Thursday, June 25

A Tale of Two Pikas: Pika are tiny, vocal mammals living high in the Rocky Mountains. They’re not only adorable — they’re also at the center of a fascinating scientific mystery. Join us for an engaging talk about the American pika and some surprising research happening right in our backyard at Rocky Mountain National Park. Come for lunch, the pika talk, or both. For lunch, RSVP to Cindy at rockettwoman@aol.com by June 20. RSVP is not necessary if just attending the talk. Lunch is 12 to 12:30 p.m. and the Pika Talk is 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Allenspark Community Church, 16 Washington Street, Allenspark.

Human Services Fair: Join various representatives from the Peak to Peak area for assistance and information on: benefit programs, i.e. SNAP, Medicaid, Senior services, community complaints, and veteran services. Organizations assisting may change from month to month. For more information or questions contact Annette@nederlandfoodpantry.org. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 196 W 1st Street, Building 2, Nederland. 

Guided Hike Summer Series – Axton ranch: Meet at Gilpin Community Center at 10 a.m. to bus to trailhead. Experience an exclusive hike in recently purchased Denver Mountain Parks property, not open to the public. This 1.5 mile loop hike is easy and kid-friendly. During the hike, we will discuss the history and future plans for Axton Ranch, and learn about plants, trees, and wetland ecosystems. Registration is required as group size is limited. Questions? Email jennifer.cook@colostate.edu or call 303-582-9106. Hosted by Gilpin CSU Extension and Gilpin Parks & Recreation. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilpin Community Center, 250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk.

Farm to Table Dinner: Enjoy an evening of fresh local flavors, live music and thoughtful wine pairings in support of the Nederland farmers market. Your $60 ticket includes a curated farm fresh dinner with both meat and vegan options, wine tastings from Aquila Cellars with food pairings, a complimentary drink, and live music by Tribonacci. More info and tickets at eventbrite.com/e/farm-to-table-summer-social-tickets-1991120529102. 5 to 8 p.m., Nederland General Store, 112 East 2nd Street, Nederland.

Saturday, June 27

Hogabluesa: Hogabluesa is back, and this one's going to be a night to remember! The Old Gallery welcomes Dead & Friends, a Grateful Dead cover band that knows how to keep a crowd moving and grooving. Whether you've been a Deadhead for decades or you're just looking for a great night out, this is the show for you. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., so come early and settle in. The music runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m., providing plenty of time to get lost in the classics you know and love. The grill will be fired up and ready with made-to-order burgers and all the fixings for $15. Good music and good food: that's the Hogabluesa way. 

Tribute to the music of Gordon Lightfoot with Robert Marcum Trio: An evening of songs from the deep well of material from Gordon Lightfoot, presented by long-time Lightfoot interpreter Robert Marcum and his trio, including Jim Lewin and Brian Dear. Marcum has been performing variations of this show to sold out audiences for 15 years from California to New Mexico. 7 to 9 p.m., Nomad Playhouse, 1410 Quince Avenue, Boulder.

Allenspark Farmers Market: Come enjoy fresh and flavorful fruits, vegetables, and goods from the local area. Support the Allenspark Community and our local growers and in a fun and tasty way. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.,  The Old Gallery, 14863 Highway 7, Allenspark.

Founder’s Day: Step back in time and immerse yourself in the charm, intrigue and rich history of Black Hawk Founders’ Day. Live music, food, and beer as well as local vendors. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Gregory Street Plaza, Black Hawk. 

Saturday, June 27 through Sunday, August 2

Central City Opera: Don’t miss the 2026 season of Central City Opera presenting "The Marriage of Figaro," "The Ballad of Baby Doe," and "Master Class" at the historic Teller House. To find show times and purchase tickets, follow this link: centralcityopera.org/2026-festival. 120 Eureka Street, Central City. 

Wednesday, July 1

Rocky Mountain Puppets: Award-Winning Ventriloquist Meghan Casey presents "Sketchasaurus Rex,” a thrilling 45-minute show of prehistoric fun, mystery, and adventure that's sure to be hilarious.  10 to 11 a.m., Gilpin Public Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Life after death: The physical remains of dead organisms left behind after catastrophic events like fires, storms, and droughts can have lasting effects on how ecosystems look and function. In this talk, I’ll discuss the many roles foundation species play both before and after they die, the cutting-edge tools we use to study these organisms on land and underwater, and how we can use our knowledge of their influences to guide recoveries in nature through targeted restoration efforts. Presented by Kai Kopecky. 7 to 9 p.m., Megaron, Mountain Research Station, 818 County Road 116, Nederland.

Mountain Death Cafe with Mo James: The Death Cafe is where topics of death and dying can be talked about and de-stigmatized.  Topics will flow freely. This will not be a grief or therapy group. Mo James is an INELDA-trained end-of-life doula. 5:30 to 7 p.m., Nederland Community Library, 200 Highway 72, Nederland.

Thursday, July 2

Hamilton Viewing: Don't miss this one-time-viewing of "Hamilton" at Backdoor Theater. Singing and costumes encouraged! Starts at 7 p.m., 750 Highway 72, Nederland.

Sunday, July 5

Nederland Farmers Market: Browse local artisan crafts, food and art while enjoying live music in the heart of Nederland! 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 80 East Second Street, Nederland.

Monday, July 6 

Boulder County Area Agency on Aging: A community conversation on aging and caregiving to talk about gaps in services and what’s going well. 3 to 4:45 p.m., Nederland Community Center, 750 Highway 72, 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.