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.

Friday, August 7 

Downtown First Friday: Celebrate downtown Boulder's creative spirit on this self-guided art walk, presented by The New Local in collaboration with local galleries, restaurants, and small businesses. Start at the TNL Annex at the west end to explore the Term VII Group Exhibition, then visit the TNL Gallery, where "Women of the Living West", a juried group exhibition sponsored by the American 250 – Colorado 150 Commission, will commence. Then grab a map and head east for exhibitions, art activations, live performances, drinks, and more!

Saturday, August 8

Mountain Fest: Bring your family, friends, neighbors (and even your four-legged family members) for an afternoon featuring Chicken Poop Bingo, a pet fashion show, bake off, soap whittlin', live music, food truck, beer garden and more! Whether you're competing, cheering on your neighbors, enjoying great food, or just soaking in the community spirit, there's something for everyone. 12 to 4 p.m., Coal Creek Canyon Park & Recreation District Fields & Pavilions, 11719 Ranch Elsie Road, Golden. 

Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8

Huge Golden Gate Grange Community Center Rummage Sale: Huge rummage sale at the Golden Gate Grange Community Center. Housewares, sporting goods, tools, vintage clothing, books, collectibles, hunting items, auto, barn and ranch items, small furniture, decor, art, clothes, and much much more! Find a great deal or maybe a treasure! Stop by to browse and stay for a hotdog, chips, and drinks! 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Golden Gate Grange, 25201 Golden Gate Canyon Road, Golden.

Saturday, August 8

Noxious Weeds and Look-a-likes: 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 look-a-likes. 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.

Allenspark Farmers Market: 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., 10 a.m. to 2 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 

Second Saturday Artisan Market: Shop local artisan vendors and enjoy live music from Joshua Lake & Family from 12 to 2 p.m. The market is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk. 

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.

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 4 p.m., Gilpin County Public Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Wednesday, August 12

Cocktails & Crochet: Bring your latest project and stitch the afternoon away with good company and delightful cocktails. Whether you're a pro or are just starting out, join us in enjoying the simple act of creating and learning with help from seasoned experts. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., The Old Gallery, 14863 Highway 7, Allenspark.

Getting to know West Mag: Join us for an intermediate-level route that requires a moderate level of fitness and mountain biking experience. Riders are welcome to ride at their own pace, and we'll regroup at key intersections along the way. This is a no-drop ride. Ride starts and finishes at Tin Shed Sports. This month we are partnering with the fine folks at Crosscut & SMBA. This will allow for additional ride leaders for a beginner-level group. AND … post-ride pizza and beverages at Crosscut! Participating riders will receive 15% off their meal. We will leave from 112 E 2nd Street, Nederland, at approximately 6 p.m. 

Saturday, August 15

Gilpin County Library Fen and Old Growth Wetland: Join local botanist and ecologist Rea Orthner Wrobel for a tour of the wettest library topic you never knew you’d love. This onsite tour of the Gilpin County Library Fen will cover fen ecology, hydrology, peat formation, rare species, and why these squishy landscapes are ecological gold mines. Please bring shoes that you can get wet or rubber boots, and dress for the weather. Please register at gilpinlibrary.org. Space is limited to 12 people. 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Gilpin County Public Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Mountain mycology - MRS guided walk: Join a naturalist for a guided walk around the campus of the Mountain Research Station (MRS). Ph.D. student Candice Perrotta will lead us on a fungi foray in the subalpine forest. Explore seasonal wetlands and learn about the mushrooms of the Colorado mountains. 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. Additional details will be emailed to attendees one week prior to the walk. Sign up at bit.ly/4gd6doD, Mountain Research Station, 818 County Road 116, Nederland. 

Sunday, August 16

Nederland Farmers Market: Enjoy a variety of vendors in the heart of Nederland! Live music from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from Sarah Banker. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 80 East Second Street, Nederland. 

Wednesday, August 19

Anniversary Open House at the Mountain Research Station:  Calling all science lovers! The Open House at the Mountain Research Station is your chance to visit Colorado's premier alpine field science facility, run by INSTAAR. The day will feature guided field trips, hands-on activities, dinner, and a keynote from eminent ecologist Katharine Suding. You can come for one session only or stay for the whole day. Tickets are limited, so be sure to reserve tickets for each session you’d like to join. More information and reservations at bit.ly/4542moE, 7:45 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mountain Research Station, 818 County Road 116, 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.