Thursday, September 17

Wild and Wonderful “Colorado’s Lichens”: Grab your lunch and get ready to look at rocks and tree bark a little differently. Colorado has some of the wildest, most untouched landscapes in the West. But believe it or not, nobody’s ever done a full count of one of its smallest, toughest life forms: lichens. Three years ago, a team set out to do the first comprehensive survey of the state's smallest, toughest life forms, combing the state’s mountains, plains, and everything in between to finally document Colorado’s lichen life. 12 to 1:30 p.m., Allenspark Community Church, 16 Washington Street, Allenspark. 

Busey Brews Trivia Night: One of our favorite annual events! $1 from every special beer sold this month and a portion of trivia night proceeds will go to Nederland Area Seniors. Join us for a special night of community support and fun! Starts at 6:30 p.m. at 70 East 1st Street, Nederland.

Friday, September 18

Parents Night Out: Leave the kids with us for a fun-filled evening! We’ll provide dinner, and the kids will enjoy swimming, crafts, games, and lots of fun activities! All you need to bring is a swimsuit, and kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas! $25 per kid, or $15 if enrolled in Friday camp 9/18. 4 to 8:30 p.m., 250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk. 

Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19 

Oktoberfest at Busey Brews: Celebrating Oktoberfest with a new commemorative mug! Can you conquer das boot without getting blooped? Swing by for live music, Oktoberfest-style beer and smoked meats. Prost! Busey Brews is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at 70 East 1st Street, Nederland.

Friday, September 18

Silent Disco: Get down with DJs Godlazer, Ashwee and B-Random and support the Nederland Farmers Market! Free, but donations are welcome. Let’s dance, Nederland! 6 to 10 p.m., Snyder Street, Nederland. 

Saturday, September 19

Jammin’ at the Bou Room: Join us for an incredible night featuring Gasoline Lollipops with special guest Poorfree! 100% of ticket sales and featured art proceeds directly support our food pantry and community programs. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets at thecaribouroom.com, The Caribou Room, 55 Indian Peaks Drive, Nederland.

Peak to Peak People’s Fest:  The Peak to Peak People's Festival exists to activate resistance and collaborate with our neighbors across the mountain communities and the front range through celebration and music. The Gilpin County Democrats have brought together musicians, artisans, speakers, community groups, activist organizations, and families to stand together. We organize and educate, and we need you to be part of this regional effort. 12 to 9 p.m., Gilpin County Community Center, 250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk.

Fall Scholarship Breakfast with CCCIA: Join us for egg casseroles, waffle bar, fruit cups, and sausage. Plant based and gluten free options available. $10 for members, $15 for non-members and $5 for kids. Proceeds benefit the scholarship fund. 7 to 11 a.m. at the Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association Hall located at 31528 Highway 72. 

Sunday, September 20

Nederdays of Art: A celebration of all things art in Nederland with a town-wide scavenger hunt! Register groups of 3+ people on the Goosechase App to participate.

Thursday, September 24

Frontenac Mine: The Belvidere Foundation presents Bob Young and a discussion about the restoration and history of Frontenac Mine. 7 p.m., Monte Lobo, 131 Main Street, Central City.

Friday, September 25

Dolly Night at Jamestown Mercantile: Wear your Dolly best and celebrate the queen herself with good food, drinks, and company. 7 p.m., 108 Main Street, Jamestown. 

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 “Toy Story 5”: Bring the kids for free popcorn and a movie as we watch the family-friendly film "Toy Story 5" in the meeting room. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Gilpin County Public Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Saturday, September 26

Wild Turkey Fest: Live music, beer garden, turkey costume contest, turkey calling contest, farmers market, and more! Proceeds benefit the Allenspark Food Bank, the Allenspark Fire Protection District, and more local small organizations. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 14863 Highway 7, Allenspark. 

Meet the Candidates: Please join us for the Gilpin County Candidate Forum! Format will be a four-minute introduction from candidates followed by submitted questions and then candidates will chat with the public. Please submit questions by Friday, September 18 at p2pcandidatequestions@gmail.com. 1 to 4 p.m. at 203 Eureka Street, Central City.

Calvary Chapel’s Annual Harvest Festival: Fun for the whole community! Harvest games, face painting, pie contest, Navajo tacos and Navajo art, and live music by Tony Crank & Earl Corey. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 275 Highway 72, Nederland. 

Sunday, September 27

Nederland Farmers Market: Browse artisan arts, craft, and food vendors and enjoy some local live music from Brittney Wagner! 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 80 East Second Street, Nederland. 

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.