Ski Town Turned Art Playground
A free, interactive fest showcasing the natural artistry of sound, water and light
Known for world-class winter sports, Breckenridge, Colorado is shedding its winter coat and blossoming into a city of lights at the fourth annual WAVE: Light + Water + Sound art festival by Breckenridge Creative Arts (BreckCreate). Starting May 30 through June 2, fest-goers will witness the ski town revamped into an artful playland embracing the theme of light, water and sound with interactive art installations, sculptures and musical performances.
For four-days, these outdoor exhibits are open to the public to peruse and explore, courtesy of the non-profit BreckCreate. The experience brings a contemporary flair to the town with fresh, imaginative artwork weaved throughout the river, bridges and waterfront of Blue River Plaza.
From a lit-up bike ride in the heart of downtown to an unconventional cloud-like sculpture made entirely of light bulbs, here’s the schedule for this year’s can’t miss event.
Light Matters by ACTLD
Light Flows by ACT Lighting Design
8:30 to 11 pm | Riverwalk Center Lawn
A media installation projecting images from natural phenomena into the air.
Iceberg by ATOMIC3 and APPAREIL Architecture. Photo by Martine Doyon
Iceberg by ATOMIC3 + APPAREIL Architecture in collaboration with Jean-Sébastien Côté and Philippe Jean
3 to 11 pm
An immersive light and sound installation that follows the life cycle of an iceberg.
Les Voyageurs by Cedric Le Borgne
Les Voyageurs (The Travelers) + Les Oiseaux (The Birds) by Cédric Le Borgne
3 to 11 pm
A series of luminous human and bird figures created from sculpted wire.
Tension by Scott Young
3 to 11 pm | Gallery@OMH, Old Masonic Hall
An interior exhibition of neon-based artwork.
CLOUD by Caitlind r.c. Brown + Wayne Garrett. Photo by Doug Wong.
CLOUD by Caitlind r.c. Brown + Wayne Garrett
3 to 11 pm | Washington Ave
An interactive work created from incandescent light bulbs.
Loop by Ekumen. Photo by Alexandre Ayer Photography.
Loop by Ekumen designed by Olivier Girouard, Jonathan Villeneuve + Ottoblix in collaboration with Générique Design, Jérôme Roy + Thomas Ouellet Fredericks
3 to 11 pm
A musical installation that invites the public to bring animated movies to life.
Intermittent Positive Reinforcement by Scott Young
3 to 11 pm
A hanging neon sculpture with an interactive platform.
Through the Blue 4.0 with cellist Russick Smith
8 pm + 10 pm | Blue River, next to Riverwalk Center
A concert of cascading melodies on a tiny island between the banks of the Blue River.
Floating Brass with National Repertory Orchestra
5 to 9 pm
A series of mobile pop-up performances that drift around the WAVE exhibition site.
WAVE Reels with Breckenridge Film Festival
8:30 to 11 pm | Old Masonic Hall Patio
A collection of short films dedicated to different themes within the WAVE exhibition.
Illuminate Local
8:30 to 11 pm | Main Street
A program that shines a light on downtown businesses, merchants and organizations during WAVE. Participants will display glowing luminaries outside their stores or restaurants, with many offering special offers or discounts throughout the festival.
LightCycles: A Community Bike Ride
May 20, 7 to 9 pm | Psycle9600 + Blue River Bikeway
An event that encourages local cyclists to light up their bikes for a parade through the WAVE exhibition site. Riders should gather between 7–8 pm at Psycle9600 (505 S. Main) with their pre-decorated bikes, or gear up onsite with free glow swag, and ride from 8–9 pm.
About BreckCreate
Established in 2014, Breckenridge Creative Arts (BCA)—or BreckCreate for short—was developed by the Town of Breckenridge to support and promote arts, culture, and creative experiences throughout Breckenridge. This multidisciplinary nonprofit organization is responsible for the successful management of a series of programs, properties, and partnerships that collectively animate and populate a cultural corridor in the heart of downtown Breckenridge. From quality performing and visual arts to the development of one of region’s newest arts districts, Breckenridge Creative Arts is a transformative force for Breckenridge and the greater Summit County community. For more information, visit breckcreate.org.
