Category: Cultural

Treasurer Sarah Benatar elected 2nd Vice President of the National Association of Counties

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar was elected 2nd Vice President of the National Association of Counties (NACo), marking a historic moment in the organization’s 90-year history. Benatar is the first Latina and the first Treasurer to serve in this leadership role.

“I am honored to be elected 2nd Vice President of NACo. Thank you to county leaders from across the nation for your support and your belief in our vision that when counties decide, communities thrive,” Benatar said. “I look forward to working alongside each of you to strengthen our counties and champion local leadership because it’s time to return decision-making to the people who know their communities best.”

Sponsorships still available for 11th annual Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

FLAGSTAFF — To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invites the public to attend its 11th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff.

The event is FREE, open to the public and has drawn upwards of 400 visitors in past years. Sponsorships are still available and most appreciated.

Entertainment for this year includes a dance performance by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, the return of the popular all-female Mariachi Rubor, with closing dance music by New Destiny.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 20-24, 2026

Community Library celebrates Summer Reading Challenge and looks to future
-Caroline Grass, Scientist in Park Intern

As the Grand Canyon Community Library continues to serve residents and visitors and as engagement in their programs increases, plans to better utilize their space in the Old Chase Bank building are underway.

Coconino County Justice Bus receives national Enhancing Justice Award

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Justice Bus has been selected to receive the 2026 Enhancing Justice Award from the National Association for Court Management (NACM), recognizing the program’s innovative approach to expanding access to justice and improving outcomes for residents throughout Coconino County. The award was announced in a letter from NACM President Kelly Hutton and was formally presented during the NACM Annual Conference on July 16, 2026.

The Enhancing Justice Award honors courts and justice-related organizations that demonstrate exemplary accomplishments and innovative projects that strengthen the administration of justice. The Coconino County Justice Bus was recognized for bringing court services and critical community resources directly to rural and underserved communities, reducing barriers that often prevent individuals from accessing the justice system.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Making the Case for Northern Arizona

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 responds to call for assistance after flooding in Moenkopi Wash

COCONINO COUNTY — On July 22, Emergency Declarations were issued by Hopi Tribal Leaders for the Moenkopi Wash area following a monsoon storm. The heavy rains and flooding damaged homes, schools, businesses, roads, fields and washes. Several homes were evacuated.

The declaration for Upper Moenkopi Village asked for assistance from several local, state and federal agencies, including Coconino County. The County deployed assistance from Emergency Management, Public Works and the Flood Control District to clear roads and provide 5,000 sandbags to residents.

Get the latest news updates from U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) including ‘Kelly, Raskin, Whitehouse Introduce Bill to Protect U.S. Elections, Crack Down on Corrupt Influence of Foreign Money’

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly

Get the latest news updates from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes including ‘Attorney General Mayes Files Lawsuit Challenging Unlawful Conditions on Federal Counterterrorism Funding’

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

Theatrikos Theater Co. — Final Chance for I Love You, new shows, & our first community forum!

Time is officially running out to catch the hit musical comedy that’s had audiences laughing in their seats all month long! I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change enters its final five-show stretch, running Thursday through Sunday only, with our absolute last performance taking the stage this Sunday afternoon.

From the awkward horrors of modern first dates to the wild rollercoaster of marriage, long-term commitment, and beyond, this hilarious production takes a brutally honest, utterly charming look at everything we do for love. Our phenomenal local cast delivers powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp comic timing, and non-stop energy through a lineup of unforgettable songs you’ll be humming all the way home.

Whether you’re planning a fun date night, an evening out with friends, or just need a good laugh, this is the show you don’t want to miss. Audience reviews are in, and the response has been overwhelmingly clear: this cast is brilliant, and the show is a total crowd-pleaser!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition joins other partners at Flagstaff back to school event. Also see our listing for other back to school, Summer reading, food security and other programs

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.

The NAU Review — Dispatches from Tonto National Forest, an Etruscan scholar

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.

Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) — July – August 2026 E-Newsletter

NACA accepts & provides services to all ethnic groups and all ages while focusing on whole-family health care. We pride ourselves in focusing on Native American health care, with the whole person in mind. Specialty care referrals are available for all patients. Referrals are also available to Native American patients through the Indian Health Services facilities in Flagstaff and in surrounding areas.

Find Your Next Creative Adventure 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.

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

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.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition compiling back-to-school resource information. Also see our listing for Summer reading, food security and remaining Summer camps

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — While many families are enjoying their Summer vacations, school officials are busy planning for a variety of back-to-school information fairs and other activities as the new school year rapidly approaches.

The following is a listing compiled by the Coalition of some of the back-to-school activities that have been announced in Coconino County.

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In addition, agencies, school districts and other organizations are still continuing to present a variety of Summer food security, Summer reading and Summer camp programs in Coconino County and throughout Northern Arizona.

Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information. Please visit the links below to see if registration is still available. Registration deadlines may have already passed for some programs.

If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

(INFORMATION UPDATED July 15, 2026)

READ MORE​​​​​​​

Coconino Center for the Arts —Celebrate Flagstaff Dark Skies with NightVisions: AMBER through Sept. 26, more events

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,…

Early bird tickets now on sale for the 77th Annual Coconino County Fair

FLAGSTAFF — The 77th Annual Coconino County Fair returns to Fort Tuthill County Park over Labor Day Weekend, September 4-7, 2026, and early bird tickets are now on sale. Buy tickets online through July 31 to save on admission and carnival wristbands and skip the wait at the gate.

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra — Season 77 Is Here—Subscriptions Open July 25

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.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 6-10, 2026

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.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Discover Parks and Recreation Summer Adventures with Our July 2026 Newsletter

• 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.

Find Your Next Creative Adventure at Sedona Arts Center

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

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.

Theatrikos Theater Co. — Inside: Rave reviews for I Love You…, Bryan Cranston on screen, and local film Old Man Lightning

The applause is roaring, the laughter is non-stop, and our opening weekend audiences have proven what we knew all along: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is an absolute triumph. From the very first musical number, viewers are transported into a brilliant, hilarious exploration of love and relationships that is as heartfelt as it is relatable. Come experience the magic everyone is talking about!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition welcomes board members to new positions

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — A leader at a youth services organization. A regional director for a statewide early childhood group. A manager for a statewide organization that advocates for high-quality education for youth — they are just a few of the individuals who are leading the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth in 2026.

Following recent elections, the Coalition has named Kimberly Sevier,MA, as president; Peter Van Wyck, BA, as vice president and treasurer; and Laura Rosensweet, M.Ed, as secretary of the executive committee of its board of directors.

The Coalition wishes to thank immediate-past president Andrea Merronuck of Northland Family Help Center for her dedication and service to CCC&Y, including serving as secretary and as a member of the Coaliition’s Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Committee.

The Coalition would also like to welcome new board members Laura Valdez Bojorquez, Wendy Kasprzyk-Roberts and Brandy Stuhan.

READ MORE

The NAU Review — Saving your cup of joe + do you know what Pluto is made of?

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. 

Coconino County — Which 4th of July Parade are you attending?

COCONINO COUNTY — Saturday, July 4 will be a busy day of celebration in Coconino County! There are five Independence Day parades taking place in Flagstaff, Page, Munds Park, Parks and Williams.

Click here for more information from Coconino County

Click here for more information on the Page 4th of July Parade from the City of Page

Coconino Center for the Arts — First Friday ArtWalk!

Flagstaff’s First Friday ArtWalk is a monthly celebration of creativity that brings downtown to life.

Join us for the next First Friday on July 3, starting at 5 pm, for a western-themed ArtWalk and a celebration of Flagstaff’s local artists!

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.

City of Flagstaff announces 4th of July closures

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Friday, July 3 in honor of the Fourth of July holiday. City Hall offices will reopen Monday, July 6 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on July 3 include: 

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

Independence Day closures for Coconino County

COCONINO COUNTY — 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 Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.  

Sedona Arts Center — Celebrate Sedona This Friday: Freedom!

Join us for the opening reception of

FREEDOM

Celebrate the opening of Freedom, Sedona Arts Center’s newest exhibition,
with an evening of art, conversation, and community.

Inspired by the themes of America 250—Independence, Inclusivity, and Innovation—Freedom explores the many meanings of liberty through painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, fiber, mixed media, and more. Each artist offers a unique perspective on one of humanity’s most enduring ideas.

County areas in and around Coconino National Forest move to Stage 2 fire restrictions

COCONINO COUNTY — After consultation with the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest will move to Stage 2 fire restrictions effective Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 8 a.m.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest remains in Stage 2 and all other areas of the County will remain in Stage 1 fire restrictions.

This decision, according to Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance, applies to all private property within, and adjacent to, the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest.

Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) — APS Potential Public Safety Power Shutoff Resources

Arizona Public Service (APS) has announced the potential for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) due to forecasted critical fire weather conditions. While no outage has been confirmed at this time, Grand Canyon National Park and APS are providing community resources to help residents prepare should a PSPS be implemented.

As conditions change, we will send more alerts and information on updated resources.

Discover Flagstaff — Flagstaff Piano Festival (June 20-24), Heritage Festival of the Arts at MNA (June 27-28), more

Flagstaff Piano Festival is an immersive experience bringing together young pianists, educators, celebrated artists, and music lovers in the inspiring setting of Flagstaff on the campus of Northern Arizona University. Various Times.

Learn More

Grand Canyon National Park implements Stage 2 Fire Restrictions June 26, 2026

GRAND CANYON, AZ: Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions for the South Rim and Inner Canyon beginning June 26, 12:00 PM due to forecasted critical fire weather conditions.

The North Rim remains under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions that took effect on May 15, 2026, at the start of the summer operating season following the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire. Those restrictions remain unchanged.

With this action, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will be in effect throughout Grand Canyon National Park.

United Way of Northern Arizona — These Teens Already Stepped Up. YES! Is Helping Them Lead

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.

Board of Supervisors approves budget for fiscal year 2027

“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.”

Coconino County launches ‘Coconino Forward’ dashboard

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County has a new public-facing performance dashboard designed to provide residents with transparent, real-time insight into the County’s progress toward achieving the Board of Supervisors’ strategic plan, entitled Coconino Forward: Where Vision Meets Action.

In March 2025, the Board of Supervisors approved an updated mission, vision, values and a five-year strategic plan following an extensive strategic planning process. The plan established priorities in six key areas: Public Lands/Cultural and Natural Resources; Organizational/Fiscal Health; Economic Development/Vitality; Community Vitality/Arts/Culture; Public Safety/Emergency Preparedness; and Health and Human Services/Public Health.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth June 24, 2026 Update — CCC&Y’s free webinars provide parents the resources they need for the busy Summer vacation season

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — With the Summer vacation season here, this is 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

READ MORE

The NAU Review — The future of healthcare: NAU’s Barrow Institute interns + 2 new health certificates

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.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Support needed to prohibit source of income discrimination in housing

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.  

Grand Canyon National Park to lift summer trail closures for Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will
lift trail closures related to the Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project at 7 a.m. Friday, June 26, five days ahead of
schedule.

The closures are being lifted following the completion of reconstruction work on the River Trail, which was damaged by a rockfall during work associated with the Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project. The rockfall required additional geologic hazard assessments, new design features and engineering work before the trail could be rebuilt and this portion of the project could be completed.

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts Sciences — Call to Artists: Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition

AmigosNAZ.com Editor’s Note: Also see our story, visit this year’s new exhibit

View this email in your browser

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.

Note: Applications will be accepted exclusively through OpenGov. Artists must register on OpenGov before submitting an application.

Application Deadline: July 31, 2026, 5 pm (Arizona Time)

Image: Eniadé: She is Crowned by Anjola Ayodele

Discover Flagstaff — Happs-y Pride! Your Weekend Events are Here! Also, Flagstaff Piano Festival and Juneteenth Street Festival

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.

City of Flagstaff announces Juneteenth National Independence Day closures

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Friday, June 19 in honor of Juneteenth National Independence Day. City Hall offices will reopen on Monday, June 22 at 8 a.m.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Juneteenth include:

East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.) 
Downtown Flagstaff 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 (1800 E Butler Ave.)

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth June 17, 2026 Update — 2026 Summer reading, food security and camp program information compiled by CCC&Y. See our listings

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — A variety of organizations are taking reservations for their Summer reading programs throughout Northern Arizona. The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y.

In addition, agencies, school districts and other organizations are also announcing their schedule for Summer food security programs. Finally, time is running short for families to apply for potential summer camp programs in Coconino County and Northern Arizona.

Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information. Please visit the links below to see if registration is still available. Registration deadlines may have already passed for some programs.

If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

READ MORE

Flagstaff Festival of Science announces registration now open for Science in the Park (Sept. 26)

We are seeking exhibitors to share their work and inspire curiosity in the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers with interactive, family-friendly activities. Whether you’re a returning participant or joining us for the first time, we invite you to be part of this exciting celebration of discovery.

Registration closes July 15, 2026. Space is limited so early registration is encouraged.