On Thursday, July 9, Movie Night at The Livery presents “The Mountain Ark,” a film by Ken Bailey about one of Telluride’s most beloved characters, Lissa Margetts, and her beloved Rocky Mountain Ark Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on Wilson Mesa, now closed. The film follows Margetts through a single day at the 14-acre wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary, all shot in 1999. Fiercely independent and deeply connected to animals, she navigates moments of rescue, loss and unexpected joy, revealing a life devoted to healing, community and the fragile bond between humans and wildlife.
Doors open at 7 p.m., and the film is appropriate for all ages. Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for kids under 12.
“All are invited to bring their favorite Lissa and Ruby the Mountain Lion stories,” NPRD representative Daiva Chesonis said.
Next, on Friday, July 10, Norwood Park & Recreation District (NPRD), in collaboration with Wright’s Mesa Discgolf, Norwood Dark Sky Advocates and the Lone Cone Library, presents the second annual Dark Sky Discgolf evening at the new course in Norwood.
“Gather at sunset, 8:25 p.m. Play starts around 9 p.m.,” Chesonis said. “All levels welcome. The baskets will be aglow with LED stick-on lights available for your discs.”
An assortment of discs will be available on site to borrow, but Lone Cone Library has discs for checkout with a valid library card. In addition, there will be telescopes for stargazing, music for dancing and, of course, Moon Pies for snacking.
Access for hole No. 1, LED Stickers, telescopes, dance floor and Moon Pies is via the CR 42Z entrance, the west side of the course. Parking is very limited, so people should carpool, walk or bike.
On Friday, July 17, Sober Karaoke continues at The Livery. Sanctioned by San Miguel County Public Health, this is an all-ages event.
“So sweet to see 7-year olds belting out pop songs, young adults crooning songs of love and heartbreak, and veteran hams giving their all through classic showtunes or country ditties,” Chesonis said.
Monthly gatherings of brave souls will happen again on Aug. 14 and Sept. 11.
“Best for kiddos is the first hour, because lyrics tend to get spicier as the evening progresses,” Chesonis said.
Admission is free. Participants may bring their own nonalcoholic refreshments.
From July 20-23, Wide Sky Arts Collective is hosting Mural Camp for 12 to 17-year-olds. The workshop will be led by muralist Mike McPuff out of Fort Collins. He will be teaching all the aspects of creating public art: design, logistics, media selection, brush techniques and more. Students, and adult volunteers, will be pivotal in executing the mural on the new water tank at the Norwood Community Garden, the corner of Summit and Mesa streets.
Cost of the workshop — four full days of instructing with all materials provided — is $140 per student. One full scholarship is available; contact play@norwoodparkandrec.org for more information. Adult volunteers are welcome for free, but with a $20 registration fee. To register any age online, the public may head to NPRD’s website for the link.
On Thursday, July 23, the first of two free “Chillin’ with Chamber Music” concerts will take place in the shady yard at NPRD Campus. Performing first, Telluride Chamber Music brings Durango-based San Juan Symphony String Quartet. The second chill session will be on Thursday, Aug. 27, featuring Yak Duo, which is Yasuo Ishikawa on tenor and alto sax with Kenny Goldman on keyboards. Gates for both dates are at 5:30 p.m., music is 6-7 p.m., social hour from 7 to 8 p.m. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome.
“Bring a picnic basket and blanket or low chairs for enjoying an evening on the lawn in the shaded yard,” Chesonis said, “plus a few bucks to throw in the top hat for the musicians.”
The concert will move into The Livery if weather is inclement.
On Saturday, Aug. 8, all should plan to be at the San Miguel County Fairgrounds for the second and last free Music on the Mesa concert of 2026 featuring The Burroughs, a nine-piece bundle of brass-laden energy from their unlikely hometown of Greeley. Organizers are bringing in the big stage, in order to contain their trademark brand of “Sweaty Soul Music.” Food and craft vendors, KidZone, yard games and a cash bar are on site. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.; show is at 7 p.m.
“Speaking of which, from the stage at Music on the Mesa, the winners will be drawn for NPRD’s 250/150 Bucket List Challenge,” Chesonis said. “Basically, a scavenger hunt but with experiences to be had within the rec district. Up for grabs are prizes from Crossbow Leather and Twisted K Leather, plus four pure silver 2026 Colorado quarters. Swing by The Livery on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and noon to register, pay the $5, and receive game cards and rules.”
The public may also email NPRD at play@norwoodparkandrec.org for another registration time.
Chesonis said NPRD is beyond grateful for the additional support from grants and regional sponsors to pull off another summer of opportunities to gather, move, learn “and boogie.”
On that note, the community should mark their calendars for the 2026 Pioneer Day Dance on Sept. 26, this year moving to The Livery. The country music component will be announced.
