1. Immerse Yourself in the U.S. Premier of SPARK

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.

2. Take the Family to See Minty Fresh Circus

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.

3. Learn About Breckenridge Lifestyle + Culture

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.

4. Explore Breckenridge’s Place in American History

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. 

5. See Art Installations for Free

Breck Create features the work of Anna Tsouhlarakis for the summer 2025 season. Several examples of her work will be on display at Old Masonic Hall through August 31st. 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. This exhibition will include a selection of new and existing artworks that center Native voices in original and restoring ways. Tsouhlarakis also is one of the featured artists in the 2025 Trail Mix series, a perennial BIFA highlight. Trail Mix blends art and nature along scenic Breckenridge trails, where hikers and bikers encounter site-specific installations in the wild.

6. Combine Wellness and Art with a Guided Mindfulness Hike

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.

7. Enjoy A Live PERFORMANCE on the Trail 

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, 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. 

8. Discover a Connection Between Music and Sports

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.

9. Partake in Free Family Fun at AirStage Summer Après

This summer series of free community events equals a friendly place with great views and mountain charm to relax after your adventure. The BIFA editions of this community favorite fall on August 14th and 21st. Hike, bike or bus to the Breckenridge Arts District and enjoy outdoor drafts, crafts and live music on the AirStage. Bring a picnic blanket, grab dinner to go and let the kids play on the lawn while you meet new friends and enjoy the atmosphere. Well-behaved pups on leashes are welcome!

10. Send the Kids to Art Camp and Delight in Some “Me Time”

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. 

Then, engage 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.

BIFA Art Camps for ages six and older are wonderful opportunities to stoke young imaginations. The camp session runs August 18th through 22nd and lasts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year’s camp will be taught by local artist Kia Neill. 

For all BIFA events, please see the calendar below.