Ten days of creativity, performances and environmental consciousness on tap

By Kaelyn Diep

The Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (BIFA) opens Friday, starting 10 days of creativity, performances and environmental consciousness.

Running Aug. 15 to 24, attendees can experience the dynamic, creative minds of Breck and beyond. Blending the themes of nature and avant-garde art, BIFA utilizes the town’s trails, public parks and streets to display enticing galleries. Based in the Riverwalk Center, audiences are able to enjoy programs and shows while taking a gander at some incredible artistry.

A Sonic Meditation on Sunday is part of the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts | Photo provided

Managed by Breck Create, senior director Karlie Mclaughlin explains that BIFA is designed to blur the boundaries between art and environment as well as artist and audience, while also encouraging people to explore, imagine and reconnect.

“Whether it’s discovering an installation on a forest trail or dancing beneath the stars, BIFA invites us to engage with the world differently, with curiosity, joy, and a deep sense of place,” she said.

Programs, shows and art will all be displayed inside the SPARK outdoor complex, a key centerpiece of BIFA this year. Developed by Studio Roosegaarde, SPARK is a sustainable alternative to fireworks that is silent and mess free.

Celebrating the night sky, thousands of biodegradable sparks ignite while floating through the air, rising to 100 feet as they drift on the breeze. SPARK transforms downtown Breckenridge into a glowing and luminescent environment at the end of each evening.

Guests are able to enjoy drinks, relax and bask in the field of light on their creative journey through the festival. SPARK also aligns with the Town’s DarkSky initiative, which states that Breckenridge is committed to reducing light pollution.

“Blending art with nature is what makes BIFA truly distinct,” Mclaughlin said. “Here in Breckenridge, the landscape isn’t just a backdrop – it’s an active collaborator in the creative process.”

Breck Create also helps oversee the Breckenridge Arts District, which BIFA is part of. The district serves as a hub for creative experiences such as studio galleries, performance spaces, historic landmarks and public art that populate downtown. Breck Create’s mission is to deliver the inspiring creative arts community to enrich the quality of life for its visitors. The organization supports artists and cultural enthusiasts by providing a year-round schedule of performances, exhibitions, screenings and workshops. Breck Create is also affiliated with several of the region’s other groups, such as Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, National Repertory Orchestra and Breck Film.

One of the organization’s core attractions consists of an Arts District campus for workshops and the Riverwalk Center. Filled with around 750 seats, the center is a heated, indoor performance venue that includes affordable rentals for local artists and participants.

“What makes BIFA different is its seamless integration of art, nature, and adventure,” Mclaughlin said. “Unlike traditional arts festivals that take place only in concert halls or galleries, BIFA unfolds across mountain trails, riversides and open skies.”

The opening weekend of BIFA promises three evening events in the center that are sure to be full of music, film and meditation. Here are more details about each event happening from August 15 to 17.

An Evening with Kishi Bashi

Friday, Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m.

Emmy-nominated multi-instrumentalist Kishi Bashi kicks off BIFA’s opening weekend with his cinematic blend of pop, orchestral arrangements and heartfelt storytelling. Performing his newest album, Kantos, Bashi’s genre-bending set will take you on a high-energy journey that perfectly complements the atmosphere of SPARK.

Breckenridge Rewind

Saturday, Aug. 16, 7:30 p.m.

Partnering with Breck Film and Breck History, this event showcases the nostalgia of 1970s and ‘80s Breckenridge through archival footage taken by Lee Lucas of Lucas Video Productions. From early ski country adventures to town festivities, the screening proceeds with a talkback from locals and featured video subjects. SPARK will end the evening by blending collective memory with environmental innovation.

Acoustic Flow: Sonic Meditation

Sunday, Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m.

End the weekend with an outdoor journey through sonic sound led by pianist Adam White, singer/poet Phoebe Bawmann and local meditation expert Leslie Glenn. Featuring a piano, voice and harmonium, this meditation takes immersion to the next level as it taps into the healing power of music. Along with presence, the event will naturally transition to SPARK’s calming aura as night falls.

BIFA will also grant exclusive access for those to see a special media preview and reception for the festival and SPARK on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 8:30-10 p.m. Held at the Old Masonic Hall, the event promises guests live music, an open bar and the opportunity to mingle with some of the featured artists for BIFA, including Daan Roosegaarde, the artist behind SPARK.

BIFA invites art fans to enjoy the creative endeavors of Breckenridge not only through its performances and art but through the nature that surrounds the town.

Click here for more information, tickets and a full schedule of events.

Thirst Colorado intern Kaelyn Diep is a senior at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She is majoring in journalism and minoring in communication studies and plans to become a news editor. Besides working for The Metropolitan school newspaper as the social media editor, she enjoys playing video games, crocheting, reading, exploring the outdoors and hanging out with her friends and boyfriend. One of her favorite things to do with her partner is build LEGOs.