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Hikers on a guided mindfulness hike to view an art installation set among the trees on a trail in Breckenridge

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Art + Wellness in Breckenridge

Blending health and wellness with cultural activities in Breckenridge

“The Mountains are calling, and I must go,” naturalist John Muir famously said. This phrase captures the allure of nature and its profound impact on our wellbeing. If you feel drawn to the mountains this August, Breck Create invites you to fashion a wellness retreat for yourself amidst the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (BIFA), a summer arts festival that takes place in the Breckenridge Arts District between August 16th and August 25th. 

Health + Wellness Activities in Breckenridge

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, the BIFA event calendar provides countless opportunities for self-care and rejuvenation.

A couple and their dog hike to an art installation just outside of Breckenridge as part of Breckenridge International Festival of Arts Trail Mix series

Hike in Breckenridge 

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Yoga in Breckenridge

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Live music in Breckenridge

Hike in Breckenridge

Immerse yourself in the healing synergy of art and nature on Guided Mindfulness Hikes featuring BIFA art installations by Megan Geckler and Gerald Clarke. Led by mindfulness expert Leslie Glenn, these hikes encourage personal reflection and meaningful conversations centered in mental health and wellbeing, conducted in both English and Spanish. All Guided Mindfulness Hikes will be presented in both English and Spanish. Sponsored by Building Hope and Vail Health, 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, excerpts from A Lady’s Guide to Mountains by Breckenridge Backstage Theatre and more. Trail Mix promises enchanting moments of cultural fusion in nature’s embrace.

Yoga + Movement Workshops in Breckenridge

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 explore mental health resources at the Building Hope table. 

Dive into Streb Popaction Workshop for Kids and Adults, featuring Streb’s PopAction technique. Inspired by Elizabeth Streb’s dynamic fusion of dance, athletics and acrobatics, these workshops challenge participants to explore physicality and defy gravity in a supportive, inclusive environment. Also on the event schedule is Streb Popaction Youth Workshop; this workshop is similar to the previous workshop but for youth only, ages 7+. 

Live Music in Breckenridge

Experience the transformative power of music with Music From Almost Yesterday, a multimedia journey curated by local percussionist Jason Rodon and friends. 

Delve into the legacy of Duke Ellington with Jason Moran Plays Duke Ellington as Moran interprets timeless compositions in a mesmerizing solo piano performance followed by an ensemble celebration.

Co-produced with the National Repertory Orchestra, Rising Tide: The Crossroads Project combines original music, art, imagery and science to address global sustainability issues. Featuring physicist Dr. Robert Davies and the Fry Street Quartet, this unique performance invites contemplation and action towards a sustainable future.

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Creative classes + workshops in Breckenridge

Dancers with Streb Extreme Action contemporary dance company perform on one of the group

Performance + theater in Breckenridge

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Family-friendly things to do in Breckenridge

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 building clay planters. 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 + Theater in Breckenridge

Don’t miss Time Machine: From Ringside to Extreme Action, a retrospective of contemporary dance choreographer Elizabeth Streb’s iconic performances spanning decades. Witness Streb Extreme Action’s evolution from experimental beginnings to daring feats on massive action machines. Free teaser performances at the Blue River Plaza offer a glimpse into this captivating journey.

Polyglot Theatre’s Bees is a joyful, interactive work in which children are welcomed into a world of community, communication, wonder and imagination. There will be more than a dozen opportunities to experience this free activity between Friday, August 16 and Sunday, August 18.  

Breckenridge Backstage Theatre presents A Lady’s Guide to Mountains at the Breckenridge Theatre August 22 - 25. This production celebrates Colorado’s outdoor culture with three true stories of women pushing their limits and meeting their edge. 

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Breckenridge During BIFA

Discover a plethora of family-friendly activities throughout Breckenridge, including interactive events like Finding a Line: Skateboarding, Music + Media at the Riverwalk Center, where professional skateboarders blend their art with live jazz. 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 BIFA Info Tent + Craft will be open on the Blue River Plaza Thursdays through Sundays during the festival. Hang out on the plaza, get crafty and grab information for engaging opportunities such as studio hours with resident artists Cipriano Ortega and Kayla Powers.

Art Exhibitions in Breckenridge

Delve into free art exhibitions at the Old Masonic Hall featuring works by Megan Geckler and Gerald Clarke. Experience Geckler’s intricate Woven Panels and immersive installations, alongside Clarke’s provocative sculptures, paintings and multimedia pieces exploring personal, cultural and tribal histories.

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 2024 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