I didn’t expect to spend my week thinking about a seven-gram bat, but here we are. Honestly, she’s the best kind of distraction — a reminder that even in the "quiet" months, Northern Colorado is busy being wild and unpredictable. The rest of this issue is a bit more grounded: legendary bread in Berthoud, the structural secrets of your garden, and a weekend list to keep you moving. But keep that tiny traveler in mind as you go. Sometimes the things we didn't see coming are the ones most worth our attention.

Let’s dig in,

– Megan

The "NOCO Crew" just got a tiny, unexpected addition. Usually, if you’re looking for an Evening Bat, you’d have to head to the humid eaves of the Southeast. But recently, one of these leathery little travelers was found grounded in a Wellington yard — marking only the fourth time the species has ever been recorded in Colorado, and the first time it’s been spotted this far north.

Weighting in at just seven grams (about the same as seven pennies), this pint-sized pioneer was a bit dehydrated but otherwise unscathed. She’s currently recuperating at the Northern Colorado Wildlife Center, being kept warm and quiet until the spring thaw makes it safe for her to take flight again.

Why it matters: Unlike our local crevice-dwelling bats who love a good rock crevice, Evening Bats are tree-dwellers. Their appearance here is a bit of a biological mystery. Was she blown off course by a stray wind, or is there a hidden colony tucked away in our northern timber? Either way, she’s a reminder that our local ecosystem is shifting in subtle, winged ways. While we wait for the bugs to return, let’s keep the porch lights low and the welcome mat out for our new, night-shifting neighbor.

RISE Artisan Bread began on Harmony Circle Farm, where founders Annie and Bob started baking bread to supplement farmers' market sales. After losing the lease on their farm after just 18 months, they decided to name their new endeavor ‘RISE,’ to serve as a reminder that great things can proliferate from difficulty. Now, RISE operates out of a storefront at 403 5th Street in Berthoud, where the smell of fresh loaves hits you from down the block, and the staff takes time to get to know customers by name.

They've become a local favorite — the kind of place where the small seating area stays full, and the line moves fast; because everyone in Berthoud knows this is where you go for real bread. They believe bread should be an experience; and believe me, it is!

Why We Love Them:

The Craft: Everything is made from scratch using long fermentation processes, and locally sourced ingredients. This means it's easier on the gut, and better for the taste buds. Their sourdough garlic bread and asiago loaves are legendary.

The Vibe: It's the kind of place where the atmosphere is cozy, calm, and welcoming — with picnic tables outside to enjoy your coffee and pastries in the Colorado sun. The interior is bright and clean, and the staff is consistently described as friendly, helpful, and attentive.

The Menu: Beyond bread, they serve breakfast sandwiches made on house-made bagels, and lunch sandwiches crafted using their artisan loaves. Their sourdough bread and seasonal pies are particularly popular, and they frequently rotate their menu with seasonal offerings.

How to Support: Check them out on their website. Stop by 403 5th Street in Berthoud, but get there early if you want the best selection. Follow them on Instagram @risebreads to see what's fresh each day.

If you've been circling your garden beds like a restless animal, squinting at bare branches and mentally cataloging what needs attention — this is your moment. The trees are naked. The shrubs are exposed. The skeleton is showing. And for the next two weeks, you can make a real change to the architecture of your garden.

This is dormant pruning season.

The Task: Hunt for the Three Ds — anything Dead, Damaged, or Diseased. Grab your shears and start cutting.

The Pro-Tip: Think like a sculptor. Aim for the center, thinning out the crowded middle to ensure that when the July sun is a heavy blanket, every leaf gets its fair share of light and air circulation to ward off mildew or disease.

The Why: Pruning while the garden is dormant prevents the "bleeding" of sap and ensures you aren't accidentally snipping away this year's flower buds. It's the kind of quiet winter surgery that makes for a loud, vibrant spring.

You have about two weeks before the sap starts running and the buds begin to swell. Once that happens, the window closes.

So if you've been pacing, stop. Start pruning.

From Berthoud in the south to the Wyoming state line up north, Fort Morgan in the east to Estes out west, each week we will to pull together a list of the top events happening all over Northern Colorado.

Body/Speak: Community Dance Concert @ University Center for the Arts (Fort Collins) — Thurs & Fri @ 7:30pm — A theatrical exploration of physical expression and storytelling through movement. 👉 Feel the movement

Chloe Radcliffe: Stand-Up Comedy @ The Comedy Fort (Fort Collins) — Fri & Sat at 6 pm and 8:30pm — NYC-based comic and writer for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. 👉 Laugh your weekend off

IF4 International Fly Fishing Film Festival @ Magnolia Theater (Fort Collins) — 7:00pm — World-class fishing films covering conservation, adventure, and culture, with all proceeds funding the Rocky Mountain Flycasters’ 2026 Youth Fly Fishing Day Camp. Tickets $24. 👉 Cast into the big screen

French Provincial Extravaganza @ Farm Fusion (Fort Collins) — 5pm — Transport your taste buds to the French countryside with this hands-on, gourmet cooking class. 👉 Bon appétit

Veronica May: Bipolar Ballads @ 7 Old Town Square, Presented by Mishawaka
(Fort Collins) — 7pm — A raw, powerful, and free performance presented by Mishawaka as part of the FoCo Unexpected series. 👉 Experience the music

Abraham Lincoln: An Unfinished American Journey @ Loveland Museum (Loveland) — 6:30pm — Join the Historical Society for a deep dive into the legacy of the 16th President. 👉 Brush up on history

Shut Up & Write! @ Verboten Brewing (Loveland) — 7 to 10pm — Need to finish that draft? Bring your laptop or notebook for an hour of focused, silent writing and great beer. 👉 Quiet the inner critic

Nerd Nite Fort Collins @ Wolverine Farm (Fort Collins) — 7:00pm — Be there and be square. Short, punchy, and hilarious presentations on things you didn't know you needed to know. 👉 Get your nerd on

The Whole Boozee Affair Pairing Event @ To the Five Taproom (Loveland) — 5 to 8:30pm — A Boozy Pairing Event You’ll Fall Hard For 👉 Pair together

The Mark's Big Event @ Brothers Bar & Grill (Fort Collins) — 6pm — CSU's newest luxury student housing is partnering with Brothers to host the biggest event of the year! 👉 Join the party

Live Music with Bella & Libby @ The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern (Estes Park) — 5pm — Grab a burger and settle in for some soulful, local acoustic harmonies. 👉 Cozy up in the mountains

Kristy Deetz: Disrupted Gardens @ Lincoln Center Art Gallery (Fort Collins) — anytime between 1 to 6pm — A stunning hyper-realistic exhibition imagining a future where nature and AI reshape the Earth, featuring acrylic paintings and wax sculptures. Free entry. 👉 Get some perspective

EAZYBAKED with Digital Ethos & Moogy @ Aggie Theatre (Fort Collins) — 9pm — The Peak To Peak Tour rolls into the Aggie for a high-energy electronic night. Low ticket alert! 👉 Rattle the windows

Russick Smith @ Wolverine Farm Publick House (Fort Collins) — 6pm — Fort Collins-born cellist and multi-instrumentalist Russick Smith performs as part of Wolverine Farm’s Musicians in Residence series. 👉 Listen local

Bingo Night @ Gilded Goat Brewing Co. Midtown (Fort Collins)s — 6:30pm — Free weekly bingo with prizes. 👉 Prove your smart

Scratch League @ Sweetheart Bowling (Loveland) — 6:30pm — 👉 Hit the lanes

Intro to Mushrooms @ Orion's Apothecary (Loveland) — 6pm — Learn the benefits, uses, and how-to's of growing your own fungi at home. 👉 Get growing

BASS ND BOWL: Amok Thesis, Atrophy & LönSoul @ Chipper’s Lanes (Fort Collins) — 8pm — Free EDM show with three acts. Unlimited bowling available for $15.45 + shoes. 👉 Under pressure (and lasers)

Black History Month Button Making @ Aims Community College (Greeley) — 11am — Join Mosaic for a creative, drop-in session to celebrate and create. 👉 Make your mark

Poisonous Plants: Agatha Christie's Deadly Garden @ LINC Library Innovation Center (Greeley) — 3:30pm — Tribute to The Queen of Crime herself. 👉 Get literary

The Blues Party Open Blues Jam @ Chippers Clássic Lanes (Greeley) — 6 to 9pm — Everyone is welcome and everyone gets to play. drums & Amps provided. 👉 Get your jam on

Weaving with Loops: Potholder Workshop @ Maker's Mercantile & Studio (Greeley) — 6:30pm — A nostalgic, tactile workshop where you'll weave your own functional kitchen art. 👉 Loop it together

Chris Solis @ To the Five Taproom (Loveland) — 7:00pm — Blending country and rock with a soulful edge. — 👉 Pull up a stool

Make & Take Metal Etching @ Inspired Artisan Market (Estes Park) — various times — Hands-on metal art you get to take home. 👉 Hammer out something cool

A Night w/ Snowbelt Bluegrass @ lumpy Ridge Brew Co Publick House (Estes Park) — 6 to 8pm — High-altitude bluegrass vibes presented by Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co. 👉 Strings, beers, repeat

The Reckless Ramblers @ Snowy Peaks Winery (Estes Park) — 4:30 to 6:30pm — Free live music in the tasting room — a rowdy good time paired with mountain wine. Reservations recommended. 👉 Kick off the weekend loud

Doing Work Differently: Aligned and Ambitious @ Fort Collins Welcome Center (Fort Collins) — 4pm— A fresh take on purpose-driven work. 👉 Rethink the grind

Poudre FFA Farm to Fork Fundraiser @ Poudre High School (Fort Collins) — 5pm — Annual FFA fundraiser featuring BBQ chicken and smoked brisket from Brother's BBQ, plus live and silent auctions. Tickets required; sold at the door. 👉 Eat well, do good

Fort Collins Foodie Walk™ @ Downtown Fort Collins — 5 to 8pm — Self-guided tasting tour of downtown bites. 👉 Wear stretchy pants

Fat Friday @ Lyric Cinema Café (Fort Collins) — The Lyric's annual Mardi Gras-themed party with live music, dancing, and festive vibes. 👉 Laissez les bons temps rouler

The Importance of Being Earnest, Opening Night @ Bas Bleu Theatre (Fort Collins) — 7:30pm — Oscar Wilde’s sharp comedy kicks off its run. 👉 Get proper ridiculous

Dueling Pianos Official @ Grimm Brothers Brewhouse (Loveland) — 6:30pm — High-energy dueling piano showdown with audience requests, singalongs, and friendly rivalry — all supporting a local small business nonprofit. 👉 Request responsibly

Journey to Oz @ Rialto Theater (Loveland) — 7:30pm — Interactive family theatre where 16 audience members join the cast onstage to sing and dance in a fresh take on the classic. 🌈 There’s no place like the Rialto

Stoneware Glazed Bowls Class @ Artisan You (Loveland) — 6pm — Create stoneware bowls from start to finish. 👉 Clay therapy unlocked

Fairy Tale Friday @ Roots & Leaves Stampede Kava Bar (Greeley) — 9pm to 2am — Enchanted costume night at Greeley's Stampede kava bar — fairies, villains, knights, all welcome. Alcohol-free. 👉 Once upon a Friday night

Starlight & Pine @ To the Five Taproom (Loveland) — 7pm — Combining tragic storylines and flowing folk-pop harmonies. 👉 Let the stories carry you

Sarah Minto-Sparks @ The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern (Estes Park) — 5 to 8pm — Intimate live music in a mountain setting. 👉 Let the sparks fly

Introduction to Qigong: The Alchemy of Energy and Movement @ Estes Park Yoga (Estes Park) — 1 to 4pm — A beginner-friendly introduction to qigong — the ancient Chinese practice of breath, movement, and energy cultivation. 👉 Move slow, feel strong

Greeley Growlers vs. Timberwolves @ Greeley Ice Haus (Greeley) — 8:45pm — Local hockey action as the Greeley Growlers take on the Timberwolves. — Pucks, checks, and cold-weather energy. 👉 Cheer loud

Dylan McCarthy & Eric Wiggs @ City Star Brewing (Berthoud) — 6 to 8:30pm — Award-winning Front Range bluegrass duo delivering duet-style harmonies 👉 Sip and sway

Lunar New Year Celebration @ Loveland Aleworks (Loveland) — 2 to 4pm — Family-friendly Year of the Fire Horse celebration with games, brews and culture. 👉Cheers to new beginnings

Spring Fused Glass Freestyle @ Makers Mercantile & Studio (Greeley) — 10:30am to 12:30pm — Design your own fused glass spring lantern panels in a free-form class guided by local artists. $50–$75/person, 2 hours. 👉 Fire it up

Volunteer Garden Club @ High Plains Environmental Center (Loveland) — 9am to noon — Get your hands dirty for a greener community. 👉 Grow something good

Plant Propagation Class @ High Plains Environmental Center (Loveland) — 9 to 11am — Learn to multiply your plant babies. 👉 One plant becomes many

Honeybee or Ladybug MicroMini World @ The Artisan Shop & Studio (Loveland) — 11:15am to 12pm — Create a tiny, personalized miniature world under a glass cloche using crystals, moss, and florals. $25, ages 10+. 👉 Small art, big joy

Forks & Corks @ Hub Café by Fresh Plate (Loveland) — 6 to 8pm — Food and drink pairings done right. 👉 Sip, savor, repeat

Greeley Farmers Market @ North of Lincoln Park on 7th St, Downtown (Greeley) — 9am to Noon — Fresh produce and local goods. 👉 Shop small, eat fresh

Nobodys Bizness @ Derby Grille (Berthoud) — 6pm — Good times with good jams. 👉 Get your groove on

JD the M.C. @ Moxi Theater (Greeley) — 6pm — Hip-hop crew JD the M.C. brings electrifying verses and collaborative energy with Santa Kimex, Telly, Rody Aldren & more for an unforgettable night. 👉 Feel the vibe

Community Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser @ Johnstown Community YMCA (Johnstown) — 7:30 to 9:30am — Tickets from $5 (kids), $7 adults, $20 family (up to 5). 👉 Eat pancakes for a good cause

Architecture as Artifact: RMNP Winter Speaker Series @ Beaver Meadows Visitor Center (Estes Park) — 2pm — Park ranger Jessie Foster explores the organic architecture and Mission 66 legacy of the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center 👉 Expand your mind

Downtown Loveland Foodie Walk: Pints & Bites @ Downtown Loveland — 2 to 5pm — Discover downtown Loveland’s best bites on a self-guided culinary stroll 👉 Taste the town one plate at a time

Bluegrass Jam @ Loveland Aleworks (Loveland) — 2 to 5pm — Bring your instrument or cheer on the pickers at this community bluegrass session. 👉 Grab a brew, feel the twang

Sunday Brunch with Matt Skinner @ Sylvan Dale Ranch (Loveland) — 11am — Logs on the fire, scratch made brunch and cowboy music. 👉 Relax in style

Mindful Paint Pour Class @ The Artisan Shop & Studio (Loveland) — 4 to 6pm — Blend creativity and mindfulness in this guided acrylic pour workshop. $45, ages 12+. All supplies included. 👉 Pour your heart out

Lucky Letters & Lucky Charms: Modern Calligraphy for Beginners @ Sky Bear Brewery (Loveland) — 7 to 11pm — Learn modern calligraphy with a pointed dip pen and ink in this Lucky Charm–themed workshop. Includes beginner kit (nibs, ink, guides, pen holder) to take home. 👉 Write your luck into existence

Made in Loveland 2026 Kick-Off Party & Keynote @ Desk Chair Workspace (Loveland) — 3 to 5pm — Celebrate local makers, artists, and makers markets with this official kick-off event for the Made in Loveland series. 👉 Shop small

Ladies Night Out @ Sweetheart Bowling (Loveland) — 6:15 to 9:30pm 👉 Hit the pins

Led Zepagain: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin @ Rialto Theater (Loveland) — 7:30pm — The world's most authentic Led Zeppelin tribute band celebrating 40 years. Jimmy Page himself says, "It's as close as you'll ever get to the real deal." 👉 Take the Stairway to Heaven

Blast to the Past: Nostalgia Movie Night @ The Kress Cinema & Lounge (Greeley) Free screening of "Bring It On" (2000) at The Garvey downtown. 👉 Connect on campus