you to experience unique expressions of art that you won’t find anywhere else. Come to Breckenridge to discover art in a whole new way this summer.
BIFA
Breckenridge’s biggest art festival is the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (BIFA). It runs from August 9th-18th. This festival features installations by artists from around the world. You can find some installations right in town, and others while you are exploring out on the trails around Breckenridge. Thomas Dambo will be returning to Breckenridge to create a new troll sculpture. Blue River will be a featured installation by Giuseppe Licari, a Dutch artist, and Gretchen Marie Schaefer, an artist based out of Denver. The work is inspired by the rich history in Breckenridge.
Music
MusicThe festival will also feature music and performing arts. Enjoy DeVotchKa at the River Walk Center on Sunday, August 11th. This Denver based band fuses international sounds with American folk and punk. You can hear Chirp! By Chimney Choir out on Iowa Hill Trail and Illinois Creek Trail throughout the two weekends of the festival. This group uses their voices to create charming arrangements of folk inspired music. Tree-o is a three piece string ensemble that can be found high in the pine boughs. Catch this heightened performance art on the Illinois Creek Trail.
Vertical Dance
You do not want to miss BANDALOOP. BANDALOOP is a distinct dance troop that performs vertically, as well as horizontally. The group has performed throughout the world, high on the sides of buildings and cliff faces. The group will be shooting a new film while they are in Breckenridge and the filming locations are free and open to the public to view the dancing. In addition to the film sites, they will also hold several indoor performances at the Riverwalk Center. There is no admission, but seating is first come, first serve.
Workshops
You can also take part in the art yourself. There are a variety of workshops throughout the weekend. Some are for children and others for artists of all ages. Workshops include painting planters, organic weaving, and rock mosaics. If you feel inspired creatively, try out one of these fun workshops to help you get started on your next project.
BreckCreate
Check out listings of the events with times, locations, and costs on the BreckCreate website. There is so much to do and see throughout the two weekends. There are also other smaller events and installations throughout the summer that can be found on the BreckCreate website. Check it out to see what is happening in the arts when you are in town. Restore your sense of wonder and and enjoy these impressive installations of visual and performance art.
Photos courtesy of the Breckenridge Office of Tourism
