The Transcanyon Waterline break located approximately one mile below Cottonwood Campground along the North Kaibab Trail has been fully repaired. Water utility crews successfully began pumping water to the South Rim late August 11, and South Rim tanks are now slowly filling.
I’m pleased to let you know that video recordings of the three keynote presentations from the July “Downtown Matters” Conference are now available on YouTube.
Many thanks to Hunter Hebert and the Downtown Business Alliance for making these available to the Flagstaff community!
Click below for the latest news updates from the:
Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
F3 encourages you to provide specific FEEDBACK and input on your PRIORITIES for Parks and Open Space, add to an interactive MAP, and complete the SURVEY as the City of Flagstaff starts the process of completing the PROSE Master Plan (Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events).
The PROSE Master Plan is a long-range plan (10+ years) that will provide a roadmap and guide the City’s project priorities and funding. This Plan will create a vision for the future and will include both short-term and long-term goals for achievement.
Step into a world where music isn’t just heard – it’s felt in every heartbeat. Opening this weekend and running through September 6, Once transforms the theatre into an enchanting, living Irish pub that draws you directly into its soul.
From the quietest whisper of an acoustic guitar to the thunderous, floor-shaking ensemble jams, this production is like no other. The mesmerizing set and breathtaking lighting wrap you in an atmospheric glow, creating a magical space where the boundary between stage and audience completely vanishes.
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, August 7, starting at 5pm, with a Dark Skies theme to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Flagstaff’s designation as the first international dark skies city. Constellation art activities, telescopes, and more!
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.
Transcanyon Waterline Repair Continues; Water Restrictions Remain in Effect
Water utility crews continue making progress on repairs to the Transcanyon Waterline break located approximately one mile below Cottonwood Campground along the North Kaibab Trail. As of today, crews are back on site fitting replacement pipe as work advances toward restoring water service.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will celebrate Indigenous Code Talkers with an event on Monday, Aug. 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Flagstaff Elks Lodge (2101 N San Francisco St). Members of the public are welcome to attend.
Pick your day. Choose your shift. Meet awesome people.
Whether you’re in for 4 hours or 12 – we’d love to have you!
¡Saludos desde Puerto Rico!
At NAU, a journey beyond the continental United States is more than a class; it’s a life-changing adventure. This summer, through the Global Citizens Project Scholars program, Lumberjacks explored cultures, met new people and experienced the world through fresh perspectives, all while discovering that understanding others is the first step toward understanding their own place in the world. ¡Vámonos!
Now in its 21st year, KinderCamp™ has just wrapped up another successful session. You can see the impact it had in the happy faces of the kiddos who participated. (Scroll down to see what I mean).
But it’s what parents, caregivers, and teachers are telling us that really captures how this month-long program is changing the way these children step into school.
KinderCamp is open to 4- or 5-year-olds with limited preschool experience, giving kids who might otherwise begin kindergarten feeling behind a real head start – academically, socially, and emotionally. It is provided at no cost to families.
We are proud to announce that, this year, Creative Flagstaff has awarded General Operating Support grants to 43 Flagstaff nonprofit organizations totaling $505,000, and Project Grants to 16 organizations and individuals totaling $125,000.
Project Grants are designed to build capacity or expand a program, whereas General Operating Support Grants help sustain organizations. Both grants are intended to engage and enrich the Flagstaff community through arts, science, and culture. Additional BBB funding was allocated to ARTx 2026 Art + Ideas Experience for 23 projects totaling $125,000
Join the monthly “Coffee Conversations” with F3’s Executive Director thisWednesday, August 5th from 9:00-10:00 am at Mayan Winds
(2144 N. 4th St.). We had a great conversation last month!
Learn what F3 is working on, share your thoughts about Flagstaff issues, get updates on ongoing issues, and meet other citizens and members who are or want to be engaged with issues in Flagstaff.
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.
You already know what makes northern Arizona special. Our region has a natural beauty that has drawn visitors from all over the world for generations. But we also share an unwavering ambition to expand our foothold into some of the most vital and vibrant sectors of the economy, such as bioscience, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and transportation and logistics, as well as traditional tourism sectors.
Now we have a tool that captures all of it in one place. ECoNA’s new recruitment brochure showcases the full range of what the region has to offer. It’s a resource designed to help businesses see, at a glance, why northern Arizona is worth a serious look.
You can see it here.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Commons area of Sinagua Middle School came alive with more than 200 children and their parents going from table to table to gather information at the Flagstaff Unified School District’s Native American Education Support Program’s annual School Supply Distribution & Expo Fair held on July 14 in Flagstaff. …
The following is a listing compiled by the Coalition of some of the back-to-school activities that have been announced in Coconino County.
Going underground to measure fire risk
This summer, NAU associate professor Salli Dymond is working with the Salt River Project and the startup company Growvera to install moisture sensors on plants and dead fuel on the forest floor and underground in parts of Tonto National Forest. Over the course of a year, she and her colleagues will monitor the sensors and analyze the data they generate. Dymond said if the sensors provide accurate enough moisture data, they could be a gamechanger in how Arizona officials communicate about and prepare for wildfire season.
Call to Artists: Temporary 3D Artworks
The City of Flagstaff seeks proposals for large-scale, three-dimensional (3D) artworks for the 2027/2028 Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition. The exhibition features five sculptures, existing or newly created, that reflect diverse cultural expressions including Indigenous, Black, and Latinx art. Selected artworks can advance essential perspectives and narratives and will invite interaction, conversation, and appreciation.
BECOME A MEMBER Exhibitions Concerts & Events NightVisions: AMBER Exhibition Dates: June 27 – September 26, 2026 NightVisions: AMBER is an international juried art exhibition that seeks to explore and celebrate our deep connections with the night. In its 9th iteration for 2026,…
Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to invite you to our 77th concert season, The Stories We Carry. Each of us is shaped by stories—those we inherit, those we imagine, and those we write each day. This season, we invite you to experience musical stories that reflect our shared humanity, celebrating the journeys, memories, dreams, and experiences that shape who we are. Explore the new season below.
New season subscriptions are available beginning July 25. Enjoy exclusive savings, priority access, and the flexibility to create the concert season that’s right for you.
Prefer to purchase as you go? Single tickets for all concerts go on sale August 10.
Cliff Spring Fire Update
The Cliff Spring Fire on the North Rim remains at 171 acres with no new growth, no visible smoke, and currently at 40% containment. Fire activity remains minimal, and firefighters continue full suppression efforts while tracking small pockets of interior heat identified during a recent infrared flight.
There are currently no closures associated with the fire. The Cape Royal and Walhalla Plateau backcountry areas have reopened to permit holders.
• Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Effect: Parks & Recreation has specific guidelines outlining what is allowed and prohibited during this time. Click here to review the details before your next visit.
• Spots still open for Summer Camp weeks! Fun at the Fort has been enjoying fun themes each week, and we have room for new recruits for weeks 6 and 7. Register to join the adventures.
• Great Programs and Clinics for the summer! Culinary classes, archery, disc golf clinics, and more are coming your way. Visit our calendar to find new adventures.
Rescuing the world’s coffee
The coffee berry borer is destroying about 30% of the world’s coffee crops annually, costing farmers more than $500 million a year and driving down the supply of everyone’s favorite caffeinated beverage. NAU Ph.D. candidate Lynn Bonomo is on a mission to find a safe, sustainable way to protect coffee farmers’ crops—and your morning jolt.
Expanding youth opportunity – including helping teens discover their leadership potential – is one of the core missions of United Way of Northern Arizona. It’s why UWNA launched Youth Experiencing Success (YES!) and held its first Leadership Summit with more than 100 students earlier this year.
It’s one thing to help a teen embrace the idea that they could be a leader; it’s something else entirely to support them once they’ve decided to step up and take on new responsibilities.
“Knowing that there is uncertainty in the economy and some federal funding is at risk, the FY26 budget outlook remains cautious,” Coconino County Manager Andy Bertelsen said. “Each year we strive to deliver the best services to Coconino County residents while working within our financial means. With this fiscal year 2027 budget, I believe we have reached that balance.”
Making a difference on the job
Four NAU undergrads were selected for prestigious 10-week internships at the Barrow Neurological Institute, where they’ll work alongside neurological disorder, speech pathology and occupational therapy professionals in real-world medical settings. Learn more about how Mandi Bluth, Noah Verdugo, Stefan Muñoz and Wyatt Peterson landed their coveted spots at Barrow and what they’re up to at the institute this summer.
F3 encourages you to submit written or verbal comments to City Council by 3:00 pm this Tuesday, June 23 in support of the adoption of a proposal (Agenda Item #7) to make it illegal for landlords to reject prospective tenants based on how they legally pay their rent.
Email written comments to: publiccomment@flagstaffaz.gov. Verbal comments may be made in person or online at the City Hall Council Chambers during discussion of Agenda Item #7. Comments are limited to a maximum length of 3 minutes.
Auction Closes Tuesday, June 23
Our online auction is an important fundraiser for F3 and we would greatly appreciate your participation! We have achieved 25% of our fundraising goal thus far and we bidding will pick up as we approach Tuesday.
The annual Flagstaff Beer Festival is coming this Saturday and once again a portion of all proceeds go to support STEM City and our programs.
As a final push to increase attendance and support, Rugged Nature Productions are selling remaining tickets to Flagstaff STEM City supporters at a 75% discount. Please go to https://tinyurl.com/FBF2026-FriendsFamily or use the code FriendsFamily when you purchase.
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.
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
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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.
