Friday, Jan. 13
Manitou Knitting Club: For beginners or experts and everyone in between. Join the knitting club once a month to meet up with likeminded knitters, socialize and have some snacks. An instructor will be on hand to help those who need it. 11 a.m.-noon. Manitou Springs Library, 515 Manitou Ave. Information: ppld.librarymarket.com/manitou-knitting-club or 531-6333, ext. 7004.
Bunco Party at Bear Creek: Join the nature center for a wonderful evening of excitement, laughs and rolling dice. Dice, score cards, nacho bar and prizes provided. Unlike other Bunco parties, this party is for everyone ages 13 and older. All minors must be accompanied by an adult but can venture on their own during game play. $8 per person. 5 p.m. 245 Bear Creek Road. Information: ElPasoCountyNatureCenters.com or 520-6977.
Saturday, Jan. 14
Puppet Theater Matinee: Nature center puppet pals have a story to share. Hear all about their adventures at Bear Creek followed by a craft. $2 suggested donation per person. 1-2 p.m. 245 Bear Creek Road. Information: communityservices.elpasoco.com/nature-centers/nature-center-programs.
Native Seed Saturday: Native wildflower, tree, grass and shrub seeds are available for free at this monthly gardening event. Learn how to make your space beautiful, water-wise and a place that supports native pollinators and wildlife. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Manitou Springs Library, 515 Manitou Ave. Information: www.facebook.com/ManitouSeedLibrary or 685-5206.
Forest Bathing Walk: Experience the therapeutic practice of Shinrinyoku and awaken your senses with a slow, mindful walk through the woods and a beautiful tea ceremony. $30 per person, $20 per member. Prepaid registration required. 1-3:30 p.m. Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road. Information: communityservices.elpasoco.com/nature-centers/nature-center-programs.
Tesla’s Toolbox — Robotics: Explore the science of robotics with the Space Foundation Discovery Center. Event features activities, challenges and the chance to build your own mini robot. Cost is regular admission, plus $5 materials fee. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. 4425 Arrowswest Drive. Information: discoverspace.org or 576-8000.
Puppet Theater Matinee: Bear Creek Nature puppet pals have a story to share. Suggested donation of $2 a person. Event includes a craft activity. 1-2 p.m. 245 Bear Creek Road. Information: communityservices.elpasoco.com/nature-centers/nature-center-programs or 520-6387.
Wednesday, Jan. 18
Nature Explorers — Alphabet Soup: Enjoy hands-on activities, puppet shows or stories, crafts and a hike. $3 per person, including siblings and adults. For children ages 4-5. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road. Information: communityservices.elpasoco.com/nature-centers/nature-center-programs or 520-6387.
Saturday, Jan. 21
Cool Science — Catapults: Come join Cool Science at the Space Foundation and learn about the science behind catapults to prepare for the Mini Fruitcake Toss in Manitou Springs on Jan. 28. Visitors will build a marshmallow catapult. Cost included in admission. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 4425 Arrowswest Drive. Information: discoverspace.org or 576-8000.
Adult Day Camp — The Culture of the Ute People: Come for a day of camp where you’ll learn stories of the Ute people (and how to tell them), as well as aspects of their culture such as music and art. Bring a lunch and as many snacks as you want. Make sure to bring water since you will be hiking. There will also be a craft. Pre-paid registration required. $30 per person; $25 per member. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 245 Bear Creek Road. Information: communityservices.elpasoco.com/nature-centers/nature-center-programs or 520-6387.
Saturday, Jan. 28
Great Fruitcake Toss: Join in on the fun of tossing leftover fruitcakes. Fruitcake will be available to rent for $1 or a donation. The Heritage Center, 517 Manitou Ave., will be open and serving hot cocoa and snacks. 1-3 p.m. Memorial Park, 502 Manitou Ave. Information: manitousprings.org/events/fruitcake-toss or 685-5089.
Great Fruitcake Bake-off: Bake your favorite fruitcake and head over to the Great Fruitcake Toss to put your skills to the test. Winner will receive a prize valued at $75 from Collin Street Bakery. 1-3 p.m. Drop off cake between 1-1:30 p.m. Memorial Park, 502 Manitou Ave. Information and sign-up: manitousprings.org/events/fruitcake-toss or 685-5089.
Fruitcake Follies: Inspired by the Manitou Springs Great Fruitcake Toss, Fruitcake Follies is a local talent show of fun, funny and hilarious acts, song and dance and fruitcake-inspired comedy. This show is rated R and intended for mature audiences only. Recommend no one younger than 18. Minors must be accompanied by a parent. $10. 8 p.m. Iron Springs Chateau, 444 S. Ruxton Ave. Information: ironspringschateau.com or 685-5104.