Category: Cultural

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 1-5, 2025

by Community Contributor • September 5, 2025 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon Music Festival concerts this weekend

The 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 29th) and running through Saturday, September 13, 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/

Coconino Center for the Arts — We’re So Close: Be Part of Our Theater’s Next Chapter!

by Community Contributor • September 4, 2025 • Comments Off

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we are getting close to our goal of funding brand-new theater seats for the Coconino Center for the Arts! After more than 40 years of use, our current seats have served our community well, but it’s time for a long-awaited upgrade.

With just a few weeks left before our September 27 deadline, we need your help to cross the finish line. Every seat sponsored brings us closer to unveiling a modern, more comfortable theater experience for all.

The Ceramics Department at Sedona Arts Center

by Community Contributor • September 4, 2025 • Comments Off

Explore the vast potential of ceramics in this six-week course, ideal for students looking to develop, strengthen, and advance their pottery skills in a playful environment. Working with the potter’s wheel, slab roller, extruder, texture tools, and more students will experiment with functional and decorative techniques, turning their creative ideas into tangible works of art.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — The Time Is Now – Final Week. Get your tickets for CCC&Y’s 2025 Conference on Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2025 • Comments Off

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Students and their parents had the opportunity to learn about the variety of programs available, and had a chance to have some fun at the W.F. Killip Elementary School Open House held on Aug. 27 in Flagstaff.

Besides CCC&Y, some of the organizations attending the event included Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff, Chicanos Por La CAUSA, Child & Family Support Services in Flagstaff, Coconino County Health and Human Services, Desert Financial Credit Union, Flagstaff Dentistry 4 Kids, Flagstaff Public Library Youth Services, The Literacy Center, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) and North Country HealthCare.

September at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2025 • Comments Off

Dear Museum Friends,

As the Museum of Northern Arizona marks its 97th year this month, I’m thrilled to announce Twilight Thursdays, our latest initiative to enable more people to visit. The Museum will stay open late every Thursday until 7 p.m. Admission is pay-what-you-wish starting at 4 p.m. Guests are welcome to pay any amount—a few dollars, the regular admission price, or more if they’d like to support the Museum.

Whether you’re looking for an inspiring after-work outing, a family-friendly evening, or a peaceful way to wind down your day surrounded by art, culture, and science, Twilight Thursdays offer an exceptional opportunity for more people to enjoy the Museum galleries, exhibits, and Gift Shop.

The NAU Review — Want to experience Hat Ranch? Find out how!

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2025 • Comments Off

Just 70 miles south of the Grand Canyon sits NAU Hat Ranch, a property rooted in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Once a working ranch, the property serves as a base for research, learning and retreat space for NAU students, faculty and staff. Hat Ranch is open to the public for overnight stays and events. The university is working to expand its offerings and honoring the past while building a future centered on education, community and hands-on learning.

Coconino Center for the Arts — Apply Now: Creative Flagstaff’s 2026 Arts & Science Project Grants!

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2025 • Comments Off

Creative Flagstaff is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 Arts & Science Project Grant Program. With $125,000 available for funding, these grants are designed to empower and expand the creative, scientific, and cultural landscape of the Flagstaff community!

Arts & Science Project Grants are available to non-profit ORGANIZATIONS or INDIVIDUALS with a non-profit fiscal agent for INNOVATION:

Kaibab National Forest to lift fire restrictions Sept. 4

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2025 • Comments Off

WILLIAMS — Due to an increase in rainfall over the last several days, the Kaibab National Forest will lift all fire restrictions at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025.
Fire managers continually evaluate conditions across the forest to help determine when to implement and rescind fire restrictions. The forest has received enough widespread rain to increase fuel moisture and decrease the risk of severe fire.
To help prevent human-caused fires, forest visitors should always be vigilant while visiting the forest, regardless of restriction levels.

Dragon Bravo Fire Incident Update for Sept. 3, 2025 — 80 percent contained

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2025 • Comments Off

Current Situation: Firefighters continue to make steady progress in the suppression repair efforts for the Dragon Bravo Fire. Each new shift, crews complete more crucial repair tasks that align with the suppression repair standards agreed upon by the resource advisors and the agencies. The goal of this phase is to eliminate safety hazards and return the land to as much of a pre-fire status as possible. Over the past several weeks, 37 miles of dozer line have been repaired, 2 miles of hand line rehabilitated, and 48 miles of road systems have been thoroughly inspected and completed to support recovery efforts.

Sedona Arts Center — SAC Art Classes: Unleash Your Creativity

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2025 • Comments Off

Discover something new, deepen your creative practice, or reignite your artistic passion with one of our upcoming workshops at Sedona Arts Center. Here are just a few exciting classes you can sign up for now—and you’ll find our full lineup of workshops and events online at SedonaArtsCenter.org. Join us in the studio and be part of a vibrant community of artists and learners in the heart of Sedona.

Annoucing Theatrikos Theatre Company’s 2026 Season

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2025 • Comments Off

It is with immense excitement and pride that I invite you to join us for Theatrikos Theatre Company’s 2026 Season, our most vibrant, daring, and heartfelt season yet.

From the first laugh of a lightning-fast mystery in Clue to the final, haunting chords of A Christmas Carol, this season is a celebration of everything that makes theatre magical: joy, depth, humanity, and connection. Whether you’re a lover of musicals that stir the soul, comedies that leave your cheeks sore from laughing, or dramas that spark meaningful reflection, this season was made for you.

Each production in our 2026 lineup has been chosen with care to speak to the broad, beautiful spectrum of human experience. You’ll find yourself swept up in nostalgic harmonies, provocative questions, moving love stories, and more than a few surprises. We’re not just putting on plays, we’re building a season of shared moments and unforgettable nights at the theatre.

And there’s never been a better time to subscribe.

Indivisible Northern AZ — Next big event ‘Labor Day Protest-Workers Over Billionaires!’ on Sept. 1 at Flagstaff City Hall

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2025 • Comments Off

Also see:

• USA Today — Workers Over Billionaires’ protests- Where will they be?

FLAGSTAFF — Indivisible Northern AZ has announced the next big event “Labor Day Protest-Workers Over Billionaires!” will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1 at Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave.. Flagstaff.

About this event

This is a pivotal moment. The billionaire agenda is dismantling our government: overseeing mass firings, gutting worker protections and social services, and transferring wealth to the 1% while funding a private army of ICE agents.

This Labor Day won’t just be a barbecue. Across the country, unions and community organizations are deepening our coalitions, growing our capacity, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder to fight back. Workers are confronting attacks on public schools, civil rights, and democracy, while supporting each other’s local fights against workplace abuse.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 25-29, 2025

by Community Contributor • August 29, 2025 • Comments Off

Dragon Bravo Fire Update – Aug. 28

The Dragon Bravo Fire remains at 145,504 acres and 64% containment, with 654 personnel assigned. Crews continue to make progress removing hazard trees along Hwy. 67 and other roads, with an average of 15 truckloads hauled out each day. Suppression repair, mop-up, and patrols are ongoing, and no additional fire growth is expected.

With the fire stabilized, attention is turning to post-fire impacts. The DOI Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is now on-site in the park, while the U.S. Forest Service BAER Team is working on the Kaibab National Forest.

Coconino County Fair (Aug. 29 through Sept. 1) entertainment to include Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, Rhythm Edition — Latin Set, Grupo Conceptos on Aug. 31

by Community Contributor • August 29, 2025 • Comments Off

Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) to staff Coconino County booth Sunday afternoon, Aug. 31. Come by for a visit. SEE MORE COCONINO COUNTY FAIR INFORMATION BELOW…

COCONINO COUNTY — In what is becoming an unofficial Latino entertainment day, the Coconino County Fair’s (Aug. 29 through Sept. 1) entertainment will include Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, Rhythm Edition — Latin Set, Grupo Conceptos on Sunday, Aug. 31

Our entertainment schedule is now posted. You can now view the schedule for each day of the Fair. Check out the lineup here

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for August 2025

by Community Contributor • August 29, 2025 • Comments Off

Office of U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) news updates for August 2025

by Community Contributor • August 29, 2025 • Comments Off

Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes news updates for August 2025

by Community Contributor • August 29, 2025 • Comments Off

Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

The NAU Review — Can academics use AI with integrity?

by Community Contributor • August 28, 2025 • Comments Off

The gray area of AI in academics

Artificial intelligence has quickly become part of the fabric of academic life, causing scholars to ask: When does innovation come at the expense of integrity? Two NAU faculty members and one Lumberjack alumna are part of a research team that’s examining the ethical gray area of AI usage in academic publishing.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Get your tickets now to hear two powerful speakers at CCC&Y 2025 Conference on Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory

by Community Contributor • August 27, 2025 • Comments Off

Less than two weeks remain to get your tickets to attend the return of our popular and educational CCC&Y Conference with this year’s theme of “Coherence Rising: Inner Alignment as the Catalyst for Systematic Change.” The 2025 conference will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.

Join us in a beautiful setting that reminds us the universe is infinite and so is our potential.

We are joined by not one, but two amazing and powerful keynote presenters who share their expertise, gift for inspiration and profound insights.

In her morning presentation “Cohere. Connect. Conduct,” guest speaker Iya Affo will weave together storytelling, science, spoken word and systems change to spark transformation within organizations and communities. Affo, a Culturalist and Trauma Specialist, will draw on personal experiences, neuroscience and the power of collective healing to talk about how self-healing communities and systems change can be the foundation for lasting transformation.

… During her afternoon presentation, Dr. Sandra Solano will talk about “From Within to the World: Harnessing Heart Coherence for Healing and Systematic Empowerment.” Solano, M.D., M.S. is a results-driven healthcare executive, will explore the science and practical applications of how your heart’s powerful energy works and influences your entire environment. You’ll discover that true, lasting change begins not “out there,” but within you.

Dragon Bravo Fire Incident Update for Aug. 27, 2025

by Community Contributor • August 27, 2025 • Comments Off

Acres: 145,504 Containment: 64% Personnel: 646

Start Date: July 4, 2025 Cause: Lightning Location: Grand Canyon North Rim

Current Situation: With fire activity minimized due to several days of precipitation, crews are focused primarily on the large task of removing hazards and rehabilitating the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park lands to as much of a pre-fire condition as possible while reducing further impacts in the future.

Sedona Arts Center Special Update: New tax benefits for arts donations

by Community Contributor • August 27, 2025 • Comments Off

Make Your Gift Count for Art,
Community, and Learning

Your support of Sedona Arts Center empowers creativity, community, and lifelong learning. Recent changes in tax law may provide new ways to maximize the impact of your giving—helping us continue our mission to inspire, educate, and connect artists and audiences across the Verde Valley.

Areas of County around Coconino National Forest adjust fire restrictions. Moving to Stage 1 on Aug. 27

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2025 • Comments Off

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 1 fire restrictions effective Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 8 a.m.

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

CCC Community Education — October schedule … Check it Out!

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2025 • Comments Off

Exploring Flagstaff’s Latino Heritage and Community

Thursday, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30
3:30 to 5 p.m.

Dive into the rich and diverse stories of the Latino communities that have shaped Flagstaff. This course offers a discussion of the people, traditions, and industries that have played a vital role in the city’s development.

Latino – Learn more and register!

The NAU Review — We are SO back

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2025 • Comments Off

Welcome back, Jacks!

It’s been a big week for new Lumberjacks. When they weren’t toting luggage around campus and saying goodbye to loved ones, they were enjoying a Welcome Week full of music, games, meet-and-greets and more. Flip through a few photo highlights and watch this Welcome Week video.

Coconino National Forest reducing fire restrictions

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will move from Stage 2 to Stage 1 fire restrictions, effective 8 a.m., Wednesday, August 27,due to widespread precipitation across all three districts of the forest.

Motorized closures around specific areas of the San Francisco Peaks, Marshall Lake area and Pumphouse Wash area will be lifted, and campers at developed recreation sites are allowed to burn campfires following proper campfire guidance.

Art Workshops and Classes at Sedona Arts Center

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2025 • Comments Off

2025 Mother Road Classic Car Show comes to Flagstaff

by Community Contributor • August 22, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — From classic lowrider to street rods and military trucks, the annual 2025 Mother Road Classic Car Show had it all at the Flagstaff City Hall Parking Lot on Aug. 16, 2025.

Here are a few of the classic rides:

Discover Flagstaff — 14th Annual Hopi Arts and Cultural Festival at Flagstaff Mall on Aug. 23-24 and more events

by Community Contributor • August 22, 2025 • Comments Off

14th Annual Hopi Arts and Cultural Festival
Flagstaff Mall

Experience the incredible talent of Hopi artists through diverse artwork and captivating social dance performances. Sat. 10 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m. Free.

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Update Fall 2025 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2025 • Comments Off

The County has updated the Plan and will hold public hearings this fall. Opportunities for public comment will be available during the public hearings. To submit written comments in advance email: mshaw@coconino.az.gov.

The 60-day review comments and the public hearing draft will be available on September 1, 2025. To view these documents:

City of Flagstaff seeks community input for Spruce Wash Wedge artwork

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2025 • Comments Off

“If you live on the Eastside or have a strong connection to this area, the artist team wants to hear from you,” said Jana Weldon, program manager for Beautification, Arts & Sciences. “This is your chance to share what makes this part of Flagstaff special.”

An online survey, open now through September 9, invites participants to answer a series of experiential questions designed to spark factual, imaginative, and community-rooted responses. Insights gathered will help the artist team develop a site-specific, one-of-a-kind artwork that reflects the spirit of the Eastside.

Flagstaff Communiversity — August edition

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2025 • Comments Off

A parliment? A pandemonium? A flamboyance? There should be a word to describe an assembly of puppet-makers! Under the guidance of guest artist Lisa Sturtz, puppet-maker extraordinaire, and the enormous energy of our peerless citizen-artists, Lady Liberty came to life.

Originally inspired by the end of slavery (look for the symbolic broken chains), the Statue of Liberty welcomes everyone to a life that is free of tyranny. She reminds us to imagine the possible and BE EMBOLDENED by it.

The NAU Review — Meet NAU’s 2025 Fulbright Award winners

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2025 • Comments Off

Two recent graduates and one faculty member won prestigious Fulbright Awards that will send them to three different continents for teaching and research. The Lumberjacks contended with a pool of 11,500 other applicants to land their awards.

Junta Comunitaria el 25 de Agosto — por favor ver más información/please see more information

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2025 • Comments Off

Junta Comunitaria el 25 de Agosto

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Your Invitation to Hope, Healing & Infinite Potential (Seats Filling Now)

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

This gathering is more than a conference—it’s a call into hope, connection, and limitless potential.

Our keynotes were crafted specifically for this event and setting—Lowell Observatory, a place that symbolizes the infinite universe and infinite possibility. In a time when spirit, science, and connection are needed most, our speakers will guide us into transformation on both a personal and community level.

Here’s what you’ll experience (see details in the images below):

A keynote weaving together storytelling, science, spoken word, and systems change to ignite transformation in individuals and communities.

A keynote exploring the power of the heart’s energy as a catalyst for healing, coherence, and system-wide change—giving you actionable tools for leadership, communication, and personal empowerment.

Sign up! Workshops and Classes at Sedona Arts Center

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

Coconino County — SBA activates loan program for northern Arizona and southern Utah businesses

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

“As fire crews were on the ground, Coconino County was also thinking about economic recovery assistance for businesses who rely on tourism both on the North Rim and South Rim of the Grand Canyon,” said County Manager Andy Bertelsen. “The loss of the infrastructure at the North Rim and the fires impact on tourism have definitely affected the economy of northern Arizona. Coconino County took proactive steps to begin a process for federal resources to be made available to businesses throughout our county and surrounding counties.”

Kaibab National Forest to enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, reduce North Kaibab closure area

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

FREDONIA — The Kaibab National Forest is reducing the temporary forest closure on the North Kaibab Ranger Districts. Beginning Tuesday, August 19, western portions of the district will reopen to public access. Fire behavior on Dragon Bravo has decreased, containment has increased, and fire crews have shifted focus to suppression repair, allowing large areas of the National Forest to be reopened without compromising fire operations or public safety.

The NAU Review — How an NAU professor is helping safeguard Grand Canyon’s water from fire

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

Protecting the Grand Canyon’s water from fire

The Dragon Bravo Fire could threaten the drinking water supply for millions of visitors and thousands of workers at the Grand Canyon, but not if Abraham Springer has anything to say about it. With rapid-response funding from the National Science Foundation, the NAU researcher is working with Grand Canyon National Park, the U.S. Geological Survey and other colleagues to protect Roaring Springs, the park’s sole water source.
Audrey O’Connell speaks to the camera
Fit it in a Minute
with Audrey O’Connell

Have you heard about the Training Development and Technology Adoption services? O’Connell, the lead technical training analyst, explains how the TDTA team creates training materials that support the NAU community. Can she fit it in a minute?

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences — Community input sought for Spruce Wash Wedge Artwork

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

We want to hear from you! The City of Flagstaff seeks community input for a landmark three-dimensional artwork to be installed at the promontory at East Cedar Avenue and North West Street as part of the Spruce Wash Wedge Detention Project. If you live on the Eastside, or have a strong connection to this area, this is your chance to share what makes this part of Flagstaff special.

Coconino Center for the Arts — Calling All Artists — ARTx 2026 Applications Now Open!

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

Creative Flagstaff is thrilled to announce that ARTx: Art + Ideas Experience is back for 2026 — and we’re once again offering funding to bring bold, creative ideas to life in Flagstaff! Thanks to $125,000 from the City of Flagstaff’s Bed, Board, and Beverage tax revenue, this marks the 4th year of funding for artists through ARTx.

The 2026 biennial event will light up Flagstaff May 1–3, 2026 with a multi-day celebration of performances, exhibitions, installations, activations, conversations, and community gatherings — plus additional ARTx moments all year long during First Friday ArtWalks.

We’re looking for individual artists, creative collaborations, and organizations ready to dream big. Whether your work thrives on the street, in a gallery, outdoors, or in unexpected places, ARTx has a space for you.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. to present Swing State, Flagstaff Takes the Stage and More!

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2025 • Comments Off

Get ready for a thought-provoking and deeply human experience as Theatrikos prepares to stage Rebecca Gilman’s compelling play, Swing State. Directed by AJ Flores, this powerful production promises to resonate with audiences through its exploration of complex themes including what it means to be human, the intricacies of trust, the bonds of family, whether by blood or by choice, and navigating the profound impact of loss.

Swing State tells the story of Peg, a woman who has found solace in the quiet beauty of her prairie land after the loss of her husband. Her solitary life is interrupted by visits from a troubled friend and the mysterious disappearance of her late husband’s belongings. When the authorities are called, a tense chain of events unfolds, forcing everyone to question who they can truly trust. The play delves into the cracks in our communities, revealing how national divisions echo through our most personal relationships.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Happenings August 18th – 23rd, 2025

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2025 • Comments Off