One of Breckenridge's newest Summer Installations, the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (informally referred to as BIFA) has joined the ‘cultural fray’ by presenting one of the newest multidisciplinary arts festivals in the U.S.! Back for its fourth year, this multi-arts program of extraordinary events in spectacular places and spaces across Breckenridge is a 10-day festival inspired by the themes of environment and mountain culture in Breckenridge. This remarkable event brings together a variety of performances, exhibitions, screenings, workshops, talks and collaborations along with an eclectic mix of music, dance, visual arts and family entertainment.

The event definitely has a ‘Breckenridge feel’ with art exhibits that link closely with the natural environment. From a number of free outdoor musical performances in the new Breckenridge Arts District campus to an exciting lineup of local, national and global talent as well as a truly unique program entitled Trail Mix. Quickly becoming a significant addition to the state’s festival landscape as well as a premier destination event, BIFA promises to be a one of a kind experience that you will not want to miss this Summer!

Aurous Trove
August 10-19 | Iowa Hill Trail

Aurous Trove is designed to subtly interrupt the landscape to remind us of the history of the gold rush at the Iowa Hill Mine and invites viewers to consider the value of resources as they are naturally in juxtaposition of conquest and the consequences of extraction.

Peeking [Name TBD] : Thomas Dambo
August 9-19 | E Wellington Trail

Discover one of Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s enchanting troll-like creatures along a scenic forest trail on the outskirts of town. Based on woodland myth, this gentle giant will be made from recycled and reclaimed and perched high atop a rocky hillside, stacking stones.

MEET THE ARTIST: August 10, 5.30–6.30p | E Wellington Trail

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Get Inspired! .. Make Your Own Monster

Make your own larger-than-life monster! All ages welcome. Parents must attend with children age 6 and under. Register in advance to ensure a spot.

August 12 & 19, 2–3p | Quandary Antiques Cabin

Nature Will Not Miss Us : Nicole Banowetz
August 9-19 | Old Masonic Hall

Nicole Banowetz makes sewn inflatable sculptures and delicate assembled forms, which move freely between growth and decay blurring the distinction between decoration and disease. Inspired by the natural world, this exhibit addresses human qualities while using the imagery of animal, plant, mineral and bacterial worlds.

MEET THE ARTIST: August 18, 3–4p | Gallery at Old Masonic Hall

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Get Inspired! .. Inflatable Art

Make your own inflatable art! All ages welcome. Parents must attend with children age 6 and under. Register in advance to ensure a spot.

August 10 & 17, 2–3p | Quandary Antiques Cabin

In The Light of Air
August 10 9-10p | Riverwalk Center

A tetralogy of works by Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottír, this piece (scored for the ethereal combination of viola, cello, harp, piano, percussion and electronic) elicits images of Iceland’s varied geography. The four movements bear the titles Luminance, Serenity, Existence and Remembrance and are connected by short transitions to form a seamless flow throughout the work. Performed with an onstage gentle yoga and meditation session for interested audience members.

A Simple Space, by Gravity & Other Myths
Riverwalk Center | Tickets $20 .. Purchase

Get up close and personal with one of Australia’s hottest and most original circus ensembles. In this award-winning show that has captivated sell-out festival audiences worldwide, seven young acrobats push themselves to their physical limits and beyond in an awe inspiring performance of supreme acrobatic ability, strength and skill.

.. Friday, August 17 7:30p.. .. Saturday, August 18 7:30p.. .. Sunday, August 19 2p..

Vijay Iyer Trio
August 9 9p | Riverwalk Center

One of the most pivotal jazz bands of the twenty-first century with composer, writer, pianist, and Harvard professor, Vijay Iyer at the helm. Innovative in style and form, the trio fuses various jazz forms that are rooted in tradition.

Andrew Bird with special guest Neyla Pekarek
August 17 7.30p | Riverwalk Center

A show inspired by the life of Colorado pioneer woman Rattlesnake Kate, infamous for her death defying encounter with a rattlesnake migration. This collection of songs recounts stories from her life, extracted from a 40-year love letter.

Trail Mix
Daily, Aug 9-19
.. 10a Moonstone Trail.. .. 2p Iowa Trail.. .. 4p W Wellington Trail..

Combining art, music, hiking and biking along the trails of Breckenridge through free outdoor concerts and environmental installations, this outdoor feature will offer 27 pop-up performances over the 10 days of BIFA.

MEET THE ARTISTS : August 15, 7-9p | Old Masonic Hall, Upper Level Studio
Join Trail Mix artist Nicole Banowetz, Tree-O performer James Russick Smith, and Tony Overlock of Open Space and Trails, to discuss the BIFA Trail Mix series. Learn about what it takes to create and place the on-trail sculptures and the meaning-making considerations that take place when you locate art in nature.

Concrete Jams: Sk8 + Jazz
August 11 & 12, 10a–1p | Breckenridge Skate Park

Skateboarding and jazz collide as BIFA brings together athletes and artists in unexpected ways. Essential to both disciplines is the ability to find an individual groove, so this 360-degree immersion showcases the art of improvisation in both music and sport, offering a new kind of performance art: the bowl as bandstand.