Author: Community Contributor

Businesses — Get involved in the 77th Coconino County Fair

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Fair is Labor Day weekend, September 4 – 7 at Fort Tuthill County Park, and the community is invited to participate in this annual event.

The Fair Book is available online and is the resource guide for placing entries into the County Fair. Whether community members are interested in showing off prized vegetables or flowers from their garden, or perhaps a new sewing project, the Fair Book has hundreds of exhibits to choose from. Last year, there were over 750 exhibitors who submitted over 2,300 entries, a showcase for the County.

Flagstaff Youth Riders (FLYRS) — Summer events, Fall sign ups and 10 years of getting kids on bikes

Summer Camp registration is open, and camps are already rolling for Summer 2026! There are still spots available, but they fill quickly every year, so don’t wait too long to sign up.

This summer, is offering eight weeks of mountain bike camps at multiple locations throughout. With more camp weeks and expanded locations, there are more opportunities than ever for young riders to get outside, build skills, and have an unforgettable summer on two wheels.

Campers will spend their days building confidence, endurance, and mountain bike skills while having a blast with friends. Camps include trail rides, bike-focused games, STEAM-based activities, and hands-on trail stewardship experiences. We offer both full-day and half-day options for a variety of age groups, making it easy to find the right fit for your rider. We also have rotating location options, where kids will meet their coaches in different trail locations throughout Flagstaff.

If cost is a concern, please don’t let that stop your child from participating. FLYRS proudly offers scholarships to help ensure every kid has access to the sport, regardless of financial barriers.

Come ride with us this summer!

National Park Service approves plan to modernize water system serving the North Rim and Inner Canyon at Grand Canyon National Park

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. –  The National Park Service (NPS) approved a plan today to upgrade the water system that supplies and delivers water between the North Rim developed area and Cottonwood Campground in Grand Canyon National Park. The current water system is old, often breaks down, and requires frequent repairs in difficult and sometimes hazardous conditions.  

NPS Intermountain Regional Director Bert Frost signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the North Rim and Roaring Springs Water System Improvements project. This work is part of a project to rehabilitate the North Rim and Roaring Springs Utility Systems funded by the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund.

Grand Canyon National Park launches Conservation K-9 pilot project to reduce human-wildlife conflicts

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park is welcoming a new, four-legged member to the park’s wildlife management team. “Blue,” a trained Conservation K-9, will work alongside park wildlife staff to help reduce human-wildlife conflicts in busy areas on the South Rim. 

The Conservation K-9 Pilot Project, now in its first year of a 3-year pilot, uses dogs to encourage animals who are habituated to humans, such as Grand Canyon’s elk and bighorn sheep, to avoid developed areas where interactions with visitors can be unsafe to both visitors and wildlife.  

Art for Life: Exploring Creative Aging in Flagstaff on June 11

FLAGSTAFF — Join the Arizona Commission on the Arts and Creative Flagstaff on Tuesday June 11, 2026 from 4-6pm for an interactive session about Creative Aging, an exciting national movement to advance understanding of the vital relationship between creative expression and healthy aging.

Creative engagement through the arts is fundamental to the human experience and deeply linked to enhanced health and well-being. Older adults who engage in the arts experience better overall health, enjoy a higher quality of life, and are more active in their communities. Together we will dive into the why and how of providing high quality creative programming for adults across the aging spectrum

New website launch for the Flagstaff Festival of Science

We’re excited to share that the Flagstaff Festival of Science has launched a newly redesigned website! Visit us at www.scifest.org to explore the new look and updated features.

The new site was created to make it easier for our community to stay connected with Festival events, programs, and opportunities throughout the year. With improved navigation, a more modern design, and easier access to information, visitors can quickly find upcoming events, learn about our programs, and discover ways to get involved.

“Our goal was to create a website that reflects the energy, accessibility, and community spirit of the Festival,” said Gina Byars, Program Manager for the Festival. “We encourage community members to explore the site and learn more about all of our programs and events. We’re excited to offer an improved experience that helps people connect with activities and opportunities year-round.”

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth June 3, 2026 Update

COCONINO COUNTY — Time is running short for families to start checking out potential summer camp programs in Coconino County and Northern Arizona.

The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y. Contact individual programs for more information on their 2026 summer camps.

The NAU Review — Make a difference this summer

A new club housed at NAU’s Institute for Human Development provides stimulating activities for local residents with memory loss, a respite for caregivers, a living laboratory for NAU students and faculty and a space where volunteers can make a difference through art and music. Read the story and watch the video to learn how you can be part of it.

City of Flagstaff — Pedestrian Improvements to Begin along Soliere Avenue

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – Starting the week of June 1, the City of Flagstaff, in partnership with Mountain Line and their contractor, Kinney Construction Services, will begin pedestrian crossing improvements in multiple locations along Soliere Avenue. These improvements are part of the “First Mile, Last Mile Initiative” which aims to add safe pedestrian infrastructure near Mountain Line bus stops throughout the City. Most of these crossings will feature a pedestrian refuge median, meaning pedestrians will only need to cross one lane of traffic at a time.

New program launches to help Flagstaff homeowners go solar, lower energy bills

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The City of Flagstaff has launched the Northern Arizona Switch Together Co-op, a group-buying program for solar installations that has secured a 17% discount, translating to an average price reduction of $5,200. Homeowners and small businesses may also add-on battery storage and electric vehicle chargers.

“The City of Flagstaff is helping households and small businesses lower their energy bills by going solar,” said City of Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett. “By making the ‘Switch Together,’ neighbors can leverage the power of bulk buying for discounts on solar installations, battery storage, and EV chargers.”

Coconino County Building Code adoption public hearing to be held June 2

COCONINO COUNTY — Every six years the Coconino County Community Development Department in partnership with the Building Safety Advisory Board leads the process of adopting new and updated building codes.

It is important to update building codes to address emerging safety risks, improve energy efficiency, incorporate new material and technology and to maintain a high Insurance Services Office rating.

For the 2024 International Code Council cycle of building codes, Community Development worked with stakeholders within the building and development community to identify amendments that both increase structural wildfire resistance as well as provide improved energy conservation.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Big drama is hitting the stage – get your tickets!

The drinks are pouring, the tension is mounting, and our mid-run audiences have proven what we knew all along: Life Sucks. is an absolute triumph. From the moment the first argument flies, viewers are transported into a brilliant, hilarious exploration of love and longing that is as heartfelt as it is chaotic. With just two weeks remaining, now is the time to experience the magic everyone is talking about.

Flagstaff City Council approves 2026 Community Development Block Grant Funding

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff City Council has approved the City’s 2026 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, authorizing approximately $881,000 in federal funding for projects and programs that support homelessness response, neighborhood improvements, and community resilience. The funding allocations include investments in shelter operations, domestic violence services, park reconstruction, resilience hub improvements, and ADA accessibility upgrades that will benefit low- and moderate-income residents throughout Flagstaff.

Projects approved for funding include:

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 25-29, 2026

A planned water outage is scheduled in the inner canyon from June 4–11 to support critical Transcanyon Waterline infrastructure work. Crews will tie in a new section of piping along the River Trail and complete additional work at the Havasupai Gardens pumphouse.

The outage will impact potable water service at Phantom Ranch, the Phantom Ranch Delta Restroom, Bright Angel Campground, Boat Beach, Cottonwood Campgrou`nd, Manzanita Rest Area, and Manzanita Day Use Area. Havasupai Gardens, as well as the 3-Mile and 1.5-Mile resthouses, will continue to have water available during this period.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y’s free webinars provide parents the resources they need for the upcoming Summer season

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — As the Summer vacation season rapidly approaches, it may be a good time to take a deep breath, take care of yourself and find some ways to ease the stress for your children.

To help, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website.

Want to take a moment to take care of yourself? Visit our free Mindfulness (for adults) one-hour webinar.

Your child may also benefit from our free Mindfulness for Youth 45-minute webinar

You can also support your child with our free Bullying and Cyberbullying one-hour webinar.

Discover the Joy of Making at Sedona Arts Center

Sedona Arts Center offers year-round classes and workshops designed to inspire artists of all experience levels. From painting, ceramics, jewelry making, and photography to mixed media and more, our programs are welcoming, hands-on, and taught by working artists in a supportive creative environment.

Whether you’re discovering a new passion or continuing to grow your skills, you’ll find opportunities to explore, create, and connect in the heart of Sedona. New ceramics classes begin in June, alongside a wide variety of upcoming workshops and studio experiences for adults, teens, and families.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Making the Case to International Investors

For the past five years, Arizona has led all states in foreign direct investment, attracting more than $197 billion since 2020. Over the past few weeks, ECoNA has presented to delegations from 10 countries to make the case for bringing their businesses to northern Arizona.

Last month, we joined Northern Arizona University and the City of Flagstaff to meet with the Arizona Investment & Higher Education Exchange Delegation of top executives, business owners, investors, and higher education leaders from Taiwan. The delegation has expressed interest in Flagstaff’s potential for commercial, higher education, and industrial investment.

Celebration of 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel draws capacity crowd to cherished icon of local Hispanic community

Also see: 

Arizona Daily Sun — Gallery: Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel celebrates 100 years

FLAGSTAFF — In a scene that harkened back to a time when the few local Catholic Churches hosted capacity crowds during multiple Sunday services, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Chapel enjoyed a resurgence during a Mass held in honor of its 100th anniversary on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Parishioners and community members could be seen standing on either side of the chapel’s pews, while others crowded in the back of the chapel and even outside structure’s heavy wooden front doors.

It was an appropriate turnout for a place that has so much meaning for the local Hispanic community.

“Since its dedication on December 5, 1926, and the inaugural Mass on December 12, 1926, this sacred site has served as the spiritual and cultural heart of the Southside neighborhoods/Barrios. …” according to a portion of the official proclamation that was read at the event by members of the of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors on May 16.

Coconino Community College holds public forum on May 21 to discussed a proposed new building

Also see:

Arizona Daily Sun (Nov. 10, 2025) — CCC beginning planning process for construction on Flagstaff campuses following bond election
FLAGSTAFF — Members of the local community gathered on May 21, 2026 for a Coconino Community College public forum to discussed a proposed new building at the Fourth Street Campus.

This session, led by Dr. Eric Heiser, president and CEO of the college, was designed to introduce the project and gather feedback from community members, students, faculty, and staff.

College officials said the input will help inform the design and ensure the space reflects CCC’s mission, values, and long-term goals.

While the main campus today is located on Lone Tree, the college actually got its start on Fourth Street near the Sunnyside Neighborhood of Flagstaff.

Community celebrates grand opening of Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition on May 19

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County celebrated the opening of the third annual Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition on Tuesday, May 19 at Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park.

“This year’s exhibition features large-scale sculptures by artists Pamela Ambrosio, Anjola Ayodele, Robert L. Barnum, Nathaniel Trygg Patterson, and Joe Ray,” the city reported in a media release. “Artworks reflect diverse cultural representation and explore themes of nature, history, and inclusivity. Together, they infuse the park with an engaging visual experience that highlights storytelling and community, while inviting the public to experience the park in new ways.”

Community comes out to celebrate 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel

FLAGSTAFF — From a moving standing-room-only service, to a variety of musical performances, food and inspiring stories, the Northern Arizona community came out in full force for the 100th anniversary of celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel in Flagstaff on Saturday, May 16. The event included:

Coconino National Forest and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest will enter Stage 1 fire restrictions

COCONINO COUNTY — Areas of Coconino County within Coconino National Forest and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest have entered Stage 1 fire restrictions.

With the potential for continued warm, dry and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona, Coconino County will enter Stage 1 fire restrictions in alignment with area National Forest decisions. Locations and dates for restrictions are listed below.

County fire restriction stages are:

City of Flagstaff — Stage 1 Fire Restrictions begin on May 21

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026. 

Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,

Permits for open burning within the City will not be issued.
The sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited in City parks and open spaces.
Use of fire pits and other open flame devices without an on/off switch are prohibited on Red Flag Warning days, as issued by the National Weather Service. 

Coconino County seeks public input on 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Emergency Management has released the draft 2026 Coconino County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan for public review and comment throughout May.

This comprehensive plan identifies natural hazards that pose risks to communities across Coconino County and outlines strategies to reduce long-term vulnerability to those hazards. Developed through a collaborative process, the plan includes participation from Coconino County; the cities of Flagstaff, Page and Williams; the towns of Tusayan and Fredonia; and Northern Arizona University, along with other stakeholders and partner agencies.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 4-8, 2026

North Rim Reopens for 2026 Season

Grand Canyon National Park officially reopened the North Rim for the 2026 season on May 15. The park extends a heartfelt thank you to Grand Canyon Conservancy, the Arizona Trail Association, and Aramark and for their support and partnership in helping ensure reopening remained on schedule for the 2026 season.

Visitors hiking the upper portion of the North Kaibab Trail between Supai Tunnel and the Trailhead are advised to use increased caution while traveling through areas affected by the Dragon Bravo burn scar. Burned landscapes can increase the risk of flash flooding, debris flows, rock falls, erosion and falling trees, particularly during monsoon storms or periods of heavy rain. In cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, the park has expanded flash flood monitoring and emergency preparedness efforts throughout the Bright Angel Creek watershed, including the installation of new stream and precipitation gages and enhanced visitor notification systems. Hikers are encouraged to closely monitor weather conditions and heed all posted warnings.

Memorial Day closures for Coconino County

COCONINO COUNTY — Many Coconino County offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on May 25.

Coconino County’s Administrative Center, County Manager’s Office, County Attorney’s Office, Coconino County Superior Court and Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) office and clinic will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.  

City of Flagstaff announces Memorial Day closures

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Monday, May 25 in honor of Memorial Day. City Hall offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 26 at 8 a.m.

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

East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N. Izabel St.)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)
Cinder Lake Landfill and Hazardous Products Center (6770 E Landfill Rd.)
Recycling Center (1800E Butler Ave.)

Flagstaff voters approve Regional Plan 2045

COCONINO COUNTY — Results for the May 19, 2026 Special Election indicate that a majority of Flagstaff voters chose “Yes” on Question 492, ratifying the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045. This means that the Plan will be in effect in the City of Flagstaff following the official canvass of the election, which is expected to occur at the June 2 Flagstaff City Council meeting.

Sedona Arts Center — Will You Help Us Finish the Fiscal Year Strong?

I want to share a quick story with you.

Last year, we started the Sedona Entrepreneurial Artist Development Program (SEAD). Since then, a total of 34 artists from Sedona, across the state and beyond have learned the business skills necessary to take their art business to the next level. This incredible program has received acclaim from all who’ve participated and it has made a real difference in these artists lives.

This is what your support does.

As we approach the end of our fiscal year, we’re working to ensure that more stories like this are possible in the months ahead.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Your membership, donations support the work of CCC&Y

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.

The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and your help is needed.

When you become a member of CCC&Y, your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more.

Each week, the Coalition produces a weekly newsletter where we share partner news and events in our blog section and links to community resource meetings.

READ MORE​​​​​​​

United Way of Northern Arizona — Annual Meeting Shows Community in Action

Every year, our Annual Meeting and Community Impact Celebration reminds me of why this work matters.

This year’s breakfast brought together so many of the business and community leaders who make northern Arizona the special place it is. We celebrated the close of a very successful annual campaign and reflected on the difference we can make when we work together.

Outgoing Board Chair Armando Ruiz said it beautifully: “I have been able to witness first-hand the power of partnership and collective impact. I am so proud of the work we are doing with youth.”

The NAU Review — Get your kicks at the Route 66 exhibition

Now through spring 2027, visitors walking into Cline Library will step into a slice of mid-century America: A glowing motel “No Vacancy” sign, vintage furniture, a guestbook waiting to be signed, a Polaroid camera to capture the moment. The exhibit “Echoes of the Open Road: 100 Years of Route 66 in Arizona” combines archival materials, student scholarship and community storytelling to trace the history of this iconic roadway—from its rise as a cross-country travel route to its cultural afterlife as a symbol of Americana.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Majority Vote “Yes” on Regional Plan 2045 Ratification

The City of Flagstaff has announced that ballots for the Regional Plan Special Election on May 19 have been counted and the results are in. The majority of voters chose to vote “Yes.” This means that the Regional Plan 2045 will take effect immediately as the City’s General Plan.

Yes on Question 492 received 57% of the votes

No on Question 492 received 43% of of the votes

Turnout for the citywide election was 27%.

Sedona Arts Center — Take action to support arts funding in Arizona

Right now, Arizona lawmakers are making critical decisions about the 2027 State Budget — including the future of funding for the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

Sedona Arts Center is joining Arizona Citizens for the Arts in urging supporters across the state to speak up now in support of continued arts funding.

An investment in arts and culture is an investment in education, community health, tourism, local economies, and quality of life throughout Arizona. Arts organizations, teaching artists, students, and communities across the state benefit from this essential support.

We encourage you to take a moment today to contact your legislators and ask them to support at least $2 million in ongoing funding for the Arizona Commission on the Arts in the 2027 budget.

Discover the Joy of Making at Sedona Arts Center

Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center
Discover the Joy of Making

Sedona Arts Center offers year-round classes and workshops designed to inspire artists of all experience levels. From painting, ceramics, jewelry making, and photography to mixed media and more, our programs are welcoming, hands-on, and taught by working artists in a supportive creative environment.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors approve proclamation May 12 celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel 100th anniversary

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors signed a proclamation on May 12, 2026 celebrating 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel in Flagstaff.

“WHEREAS, in May of 1925, the Hispanic families of Flagstaff began raising the first funds for a church of their own, and by September 25, 1925, the work commenced on the foundation—an effort that exhausted the full $500 then available but strengthened the community’s resolve; and …” members of the chapel’s caretakers the Guadalupanas began reading during the opening of the proclamation ceremony.

The county stated in its agenda as the reason for the proclamation:

“Since its dedication on December 5, 1926, and the inaugural Mass on December 12, 1926, this sacred site has served as the spiritual and cultural heart of the Southside neighborhoods/Barrios. …

Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar places wreaths at Pearl Harbor

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar had the honor of placing wreaths at Pearl Harbor on Sunday following the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) annual Western Interstate Region (WIR Conference (in Maui County, Hawai’i).

Benatar attended the 40th Anniversary of the USS Missouri’s Cold War Recommissioning where she met with veterans and active military personnel to celebrate their service and achievements. Alongside Jackson County Legislator’s Manuel Abarca IV and Venessa Huskey, she laid wreaths to honor both the USS Missouri and the USS Arizona.

“At the USS Arizona Memorial, I was reminded that service, sacrifice and stewardship are not just ideals, they are responsibilities we carry forward,” Benatar said. “On behalf of Coconino County and my county colleagues through NACo, it was a profound honor to place a wreath in tribute to those who gave everything and to reaffirm our commitment to never forget their legacy.” 

Kids Summer Art Camps at Sedona Arts Center

Summer Youth Clay Camp for Ages 8-12
with Kim Sammartano 
June 1–5, 2026 – 9am-12pm — $200

Let creativity take shape this summer in Youth Summer Clay Camp! Young artists (ages 8–12) will explore handbuilding techniques like pinch pots, coils, and slabs while creating fun, imaginative projects. Campers will also try the pottery wheel and learn about texture, form, and glazing. No experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to get a little messy. Finished pieces will be kiln-fired and ready for pickup after camp.

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts& Sciences — News & Opportunities

View this email in your browser Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition Opens May 19 The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County announce the opening of the third annual Multicultural County Park Sculpture ExhibitionTuesday, May 19. This year’s exhibition features large-scale…

Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel 2026 Centennial Celebration to be held May 16

FLAGSTAFF — Join us in the celebration Mass of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel as we honor one hundred years of faith, devotion, and community. Through scripture, gospel, and uplifting hymns, we celebrate the enduring love for Nuestra Virgen de Guadalupe and the Chapel that has been a safe haven for generations. We remember with gratitude the founding families whose dedication built this Chapel and whose legacy continues to inspire us today. This joyful Mass celebrates a century of shared faith and the blessings that unite our community.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Community partners celebrate 2026 Walk for Wellness — Physical & Mental Health

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — Hikers, parents and children enjoyed a beautiful spring day to take in some fresh air in celebration of the annual 2026 Walk for Wellness — Physical & Mental Health held on May 9 at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff.

The 5th annual event was held in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month nationally and in Coconino County.

Organizers said event was designed to make taking care of your physical and mental health a habit, raise awareness, reduce the stigma of mental health and enjoy a walk with family and friends.

Some of the organizations participating in the event include Anderson General Tire, Arizona Dept. of Economic Security — Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP), Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Girl Scouts, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA), the Narbha Institute, National Fire Prevention Education Team from the U.S. Forest Service, Northern Arizona Healthcare — Office of Philanthropy, Oxford House, Pioneer Title Agency, Terros Health, Tynkertopia and We Care Northern Arizona.

City of Flagstaff, Coconino County celebrate year three of the Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition opening May 19

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County announce the opening of the third annual Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition Tuesday, May 19, at the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park in Flagstaff. A reception begins at 10 a.m. and includes a welcome by Vice-Mayor Miranda Sweet and remarks by City and County officials and participating artists. The event is free and open to the public.

This year’s exhibition features large-scale sculptures by artists Pamela Ambrosio, Anjola Ayodele, Robert L. Barnum, Nathaniel Trygg Patterson and Joe Ray. Artworks reflect diverse cultural representation and explore themes of nature, history and inclusivity. Together, they infuse the park with an engaging visual experience that highlights storytelling and community, while inviting the public to experience the park in new ways as they explore its sculpture pathway.

City of Flagstaff — Return Your Ballots for the Regional Plan Election!

The Regional Plan Special Election ballot asks voters in the City of Flagstaff to vote on whether to ratify or not ratify the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045. 

Your ballot must be received by the Recorder’s Office no later than 7:00 pm on Election Day, Tuesday May 19, 2026. Postmarks do not apply when considering this deadline. There are no polling places on Election Day. 

If you haven’t mailed your ballot already, please use one of the drop off locations listed below to ensure it is counted. Click here for additional election information. 

Explore Art Classes & Workshops at Sedona Art Center

May is a perfect time to step into something new.

At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our May classes and workshops — from oil painting and jewelry making to iPhone photography — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring.

Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.

Sandbag cleanup operations for Sunnyside and Grandview Homes starting in late May

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will launch a one-time sandbag clean up operation throughout the Sunnyside and Grandview Homes neighborhoods, in the areas shown on the map. Residents of Sunnyside and Grandview Homes are instructed to move their sandbags debris to the curb (within City Right-of-Way) in front of their property. City of Flagstaff crews will remove this sandbag debris between May 26 and June 8. 

Residents who want to remove their sandbag debris early can bring them to the City’s Cinder Lake Landfill (6770 E Landfill Rd). The City will waive the landfill fee for all sandbag debris. A copy of the resident’s municipal water bill is required for address verification. 

Theatrikos Theater Co. — Meet the cast of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!

Get ready to fall in love and laugh until it hurts! The hilarious musical revue I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is coming to the Theatrikos stage this July. This crowd-pleasing production takes a deep dive into the modern jungle of dating and relationships, offering a fast-paced look at the trials and tribulations of the human heart. From the nail-biting awkwardness of a first date to the chaotic bliss of marriage and beyond, the show explores universal truths with wit, soul, and a necessary touch of insanity.

American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrate 2026 Cinco de Mayo Dinner/Dance

FLAGSTAFF — With the crowd moving to the music of Ruben Hernandez and folks dining on an assortment of tacos and enchiladas, the American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrated their annual Cinco de Mayo Dance on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.

Festival of Science Calling all Presenters for 2026!

The Flagstaff Festival of Science calls for presenters to host an event in this year’s Festival!

During “Driven by Curiosity” taking place from September 25 – October 5, 2026, the Festival explores automotive ingenuity, engineering and technology. Your program is welcome to align with the theme, but if not, that is OK too.

What is your area of STEAM expertise? What science topic drives your curiosity? We want to know about it!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 4-8, 2026

T-minus 8 days until the North Rim reopens for the 2026 season! NPS staff from the Planning, Environment, and Projects Division assist with installing barrier fencing on Thursday, May 7, in preparation for reopening.

May at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Dear Museum Friends,

May brings a sense of anticipation at the Museum of Northern Arizona as we prepare for a vibrant summer season of exhibitions, programs, and other opportunities to connect with the Colorado Plateau. Before the busy months ahead, we invite you to enjoy a special start to the season with a colorful new exhibition and a day dedicated to celebrating museums as places of discovery and community.

Artist Hopid Unveiled, opens May 16 in the Courtyard Gallery and highlights the groundbreaking collective formed in 1973 by Hopi artists Michael Kabotie, Delbridge Honanie, Terrance Talaswaima, Neil David Sr., and Milland Lomakema. Drawn from MNA’s fine art collection, including recent acquisitions, the exhibition explores how these artists created bold contemporary visuals rooted in Hopi life, tradition, and storytelling. Presented in three thematic installations, the exhibition offers fresh perspectives on modern identity and cultural continuity.

We also look forward to celebrating International Museum Day on May 16 with free admission and activities for all ages. From hands-on art and science experiences to touch tables, guided tours, and family-friendly exploration throughout the Museum, it’s a chance to experience MNA as a place of creativity, learning, and connection.

I hope you’ll join us at the Museum as we welcome the season ahead.

Mary Kershaw

Executive Director & CEO

Museum of Northern Arizona

Coconino Center for the Arts — A Creative Way to Celebrate Mom

Mother’s Day is coming up soon, and it’s a good time to start thinking about ways to celebrate the people who care for us. Give the mom in your life the gift of art.

CCA membership with Arts+ Pass includes free exhibition entry, invitations to exhibition previews, discounted pricing on events, concerts, and workshops, and enrollment in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association, offering free admission and exclusive discounts to over 1,300 museums and institutions across North America.⁠ This means that, whether the mom in your life is near or far, this gift offers ongoing access to a variety of artistic experiences all year long!

The NAU Review — Special commencement edition

Cesar Duarte

From launching a campus engineering community to advancing cutting-edge exoskeleton research, this first-cohort mechanical engineer has been building impact from day one. His journey blends innovation, leadership and purpose, marking him as an emerging voice in the next wave of engineering talent.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on May 6 to share your story

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Christopher N. David, chief executive officer of Native Americans for Community Action Inc., will be the opening speaker. The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

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.

Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org​​​​​​​ to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.

READ MORE​​​​​​​

May News at Sedona Arts Center

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This month, we are excited to present a new exhibition, FORM and FACE: Abstract Bodies + Masked Identities, in our Special Exhibit Gallery. Featuring work by Zarco Guerrero, Mike Medow, and Kevin Titzer, this dynamic show runs through May 31. Exploring the intersections of abstraction, the human form, and identity, the exhibition uses sculptural masks, figurative assemblage, and evocative materials to examine how identity is constructed, concealed, and revealed. It’s a truly compelling experience—don’t miss it.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Deadline for KinderCamp™ 2026 Coming Up (May 15)

If you’ve been a part of the United Way of Northern Arizona community for a while, you are already familiar with what KinderCamp™means for scores of preschoolers.

You’ve heard how this targeted intervention program, provided free to families, helps prepare 4- and 5-year-olds with little to no preschool experience so they are ready for that first day of school.

It’s the difference between a child walking into kindergarten ready to learn – and one who feels overwhelmed.

KinderCamp returns this June in Flagstaff, Williams, Holbrook and Pinetop-Lakeside, but we’re coming up on a critical deadline.