Friday, February 13

Music and Instrument Storytime: Make some noise with Travis Greenlee and The Blue Tutus for storytime! Starts at 10:15 p.m. at the Nederland Community Library located at 200 Highway 72, Nederland. 

Great Backyard Bird Count: Take part in The Great Backyard Bird count with the Wild Bear Nature Center! Contribute to a global survey of bird populations and see how Nederland’s birds compare globally. 8 to 9:30 a.m., 254-306 Lakeview Drive, Nederland.

Saturday, February 14

Valentine’s Day Pancake Breakfast: Start your Valentine’s Day off with a hearty breakfast. $11 for members, $13 for non-members, and $6 for kids. All proceeds go to the Scholarship Fund. 7 to 11 a.m., Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association, 31528 Highway 72, Golden.

Valentine’s Dinner: Join us for a cozy, community-centered Valentine’s Day Supper served up Italian style. Your evening will include a delicious Italian-themed meal with an appetizer, entree, dessert, and a drink. Couples, singles, friends, and neighbors are all welcome. Whether you’re celebrating love, friendship, or simply your love of good Italian food, this is a no-pressure, all-fun kind of night. Tickets for $25 must be purchased by Monday, February 9 at theoldgallery.org/events/. 6 to 8 p.m. at the Old Gallery, 14863 Highway 7, Allenspark. 

Special Valentine’s Menu: Enjoy a special Valentine’s menu at Nederland General Store. Purchase tickets at eventbrite.com/. Starts at 6 p.m. at 112 East Second Street, Nederland. 

Special Valentine’s Evening: Join us for an intimate evening with dinner and fabulous wines. Music from Bobby Coe and Morgan McHugh. 5 to 7 p.m. at the Gold Hill Store, 531 Main Street, Gold Hill.

Oscar Movie Preview: Join us for popcorn and a movie. “One Battle After Another” is a black comedy action thriller film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti. The film follows an ex-revolutionary who is forced back into his former combative lifestyle when he and his daughter are pursued by a corrupt military officer. 5 to 8 p.m., Gilpin County Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Sunday, February 15

Crawfish Boil and Shrimp Boil: Put a lil Cajun ‘n y’all! Come celebrate Fat Tuesday with Lan-Yap Cafe which brings its Cajun cuisine to A Very Nice Brewing Company. Preorders by February 13 are greatly appreciated: 720-309-3300. Starts at 2 p.m. and goes until they run out. 180 Jankowski Drive, Black Hawk. 

Thursday, February 19

Winter Up Top: Join the Nederland Area Seniors on a 1.5 mile winter hike at Caribou Ranch to explore our mountain ecosystem and how our local plants and animals adapt to the winter weather. Registration is required at bit.ly/WinterUpTop26. 1 to 3 p.m. at 144 Fire House Road, Pine.  

Wednesday, February 18

Kids Talent Show: We invite kids to come on out and share their talents, skills, and passions! Each child will have up to 3 minutes to perform a song, dance, or routine; tell a joke; share a poem; etc. Age groups are 2 to 5, 5 to 8 and 9 to 12 years old. This fun evening will be hosted by the wonderful Gala, and all participants win a prize and certificate! Please register your performer(s) at nederland.libcal.com/event/16275912 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Nederland Community Library, 200 Highway 72 North, Nederland.

Friday, February 20

Parents Night Out: Kids will enjoy crafts, activities and games, movie time and dinner provided by us! For kids ages 5 through 12. $25 per child or $12 if they are enrolled in camp by February 20. Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/ParentsNightOutGilpin. 4 to 8:30 p.m. at the Gilpin County Community Center located at 250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk.

Tooth Fairy Storytime: Join South Boulder Pediatric Dentistry’s Tooth Fairy Crew and the Tooth Fairy for an entertaining hands on dental activity and Q&A to help reinforce healthy habits in a fun way. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Nederland Community Library, 200 Highway 72 North, Nederland.

Free Build! With Lego: Drop by to play and create with provided Lego, Duplo, and Knex kits. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. All provided material will remain at the library after use. 1 to 4 p.m., Gilpin County Public Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk. 

Saturday, February 21

25th Anniversary Gala: A quarter century of library magic—help us celebrate at our annual gala! Silent auction of rare books and literary favorites. There will be wine tastings and non-alcoholic beverages as well as appetizers and sweet treats. Music by Mountain ReVerb. 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Nederland Community Library located at 200 Highway 72, Nederland. Tickets can be purchased for $35 at nclfound.org. 

Pet Toy Crafting Workshop: Create simple and entertaining projects to help keep your pets entertained and engaged! Crafting experience is not needed. Pets are unable to attend but spare toilet paper and paper towel rolls are appreciated. 1 to 3 p.m., The Old Gallery, 14863 Colorado Highway 7, Allenspark.

Reclaiming Land, Reclaiming Joy: Join panelists as they discuss resilience, outdoor equity, and ways to create more inclusive spaces in predominantly white communities. Registration required at jeffco.us/calendar.aspx?CID=26. Ages 13+ with adult. 1 to 2:30 p.m. at 700 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 100, Jefferson County. 

Children's Clothing Giveaway: Come grab some gently used clothing and winter gear for your child! Sizes for infants to age 10 to 12 will be available. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gilpin Mountain Kids Early Learning Center, 10597 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Sunday, February 22

Food Pantry Donation Drive: Gilpin Food Pantry drive celebrating and helping our mountain community. There will be door prizes, light snacks, and live music. Bring non-perishable food items, personal care items, or monetary donations. 1 to 3 p.m. at Very Nice Brewing Company, 180 Jankowski Drive, Black Hawk, CO. 

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.