Our local nonprofits have designed a desirable docket of events over the next several weeks to promote engagement and encourage recreation. There’s no reason not to have fun while doing good. The upcoming fundraisers and community gatherings give us a chance to support great causes while embracing welcome diversions.
Evergreen Audubon Hosts Native Plant Sale, May 30
With gardening season around the corner, Evergreen Audubon is sponsoring its sixth annual native plant sale on Saturday, May 30 from 10 am-noon at the Evergreen Nature Center along Highway 74 near the Church of the Transfiguration.
Choosing native plants encourages birds and pollinators and often requires less watering, which is especially important in drought conditions. Deer and elk resistant plants will be available, too. Organizers suggest arriving at the beginning of the sale as inventory decreases quickly. Shoppers are asked to bring their own boxes for carrying their purchases.
For more information, go to their website, evergreenaudubon.org.
PeaceWorks May 30 Event to Raise Funds for Domestic Violence Survivors
A Taste of Peace promises to be a purposeful and fun-filled evening featuring Italian cuisine, live music, and community connection with the goal of raising funds for PeaceWorks, a mountain area nonprofit that provides safety, advocacy and resources for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and sex trafficking. The gathering takes place on Saturday, May 30 from 5-8 pm at the Evergreen Elks Lodge, 27972 Iris Drive in Evergreen.
Event guests will enjoy a catered dinner from Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant in Lone Tree, desserts from Mountainside Bakery and Suz Cookie Jar Rescue Bakery & Bites, live music by Jon Lundberg and The Locals, and the chance to bid on silent and live auction items. There will be a cash bar. Tickets are $80, with several sponsorship packages available.
A Taste of Peace will also include meaningful conversations centered around creating a safer, more supportive community for survivors. Every dollar raised at the event will directly support PeaceWork’s emergency shelter, SafeLine crisis response, advocacy and wellness programs, and essential resources that help survivors rebuild their lives. For tickets and other details, go to peaceworksinc.org.
Sustainability Alliance Shows Locally Produced Film at Center Stage
The Evergreen Sustainability Alliance will host the “Beyond Zero” film night June 4 at 6 pm at Center Stage. Written and produced by Jefferson County resident Nathan Harvey, the movie follows a CEO’s journey from causing environmental harm to becoming an industry leader in sustainability and positive change.
Tickets for ages 15 and older are $20, with $10 tickets available to those under the age of 15. Visit sustainevergreen.org for tickets and more information.
Evergreen Audubon Presents “A Soaring Soiree,” June 5
The Evergreen Audubon annual bash, “A Soaring Soiree,” on June 5 from 5:30-8 pm at the Evergreen Elks Lodge, will offer attendees heavy appetizers, libations, and the opportunity to generate funds for Evergreen Audubon & Evergreen Nature Center.
The soiree’s festive atmosphere will include silent and live auctions, a paddle raise, the “beak or talons” fundraising game, and special appearances by live birds of prey. Tickets are $75 and are available at evergreenaudubon.org until May 29. A complete list of auction items is also posted on the website.
June 6 Continues Free First-Saturday Sculpture Tours by CAE
If you’ve ever wanted to explore Evergreen’s outdoor sculptures, Center for the Arts Evergreen now offers free, monthly tours led by its trained docents. The one-hour walking tours, which take place on the first Saturday of the month from 10:30-11:30 am, highlight different routes focusing on a particular collection of sculptures. Participants learn about the installations and the artists who brought them to life. There is no RSVP needed, and all ages are welcome. Here is a list of upcoming tour dates, areas explored, and meet-up locations:
June 6: Evergreen Lake House (meet at the Lake House)
July 4: Downtown Evergreen (meet outside Java Groove)
August 1: Upper Buchanan Park (meet at CAE)
September 5: Lower Buchanan Park (meet outside Rec Center)
For a complete list of 2026 tour dates, and background on the sculptures, go to evergreenarts.org.
Express Your Inner Artist at CAE’s June 13 Community Celebration
The Big Create, a new interactive family-friendly event at Center for the Arts Evergreen on June 13, welcomes attendees of all ages to explore, play and connect through art. A highlight of the festival is a 360-degree splatter paint session where every individual will contribute to a collectively messy work of creative expression.
Participants can try their hands at many artistic pursuits including sculpture, ceramic tiles, mosaics, food stamping, instrument making, cookie decorating, and creating a self-portrait.
The festival will also feature a sculpture scavenger hunt for prizes, live music throughout the day, an art market, food trucks and drinks, and community booths.
The Big Create runs from 10 am-4 pm. For more information, go to evergreenarts.org
New Series Brings Free Jazz to Downtown Evergreen
Many elements make downtown Evergreen distinctive. One of the most notable, next to Java Groove, is the sculpture of the smiling cardinal holding a cup of coffee. In what some refer to as “Cardinal Square,” Evergreen Music and Performing Arts and the Evergreen Conservatory of Music will host ongoing, collaborative jazz performances. Summer on Cardinal Square at Java Groove is a free, multigenerational jazz series where young musicians and seasoned professionals will share the same stage, in the same neighborhood, all summer long.
Organizers are seeking musicians of all ages and all instruments to perform in this series, whether young players ready for their first real stage, or experienced musicians wishing to mentor the next generation. Those interested are asked to send a short performance video and information on their preferred repertoire to [email protected].
