Friday, July 10

Friends Book & Bake Sale: The Friends of the Gilpin County Public Library will be holding their annual Book and Bake Sale July 10 -11 during open hours. Most books are $1.00 or less. All proceeds go to support programming at the library. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Gilpin County Public Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Saturday, July 11

Natural history of the Southern Rockies: Join a naturalist for a guided walk around the campus of the Mountain Research Station (MRS). From flowers to birds, Dr. Scott Taylor will help us explore Colorado's mountains in the summertime. The walk starts at 10 a.m. and will last for about 2 hours. We only have space for 20 people. Sign up is required to reserve your spot. Sign up at: calendar.colorado.edu/event/natural-history-of-the-southern-rockies-mrs-guided-walk, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Mountain Research Station, 818 County Road 116, Nederland. 

Gilpin Artisan Market: Handmade goods, live music and food vendors! Second Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gilpin Community Center located at 250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk.

Monday, July 13

Gilpin Stitchers Club: The local crafters will be meeting at the library this month to work on various projects.  Drop by the meeting room anytime and bring your unfinished project.  Projects are not limited to those working only on quilting and needlework. Anyone working on a craft is welcome to join! 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Gilpin County Public Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Wednesday, July 15

Colorado Parks and Wildlife - Elk vs. Moose: Ever wonder what it’d feel like to pet the wildlife? This is your chance to do it in a way that is safe for you and the wildlife. Staff from Golden Gate Canyon State Park will be on hand to help kids learn about some of the local animals.  It will also include the chance to explore the fur and skulls of some of these animals. 10 to 11 a.m., Gilpin County Public Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Mah Jongg Game Afternoon: All levels of players are welcome! American mahjong is played with four players using mah jongg tiles. The goal of the game is to be the first, by picking and discarding, to match one's tiles to a specific hand from the annually distributed scorecard published by the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL). 4 to 6 p.m., Very Nice Brewing Company, 26 Highway 119, Nederland.

MRS Seminar - Insights into subalpine snowmelt using high-resolution radiative energy modeling: Changes in winter snowpack and the timing of spring snowmelt are reshaping subalpine forests, influencing growth, drought stress, and wildfire risk. By improving how we represent the energy driving snowmelt, we can better understand and predict how local forests respond to a changing climate. Presented by Nicolas Tarasewicz, 7 to 8 p.m., Mountain Research Station, 818 County Road 116, Nederland. 

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

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 

The Moffat Road Part 2: History of the Moffat Tunnel and Western Leg presented by Michael Maio. 2 to 4 p.m. at CCCIA Hall, 31528 Highway 72, Golden. 

All Ages International Folk Dancing Series: 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.

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.