Snook’s Science in the Park
Wheeler Park
The headlining event for the Flagstaff Festival of Science, Snook’s Science in the Park offers hands on science events, activities, and workshops for all ages! If you are interested in a career or knowledge in a STEM field, this is the event for you.
Discover something new and interact with over 50 vendors from a variety of Flagstaff scientific institutions! 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. FREE!
Recently, the Dollywood Foundation – which runs Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – announced a new tradition to carry forward Dolly’s extraordinary legacy and her belief in giving back, especially to children. The first annual Give Like Dolly Day will take place this Friday, September 25th, and United Way of Northern Arizona is planning on honoring it in two ways.
First of all, check out that date, 9/25 (or if Dolly were singing it, “9 to 5”). In the spirit of that song, we invite you to join us for “a cup of ambition” at Cedar House Coffee Shop and Bakery (2009 E. Cedar Ave., Flagstaff).
Keynote Address – Tomorrow (Sept. 25) is the Big Event!
Ticket reservations close at 3:00 PM on the day of the event.
A century ago, the biggest technological breakthrough most Americans experienced was a paved highway that promised adventure beyond the next horizon.
Route 66 changed the way people traveled. It connected communities, fueled exploration and turned the automobile into a symbol of freedom and possibility. Few could have imagined that 100 years later, cars would communicate with computers, engineers would make split-second decisions using live data, and artificial intelligence would become part of everyday life.
Click below for the latest news updates from the:
Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
Create, repair and upcycle at the MakerLab
Need a quick fix? The MakerLab at Cline Library and the Office of Sustainability are partnering to offer RepairLabs, where people can get clothing and jewelry (and more!) repaired, keeping items out of the landfill for longer. Got repair skills? Sign up to volunteer for an upcoming RepairLab.
WILLIAMS — With early forecasts signaling a potentially severe winter across northern Arizona, the Kaibab National Forest is encouraging visitors to obtain their personal‑use fuelwood permits and gather their wood as soon as possible.
Snow and winter storms can arrive quickly, and once conditions deteriorate, many wood‑gathering areas become difficult or impossible to access. Planning ahead now helps ensure both safe access and plenty of time to gather wood before winter weather sets in.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.
The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and your help is needed.
When you become a member of CCC&Y, your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more.
READ MORE
Are you curious about the Flagstaff Festival of Science?
The Festival is full of fascinating people, big ideas, and science you may not get to hear about during the event itself. Our Festival Insights blog gives you a closer look at the stories and science behind some of this year’s talks and activities.
Go a little deeper and learn more about the people, ideas, and science behind some of this year’s talks and events.
Join us Friday, October 2nd for our Disability Culture Revealed; Art, History, and Community Voices exhibition opening! In partnership with NAU’s Disability resources, and the Hozhoni Foundation’s Residential Art Program the CCAZ team has created this exhibition to help viewers explore disability culture through art, history, and community voices. Stop by the Historic Ice House during First Friday ArtWalk to see it yourself!
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County court system, with funding support from the State Justice Institute and strategic facilitation by Dr. Nancy Wonders and Dr. Fred Solop, convened an all-day strategic planning forum on Sept. 17 at the High Country Conference Center. Stakeholders provided input and assistance in determining the types of services the courts should provide by the year 2045.
COCONINO COUNTY — In April, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) launched the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey to help identify the health priorities, community needs, strengths and risk factors within Coconino County. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to share their input, we’ve extended the deadline to take the survey to Saturday, Oct. 31.
Is a nearby advanced alien civilization out there waiting to pounce on Earth?
Unlikely, according to a new study led by Chris Doughty. (But … maybe?) The study proposes that potential evolution on exoplanets isn’t based only on time, but also on how much cumulative photosynthesis happens, so even if planets outside our solar system had life billions of years before Earth, life likely evolved so slowly that it’s still in the microbial stage.
Free community showers
Free shower facilities are available to Grand Canyon residents until further notice. Residents are strongly encouraged to use these facilities whenever possible to reduce household water use and help conserve the park’s limited water supply. This week ADA showers were also placed at four locations throughout the park.
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.
COCONINO COUNTY — Members of the Hispanic community gathered on Sept. 15 to celebrate the approval by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors of the official proclamation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15). …
The proclamation includes:
… WHEREAS, the month encourages people to explore the incredible impact Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States, Arizona and Coconino County for generations; and
… WHEREAS, in recognition of the 2026 theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” Coconino County acknowledges the transformative role of Hispanic Americans in driving progress, innovation and social change across fields such as science, art, politics, education and community activism; and
WHEREAS, we will continue to advocate for Hispanics/Latinos as representation matters. Latinos and Latinas continue to shape our nation as business owners, activists, artists, public servants and more. From serving in the US military to being champions in the fight for civil rights, Latinas and Latinos remain strong leaders and changemakers. …
The ceremony can be viewed on the County’s Youtube site at http://youtube.com/coconinocnty at the 26:30 mark
Every fall, parents ask themselves the same question: what can I really do to help my child succeed in school this year? The good news is that research points to a handful of everyday habits that make a real difference.
As a nonprofit with a focus on youth opportunity, here’s what we know works and where you can turn if your family needs extra support.
Get them to school – every day. It sounds obvious, but it matters more than people realize.
Igniting a love of STEM in Tuba City
They say success is nothing without someone to share it with. That’s certainly true in Tuba City, a small community on the Navajo Nation: Whenever any of its citizens score a big win, the town always shows up to celebrate. That’s why, armed with $50,000 from the National Science Foundation, researchers at NAU’s Center for STEM Teaching and Learning aren’t just partnering with Tuba City educators to improve STEM learning opportunities. They’re also working with town leaders to brainstorm ways to celebrate the kids’ success, from public robotics challenges to parades.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The voter registration deadline for the November 3, 2026 General Election is Monday, October 5, 2026.
“Registering to vote and participating in elections is an important civic right that ensures your voice is heard. Now is the time to check that your registration is up to date and that you are ready for the upcoming General Election,” County Recorder Aubrey Sonderegger said.
To register to vote, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years old by Election Day, reside within Coconino County and have no felony convictions, unless civil rights have been restored.
Efforts to restore the park’s water supply are advancing at the delta, where contractors used excavators to establish the footprint for the new water intake project. A wastewater treatment operator was also brought to Phantom Ranch to test the wastewater treatment plant as crews prepare to return the system to limited service.
On the South Rim, the water treatment plant contractor is preparing to begin startup and testing once the new delta intake is able to provide raw water to the plant. The contractor is coordinating closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality as testing and the process to return the plant to service move forward.
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.
ew year, healthier you
Campus Health Services isn’t just for students—it’s also for faculty and staff! Now is a great time to establish care at CHS, whether you’re looking to schedule annual physicals and immunizations, renew your prescriptions, explore preventive health resources or even access urgent care.
In just under two weeks, the Flagstaff Festival of Science kicks off!
And the best part? All Festival events are FREE!
While most events are open to everyone, some do require advance registration. We don’t want you to miss out on something you’re excited about because registration filled up—or because you didn’t know you needed to sign up ahead of time!
There are 32 events that require advance registration, from a full moon hike in Picture Canyon to tagging a Monarch butterfly and more.
We’ve highlighted a small sampling of these events below, so take a look, find something that catches your curiosity, and register early!
South Rim Water Update — September 11, 2026
The August 29 flash flood caused extensive damage to water infrastructure in Bright Angel Canyon, including portions of the Transcanyon Waterline and the Bright Angel Creek intake. The South Rim remains under Stage 4 water restrictions and is relying on stored water while crews conduct repairs and advance temporary water-supply solutions. We know this has required significant adjustments in homes, workplaces and park operations, and we are deeply grateful to every resident, employee, business, partner and visitor who has helped conserve water during this difficult time.
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County officials celebrated another successful County Fair with the local Hispanic community turning out for a variety of Latino-themed performances on Sept. 6 at the 77th annual Coconino County Fair.
“Thousands turned out to Get Your Kicks and Fair Fix at Fort Tuthill County Park this Labor Day weekend!” County officials stated. “Thank you to our incredible community, local businesses, and everyone who came together to make the 77th Annual Coconino County Fair one to remember. We hope to see you again next year!”
Entertainment on Sunday at the Main Stage included the morning dance performances by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, the afternoon performance by Banda La Excepcional and the evening concert by Grupo La Kana.
FALL-PAW-LOOZA
Flagstaff Mall
Join us for an exciting time at the FALL-PAW-LOOZA to support Shadows Foundation and their new adoption network, R-FAN!
Food, Bar, Games, Giveaways, Vendors, Cornhole Tournament, K9 Demonstration, Pet Adoptions, Live Music, Kids Crafts Hosted by Flagstaff Walmart Locations, and More!
Shadows Foundation R-FAN will have puppies available for adoption from 2-5pm!
Join us Sunday, September 13 at 1pm, to hear from two renowned artists sharing stories and reflections on Artist Hopid. Neil David Sr. and Ed Kabotie’s father, Michael Kabotie, were two of the founding members of Artist Hopid, a groundbreaking collective founded in 1973 by five visionary Hopi artists: Michael Kabotie, Delbridge Honanie, Terrance Talaswaima, Neil David Sr., and Milland Lomakema.
The 77th Annual Coconino County Fair was a great success!
Thousands turned out to Get Your Kicks and Fair Fix at Fort Tuthill County Park this Labor Day weekend! Thank you to our incredible community, local businesses, and everyone who came together to make the 77th Annual Coconino County Fair one to remember. We hope to see you again next year!
COCONINO COUNTY — Students from dozens of local schools countywide participated in the 77th Annual Coconino County Fair held Sept. 4-7, 2026 at the fairgrounds at Fort Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff.
Public elementary, middle and high school; charter school and home-school students submitted a variety of entries, which filled the entire Schools exhibit building.
“We loved seeing student artwork from schools across FUSD on display at the Coconino County Fair this weekend!,” FUSD stated on its Facebook page. “A big shoutout to our talented student artists and the teachers who encourage their creativity every day. We’re so proud to see our students’ amazing work out in the community!”
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff Public Works Department invites members of the public to participate in the 2026 Public Works Academy. The Academy is an immersive, eight-week educational experience designed to give residents a behind‑the‑scenes look at the essential services that keep our community running. Applications are due by Sept. 16, 2026.
Ready for duty
A hands-on program is preparing the next generation of law enforcement officers and park protection rangers. By combining academic instruction, physical training and real-world experience, NAU’s Law Enforcement Training Academy is giving students what they need to serve their communities and preserve public lands right after graduation.
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.
SEDONA — The Northern Arizona premiere of “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez” comes to Sedona for a one-week run (Sept. 3-10), starting with a screening at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 as part of the Sedona International Film Festival.
The opening night screening will be followed by a Q&A with director David Alvarado and producer Everett Katigbak. The Sundance audience favorite tells the story of Luis Valdez, the man who built El Teatro Campesino out of the fields of California and turned the figure of the pachuco and the history of the Zoot Suit Riots into influential American stage art.
Narrated by Edward James Olmos in character as El Pachuco, featuring Dolores Huerta. It began on a flatbed truck at the Delano picket lines, with farmworkers performing their own strike, before it ever reached a stage. A Mexican American story on the big screen, brought to Sedona by the festival that keeps this red rock town in love with film.
Conversational Spanish
Tuesdays & Thursdays, Oct. 6 thru Oct. 29
5 to 7 p.m.
This class emphasizes real-world communication through interactive activities, guided conversations, and culturally relevant topics. Beginner to intermediate levels are welcome!
Spanish – Learn more and register!
Get Your Kicks & Fair Fix at the 77th Annual Coconino County Fair! Celebrating 135 years of Coconino County, join us Labor Day Weekend, September 4-7, 2026, at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff.
Enjoy carnival rides, live bands every day, Friday through Monday, livestock shows, fine arts, food, games, and family fun for all ages.
Bright Angel Flash Flood Response and South Rim Water Conservation
Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery efforts following the August 29 flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. Search, accountability, infrastructure assessment, and recovery work are ongoing under a Type II Incident Management Team.
Flash Flood Response and Search Efforts
At this time, 82 people have been rescued, two people have been recovered deceased, and one person remains missing. Search efforts for the missing hiker continue with park staff and partner agencies.
The flood caused extensive damage to trails, bridges, utilities, and other infrastructure in the inner canyon. Early assessments indicate that approximately 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline and five to seven miles of the North Kaibab Trail have been severely damaged. Four bridges in the Box were severely damaged or washed away. Assessments are continuing, and these estimates may change as crews learn more about the extent of the damage.
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, September 4, starting at 5pm! 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.
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The NAU Review. The official news source for Northern Arizona University.
Sept. 3, 2026
We deliver top headlines to the Lumberjack community every Tuesday and Thursday during the academic year. For more, visit in.nau.edu/news.
A Navajo man pumps water from a tank into a barrel. Red rock mesas are in the background.
Identifying safe drinking water on tribal lands
A group of NAU researchers, led by analytical chemist Jani Ingram, sampled water in wells throughout the Navajo Nation to identify which wells contained safe drinking water and which contained dangerous levels of uranium. The work doesn’t just protect Navajo Nation residents’ health; it also provides them with data they can use to advocate for safer community resources.
Don’t miss Snook’s Science in the Park— one of the Festival’s signature events taking place Saturday, September 26th from 10 AM – 2 PM
Wheeler Park, in downtown Flagstaff!
What can you look forward to?
🤖 Play catch with a robot
🚀 Launch rockets
🌋 Make your own volcano
MORE…
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.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.
Guest speakers this month include Austin Laster of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff and Sandra Quintanilla of Coconino County Juvenile Court, who will speak about “Children of Incarcerated Parents Day at the Park,” Flagstaff.
Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.
READ MORE
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…
VIDEO: See the Class of 2030 run!
Between a 100-yard kickoff return TD, the football overcoming a 21-point deficit to win the first game of the season and the Running of the Freshmen at halftime, the Lumberjacks showed up at the Skydome on Saturday. In addition the video of the second-most exciting 100-yard run, see NAU Social’s photos from the game + the epic tailgate party .
Want to catch the next home game? Get your tickets to all NAU Athletics today!
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.
This year’s theme, “A Library Card Hits All the Right Notes,” celebrates the many ways a library card can connect with multiple resources, experiences, programs, events, materials, and more. Having a library card allows you to access so much more than just physical materials, and the city hopes to connect patrons with their community this month by encouraging visits to participating businesses.
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!
September classes will be held for 4 weeks, from September 1st to September 25th. Keep scrolling to see TynkerSpace workshops.
Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center
Choose Your Next Creative Adventure
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.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the rich heritage and creativity of the Hopi community. Sat 10 a.m., Sun 11 a.m. Free.
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.
ARIZONA — Registration is now open for the inaugural Arizona Family Campout to be on Sept.5-6 at Homolovi State Park, Winslow.
Arizona Family Campout weekends are designed for families with kids that have little or no experience camping. We welcome campers six (6) years of age and older. We will introduce you to fun experiences you can share with your family and inspire you to continue to explore the great outdoors from one of our campgrounds! You will learn how to set up a tent and an introduction to cooking outside, plus you will get to try some fun activities you can do while camping! No pets allowed.
Join us on a family campout to learn the ropes of camping and experience all the fun of being outdoors!
