
Stroll throughout Downtown Flagstaff to see and purchase paintings, jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, and more! 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 6.
Ongoing Power Outage on North Rim
The National Park Service (NPS) continues to work with the North Rim concessioner to address the power outage affecting the North Rim, which began Sunday evening, June 1, due to an equipment failure involving a transformer near the Grand Canyon Lodge. Power remains out at the Grand Canyon Lodge and surrounding concessioner facilities. Overnight reservations have been canceled since June 2.
June marks the beginning of our busiest time of year with a multitude of events throughout the summer. Our beautiful location is special anytime of the year, but summer is especially wonderful here at the Museum of Northern Arizona.
This month sees the return of one of MNA’s most cherished traditions—the Heritage Festival of Arts and Culture, a celebration of living Indigenous culture and creative expression. We’re proud to welcome around 100 Native American artists from across the Colorado Plateau on June 28 and 29. I encourage you to come explore their exquisite works of jewelry, pottery, basketry, fine art, performances, and more. Our galleries provide an insight into the past and present of the Native communities on the Colorado Plateau, while the festival is a wonderful opportunity to talk with many artists from these communities and learn about their creative processes and influences.
GRAND CANYON, AZ. — The National Park Service (NPS) has identified the cause of a recent power outage affecting the North Rim as an equipment failure involving a transformer near the Grand Canyon Lodge. Power has been out at the Grand Canyon Lodge since approximately 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 1.
Overnight reservations were cancelled starting the evening of June 2 due to the outage. The National Park Service appreciates visitors’ patience and understanding as we continue working closely with the concessioner to restore lodging and food services to full operations.
The event is sponsored by the National Park Service, Grand Canyon Conservancy, the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (South Rim), and the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix (North Rim). Amateur astronomers from around the world will volunteer their telescopes and expertise for the enjoyment of park visitors. Dozens of telescopes will offer views of planets, double stars, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies. By day, keep an eye out for solar telescopes pointed at the sun. Weather permitting, expect spectacular views of the universe!
Sedona Arts Center Summer Raffle is Here! 🎨
Win Original Artwork by Renowned Artists
Support the arts and take home something beautiful! Now through June 21, 2025, enter our Summer Raffle for a chance to win one of several original works of art created by talented Sedona Arts Center artists.
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Featured Artists:
Elizabeth St. Hilaire, Sandra Luehrsen, Mary Helsaple,
Michelle Held, Robert Burridge, and Bruce Gomez
Get ready for a vibrant and unforgettable theatrical experience as Theatrikos proudly presents Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s beloved musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This iconic show promises to dazzle audiences of all ages with its infectious melodies, witty lyrics, and a heartwarming tale of betrayal, forgiveness, and the power of dreams.
Running from July 17th to August 10th, this production brings the timeless biblical story of Joseph to life with a kaleidoscope of musical styles – from rock and roll to calypso, country-western to French ballads. Follow Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son, on his incredible journey from the pit of despair to becoming the Pharaoh’s trusted advisor, all while adorned in his magnificent, multicolored coat.
Scholarships Available
Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.
¡Qué Hermoso! Artwork Available Online!
LAST DAY OF EXHIBITION:
FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025
¡Qué Hermoso! features a rich variety of artistic expression by emerging, mid-career and established Arizona artists including Oliverio Balcells, Cristina Cárdenas, Emily Costello, Camila Ibarra, Gretchen Lopez, Amanda Mollindo, Liliana Mora, Cora Quiroz, Joe Ray and Veronica Verdugo-Lomeli. More than 50 artworks will highlight histories, familism, forgotten stories and rich personal and collective experiences.
Native Artisans Vendor Market Opens on North Rim
This past weekend, Grand Canyon National Park supported the Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Native Artisans Market on the North Rim which included 15 different Indigenous vendors over the course of four days. This was the first time the market was open on the North Rim.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff/Coconino County Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition officially opened Monday, May 19 at the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park.
The exhibit brings together powerful cultural expressions through large-scale sculptures by artists Olivero Balcells, Isaac Caruso, Joe Ray, Adrian Wall, and Lance Yazzie, city officials said.
Artworks reflect personal and shared histories and add new layers of meaning to a park rich in visual storytelling and community spirit. The exhibition is on view through Mar. 15, 2026, and is presented in partnership with Coconino County.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) joined county representatives at Fiesta de Mayo Celebration at the Flagstaff Mall on May 18.
Presented by the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association , the mall celebration was one of two events held last weekend, which included its “2025 Fiesta de Mayo Dance Party” at its newly-opened Sunnyside Market of Dreams, 2136 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff.
Memorial Day 21-gun salute at Pioneer Cemetery
On Monday, May 27, American Legion, John Ivens Post 42, will hold its annual Memorial Day 21-gun salute ceremony at the Pioneer Cemetery, located to the west of the Shrine of the Ages. This special event is open to the public to honor Veterans buried in the cemetery.
The event will begin around 11 a.m. and residents here in the park can expect to hear blank rounds being fired on or around this time.
We are just two weeks away from MNA’s biggest fundraising night of the year – the Party on the Plateau! If you didn’t snag tickets to this sold-out event, no worries – you can still bid in the silent auction, which is open for online bidding. You do not have to be attending the Party on the Plateau to participate!
You may have heard the news about National Endowment for the Arts grants and grant programs being terminated by DOGE recently.
While Sedona Arts Center has not been directly impacted by the current NEA grant terminations, we would be impacted by the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts through our annual grant from the AZ Commission on the Arts. The entire field of arts and culture would be significantly impacted by this loss – be it research to the field, the millions of lives improved through participation in the arts, or the millions of jobs and the economic impact the arts have on America’s bottom line. The NEA’s funding is critical to us, but they provide our field so much more.
An Exhibition at Sedona Arts Center
Exhibit Dates: August 1 – September 12, 2025
Opening Reception: August 1, 2025 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Deadline to Apply: July 1, 2025
Since 2022, Sedona Arts Center has embraced a unifying annual theme to inspire our exhibitions and programs. For the 2025–2026 season, our guiding theme is FACE—a word rich with meaning as both noun and verb. From the human visage to the surface of mountains, from emotional expressions to bold acts of confrontation, FACE invites endless interpretations.
FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association will hold two events this weekend beginning with the “2025 Fiesta de Mayo Dance Party” from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 16 at its newly-opened Sunnyside Market of Dreams, 2136 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff. After extensive renovations, the market has reopened at the site of the old Redwood Bar & Grill
The organization will then hold its traditional Fiesta de Mayo Celebration inside at the Flagstaff Mall from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at 4650 N US HWY 89 Flagstaff.
The Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition officially opens next week and brings together powerful cultural expressions through large-scale sculptures by artists Olivero Balcells, Isaac Caruso, Joe Ray, Adrian Wall, and Lance Yazzie. Artworks reflect personal and shared histories and add new layers of meaning to a park rich in visual storytelling and community spirit. The exhibition is on view through Mar. 15, 2026, and is presented in partnership with Coconino County.
Special Exhibition: May 2–30, 2025
¡Qué Hermoso! features a rich variety of artistic expression by emerging, mid-career and established Arizona artists including Oliverio Balcells, Cristina Cárdenas, Emily Costello, Camila Ibarra, Gretchen Lopez, Amanda Mollindo, Liliana Mora, Cora Quiroz, Joe Ray and Veronica Verdugo-Lomeli. More than 50 artworks will highlight histories, familism, forgotten stories and rich personal and collective experiences.
North Rim and Bright Angel Trail Reopen Today; Key Closures Continue
As of today, Thursday, May 15, we’re officially kicking off the summer season with the North Rim and Bright Angel Trail open to the public once again. This marks a big step forward following months of heavy construction, planning, and collaboration—thank you to everyone who played a role in getting us here.
At the North Rim, visitor services are now fully operational. The campground, Grand Canyon Lodge, Backcountry Information Center, and the Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore are open, and Rangers will be staffing the Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October 15. Commercial services will run through mid-October, and the North Rim will remain open for day use until November 30 (or until snowfall closes the roads). The Bright Angel Point Trail will be closed for the season for safety improvements and trail repairs.
Ceramics: Independent Study
with Ben Roti
June 9-July 14, 2025 – Mondays, 3:30-6:30pm
*Designed for experienced ceramicists, this class offers a supportive studio environment for you to explore advanced throwing and hand-building techniques while working on personal projects. (Beginners are welcome in Ben/Lolo/John’s Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday classes or in the Pottery Wheel for Beginners on Saturdays.)
What You’ll Experience:
Get ready for an exciting adventure with TheatriKids! We’re thrilled to present our upcoming production of Shrek The Musical!
Step into a vibrant world where ogres are the heroes, donkeys have the gift of gab, and fairytales get a delightful twist. Join the grumpy but lovable Shrek and his endlessly entertaining sidekick Donkey on their quest to rescue the spirited Princess Fiona.
Pine & Peaks Post | Our Brand-New Newsletter!
Welcome to your go-to source for everything Coconino County Parks & Recreation!
From exciting events to seasonal programs, we’ll keep you in the loop.
We want to hear from you! Take our quick satisfaction survey to let us know what you’d like to see more of!
2025 Coconino County Fair Entries Are Open! Think you’ve got a winner? Enter your exhibit by clicking here!
Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.
FLAGSTAFF — With the crowd dancing to the music of DJ Eddie Trillo and folks dining on an assortment of tacos and enchiladas, the American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrated their annual Cinco de Mayo Dance on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.
As we conclude Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra’s 75th season, we’re filled with gratitude for the music, the momentum, and most of all, for you.
This spring reminded us how powerful live orchestral music can be. We shared joy with over 1,000 students through our educational Link Up program in March. We welcomed new families and longtime supporters to the cinematic world of Heroes and Villains. And the season came to a stunning conclusion with Verdi’s Requiem, a performance that showcased the extraordinary scale and artistry of this orchestra and our partners.
On Friday, May 2, the Flagstaff City Council, Coconino County Board of Supervisors, and the Planning and Zoning Commissions for the City and County met at City Hall to discuss important components of the Regional Plan: the priorities and goals, the Future Growth Illustration, land use categories, trail maps, and sense of place.
Thank you to all who took time out of their day to attend, provide comments, and contribute to this productive session!
opening of the second edition of the Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition Monday, May 19 at the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park in Flagstaff. An opening reception begins at 11 a.m. and includes a welcome by Mayor Becky Daggett and remarks by City and County officials and participating artists. The event is free and open to the public.
This year’s exhibition brings together powerful cultural expressions through large-scale sculptures by artists Olivero Balcells, Isaac Caruso, Joe Ray, Adrian Wall and Lance Yazzie. Artworks reflect personal and shared histories while exploring themes of nature, family, and cultural motifs. Collectively, they add new layers of meaning to a park already rich in visual storytelling and community spirit.
Featuring artists from across the state, this show explores themes of heritage, family, untold histories, and both personal and collective experiences. ¡Qué Hermoso! also honors the legacy of Gretchen Lopez, showcasing never-before-seen works from her estate. Lopez played a pivotal role in shaping this annual exhibition, and her influence continues to inspire.
¡Qué Hermoso! is made possible by an anonymous donor.
Scholarships Available
Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.
For more scholarship information, policy updates and to apply: CLICK HERE
On Monday, May 5, the Town of Tusayan will be hosting its annual Cinco de Mayo celebration from 4:30-9 p.m. at the Squire Resort in Tusayan. Mexican food and music will be featured as well as pinatas for kids, a face painter, balloon artist, a dive-in movie and indoor and outdoor pool, as well as a drone light show.
More information can be found in the attached flyer here.
Help create a welcoming space for all
We value your input! As part of the Downtown Mile Project, the Milton Underpass Project aims to enhance a vital area of Flagstaff with creative, community-centered design. Your feedback is important in helping shape a public art installation that reflects the spirit, culture, and vision of our city. Whether you walk, bike, drive, live or work in the area, your ideas will help create a meaningful and welcoming space for all.
Complete the survey by May 5 and let your voice be part of the design.
May is a month of growth and renewal—and we’re celebrating both here at the Museum of Northern Arizona.
International Museum Day is May 18 and we welcome everyone to the Museum with free admission all day. Enjoy hands-on activities featuring fossils, pottery, Indigenous games and arts. A heartfelt thank you to APS, our generous partner, for helping make MNA’s free admission days possible.
On May 24, come explore the beauty of the season at the annual Master Gardener Association Plant Sale and Garden Festival in the historic Colton Garden. Then, join us for the opening of our newest exhibit, Shifting Life Zones, which highlights the resilience and challenges of plant life in rapidly changing environments.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) has officially approved the Fort Tuthill County Park Master Plan Update, setting in motion a bold, 10-year vision to elevate community recreation, sustainability, and cultural celebration across one of the county’s most beloved parks.
This plan outlines a flexible, phased roadmap to improve accessibility, sustainability, recreation, and cultural experiences at Fort Tuthill. While actual implementation will depend on future funding and evolving community needs, the Master Plan serves as a valuable guide for how the park may grow and adapt over time. Highlights of the planned improvements include:
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
The Coalition will participate in the 2025 Annual Community STEM Celebration to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds.
THE EVENT, PRESENTED BY Flagstaff STEM City, IS FREE!!!
This year’s event is extra special as, for the first time ever, it will be held in partnership with the Lunar Legacy Invitational—bringing even more opportunities for hands-on STEM exploration.
The Lunar Legacy Invitational will welcome robotics teams from across the Southwest to celebrate Flagstaff’s rich history in space exploration. Teams will compete in space-themed challenges, earn awards, and explore exciting STEM exhibits—continuing the legacy of innovation in our community.
The STEM Celebration is a unique opportunity for Flagstaff residents to dive into the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and engaging demonstrations, attendees will experience STEM as more than just a subject—it’s a pathway to education, careers, and groundbreaking discoveries. Let’s come together to celebrate Flagstaff’s designation as “America’s First STEM Community” and inspire the next generation of innovators!
READ MORE
Elk Calving Season is Here!
It’s elk calving season, a time when adorable elk calves are born between late April and June. These little ones may only weigh around 35 pounds at birth, but they come with some very large bodyguards. Cow elk are devoted mothers and, understandably, don’t take kindly to anyone getting too close to their newborns. Even if you can’t see a calf nearby, mom might still be watching you.
Pregnant elk often seek out quiet, hidden spots to give birth—sometimes in places you’d least expect, like near your office, behind your porch, or along your favorite trail. So, whether you’re taking out the trash or heading out for a jog, keep your eyes open and give wildlife plenty of space.
Visitor services, including the campground, Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore and the Backcountry Information Center will open at 8 a.m. Rangers will be available daily from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. to provide information, trip planning assistance, and Park Ranger Programs at the Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk through October 15. Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim operations, including lodging, groceries, retail, food and beverage services, shower and laundry and the gas station, will also open May 15. The lodge dining room will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with reservations required for dinner service. The last day of the 2025 season for most commercial services will be October 15, 2025.
While we were excited to come together as a community to honor our planet and promote sustainable practices, the decision to cancel was made after careful consideration of current circumstances and with the well-being of everyone involved as our top priority. We recognize the disappointment this may cause and deeply appreciate the community’s ongoing support and enthusiasm for sustainability actions. We encourage everyone to continue honoring Earth Day in their own way — whether through a neighborhood cleanup, planting native species, or reducing personal waste.
A play within a play, The Play That Goes Wrong follows the Cornley Drama Society’s disastrous production of a 1920s murder mystery, The Murder at Haversham Manor. As the performance unfolds, everything that can go wrong does—doors stick, props fail and lines are forgotten—creating a hilarious comedy of errors that keeps audiences laughing throughout.
Bright Angel Trail Reopening and Ongoing Trail Closures
On May 15, 2025, Bright Angel Trail and Bright Angel Campground (excluding large group sites) will reopen to the public following months of closures for Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL) project work. This milestone marks a significant step forward in restoring access to one of the park’s most popular corridor routes. However, construction in the inner canyon remains active, and several key trail segments and facilities will stay closed through October 1, with impacts expected throughout the summer.
Ceramics : Advanced
with Ben Roti
April 14-May 19, 2025 – Mondays, 4-7pm
Designed for experienced ceramicists, this class offers a supportive studio environment for you to explore advanced throwing and hand-building techniques while working on personal projects. (Beginners are welcome in Ben/Lolo/John’s Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday classes or in the Pottery Wheel for Beginners on Saturdays.)
Join us for an inspiring afternoon at our Community Impact Luncheon & Annual Meeting on Wednesday, April 23rd at the High Country Conference Center.
This is your chance to connect with local leaders, celebrate our community’s impact, and look ahead to what we can achieve together.
Registration closes at noon on Monday, April 14. Secure your spot now!
GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park will reopen the Bright Angel Trail and Campground for public use beginning May 15, 2025.
Multiple inner canyon areas were closed last fall for Transcanyon Waterline project construction activities. The Phantom Ranch Canteen and Lodge reopened on schedule, April 1.
The River Trail, between River Resthouse and the South Kaibab Trail junction, Silver Bridge and Plateau Point Trail, between the Tonto Trail West junction to Plateau Point, originally scheduled to reopen in May, will remain closed until Oct. 1, 2025. The Bright Angel Campground group sites will remain closed until Oct 1, 2025.
Northern Arizona Weather Outlook: Navigating Drought, Fire Season, and the Anticipated Monsoon
Northern Arizona, including Grand Canyon, faces ongoing weather-related challenges. While March brought some relief, an exceptionally dry winter has left much of the region grappling with severe to extreme drought conditions. Flagstaff’s snowfall, at just 46.8 inches, represents only 56% of the average through March, and overall precipitation wince October 1, 2024, has remained below 50% of normal across the region.
Looking ahead, the forecast indicates a high likelihood of drier and warmer-than-normal conditions throughout Arizona during the fire season from April to June. This combination elevates the risk of wildfires. However, there is an anticipation that a warmer and drier spring could lead to an earlier or more intense monsoon season from July to September, with projections favoring above-normal precipitation alongside warmer-than-average temperatures.
Want more information on weather and fire projections for 2025? The National Weather Service-Flagstaff Office recently compiled this outlook in the attached powerpoint here.
The City of Flagstaff and Arizona Public Service (APS) have partnered on a pilot program to transform 10 utility cabinets into stunning works of art. Building on the City’s highly successful traffic signal cabinet program, this initiative continues to turn utilitarian cabinets into colorful, community-centered art. Now in its fifth year, the program has introduced a variety of designs to Flagstaff’s streetscapes, from imaginative scenes of northern Arizona’s flora and fauna to playful abstract compositions.
FLAGSTAFF — The American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present their annual Cinco de Mayo Dance from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 3 at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.
Dinner, $12 per red enchilada/rice/beans plate, will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., with dance music, courtesy of DJ Eddie Trillo, from 8 to 11 p.m.
Dance tickets are $20 per person / $25 per couple.
With the arrival of spring, the Museum of Northern Arizona is filled with beauty and activity from our gardens to our galleries.
The MNA gardens are waking from their winter slumber, and we’re excited to see our native plants flourishing once again. At Colton Garden, we’re kicking off the growing season with a free Garden Starts Workshop this Saturday, April 5th.
As we embrace the season of renewal, we invite you to mark Slow Art Day with us. The April 5th global event encourages us to slow down, look deeply, and genuinely appreciate the beauty and complexity of art. In a world that often moves too fast, Slow Art Day reminds us to pause, reflect, and connect with creativity more meaningfully. We hope you’ll join us in taking a closer look at some of the remarkable works in our galleries.
At the end of April, we are thrilled to welcome six talented emerging artists to MNA for the Namingha Institute, an annual two-week residency program led by master artists Dan and Arlo Namingha.
We look forward to sharing this beautiful time of year with you. Thank you for being part of our MNA community.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona