ART + WELLNESS RETREAT IN BRECKENRIDGE

Reconnect with your creativity and well-being during a special Art and Wellness Retreat on Breckenridge’s historic Arts District campus. Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, this immersive experience invites you to explore the fundamentals and joy of watercolor painting with renowned artist Timothy James Standring—no prior experience needed. Each day also offers opportunities to nourish your body and mind through yoga, meditation, sound, and movement sessions designed to restore balance and spark inspiration. The retreat includes a welcome happy hour, a campus tour, 2.5 days of watercolor instruction, daily wellness practices, and delicious plant-based breakfasts and lunches prepared by a local chef (with dietary accommodations available). You’ll leave refreshed, reconnected, and creatively recharged. Lodging, transportation, and materials are not included; registered participants will receive a full syllabus, materials list, and local lodging recommendations. Space is limited.

art + wellness at bifa

Nestled in downtown Breckenridge against the majestic backdrop of the Tenmile Range, BIFA offers more than just art—it’s a sanctuary for mind and body. The festival’s diverse offerings span visual arts, music, theater, creative classes, workshops, yoga, and more, all thoughtfully curated to harmonize with Breckenridge’s natural beauty. Whether you’re indulging in art therapy or soaking in the scenery, BIFA provides countless opportunities for self-care and rejuvenation.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ART IN BRECKENRIDGE

BIFA 2025 explores the profound interconnections between the natural world and human expression, inviting audiences to engage with both the seen and unseen elements above and below the Earth’s surface. Taking center stage at BIFA 2025 is the U.S. premiere of SPARK, a silent, sustainable installation of floating, biodegradable sparks by Daan Roosegaarde. Experiencing SPARK means being enveloped within a field of floating sparks carried by the wind, soaring up to 160 feet in the air. Each performance lasts for several hours, allowing for time and space to linger, engage with the installation and connect with one another.

Hike in Breckenridge

Immerse yourself in the healing synergy of art and nature on Guided Mindfulness Hikes featuring BIFA art installations by Anna Tsouhlarakis, Bill Orisich, Justin Tyler Tate and Joe Scolari. Led by mental wellness practitioners, these hikes encourage personal reflection and meaningful conversations centered in mental health and wellbeing. Co-presented by Building Hope, these hikes are designed to restore and inspire.

Discover Isak Heartstone, the Breckenridge Troll, a monumental troll sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Crafted from recycled materials, Isak Heartstone epitomizes imaginative art that connects with nature, beckoning visitors to explore and unwind. This is an excellent family-friendly hike. To find the Breckenridge troll sculpture, please click here.

Trail Mix Performances blend art, music, theater and mindfulness with guided hikes and outdoor installations along Breckenridge’s scenic trails. Experience local musicians like Tree-O performing on platforms suspended among trees, see excerpts from The Great Divide by Breckenridge Backstage Theatre and more. Co-presented by Breckenridge Backstage Theatre and local musicians, these Trail Mix experiences promise enchanting moments of cultural fusion in nature’s embrace. 

Yoga + Movement Workshops in Breckenridge

While at BIFA, start your mornings with Acoustic Flow, a series of 60-minute yoga classes set along the tranquil shores of the Blue River. Led by local yoga instructors and accompanied by live music, these sessions offer a serene blend of movement, music, and natural beauty. Stay awhile after class, enjoy coffee with friends, and soak up the peaceful surroundings. 

Live Music in Breckenridge

As part of the 2025 Breckenridge International Festival of Arts, Emmy-nominated singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Kishi Bashi brings his signature blend of cinematic pop and orchestral brilliance to the Riverwalk stage. A classically trained violinist and Berklee College of Music alum, Kishi Bashi has performed with symphonies across the country and toured with artists like Regina Spektor and of Montreal.

Whether you’re hyped on the skating or vibing with the beats, Concrete Jams is where skate culture and live sound collide. Expect gravity-defying tricks, bold improvisation, and a community-driven celebration of movement and music. Athletes and artists dive deep into the fusion of music and skateboarding in this high-energy mash-up.

Inside the Riverwalk, watch pro skaters Jordyn Barratt, Derek Scott, and Lady Meek throw down on the halfpipe alongside local riders—all set to the electrifying sounds of 2MX2, the dynamic Latinx alternative band from Denver. Blending rock, hip-hop, and a Latin twist, 2MX2 delivers the perfect soundtrack for this adrenaline-fueled experience.

Step into the BIFA Lounge at Old Masonic Hall—your go-to evening destination for art, ambiance, and all the festival feels. Unwind with Irrational Indigenous Insights by Anna Tsouhlarakis, a bold exhibition that redefines contemporary Native art. Whether you’re decompressing after a full day or gearing up for the evening’s spectacle, the Lounge offers a welcoming space to relax, connect, and soak it all in. Enjoy lo-fi beats through silent disco headphones, sip on a drink, and take in the glow of art after dark. Open to the public, the BIFA Lounge sets the tone for a uniquely Breckenridge night, while VIP ticket holders enjoy exclusive access to the adjacent SPARK Viewing Lounge with front-row views of the main event.

Creative Classes + Workshops in Breckenridge

Partake in art therapy with BIFA’s eclectic lineup of workshops, from crafting musical instruments and foraging for edible delights to creating botanical prints and sewing simple projects. These hands-on experiences cater to whimsical, spiritual, and practical interests, inviting participants to unleash their artistic potential. See the full class schedule along with registration information at the Breck Create events calendar.

PERFORMANCE + FILM in Breckenridge

Minty Fresh Circus, conceived by Monique Martin, is a powerful and joyful US-based production featuring an all-Black cast and a majority-Black creative team. Celebrating the healing power of Black music and movement, the show honors the resilience of those who endured the transatlantic slave trade while looking boldly toward the future. Rooted in the concept of Sankofa—a Ghanaian principle that encourages learning from the past to shape a better future—Minty Fresh Circus blends Afro-futurism, live music, dynamic movement, and circus arts into a time-bending journey of redemption and transformation. The full ticketed performance takes place on August 23rd with free teaser performances on August 20th and 22nd.

Step back in time with Breckenridge Rewind, a nostalgic film event that explores the roots of Breckenridge and the evolution of its modern community. Presented in partnership with Breck Film and Breck History, Breck Film will screen a curated selection of news and lifestyle clips from the 1970s and ’80s, captured by Lee Lucas and Lucas Video Productions. From skiing and biking to Ullr Fest, pub crawls, weddings, and more, these vintage films offer a vivid snapshot of Breckenridge’s past. Following the screening, join a talkback session with longtime locals and featured subjects as they share personal reflections, provide historical context, and relive the spirit of the era. 

Breckenridge Backstage Theater presents The Great Divide, a new folk-inspired original musical that captures the grit, hope, and heartache of early Colorado. Set during the rugged rise of Breckenridge, this workshop production—featuring local musicians—explores the harsh realities of gold mining, brutal winters, and a nation fractured by Civil War. As tensions mount, the story echoes a timeless truth: a house divided cannot stand. Commissioned by Breck Create for BIFA 2025, The Great Divide stakes Breckenridge’s claim in the forging of the American story.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Breckenridge During BIFA

Discover a plethora of family-friendly activities throughout Breckenridge, including interactive events like Concrete Jams ft. 2MX2 at the Riverwalk Center, where professional skateboarders blend their art with live music. Join the community at the BIFA Airstage Summer Aprés for scenic views, refreshing brews and vibrant fellowship on the Arts District Campus. 

BIFA Info Tent + Craft

Visit the BIFA Info Tent + Craft on the Blue River Plaza for festival updates and artistic insights. The tent will be open daily throughout the festival. Pick up an official festival program, grab details regarding SPARK, and snag a BIFA t-shirt.

Art Exhibitions in Breckenridge

Delve into free art exhibitions at the Old Masonic Hall featuring works by Anna Tsouhlarakis. Ponder how Tsouhlarakis’ work reconsiders and redefines what Native art is and can be. Grounded in themes of strength, resilience, humor, and determination, her work confirms new ways of elevating the stories and struggles of Native American communities.

Where to Stay in Breckenridge

Enhance your BIFA experience with accommodations from Breckenridge Grand Vacations (BGV), renowned for its premium vacation rentals in the heart of Breckenridge. Winner of the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, BGV ensures a comfortable retreat amid the festival’s cultural delights.

About Breckenridge International Festival of Arts

As the premier summer arts festival in Breckenridge, BIFA invites you to embark on a journey of adventure, creativity, and discovery. Spanning ten days, the festival transforms Breckenridge into a vibrant cultural hub, uniting local, national and international artists in a celebration of music, dance, film, visual arts and family entertainment. From ticketed performances to free community events, BIFA offers something for everyone seeking inspiration and exploration.

About Breck Create

Breck Create is dedicated to fostering a dynamic creative community year-round in Breckenridge. Through inspiring artistic experiences, the organization enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike. Managed cultural facilities, an active Arts District campus, and diverse programming underscore Breck Create’s commitment to nurturing creativity and community spirit.

Plan Your Visit