Author: Community Contributor

Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff and Banda La Excepcional to perform on the Main Stage on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026 at the Coconino County Fair (Sept. 4-7)

COCONINO COUNTY — This Labor Day weekend, northern Arizona’s biggest annual celebration returns with more than ever. The 77th Annual Coconino County Fair is September 4-7 at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, marking a convergence of milestones – Route 66 at 100, Coconino County at 135, Flagstaff’s Dark Sky designation at 25 and America at 250.

With more than 35,000 attendees expected across four days of rides, live music, livestock shows, fine arts food and family fun, the Coconino County Fair is northern Arizona’s largest Labor Day weekend event and one of its best community traditions.

‘American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez’ to be shown through Sept. 10 during Sedona International Film Festival

SEDONA — The Northern Arizona premiere of “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez” comes to Sedona for a one-week run (Sept. 3-10), starting with a screening at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 as part of the Sedona International Film Festival.

The opening night screening will be followed by a Q&A with director David Alvarado and producer Everett Katigbak. The Sundance audience favorite tells the story of Luis Valdez, the man who built El Teatro Campesino out of the fields of California and turned the figure of the pachuco and the history of the Zoot Suit Riots into influential American stage art.

Narrated by Edward James Olmos in character as El Pachuco, featuring Dolores Huerta. It began on a flatbed truck at the Delano picket lines, with farmworkers performing their own strike, before it ever reached a stage. A Mexican American story on the big screen, brought to Sedona by the festival that keeps this red rock town in love with film.

CCC Community Education — Sign up for classes starting soon!

Conversational Spanish

Tuesdays & Thursdays, Oct. 6 thru Oct. 29

5 to 7 p.m.

This class emphasizes real-world communication through interactive activities, guided conversations, and culturally relevant topics. Beginner to intermediate levels are welcome!

Spanish – Learn more and register!

Election Watch — AmigosNAZ launching weekly information feature ahead of upcoming Nov. 3, 2026 elections

Editor’s note: Given the constantly churning news cycle with stories on court cases possibly impacting mail-in ballots or reduction of polling places nationwide and other political issues, AmigosNAZ is launching this new weekly feature to help readers gather accurate information from local and state elections officials on the upcoming election. Future stories will include details on how to track your ballot, ballot drop off locations in Coconino County and other information. Please see links below for local and Arizona election resources.

Discover Flagstaff — Labor Day Weekend Plans? Check Out These Events!

Get Your Kicks & Fair Fix at the 77th Annual Coconino County Fair! Celebrating 135 years of Coconino County, join us Labor Day Weekend, September 4-7, 2026, at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff.

Enjoy carnival rides, live bands every day, Friday through Monday, livestock shows, fine arts, food, games, and family fun for all ages. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 31 – Sept. 4, 2026

Bright Angel Flash Flood Response and South Rim Water Conservation

Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery efforts following the August 29 flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. Search, accountability, infrastructure assessment, and recovery work are ongoing under a Type II Incident Management Team.

Flash Flood Response and Search Efforts

At this time, 82 people have been rescued, two people have been recovered deceased, and one person remains missing. Search efforts for the missing hiker continue with park staff and partner agencies.

The flood caused extensive damage to trails, bridges, utilities, and other infrastructure in the inner canyon. Early assessments indicate that approximately 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline and five to seven miles of the North Kaibab Trail have been severely damaged. Four bridges in the Box were severely damaged or washed away. Assessments are continuing, and these estimates may change as crews learn more about the extent of the damage.

Labor Day closures for Coconino County

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County’s Administrative Center, County Manager’s Office, County Attorney’s Office, Coconino County Superior Court, Flagstaff Justice Court and Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) office and clinic will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.  

City of Flagstaff announces Labor Day closures

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — Flagstaff’s City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day. City Hall offices will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 8.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Labor Day include:

Cinder Lake Landfill and Hazardous Products Center (6770 E Landfill Rd.)
Citizens Cemetery (1300 S San Francisco St.)
Downtown Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N Izabel St)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)
Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) (1800 E Butler Ave.)

Coconino Center for the Arts — First Friday is Here! September ArtWalk Highlights

Flagstaff’s First Friday ArtWalk is a monthly celebration of creativity that brings downtown to life. Local galleries stay open late with special artist receptions and entertainment, so check out the gallery map to visit them all!

Join us for First Friday tomorrow, September 4, starting at 5pm! The 2026 ArtWalk season is generously underwritten by Dapper Dre, supporting Car-Free First Fridays with traffic closures on Aspen St. for art and performance activations.

The NAU Review — How NAU and the Navajo Nation are searching for safe water

View this email as a webpage.
The NAU Review. The official news source for Northern Arizona University.
Sept. 3, 2026

We deliver top headlines to the Lumberjack community every Tuesday and Thursday during the academic year. For more, visit in.nau.edu/news.

A Navajo man pumps water from a tank into a barrel. Red rock mesas are in the background.
Identifying safe drinking water on tribal lands

A group of NAU researchers, led by analytical chemist Jani Ingram, sampled water in wells throughout the Navajo Nation to identify which wells contained safe drinking water and which contained dangerous levels of uranium. The work doesn’t just protect Navajo Nation residents’ health; it also provides them with data they can use to advocate for safer community resources.

Flagstaff Festival of Science: So Many Ways to Participate!

Don’t miss Snook’s Science in the Park— one of the Festival’s signature events taking place Saturday, September 26th from 10 AM – 2 PM

Wheeler Park, in downtown Flagstaff!

What can you look forward to?

🤖 Play catch with a robot

🚀 Launch rockets

🌋 Make your own volcano

MORE…

Celebrate MNA’s 98th Birthday this Sunday!

Join us Sunday, September 6, as we celebrate MNA’s 98th birthday with a special presentation by Kristan Hutchison, MNA’s Exhibitions & Publications Manager. Discover the remarkable story behind the museum’s founding, then enjoy cupcakes as we celebrate MNA’s past and look ahead to the museum’s centennial in 2028!

Grand Canyon National Park expands inner canyon closures following Aug. 29 flash flood

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery operations following the destructive August 29 flash flood that caused significant damage in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area.

Park staff and partner agencies are conducting damage assessments and beginning repair and stabilization work in areas where trails, bridges, utilities and other infrastructure were damaged or destroyed. Maintaining safe access for response personnel and keeping visitors out of hazardous areas is critical as this work continues.

Coconino County — More than 36 properties receive free environmental assessments; space available to enroll in program

COCONINO COUNTY — Property owners are encouraged to apply for a free environmental assessment through the Northern Arizona Property Revitalization Program.

More than three dozen free environmental assessments have been completed in Coconino, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai counties as part of the Northern Arizona Property Revitalization Program.

Explore new ceramic techniques at Sedona Arts Center

Learn from talented ceramic artists in a series of hands-on workshops exploring specialized techniques and creative processes. From alternative firing and surface decoration to throwing, form, and functional design, these workshops offer inspiring opportunities to build new skills, experiment with fresh ideas, and connect with fellow makers.

Emergency Management Director Tim Carter named Emergency Management Professional of the Year

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Emergency Management Director Tim Carter was named the Emergency Management Professional of the Year by the Arizona Association of Emergency Managers (AAEM).

“Coconino County has faced an extraordinary series of emergencies over the last year, from the White Sage Fire and Dragon Bravo Fire to the Pocket Fire and the Grand Canyon flash flood,” District 1 Supervisor and Board Chair Patrice Horstman said. “Throughout each event, Tim demonstrated steady leadership, clear communication and an unwavering commitment to protecting our communities. This award is deeply deserved, and we are grateful for his service.”

Get the latest news updates from U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) including — ‘Gallego calls on USPS leadership to testify before Congress in response to whistleblower mail voting report’

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office of U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego

Get the latest news updates from U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) including ‘ICYMI: Kelly Blasts Trump for Enriching Himself While Americans Can’t Afford Their Lives’

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly

Get the latest news updates from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes including ‘Attorney General Mayes Defends Arizona’s Proof-of-Citizenship Voter Registration Law at U.S. Supreme Court’

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on Sept. 3 to share your story

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

Guest speakers this month include Austin Laster of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff and Sandra Quintanilla of Coconino County Juvenile Court, who will speak about “Children of Incarcerated Parents Day at the Park,” Flagstaff.

Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.

READ MORE

City of Flagstaff invites nominations for free environmental assessments through Route 66 Brownfield Coalition Assessment Grant

FLAGSTAFF — Property owners, business owners, developers, and community members are invited to nominate previously developed or used commercial and industrial properties and buildings for a free environmental assessment under the Route 66 Brownfield Coalition Assessment Grant. Eligible properties may include those that are underutilized, vacant or abandoned, and are sometimes called “brownfields.”

Creative Flagstaff — 19th Annual Viola Awards SAVE THE DATE (April 24, 2027!

Join us for the 19th Annual Viola Awards, taking place at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff on April 24, 2027.

Celebrate the creativity, talent, and contributions that make Flagstaff’s arts and culture community so vibrant. More details coming soon!

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Coffee Conversations with the Director on Sept 2

View this email in your browser Join “Coffee Conversations” with F3’s Director Join the monthly “Coffee Conversations” with F3’s Executive Director thisWednesday, September 2nd from 9:00-10:00 am at Mayan WindsCafe (2144 N. 4th St.). It was great to see so…

Grand Canyon National Park — Two deceased hikers recovered and identified following flash flood. All community meeting at Shrine of Ages Auditorium on Sept. 2

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – The National Park Service has recovered the bodies of two hikers who were caught in a destructive flash flood Aug. 29 in Bright Angel Canyon. The hikers have been identified as John Guisti, 46, and Brent Rosenkranz, 42, both of Granbury, Texas. 

One member of the hiking group remains missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with teams continuing efforts to locate the missing hiker and account for anyone else who may have been in the affected area at the time of the flood.

The NAU Review — Run, freshmen, run! and more news

VIDEO: See the Class of 2030 run!

Between a 100-yard kickoff return TD, the football overcoming a 21-point deficit to win the first game of the season and the Running of the Freshmen at halftime, the Lumberjacks showed up at the Skydome on Saturday. In addition the video of the second-most exciting 100-yard run, see NAU Social’s photos from the game + the epic tailgate party .

Want to catch the next home game? Get your tickets to all NAU Athletics today!

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — September Community Events

Community Council Candidate Forums

September 3rd: Historic Preservation Forum with City Council Candidates: 5:30 to 7:00 pm at LCM Canterbury Chapel at 319 S San Francisco St. Includes educational information and Q&A with candidates.

September 10th: Southside Community City Council Forum: 5 to 7 pm at the Murdoch Community Center. More information here.

September 17th: Northern Arizona Interfaith Council Candidate Accountability Session: 6:00-7:45 pm at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church. More information here.

*September 28th – Friends of Flagstaff’s Future Forum: 6 pm at Coconino Community College Lonetree Campus. More information here.

Choose your next creative adventure at Sedona Arts Center

Whether you’re exploring a new passion or building on years of experience, Sedona Arts Center offers inspiring classes and workshops for every skill level. Learn from working artists in a welcoming, hands-on environment while exploring painting, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, photography, mixed media, and more.

Join us in the heart of Sedona and discover where creativity can take you.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Plan your Science Adventure with us!

At long last, the schedule for the Best 10 Days of the Year is here! 

From learning about our elections center to checking out cool cars,

exploring our amazing Earth to marveling at the vastness of outer space,

creating science-inspired art to racing robots—

there’s something for everyone to discover!

Flagstaff Youth Riders

For the past 10 years, FLYRS has been about more than riding bikes.

It’s about giving kids a place to belong.

It’s about building confidence and resilience.

It’s about getting outside and discovering what they’re capable of.

And it’s about making sure that cost isn’t a barrier to being part of the FLYRS community.

This September 1-3, we’re celebrating FLYRS Giving Daysas part of our 10-year FLYRS Forward campaign.

City of Flagstaff — Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to businesses impacted by Pocket Fire

FLAGSTAFF —  Coconino County received a Declaration of Economic Injury from the Small Business Administration (SBA) which opens the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to businesses impacted by the Pocket Fire.

The EIDL program provides 30-year loans with an interest rate as low as four percent. Principal and interest payments are not required in the first year of the loan to help businesses survive the loss of tourism. The program is available to all businesses in Coconino County and Yavapai County, as well as neighboring Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave and Navajo counties, San Juan and Kane counties in Utah and Tribal Nations.

Grand Canyon National Park — Public assistance requested to account for individuals following Grand Canyon flash flood. See related news here

Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

Grand Canyon National Park to close overnight hotel accommodations beginning Aug. 31

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 4 water restrictions on the South Rim beginning at noon on August 31 in response to the significant flash flooding that occurred along Bright Angel Canyon on August 29.  

The flooding caused extensive damage to infrastructure in the inner canyon, including the Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies water from the canyon for use in the park. The waterline is currently not operational, leaving the park with limited water reserves and requiring significant water conservation measures to ensure available supplies can be maintained. 

Choose Your Next Creative Adventure at Sedona Arts Center

Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center
Choose Your Next Creative Adventure

Whether you’re exploring a new passion or building on years of experience, Sedona Arts Center offers inspiring classes and workshops for every skill level. Learn from working artists in a welcoming, hands-on environment while exploring painting, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, photography, mixed media, and more.

City of Flagstaff to begin the removal and installation of a new sheet roof for City Hall

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — Starting September 2, 2026 the City of Flagstaff will begin replacing the City Hall roof. This capital renewal project was identified to protect the long-term need for a weather-tight building envelope and represents a sound investment in maintaining an existing city asset. Work is expected to conclude by November 16, 2026.

During removal and installation, residents and visitors may experience temporary noise and minor traffic disruptions around City Hall. Oliver Roofing and the City will implement safety measures to reduce impacts on nearby residents and businesses.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Thank you, Dolly

On Tuesday, we experienced a moment of collective heartbreak with the passing of Dolly Parton. 

In addition to losing a talented singer, songwriter, actress, author, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, we also are in mourning for the woman who seemed to transcend an increasingly divided world. Several years ago, The New York Times famously captured her near universal appeal in a story headlined “Is There Anything We Can All Agree On? Yes: Dolly Parton.”

United Way of Northern Arizona is proud to be a partner in one of her most impactful philanthropic efforts – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Guest contribution — Overdose prevention starts with awareness, support and access

On Aug. 31, communities around the world recognize International Overdose Awareness Day, remembering those lost to overdose and drawing attention to the importance of prevention. This year marks 25 years since the day was first observed in 2001, a reminder of the ongoing work to reduce overdose deaths, break down stigma and connect people with support.

For many people, the impact of substance use goes beyond their health. It also affects those around them, including family, co-workers and their communities. And when we see someone struggling, it is not always easy to know what to say or where to turn.

That is why prevention often starts with something simple: paying attention, talking openly and making sure people know that help is available.

Homolovi State Park in Winslow hosting first Arizona Family Campout Sept. 5-6

ARIZONA — Registration is now open for the inaugural Arizona Family Campout to be on Sept.5-6 at Homolovi State Park, Winslow.

Arizona Family Campout weekends are designed for families with kids that have little or no experience camping. We welcome campers six (6) years of age and older. We will introduce you to fun experiences you can share with your family and inspire you to continue to explore the great outdoors from one of our campgrounds! You will learn how to set up a tent and an introduction to cooking outside, plus you will get to try some fun activities you can do while camping! No pets allowed.

Join us on a family campout to learn the ropes of camping and experience all the fun of being outdoors!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 24-28, 2026

Grand Canyon Music Festival Concerts Continue this Weekend

The Grand Canyon Music Festival showcases a variety of music types, including classical, contemporary (modern composers and new works) along with Jazz and Blues.

All performances take place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Evening performances are scheduled to take place on Fridays and Saturdays – beginning this Friday, August 21, and running through Saturday, September 5. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation, with a suggested donation of $20. 

Details: https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/concerts/

Friday, August 28 (7:30 p.m.) Cellist Karlos Rodriguez, pianist Silvan Negruƫiu, and harmonica player Robert Bonfiglio perform works Inspired by Friendship. Concert Repertoire: J.S. Bach Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009 – Benjamin Britten Suite No. 3 for solo cello, Opus 87 – Alberto Ginastera Danzas Argentinas, Opus 2 – Heitor Villa-Lobos Concerto for Harmonica – Dmitri Shostakovich Sonata for Piano and Cello, Opus 40

Coconino County Superintendent seeks applicants for school governing board vacancies

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is inviting community members to apply for appointment to local school governing boards. Applications are now being accepted to fill five vacant governing board seats that remain unfilled following the 2026 election cycle. Appointments to these positions will serve terms ending December 31, 2028.

The following school districts have one vacant seat available:

Grand Canyon Unified School District #4
Chevelon Butte School District #5
Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District #6
Tuba City Unified School District #15
NATIVE (Tuba City)

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Plan your Science Adventure with us!

The Wait is Over!

At long last,

the schedule for

the Best 10 Days of the Year is here! 

From learning about our elections center to checking out cool cars,

exploring our amazing Earth to marveling at the vastness of outer space,

creating science-inspired art to racing robots—

there’s something for everyone to discover!

Start planning your very own science adventure by

exploring the schedule for the

2026 Flagstaff Festival of Science 

or downloading our app.

Coconino County — Switch Together solar co-op deadline Sept. 18

COCONINO COUNTY — As part of our sustainability initiative, Coconino County is a partner in Switch Together, a group buying program for solar installations. Switch Together uses a group buying model to help residents save money on home solar installations.

The most recent auction secured a discount of 17 percent, which translates to an average discount of $5,200. The program is supported in partnership with nonprofit Solar United Neighbors. Switch Together makes rooftop solar installations more affordable, while also offering solar education through online resources and in-person events.

Sedona Arts Center — Celebrating our volunteers & an extraordinary year at Sedona Arts Center

September is almost upon us—can you believe it? This summer has flown by. While our Gallery Shop has been unusually slow this summer due to the impact of the Pocket Fire, the rest of Sedona Arts Center has been anything but quiet!

Have You Seen Beyond the Frame?

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Building careers at home, building ties abroad

I was honored to be part of a panel discussion at the recent League of Arizona Cities and Towns Annual Conference, which focused on whether Arizona’s workforce development pipeline was robust enough to support the phenomenal growth the state has experienced.

Representing a rural region, my perspective was slightly different.

Northern Arizona already produces a tremendous amount of highly educated talent; nearly 56% of Flagstaff residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The challenge is keeping that talent here.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Fall events for families right around the corner. See remaining back-to-school events here

COCONINO COUNTY — Back-to-School events in Coconino County — including fall enrollment, freshman orientations for parents and students, meet the teacher events, school supply distributions and youth sports physicals — will soon conclude, but local organizations are already planning for a variety of youth events this upcoming Fall.

The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you.

The NAU Review — Welcome back, Jacks!

Campus came alive with excitement, nerves and new beginnings last week as students moved into their residence halls, said goodbye to their loved ones and made new friends. See photos from move-in, the Welcome Week Festival, the Part-Time Job Fair and of course, NAU’s iconic Letters.

City of Flagstaff seeks community input on Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events (PROSE) Master Plan

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – The City of Flagstaff has launched the PROSE Master Plan campaign to develop a new Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events Comprehensive Master Plan. This year-long process will include numerous opportunities for residents to share their ideas and vision for the future, including:

Intercept survey at Science in the Park on September 26

Community Workshop #1 at the Flagstaff Aquaplex on October 22

Coconino County — Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to businesses impacted by Pocket Fire. (Help available at sites in Flagstaff, Sedona)

COCONINO COUNTY — Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans are now available to businesses impacted by the Pocket Fire.

Coconino County received a Declaration of Economic Injury from the Small Business Administration (SBA) which opens the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to businesses impacted by the Pocket Fire.

The EIDL program provides 30-year loans with an interest rate as low as four percent. Principal and interest payments are not required in the first year of the loan to help businesses survive the loss of tourism. The program is available to all businesses in Coconino County and Yavapai County, as well as neighboring Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave and Navajo counties, San Juan and Kane counties in Utah and Tribal Nations.

City of Flagstaff — Notice of Neighborhood Meeting – Symmetry Specific Plan and Related Applications

FLAGSTAFF — A virtual neighborhood meeting will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss proposed land use applications for approximately 293.85 acres located northeast of Pine Canyon Estates along the J.W. Powell Boulevard alignment.  The proposal includes adoption of a Specific Plan to guide development of a nature-oriented, master-planned community that may include housing, retail, dining, and lodging opportunities.  The applications also include related zoning map amendments and a Minor Regional Plan Amendment to relocate a future suburban activity center. 

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Don’t Miss the City Council Candidate Meet & Greet on Aug. 24

We are excited to announce that a coalition of business groups, including the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona, will co-host a Flagstaff City Council Candidate “Meet & Greet” at Coconino Community College on August 24.
Mitch Strohman will emcee the forum, which will focus on issues of importance to the business community. Candidates will answer questions from each of the organizations sponsoring the event: ECoNA, the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance, the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, and the Northern Arizona Association of Realtors. Attendees will also be able to submit questions for candidates.
Six candidates are vying for three seats on the City Council this year: Austin Aslan, Nancy Baca, Patty Hansen, Khara House, Lori Matthews, and Drew Stanley. Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett is running unopposed. Election Day is November 3.

Discover Flagstaff — Explore Flagstaff’s Events This Week!

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. Flag Happs is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.

Coconino County appoints acting Deputy County Manager

COCONINO COUNTY — Cynthia Nemeth, Parks and Recreation Director, has been appointed acting Deputy County Manager following the resignation of Eric Peterson.

“Cynthia is well suited for this interim leadership role at Coconino County,” County Manager Andy Bertelsen said. “Her steady, collaborative approach will ensure that we continue to deliver the high-quality services our residents rely on.”

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 17-21, 2026

Grand Canyon Music Festival 43rd Season Starts this Weekend

The Grand Canyon Music Festival showcases a variety of music types, including classical, contemporary (modern composers and new works) along with Jazz and Blues.

All performances take place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Evening performances are scheduled to take place on Fridays and Saturdays – beginning this Friday, August 21, and running through Saturday, September 5. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation, with a suggested donation of $20. 

Details: https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/concerts/

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Call for Donations: Bedtime Stories needs your help!

he Flagstaff Festival of Science is raising funds for our Bedtime Stories project, now entering its fourth year! This special program brings science, storytelling, and local voices together to create meaningful learning experiences for young children and their families.

Each year, we work with local and regional authors to film them reading their science-themed children’s books. These read-alouds are then made freely available on YouTube, giving families an opportunity to tune in for a science-filled bedtime story from the comfort of home.