Thursday, July 30

Mindfulness in Nature: Nature-based mindfulness leaders will guide participants to develop a relationship with nature while calming the nervous system. Participants will learn to focus attention to the senses using plants and other objects at the community garden and forested trail. Give it a try for your health! Registration is required at col.st/k34bn. Participants may choose to attend one, two, or all three events in the series (July 30, August 5, August 21). The events will be held outdoors so participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring water. Gilpin County Community Garden at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., 230 Norton Drive, Black Hawk. 

Naturalist Trivia Night At Very Nice Brewing: Assemble a team of the most outdoorsy people you know to put your nature knowledge to the test. Very Nice Brewing and Golden Gate Canyon State Park present Nature Trivia Night! Very Nice Brewing will be donating $1 of every pint sold during trivia to Gilpin County Food Pantry. 6 to 7:30 p.m., Very Nice Brewing Company, 180 Jankowski Drive, Black Hawk.

Friday, July 31

Wildflower Embroidery: Learn to embroider beautiful wildflowers in this introductory class. We'll be learning from the master on how to embroider wildflowers. We'll learn three basic stitches to use, and have a selection of optional templates to work from as you create your masterpiece. We’ll meet in the Amphitheater, in the park's Reverends Ridge Campground. A park pass is required for this event. If you do not have one, please plan to purchase one prior to the event. Reserve at bit.ly/4hjfYDV, 5 to 7 p.m., Reverends Ridge Campground Amphitheater, 313 Reverends Ridge, Black Hawk.

Guided Hike Summer Series - Clinton Overlook: Join Gilpin County CSU Extension and Gilpin County Parks & Recreation for a FREE Guided Hike Summer Series to explore our beautiful county. Hikers will learn about local flowers, trees, and other natural features, log steps, enjoy fresh mountain air, and socialize with neighbors. Climbing 500 feet to Clinton Overlook, this 3 mile out and back intermediate hike will take approximately 3 hours to complete. Advanced registration is required at col.st/gq95l. Meet at 4:30 p.m. at Old Barn Knoll trailhead on Mountain Base Road, Golden. 

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. 

Rotary Highway Clean Up and Social: Join Peak to Peak Rotary for a Highway Cleanup. Meet at the pullout off Highway 119 next to Kelly Dahl Campground and across from Los Lagos. Join us after for coffee or beer at Howlin Wind in Rollinsville. Safety vests, trash pickers, and trash bags will be provided. Bring gloves. We'll pick trash up off Highway 119 between Highway 72 and Rollinsville. 

Small Engine Day: Step back in time and explore the fascinating world of early small engines, also known as hit-or-miss or skip motors, that once powered farms, mines, and more. Watch these historic machines in action, including a museum model that's more than 100 years old. Learn how they worked, what made them so reliable, and why they were essential to everyday life. Drop in anytime during the event, no registration required! 12 to 3 p.m., Nederland Mining Museum, 200 North Bridge Street, Nederland.

Sunday, 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. 1:30 to 5 p.m., Gilpin County Arts Association Gallery, 117 Eureka Street, Central City.

Monday, August 3

All Ages Folk Dancing: No experience necessary. Each dance is taught beforehand. Join the fun from 6 to 8 p.m., Chipeta Park Pavilion, 254 Lakeview Drive, Nederland. 

Tuesday, August 4

Oxeye Daisy Removal: Join us for this event as we tackle a charming—yet extremely invasive—plant: oxeye daisy. Learn how we’re managing this species to prevent it from taking over our meadows. Any time that you can stop by to help will make a big difference in giving our native wildflowers room to grow! You can join us by hiking in from the Caribou Trailhead. This event is great for the whole family! Come out and make a difference! 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., CR-Peezo House At 144 Colorado Road 126 #86, Nederland.

Wednesday, August 5

MRS Seminar - Seasonal water use strategies and their trade-offs with carbon gain in subalpine conifers: Across subalpine forests, conifers experience pronounced seasonal shifts in temperature and moisture availability, driving physiological adjustments that help maintain water balance, sustain carbon gain, and ensure survival under climatic extremes. Presented by Aylin Barreras, 7 p.m., Mountain Research Station, 818 County Road 116, Nederland.

Thursday, August 6

Restoring the Greenback Cutthroat Trout: Presented by Chris Kennedy, Fish Biologist. 6 to 7 p.m., The Old Gallery, 14863 Highway 7, Allenspark.

Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9

Mary Wingate Days: Free rides at the Carousel of Happiness all weekend long! 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, 20 Lakeview Drive, Nederland. 

Saturday, August 8

Noxious Weeds and Lookalikes: Learn about noxious weed laws and why it matters in Gilpin. Gain tips on identification and management options for common noxious weeds, while highlighting some native lookalikes. Free educational event. No registration required.  Presented by the Gilpin County CSU Extension office. 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Gilpin County Public Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Dog Days at Dostal: Join us for Dog Days at Dostal, a fundraiser benefiting Friends of Charlie’s Place! Spend the day with your four-legged friends, enjoy a beer, and help support an organization making a difference in our community. 100% of beer sales from the event will be donated. More information at bit.ly/DogDaysDostal, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 116 Main Street, Central City.

Sunday, August 9 

Local First Responders Community Worship Service: An offering will be accepted to benefit our local Fire Protection Districts. 11 a.m. at the Chipeta Park Pavilion, 254 Lakeview Drive, Nederland. 

Monday, August 10

Gilpin County Back to School Night: Gilpin County School District RE-1 welcomes you to Back to School Night! Preschool through 12th grade. 6 to 7:30 p.m., 10595 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.