Thursday, August 27

Guided Summer Hike: Explore Gilpin’s hiking trails and learn about local flowers, trees, and other natural features. Hikers will get their steps in, enjoy fresh air, and have time to socialize. Bring water, snacks, sun protection, and comfortable hiking shoes. No dogs. Please register ahead of time at bit.ly/3UDiMlI. Questions? jennifer.cook@colostate.edu or 303-582-9106. Meet at Maryland Mountain parking area at 10:30 a.m.

Nature Trivia: Hosted by Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Test your nature knowledge! 6 to 8 p.m. at Very Nice Brewing Gilpin, 180 Jankowski Drive, Black Hawk.

INTRO to Artist Trading Cards - Adult Makers Club: This month, join us for a fun and easy introduction to the wonderful world of artist trading cards. During an Intro to Artist Trading Cards, (known as ATCs), we'll talk about what they are and how to make them, their history and why you would want some! Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) are miniature, 2.5” x 3.5” original works of art created strictly to be traded, swapped, or given away rather than sold. We'll be using collage, paint, fabrics, stamping, paper punches and other fun techniques during this workshop. A $5 donation is requested, financial aid is available. 5:30 to 7 p.m.,  Nederland Community Library, 200 Highway 72, Nederland. 

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 bit.ly/4wZO9Vm. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 196 W 1st Street, Building 2, Nederland.

Friday, August 28 

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 "Minions & Monsters" in the meeting room. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Gilpin County Public Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Saturday, August 29

Family Playdate at the Library: Looking for a chance to meet other families with young children? Join us at the library for a family playdate! Caregivers can enjoy coffee and snacks while little ones play. Older siblings are welcome, too! Contact Rachel Schmalz (rschmalz@gilpincounty.org) with any questions. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Gilpin County Public Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Vitalant Blood Drive: Join us for a Vitalant Blood Drive! Your blood donation can help save lives and make a meaningful difference in our community. We encourage all eligible donors to participate. More information and sign up at coalcreekcanyon.org/events---one-time 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 31528 Highway 72, Golden. 

Very Nice Farmers Market: Join us one Saturday each month this summer 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 5 to 7 p.m., Very Nice Brewing Company, 180 Jankowski Drive, Black Hawk. 

Run Like the Wind 5K Race, 2K Walk, Dog Jog: Lace up your sneakers and leash up your pup for the ultimate high-altitude adventure! Join us in Allenspark, Colorado, at 8,504 feet for the annual Run Like the Wind 5K, Walk Like the Breeze 2K, and our beloved Dog Jog. Stick around for the post-race Tail-Wagging Dog Show. $5 entry fee (dogs who participate in the run/walk get this fee waived). Sign-up for contest categories at the race registration table. These include Waggiest Tail, Best Stay, Best Rescue Story, Best Trick, Best Look-alike (with owner), Fastest Peanut Butter Licker. Prizes awarded to the winner of each category. bit.ly/3SA4thh The Old Gallery, 14863 Highway 7, Allenspark.

Sunday, August 30

Summer Reading Program Wrap-up Party: Welcome back to school! We are ending this year's Summer Reading Program in style! Jurassic-bounce house, live music, prizes, hair glitter and more! Make sure you complete your bingo sheet to win double time on the bounce house! Finishers also win a break-your-own geode and get entered into the grand prize raffle for a chance to win BIG. 4 to 6 p.m., Nederland Community Library, 200 Highway 72. 

Tuesday, September 1

Menopause Metamorphosis Women's Support Group: The Menopause Metamorphosis Women's Support Circle is a safe space for women to share their experiences with menopause, learn about the menopause phase of our lives, and support one another on the journey.  

The circle is led by Erin Lester, a yoga teacher, birth and postpartum doula, who has been studying herbalism, Ayurveda, and massage throughout the last decade. 5:30 to 7 p.m., Nederland Community Library, 200 Highway 72.

Saturday, September 5

Canyon Cleanup:  Pick your favorite area and help beautify the canyon! Meet at the hall for bags. Due to insurance, no one under 16 is allowed to participate in canyon cleanup. Sign up at coalcreekcanyon.org/canyon-clean-up, 8 to 10 a.m., CCCIA Community Hall, 31528 Highway 72, Golden. 

Monday, September 7

Labor Day Cajun Cookout: Celebrate Labor Day in the Gold Hill Inn Beer Garden! Please no dogs, outside food, or alcohol. Music from Hundred Pound Housecat, Rob Pate & d’lovelies, and Banshee Tree. Pan-fried catfish and jambalaya with all the fixins for an extra cost of $20. $30 at the door. 12 to 5 p.m., 401 Main Street, Gold Hill. 

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.