Thursday, July 23

Our Community Coyotes - “Sharing the Neighborhood. This fascinating community presentation pulls back the curtain on one of our most misunderstood neighbors. Learn how coyotes communicate, raise their families, stake out their territory, and adapt their behavior through the seasons. You'll walk away with real, science-backed tips for keeping your pets, and livestock coexisting with the coyotes in our backyard. 6 to 7:30 p.m., The Old Gallery, 14863 Highway 7, Allenspark. 

Human Services Fair: Join various representatives from the peak to peak area for assistance and information on: benefit programs, ie. SNAP, Medicaid, Senior services, community complaints, and veteran services. For more information, visit nederlandfoodpantry.org/events/human-services-fair. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 196 W 1st Street, Building 2, Nederland.

Friday, July 24

Children’s Book Signing and Storytime: Join us for a special storytime with author of “The Surprising Adventure”, Betsy Shepardson, for a story reading and finger puppets. 12 to 4 p.m., Gilpin Arts Gallery, 117 Eureka Street, Central City. 

Saturday, July 25 

Very Nice Farmers Market: Join us 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.

Wild Kitchen - Mugolio: Learn how to forage and cook some of the most delicious plants in the Colorado front range.This class will be on a kind of gourmet pine syrup called Mugolio. It has been described as a rich, earthy honey, with bright citrus notes. It has a myriad of uses in things like coffee or tea, parfaits, pancakes, charcuteries, and even desserts like ice cream.

Bring weather appropriate clothing, a notebook if you like, and a curiosity for the natural world.

A park pass is required for this event. If you do not have one, please plan to purchase one prior to the event start. 1 to 4 p.m., Reverends Ridge Campground Amphitheater, 313 Reverends Ridge, Black Hawk. 

Community Cocktail Hour: There’s something about a well-crafted cocktail that makes everything a little more fun – and we’ve got just the person for the job. Join us for Community Cocktail Hour, where Jen Kawata works her magic behind the bar and the rest of us do what we do best: laugh, connect, and enjoy each other’s company. New faces and familiar ones are equally welcome. Come as you are, stay as long as you like. 5 to 6 p.m., The Old Gallery, 14863 Highway 7, Allenspark. 

Allenspark Farmers Market: Fresh, local, and full of flavor — our farmers market is back and better than ever! Stroll through and discover the best of the season, from vibrant fruits and vegetables to homemade goods and local specialties. It’s a wonderful way to support the hardworking growers and makers in our community while stocking up on the freshest ingredients around. Bring your reusable bags, the kids, and come enjoy the sights, smells, and tastes of summer at its finest! 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Old Gallery, 14863 Highway 7, Allenspark. 

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.

Forager's Nature Walk: Walk with Master Naturalist Jacob, and open your eyes to the amazing repertoire of foods growing right here in the Colorado mountains. This will be a short, 1.5 hr easy hike, with stops to look at various plants along the trail. As actually taking plants from the park is not legal, we will be focussing on learning to spot and identify the various plants growing here. State park pass required, More information at eventbrite.com/e/foragers-nature-walk-tickets-1993570582277. 10 to 11:30 a.m., Ole Barn Knoll Trailhead, Mountain Base Road, Golden, CO 80403. 

Saturday, August 1

Nederland Summer Concert Series: Bring a chair or blanket, a picnic and your crew and join us for Tierro Band with Bridget Law and Riley J Band in beautiful Chipeta Park! 4 to 7 p.m., 254 Lakeview Drive, Nederland. 

Saturday, August 2

The Gilpin County Democrats Annual Fundraiser: Help raise money for the Gilpin Democrats while enjoying speakers, live music, food, and a silent auction. For more information please visit gilpincountydems.org. Central City parking is limited. Carpooling or parking in the Century Casino’s public lot is advised. Located at the Gilpin County Arts Association Gallery, 117 Eureka Street, Central City. 

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.