Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19

Gilpin County Fair: It's time for the 2026 Gilpin County Fair! Come enjoy fun events such as: a Parade! Rodeo Events, Mining competitions, Pickleball competitions, Cornhole competitions, Gilpin Gourmet, Live Music, Bounce Houses, Trivia, Face painting, and much more! More information at gilpincounty.colorado.gov/events/gilpin-county-fair, Friday, 12 to 6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Gilpin County Fairgrounds, 250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk.

Friday, July 17
Rick Thomas Distillery Grand Tasting: You're invited to the release tasting of Rick Thomas' straight American single malt whiskey! Distilled on site in the Colorado mountains. Limited release! There will be food as well as an inspired playlist. 4 to 7 p.m., 830 Miners Road, Black Hawk.

Free Build! with LEGO: Drop in to create and play! Kids can let their imaginations run free while they construct their own creations using LEGO bricks. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. All materials are provided. LEGO bricks and creations will remain in the library after each program. 1 to 4 p.m., Gilpin County Public Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk. 

Family Movie Matinee: Bring the kids for free popcorn and a movie as we watch the family-friendly film “The Good Dinosaur” in the meeting room. PG, 1 hour 33 minutes. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Gilpin County Public Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk. 

Picnic in Chipeta Park: Join NAS and the Gilpin County Seniors on Friday for a picnic in Chipeta Park! Lunch prepared by Bright Heart Catering and lawn games provided by the Nederland Community Library. $5 suggested donation; 25 spots available; RSVP is required. Please RSVP at info@mountainpeaklife.org by July 6 at 5 p.m. 

Trivia Night: Test your knowledge and join a team for trivia! 7 to 9 p.m. at both Very Nice locations, 180 Jankowski Drive, Black Hawk and 26 Highway 119 #7,  Nederland. 

Saturday, July 18 

Wildfire Awareness Day at Chipeta Park: Boulder County Parks and Open Space Community Forestry Sort Yard and Wildfire Partners is putting on a Wildfire Awareness Day to inform the public about home mitigation, emergency preparedness. Attendees include Colorado State Forest Service, US Forest Service, Boulder Watershed Collective, Boulder County Sheriff's Fire Crew, and the Nederland Fire Department. Chipeta Park, 254-306 Lakeview Drive, Nederland.

Sunday, July 19

World Cup Watch Party: Family friendly event with refreshments and World Cup soccer bingo! 1 p.m. at the Nederland Public Library, 200 Highway 72, Nederland. 

Party in the Peaks: Nederland Farmers Market throws its annual summer party with live music from Hundred Pound Housecat and Selasee & the Fa Fa Family as well as over 70 local vendors including beer, wine and spirit tents. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. , 80 East Second Street, Nederland. 

HCA Pancake Breakfast: Support our first responders! Still only $10, kids under 12 are $5. Includes eggs, sausage, pancakes, coffee and juice. 9 to 11 a.m., Gilpin County Fairgrounds, 250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk. 

Monday, July 20

All Ages International Folk Dancing Series: First and third Monday of every month. Tom Masterson will teach each dance beforehand. Everyone is welcome to join in and enjoy the fun. A suggested $5 donation for the teaching is appreciated.  6 to 8 p.m., Chipeta Park Pavilion, 254-306 Lakeview Drive, Nederland.

Tuesday, July 21

Carousel of Happiness Tea Party: Step into pure magic and wonder at the Carousel of Happiness for a whimsical, all-ages tea party! Teas provided by Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. To purchase tickets, please follow this link: carouselofhappiness.org/its-a-tea-party/. 3 to 5 p.m., 20 Lakeview Drive, Nederland. 

Wednesday, July 22

Timberline Fire Truck Visit: Join us for a special story time as volunteers from the Timberline Fire Protection District bring a special treat for the kids.  Get the chance to see a fire truck close up and participate in some hands-on events.  Visits from our local fire department are always dependent on whether there are active service calls during the scheduled time. 10 to 11 p.m., Gilpin County Public Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Saturday, July 25

Wildfire Awareness Days in Allenspark: Join Boulder County for Wildfire Awareness Days, a free community event bringing together the people working to keep our neighborhoods safer from wildfire. Meet representatives from local fire departments, the Colorado State Forest Service, the U.S. Forest Service, Boulder County's recovery and resiliency division, and several nonprofit partners, all in one place to answer questions and share resources. Kids and adults alike will enjoy getting an up-close look at fire trucks, and free food will be available throughout the event. 

Very Nice Farmers Market: Join us one Saturday each month this summer at our Gilpin tap room for an afternoon of local food, local makers, cold beer, and mountain community. Shop fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, and handcrafted products from local vendors. And live music! 4 to 7 p.m., Very Nice Brewing Company, 180 Jankowski Drive, Black Hawk.

Wednesday, July 29

Digging up Dinosaur Bones!: Denise Gard brings stories to life using audience participation, her talented Border Collies Joey and Kira, and creative storytelling. Join us for an action-packed program full of stories and dog tricks. 10 to 11 a.m., Gilpin County Public Library 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Did we miss you? Would you like your event listed in the Cracker Barrel? Please submit your event online at themtnear.com/events-submission/ to be included in the next edition. Check us out online at themtnear.com/events for more upcoming events.