Join us Sunday, September 6, as we celebrate MNA’s 98th birthday with a special presentation by Kristan Hutchison, MNA’s Exhibitions & Publications Manager. Discover the remarkable story behind the museum’s founding, then enjoy cupcakes as we celebrate MNA’s past and look ahead to the museum’s centennial in 2028!
Learn from talented ceramic artists in a series of hands-on workshops exploring specialized techniques and creative processes. From alternative firing and surface decoration to throwing, form, and functional design, these workshops offer inspiring opportunities to build new skills, experiment with fresh ideas, and connect with fellow makers.
Join us for the 19th Annual Viola Awards, taking place at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff on April 24, 2027.
Celebrate the creativity, talent, and contributions that make Flagstaff’s arts and culture community so vibrant. More details coming soon!
View this email in your browser Join “Coffee Conversations” with F3’s Director Join the monthly “Coffee Conversations” with F3’s Executive Director thisWednesday, September 2nd from 9:00-10:00 am at Mayan WindsCafe (2144 N. 4th St.). It was great to see so…
Community Council Candidate Forums
September 3rd: Historic Preservation Forum with City Council Candidates: 5:30 to 7:00 pm at LCM Canterbury Chapel at 319 S San Francisco St. Includes educational information and Q&A with candidates.
September 10th: Southside Community City Council Forum: 5 to 7 pm at the Murdoch Community Center. More information here.
September 17th: Northern Arizona Interfaith Council Candidate Accountability Session: 6:00-7:45 pm at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church. More information here.
*September 28th – Friends of Flagstaff’s Future Forum: 6 pm at Coconino Community College Lonetree Campus. More information here.
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.
For the past 10 years, FLYRS has been about more than riding bikes.
It’s about giving kids a place to belong.
It’s about building confidence and resilience.
It’s about getting outside and discovering what they’re capable of.
And it’s about making sure that cost isn’t a barrier to being part of the FLYRS community.
This September 1-3, we’re celebrating FLYRS Giving Daysas part of our 10-year FLYRS Forward campaign.
Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 4 water restrictions on the South Rim beginning at noon on August 31 in response to the significant flash flooding that occurred along Bright Angel Canyon on August 29.
The flooding caused extensive damage to infrastructure in the inner canyon, including the Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies water from the canyon for use in the park. The waterline is currently not operational, leaving the park with limited water reserves and requiring significant water conservation measures to ensure available supplies can be maintained.
September classes will be held for 4 weeks, from September 1st to September 25th. Keep scrolling to see TynkerSpace workshops.
On Tuesday, we experienced a moment of collective heartbreak with the passing of Dolly Parton.
In addition to losing a talented singer, songwriter, actress, author, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, we also are in mourning for the woman who seemed to transcend an increasingly divided world. Several years ago, The New York Times famously captured her near universal appeal in a story headlined “Is There Anything We Can All Agree On? Yes: Dolly Parton.”
United Way of Northern Arizona is proud to be a partner in one of her most impactful philanthropic efforts – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
On Aug. 31, communities around the world recognize International Overdose Awareness Day, remembering those lost to overdose and drawing attention to the importance of prevention. This year marks 25 years since the day was first observed in 2001, a reminder of the ongoing work to reduce overdose deaths, break down stigma and connect people with support.
For many people, the impact of substance use goes beyond their health. It also affects those around them, including family, co-workers and their communities. And when we see someone struggling, it is not always easy to know what to say or where to turn.
That is why prevention often starts with something simple: paying attention, talking openly and making sure people know that help is available.
Grand Canyon Music Festival Concerts Continue this Weekend
The Grand Canyon Music Festival showcases a variety of music types, including classical, contemporary (modern composers and new works) along with Jazz and Blues.
All performances take place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Evening performances are scheduled to take place on Fridays and Saturdays – beginning this Friday, August 21, and running through Saturday, September 5. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation, with a suggested donation of $20.
Details: https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/concerts/
Friday, August 28 (7:30 p.m.) Cellist Karlos Rodriguez, pianist Silvan Negruƫiu, and harmonica player Robert Bonfiglio perform works Inspired by Friendship. Concert Repertoire: J.S. Bach Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009 – Benjamin Britten Suite No. 3 for solo cello, Opus 87 – Alberto Ginastera Danzas Argentinas, Opus 2 – Heitor Villa-Lobos Concerto for Harmonica – Dmitri Shostakovich Sonata for Piano and Cello, Opus 40
The Wait is Over!
At long last,
the schedule for
the Best 10 Days of the Year is here!
From learning about our elections center to checking out cool cars,
exploring our amazing Earth to marveling at the vastness of outer space,
creating science-inspired art to racing robots—
there’s something for everyone to discover!
Start planning your very own science adventure by
exploring the schedule for the
2026 Flagstaff Festival of Science
or downloading our app.
September is almost upon us—can you believe it? This summer has flown by. While our Gallery Shop has been unusually slow this summer due to the impact of the Pocket Fire, the rest of Sedona Arts Center has been anything but quiet!
Have You Seen Beyond the Frame?
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Environmental Health is reminding community members that eating at an unlicensed food vendor location can pose a high risk of serious foodborne illness. Consuming food from an unlicensed food vendor…
I was honored to be part of a panel discussion at the recent League of Arizona Cities and Towns Annual Conference, which focused on whether Arizona’s workforce development pipeline was robust enough to support the phenomenal growth the state has experienced.
Representing a rural region, my perspective was slightly different.
Northern Arizona already produces a tremendous amount of highly educated talent; nearly 56% of Flagstaff residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The challenge is keeping that talent here.
Campus came alive with excitement, nerves and new beginnings last week as students moved into their residence halls, said goodbye to their loved ones and made new friends. See photos from move-in, the Welcome Week Festival, the Part-Time Job Fair and of course, NAU’s iconic Letters.
Grand Canyon Music Festival 43rd Season Starts this Weekend
The Grand Canyon Music Festival showcases a variety of music types, including classical, contemporary (modern composers and new works) along with Jazz and Blues.
All performances take place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Evening performances are scheduled to take place on Fridays and Saturdays – beginning this Friday, August 21, and running through Saturday, September 5. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation, with a suggested donation of $20.
Details: https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/concerts/
We can’t wait to welcome you to Sippin’ with the Symphony on August 29! But you don’t have to wait until the big night to join the fun—FSO’s Sippin’ with the Symphony Silent Auction is now open.
From getaways and one-of-a-kind experiences to jewelry, arts and entertainment, local favorites, and more, this year’s auction is packed with reasons to bid.
Browse the auction, find your favorites, and start bidding today! Bidding closes at 6:50 PM on August 29, though you don’t have to attend Sippin’ to participate (but we’d love to see you there!).
Get started by texting “hello” to 928-563-9090 or click the button below.
Celebrate Sedona!
Friday, August 21, 2026
4 – 6 pm
at Sedona Arts Center in Uptown Sedona
Join us for the opening reception of
Beyond the Frame
August 21 — September 27, 2026
Step beyond the expected with Beyond the Frame, a special exhibition featuring 40 artists who challenge traditional artistic boundaries through innovative techniques, unconventional materials, and fresh creative perspectives. Discover thought-provoking work that celebrates experimentation and the evolving possibilities of contemporary art.
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!
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)
