Saturday-Sunday, June 13-14
Flagstaff Folk Festival
Coconino Center for the Arts
A two-day live music festival featuring 100+ musical acts on 5 stages plus workshops, food court and artisan market. 10 a.m.
As part of Grand Canyon National Park’s Conservation K-9 Pilot Project, wildlife staff are asking employees and residents to report any elk observed within designated wildlife exclusion zones.
The five designated exclusion zones are:
El Tovar Complex
Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Maswik Lodge
Mather Campground Services Area
Grand Canyon School
For an organization like ECoNA, having a strong Executive Committee with a wide breadth of experience and a passion for our region’s economic future is absolutely critical.
Which is why I’m so honored to announce our recently elected Executive Committee. Its members come from both the public and private sectors, and together they have decades of experience in health care, education, tourism, and community development.
Can you find the paradine plains cactus in the above photo? Don’t feel bad if not—it’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but it plays an important role in the Four Corners region’s ecosystem. In the wake of the White Sage Fire, NAU ecologist Clare Aslan is measuring the succulent’s resilience over a three-year period. Her findings could help ecologists and policymakers everywhere understand when to do boots-on-the-ground restoration work and when to let nature recover on its own.
FLAGSTAFF — Our online auction is now open for bidding! This is an important fundraiser for F3 and we would greatly appreciate your participation.
Register and bid on auction items today through June 23rd here:
https://FriendsOfFlagstaffsFuture.auctria.events
One can view the auction items without registering, but to place a bid, register is required. It’s easy!
June at the Museum of Northern Arizona ushers in the start of an engaging season. Summer is truly special here! Our beautiful setting in the ponderosa pines comes alive with events, visitors, and community energy.
I invite you to kick off the summer at MNA’s Party on the Plateau fundraiser on Saturday, June 6. Reserve your tickets now. The accompanying online silent auction is open to all, featuring unique items and experiences to explore.
The Beautification, Arts & Sciences Program is seeking a collaborative and detail-oriented professional to manage public art collections, beautification assets, and community-focused public art projects throughout the City. This position oversees project development and maintenance, coordinates with internal and external partners, conducts community outreach, and supports program initiatives through project management, reporting, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills, along with experience managing projects of varying scope and complexity.
Application Deadline: June 21, 2026, 10 pm (Arizona Time)
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Click below for the latest news updates from the:
Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.”
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.
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%.
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.
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…
Fun at the Fort Summer Camp
8 Weeks this Summer
Spots are filling quickly! Secure your child’s spot for an unforgettable summer now.
Several weeks still have availability and each week is a different theme.
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.
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.
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
corner.
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.
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.
Application Deadline: May 8, 2026
(This Friday)
Notification: May 15, 2026
Program Dates: June 1–25, 2026
Sedona Arts Center invites teens and college-age students (ages 15–22) to apply for Gallery 928, a paid summer art apprenticeship that pairs emerging artists with a master artist to design and create a public mural on the Sedona Arts Center campus.
Up to 12 apprentices will be selected for this immersive program. Each participant receives a $500 stipend and three free college credits through Yavapai College, along with hands-on experience in the full public art process — from concept to completion.
Gallery 928 also helps artists build essential professional skills, including teamwork, leadership, presentation, and résumé development, preparing them for future opportunities in the arts.
City of Flagstaff voters,
There’s a lot of misinformation being spread in our community, on social media and by word of mouth, about ratifying the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045.
F3 would like to directly address this misinformation by providing direct answers to specific misinformation. The questions and answers below are taken directly from the City of Flagstaff’s Regional Plan 2045 website FAQs.
Does the Regional Plan 2045 require that all new homes must be electric?
No, there is no policy that directly states that all new homes should be all electric. There is an action item in Chapter 10 to “Update the City Sustainable Building Resolution and Sustainable Residential Building Incentives to further implement net-zero energy standards.” The incentives could include points or options for all electric homes.
By Indivisible Northern Arizona
FLAGSTAFF — (The Boycott) lays the foundation for future economic disruption.
LET’S SHOW OUR COLLECTIVE POWER!
What to do instead? Celebrate collective bargaining.
And if you must shop, SHOP LOCAL!
Event details:
Water Conservation Remains Critical Following New Pipeline Break
Grand Canyon continues to operate under water conservation measures. A new break in the Transcanyon Waterline was identified the evening of April 29 and as of Thursday afternoon, the break has been located along the North Kaibab Trail north of Phantom Ranch near the 4th footbridge. This latest development is a reminder that the system remains fragile and conditions can change quickly.
The Scavenger Hunt is THIS WEEKEND!
REGISTER SOON! Don’t miss your opportunity to save your spot for one of Flagstaff’s most memorable spring events.
Join us May 2nd for the Science Scavenger Hunt—a city-wide adventure where teams build communication skills, creatively solve problems, think flexibly, and develop leadership strengths.
Teams of up to four will solve rhyming clues, discover science artifacts all over the city, and have a blast with friends and family!
Perfect for families, friends, coworkers, and curious minds of all kinds.
Don’t miss out!
https://scifest.org/scavengerhunt/
Warmer streams may weaken river food webs
Can you tell the difference when a stream gets warmer? The tiny living things that make that ecosystem their home can. In a new study, researchers from Ecoss found that microbes and aquatic insects are processing fallen leaves, twigs and bark more rapidly and releasing more carbon dioxide into the water and air. The findings could have implications for plants and animals in rivers across the western United States.
Your guide to NAU Giving Day 2026
Not sure where to swing your Axe of Kindness this NAU Giving Day? Let us help! We’ve shared a few inspiring stories that illustrate the power your gift can wield, whether you donate to NAU’s general fund or choose a specific area of impact. Your Axe of Kindness will change lives and transform Arizona for the better, no matter how you give.
FLAGSTAFF — Join us at Flagstaff City Hall as part of a nationwide day of action against the Trump administration’s expansion of ICE detention — and its assault on the due process rights of immigrants and all Americans from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at the Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.
Send a message to ICE that they are not welcome in Flagstaff
The Department of Homeland Security is moving to lock thousands of people in massive detention warehouses — cutting them off from their families, their lawyers, and any meaningful chance at due process. We’re taking to the streets because Flagstaff stands for something better: dignity, justice, and the rule of law.
The Greater Flagstaff Region is hosting a public meeting on April 23 from 5:00-8:00 p, at the Flagstaff Aquaplex for the community to learn about the current process to update the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
Attendees will be able to visit with staff from local fire departments, talk with subject matter experts, and provide comments to inform the CWPP’s development, as well as learn about wildfire risk reduction recommendations for the forest and for homes.
“(April 14) the Week of the Young Child proclamation was read at the Flagstaff City Council meeting, recognizing the importance of the early years and their impact on lifelong success,” said Pearl Santillan of First Things First.
“Our PPO Shawn Soumilas, shared powerful remarks highlighting that nearly 4,000 young children in Flagstaff are in their most critical years of development and how access to affordable, reliable child care is directly tied to workforce stability, education, and the overall strength of our community.
“I had the opportunity to briefly close by grounding the moment in the people behind this work recognizing the providers, families, and partners who show up every day to support young children across our region.
“We were proud to stand alongside our Regional Partnership Council members, staff, community partners, and Rebecca Cirzan’s son, Hayden, who even joined me at the podium, a sweet reminder of who this work is ultimately for. Grateful to be part of this work and this community.”
Please join United Way of Northern Arizona on Thursday, April 30th as we celebrate a year of impact and achievement and the many things we have done – together – to ensure that all can thrive in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
Our community breakfast will feature a panel discussion highlighting UWNA’s partnership with organizations that serve youth, including representatives from Homeless Youth Connection, Stuck Community Acupuncture, Boys and Girls Club, and the Flagstaff Unified School District.
We’ll also talk about the success of this year’s Annual Campaign and hold our annual meeting, including the installation of Kyla Garrison of Mission Driven Finance as the Chair of the UWNA Board of Directors.
Continued Water Conservation Remains Critical for South Rim Community
As announced in this morning’s news release, the park will begin gradually easing water conservation measures on the South Rim starting Friday, April 17 at 12 p.m., following progress in repairing the South Rim water pipeline and restoring pumping capacity. While this marks an important step forward, the park continues to operate on a constrained, aging, and vulnerable water system. Additional pipeline breaks remain possible, and water use must remain careful and intentional.
2026 OIE Annual Summit
September 8-10, 2026
Registration is now open!
Interested in presenting? Call for session proposals are now open! We hope to see you there! Visit website to learn more.
Vendor and Exhibitor applications closed now.
Support Youth Arts Education & New Interactive Space Hello, After a recent field trip to Coconino Center for the Arts, students in a high school English class for nonnative speakers reflected that it was the best experience of the school…
Get ready for a hilarious, heartbreaking, and “sort of” Chekhovian experience as Theatrikos presents Life Sucks., opening May 21. Directed by John Forsythe, this bold adaptation of Uncle Vanya tackles life’s biggest questions with modern wit and a healthy dose of fourth-wall-breaking honesty.
We are thrilled to announce an incredible ensemble of local talent bringing this “beautiful mess” to life:
Joel Austin
Andrew Dzeguze
América Fregozo
Leslie S. Jones
Nick Rabe
Vicki Thompson
Audrey Young
Tickets are on sale for the Viola Awards at the Orpheum Theater on April 25, 2026!
This year’s Viola Awards are bringing all the homecoming vibes with our theme:
Homecoming: Look How Far We’ve Come.
Join us for a night of celebration, reflection, and school-spirit–level pride as we honor the individuals and organizations who have helped shape our community and move it forward. Think: a reunion with purpose, a celebration of growth, and a reminder of just how far we’ve come—together.
Last week, 11 graduate students stood in front of an audience and shared their research. That’s par for the course for any researcher. What was different this time? They had only three minutes and one slide to sum up months, or even years, of research. See what students have worked on during their careers at NAU and which students walked away with a cash prize.
Registered voters living in the City of Flagstaff will decide in a special election in May 2026 whether to ratify the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045.
F3 is offering two workshops this month where you can learn more about the Regional Plan 2045, ask questions, discuss, and view future growth illustration maps. See dates and locations listed on the flyer above.
In preparation for the election or a workshop, start by reading the Regional Plan basics and Frequently Asked Questions found on this page. Visit the city’s Regional Plan Page to read the Plan itself and view policy maps.
Join us for our monthly community gathering! DOORS OPEN at 5:00 pm and the meeting will begin promptly at 5:30.
We will continue our candidate forum series with CD2 Candidate Jonathan Nez. Learn about his platform, followed by Q & A.
The Protect Ed petition will be discussed.
There’s lots to talk about and I expect a packed meeting and registration is required.
Please bring a non-perishable food donation to benefit Flagstaff Family Food Center. Our neighbors need our help.
Registration is required so that we can have enough chairs set up.
Save the Date—Town of Tusayan Cinco de Mayo Celebration on May 5
On Tuesday, May 5, the Town of Tusayan will be hosting its annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration from 4:30-9 p.m. at the Squire Resort in Tusayan. Mexican food and music will be featured as well as pinatas for kids, a face painter, balloon artist, a dive-in movie and indoor and outdoor pool, as well as a drone light show.
More information can be found in the attached flyer here.
This Week’s Highlights
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.
‘Honey, life is just a classroom’
English professor Kim Hensley Owens is meeting NAU students where they are with the class ENG 399: Taylor Swift and the Rhetoric of (Almost) Everything. By delving into Swift’s lyrics, persona and fame, students learn the art of persuasive language, gaining foundational skills that will serve them well in any career.
There are moments in the life of an organization when recognition feels larger than the award itself, when it reflects not just a single achievement, but an entire community’s belief in the power of the arts. We are deeply honored to share that Theatrikos Theatre Company has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Governor’s Award, one of Arizona’s highest distinctions for arts and culture organizations.
Presented in partnership with Arizona Citizens for the Arts and the Arizona Commission on the Arts, this award recognizes cultural leadership, sustained community engagement, and a deep alignment with the values that strengthen Arizona’s creative landscape. To be chosen from across the state is both humbling and affirming.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park will implement additional water conservation measures on the South Rim starting Saturday, April 11, due to a series of significant breaks in the 12½ mile-long Transcanyon Waterline that supplies water from the inner canyon for use in the park. Since mid-March, the park has faced challenges with water supply, and currently, no water is being pumped to the South Rim.
While the park remains open to visitors, the following measures will be enacted for the foreseeable future:
Because of you, we surpassed our goal for Arizona Gives Day.
Together, you helped raise $5,700 for Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra—unlocking the full $5,000 matching gift and bringing the total impact to $10,700.
This result is a reflection of what can happen when a community shows up with collective intention and generosity.
We are deeply grateful for your belief in our work, and we look forward to sharing our Season 76 finale concert with you on April 17.
