Category: Entertainment

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: December 1-5, 2025

South Rim Water Update – December 2, 2025

Grand Canyon National Park continues to address the significant breaks along the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL). As announced, additional water restrictions and a temporary suspension of overnight guest lodging on the South Rim will begin Saturday, December 6.

This short-term measure will help conserve limited water supplies while repairs continue. The park remains open for day use, and overnight lodging in Tusayan and other gateway communities is unaffected.

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra announces upcoming events

Join Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and NAU’s Community Dance Academy this weekend, December 5 and 6, for The Nutcracker Ballet—a beloved holiday tradition filled with color, wonder, and joy.

With three performances to choose from, there’s a perfect time for every family and every holiday schedule. Let Tchaikovsky’s shimmering score and Clara’s enchanted journey bring delight your weekend.
We’d love to celebrate the season with you. Reserve your seats today.
Yes, I’ll be there!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — our membership, donations support the work of CCC&Y

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.

Each week, the Coalition produces a weekly newsletter where we share partner news and events in our blog section and links to community resource meetings.

For families in Northern Arizona, we share information on variety of family-friendly events throughout the county, recent and upcoming information through our stories and photographs to food security, education, health and other programs. We also share links to a variety of resource guides in Northern Arizona.

Culture Connection AZ — Together We Build Connected Communities

We’re excited to launch The Connected Communities Monthly Challenge! This special campaign invites our supporters to build $400 per month in steady, sustaining gifts. And here’s the exciting part: when we reach this goal, an anonymous donor will contribute an additional $5,000 to amplify your impact.

Theatrikos Theater Co. — Single Tickets for the 2026 Season Now on Sale!

Single Tickets are now available for our 2026 Season! This is your opportunity to select the performances you are most looking forward to and secure the seats you love.

Our upcoming season features a dynamic lineup of productions that celebrate storytelling at its best. From heartfelt dramas to uplifting comedies, each show offers something unique, and we’re thrilled to share these experiences with you.

We look forward to welcoming you into the theatre for another season of memorable moments, inspiring performances, and the shared joy of live arts.

Coconino Center for the Arts thankful for more upcoming shows

Friday, December 5th, 7:00 PM 

Saturday, December 6th, 7:00 PM 

Sunday, December 7th, 2:30 PM 

The Stargazer Winter Cabaret is a joyous blend of showtunes, dancing, live music, and acting to celebrate the holidays and help us reflect on the true meaning of the season, spreading love. This fully produced family friendly show is perfect for all ages and will feature songs from Wicked, Hamilton, Anastasia, White Christmas, Moana, and more!

December events at the Coconino Center for the Arts

BECOME A MEMBER Exhibitions Concerts & Events Workshops Just a Reminder We’re taking some time to make things shine! The gallery will be CLOSED through Dec 2 for facility improvements, including new wall-to-wall carpeting and contemporary seating in the theater.…

Your Legacy. Our Future. Now is the Time at the Coconino Center for the Arts

As we wrap up the 40th Anniversary of Coconino Center for the Arts, we are reflecting on how this deeply supportive community has shaped our organization over the years. Now, we are building on our historic legacy with responsiveness and flexibility to keep the organization relevant and sustainable for the next 40 years. We are grateful for your prior participation and contributions that have helped lay the foundation for our work today!

We are entering the next chapter with exciting new developments. We want to give you the first opportunity to support these new initiatives through naming and sponsorship where Creative Flagstaff recognizes you, your business, or a loved one as a core part of our legacy. We invite you to consider the ways that your interests align with our needs:

Museum of Northern Arizona — Your Donation, Doubled!

We have exciting news to share! Thanks to an anonymous group of donors, your donation to MNA between now and December 31 will be doubled – doubling your impact as we prepare for big things in 2026.

With your help, MNA is poised to share our mission with more people than ever, expanding our work to create new exhibitions and educational programs, plus increasing access so that more people can visit the museum. The impact of your gift today will be doubled as you support:

Donate
New exhibitions in the coming year, including an expansion of MNA’s katsina doll display, plus three new exhibitions in our rotating galleries.
Programs to encourage more visitors to MNA, such as discounted admission of $10 on Sundays for Northern Arizona residents; subsidies for school field trips; and free admission for local college students.
Longstanding MNA traditions such as the Heritage Festival of Art & Culture, plus new initiatives including Indigenous demonstrations, interactive activities, and tours and talks related to rotating exhibitions.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: November 17-21, 2025

Together Through the Shutdown
A message from Superintendent Ed Keable

As Grand Canyon National Park resumes normal operations following the lapse of appropriations, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the entire Grand Canyon community—residents, partners, and local organizations—who stood together during an exceptionally difficult time.

This government shutdown placed real strain on families, employees, and businesses here at the Grand Canyon. Yet even in the most challenging moments, the strength of our community was unmistakable.

Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) played an extraordinary role throughout the shutdown, offering steady support when it was most needed. Their generosity provided community dinners, essential funding to sustain key park projects, and donations that directly supported local services relied on by many during this period. GCC’s commitment to this community is deeply appreciated, and we thank them for continuing to show up for Grand Canyon residents.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Coming Soon: Black Friday deals and single tickets on sale!

Theatrikos is delighted to present its upcoming holiday production, the heartwarming true story The Man Who Saved Christmas. Written by Ron Lytle and directed by Joe Maniglia, this captivating, family-friendly production will run from November 26 to December 21, 2025.

This delightful, family-friendly play tells the incredible true story of A.C. Gilbert, the inventor of the beloved Erector Set. The year is 1917, and the U.S. Council of National Defense is calling for a nationwide ban on all Christmas toys to conserve resources for the war effort. While others in the toy industry reluctantly agree, Gilbert stands up for what he believes in. This inspiring tale follows his journey to Washington D.C. to defend Christmas itself, proving that the magic of the holiday is worth fighting for.

STEM City Newsletter – November 2025 Edition

We’re excited to bring you the latest highlights, updates, and opportunities from across our vibrant STEM community. Each month, you’ll receive a newsletter that celebrates local innovation, showcases upcoming events, and connects Flagstaff to the broader national STEM landscape.

From hands-on activities and inspiring student projects to professional development and community partnerships, our goal is to keep you informed and engaged in the many ways STEM continues to shape our schools, city, and future.

Thank you for being part of our mission to make Flagstaff a hub for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Together, we’re building curiosity, creativity, and opportunity for learners of all ages.

Improvements Ahead for Coconino Center for the Arts

We’re taking some time to make things shine! 

The gallery will be CLOSED Nov 21-Dec 2 for facility improvements, including new wall-to-wall carpeting and contemporary seating in the theater. Stay tuned for updates! ⁠ ⁠

Please consider sponsoring a CCA Theater Seat, see details below.

Coconino High School students celebrate el Día de los Muertos with fourth annual shoebox ofrenda competition

FLAGSTAFF — Spanish language and English learning students at Coconino High School celebrated el Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead with their fourth annual shoebox ofrenda / altar competition.

Parents and students had the opportunity to view the ofrenda, ceramic sugar skulls, La Catrina images and other artworks during a celebration on Nov. 3, 2025. The winners were selected recently with students and others voting throughout the month, said teacher Francy Solarte

The event included a performance by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff and food prepared by students from the CHS Culinary Arts Level III and Baking and Pastry class.

Winners from the 2024 competition were recently at a special ofrenda by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces at the recent Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

Discover Flagstaff — Discover Fall Events

The Showgirl Era: A Swiftie Takeover (Nov. 14)

The Orpheum Theater

SWIFTIES UNITE! It’s time to Shake it off and celebrate Taylor Swift’s new album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ with a night of dancing through the eras, one drag queen at a time. 8:30 p.m.

Learn More

Discover what’s next at Sedona Arts Center!

WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
✨ Create. Learn. Connect.

From painting and ceramics to photography and mixed media, Sedona Arts Center offers workshops for every skill level — both in-person and online. Join us and be part of Sedona’s creative heartbeat.

Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim to Close for the Season on Nov. 14

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park will close the North Rim to all visitor access on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at 5:20 p.m. Sections of the North Rim are tentatively expected to reopen to visitors for the 2026 season on May 15, pending weather, trail conditions, infrastructure readiness, and completion of hazard mitigation efforts.

The North Rim reopened to visitors with limited access to eastern viewpoints this autumn following an extended closure caused by the Dragon Bravo Fire. The area was tentatively scheduled to remain open through November 30. However, forecasts call for winter weather and snowfall beginning this weekend. These conditions are expected to create unsafe travel and work environments in an area still recovering from post-fire hazards.

Sedona Arts Center — SAVE THE DATE! Community and Partner Event on Nov. 14-16

The Verde Valley Pottery Festival returns this weekend at beautiful D.A. Ranch in Cornville!

Join us Saturday, November 15, from 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday, November 16, from 10 am – 3 pm for a weekend celebrating clay, creativity, and community.

Discover the work of 14 exceptional ceramic artists from across the region — each presenting a distinctive collection of handmade pottery available for purchase. Enjoy live demonstrations, fun clay activities for kids, and a welcoming atmosphere surrounded by the scenic vineyard backdrop.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Parks & Recreation Newsletter: November 2025

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, staff and community who make our parks thrive. Your time, energy and passion help create spaces where people can connect, play and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. As we look ahead to the holiday season, we are especially grateful for each of you and the difference you make.

Sedona Arts Center — Featured Artists of the Month: Alex Rupert, Suzy Allan & Tom Yazzie

Alex Rupert, Suzy Allan,
and Tom Yazzie

Our Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. Sedona Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.

Marketplace of Dreams celebrates inaugural Día de los Muertos Festival. Other events held in region

FLAGSTAFF — Visitors to the Market of Dreams were greeted with music, flower-making workshops, games, face painting and a live performance in front of a colorful ofrenda / Altar at the inaugural Día de los Muertos Festival on Nov. 2.

Celebrated appropriately on All Souls Day, the event was presented by Chicanos por la Causa (CPLC).

A variety of other events celebrating Día de los Muertos were held in the region this past week. They included:

Sedona Arts Center — Featured Artists of the Month: Alex Rupert, Suzy Allan & Tom Yazzie

Our Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. Sedona Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.

Coconino Center for the Arts — Creative Flagstaff has been awarded the National Endowment for the Arts’ Our Town Grant

We’re delighted to announce that Creative Flagstaff has been awarded the competitiveNational Endowment for the Arts’OurTown Grant to support urban and rural engagement in multidisciplinary arts programming throughout Coconino County, Arizona, which will provide arts access to diverse communities through creative placemaking. This partnership between Coconino Center for the Arts and Coconino County will provide leadership to broaden arts and cultural programming to reach urban and rural communities county-wide, through:

Coconino County Parks & Recreation Newsletter November 2025

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, staff and community who make our parks thrive. Your time, energy and passion help create spaces where people can connect, play and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. As we look ahead to the holiday season, we are especially grateful for each of you and the difference you make.

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, Museum of Northern Arizona celebrate 22nd annual Celebraciones de la Gente. Also see link to Arizona Daily Sun gallery

FLAGSTAFF — From a daily Parade de los Muertos in the courtyard featuring members of Ballet Folkloric de Colores — Flagstaff, to large colorful canvas murals created by students throughout Northern Arizona, the 22nd annual Celebraciones de la Gente (Celebrations of the People) offered several new features during its presentation on Oct. 25, 26 at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

Sponsored by the Museum in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the annual Día de los Muertos celebration of course included its traditional display of altars / ofrendas, approaching nearly two dozen this year, cultural lectures on the Latino impact in Flagstaff and the art of creating these meaningful ofrendas.

The event opened with a private blessing by Nuestras members to the four directions of the compass, followed by the lighting of the ofrendas.

There were plenty of activities for young people including five completely sold out sugar skull decorating workshops for students, face painting, Día de los Muertos crafts and calaveritas (short poetry).

Adults and young people were also entertained with a Mexican loteria (lottery) game, a variety of Arizona food vendors.

Performances included Ballet Folklórico de Colores of Flagstaff, with the dance group concluding their daily performance by parading through the museum’s Jaime Major Golightly Courtyard dressed in their colorful Día de los Muertos-themed costumes.

A special annual treat is the Courtyard After Dark celebration, where the lights are dimmed with the candlelight ofrendas offering a moving display. The evening included the performance by Mariachi Agave from Tucson, which also provided daily performances in the museum’s Branigar/Chase Discovery Center.

Bilingual report — Chicanos por la Causa (CPLC) presenting Día de los Muertos Festival on Nov. 2 at Market of Dreams. Also see other regional events

Also see: 

• Arizona Daily Sun — Flag’s Día de los Muertos celebrations invite the community to honor traditions
• Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village in Sedona — Marigold Mural project to be held on Oct. 30-Nov. 1
• Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village in Sedona — Day of the Dead celebration to be held on Nov. 1

The NAU Review — Gear up for Native American Heritage Month: Events, conferences & awards

By celebrating Native American Heritage Month at NAU, “we honor our living presence, our resilience and the strength that continues to guide our peoples forward,” said Sheena Hale, director of the Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures. Browse this November’s events.

22nd annual Celebraciones de la Gente returns to the Museum of Northern Arizona

Tickets sold out for popular Celebraciones de la Gente Sugar Skull Decorating workshops Oct. 25, 26.

Also see:

Arizona Daily Sun — Flag’s Día de los Muertos celebrations invite the community to honor traditions

Arizona Daily Sun — Celebraciones de la Gente returning to Museum of Northern Arizona this month

FLAGSTAFF — Experience the vibrant traditions of Mexican heritage during the 22nd annual Celebraciones de la Gente (Celebrations of the People) at the Museum of Northern Arizona Oct. 25-26.

Held in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, Celebraciones honors the spirit of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with heartfelt remembrances and joyful festivities.

Festival highlights include colorful ofrendas (altars) set in honor of departed family and friends, traditional dances, live music, and cultural presentations. Visitors can enjoy sugar skull decorating, face painting, Día de los Muertos crafts, calaveritas (short poetry), Mexican loteria (lottery) and authentic food from Arizona vendors. Mariachi Agave of Tucson and Ballet Folklórico de Colores of Flagstaff will fill the festival with vibrant sound and movement.

Celebrate 100 years of Route 66 at Theatrikos!

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66, Theatrikos Theatre Company has commissioned an original theatrical production, that pays tribute to the spirit, history, and humor of America’s most iconic highway. After months of creative development, we’re proud to announce:

Route 66 to the Grand Canyon
A World Premiere Comedy | Performances Throughout 2026
Tickets are on sale now at theatrikos.com

Reservation still available for popular Celebraciones de la Gente Sugar Skull Decorating workshops Oct. 25, 26

Workshops fill quickly. Get your reservations in now!

FLAGSTAFF — Join us for Sugar Skull Decorating during Celebraciones de la Gente (Oct. 25-26) and take part in a cherished Día de los Muertos tradition. Sugar skulls (calaveras de azúcar) are colorful, whimsical confections that celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed. Made from sugar and decorated with bright designs, they symbolize the sweetness of life and are often placed on ofrendas (altars) or shared as gifts. Far from somber, these joyful creations bring warmth, memory, and celebration to the season.

Master decorators will be on hand to help you adorn your own sugar skull to take home. The Sugar Skull Decorating workshops are perfect for kids and adults. You must purchase a $10 ticket in advance for each participant.

Admission to Celebraciones de la Gente is an additional fee.

Culture Connection AZ announces Fall Festivities

View this email in your browser Join us for more Fall Festivities Spanish Conversation Group October 20th at the Historic Ice House You’re invited to Spanish Conversation Group with Culture Connection AZ 📍 Historic Ice House 201 E Birch Ave,…

New Art Classes and Workshops at Sedona Arts Center

From ceramics and painting to photography, encaustics, and more — our upcoming classes and workshops offer something for every artist. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to expand your skills, join us in the studio or online and be part of Sedona’s creative community.

Grand Canyon National Park announces partial reopening of North Rim on Oct. 1 Following Dragon Bravo Fire

The partial reopening will include Highway 67 to the W1 road, (approximately at mile marker 11), and the Cape Royal Road, providing access to both Point Imperial and Cape Royal. Additionally, Fire Point and Swamp Ridge will reopen. These areas will be open daily from official sunrise to official sunset. No overnight use is permitted on the North Rim with the exception of Swamp Point and Fire Point. Open areas will remain accessible through Nov. 30, 2025, or until the first major snowfall, whichever occurs first.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: September 22-26, 2025

In 2024, 4.9 million visitors to Grand Canyon National Park spent an estimated $905 million in local gateway regions while visiting the park. These expenditures supported a total of 8,780 jobs, $393 million in labor income, $698 million in value added, and $1.1 billion in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Grand Canyon National Park.

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra’s Season 76 opens with Fanfares & Fireworks on Sept. 26

September 26, marks the first notes of a new season for Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra—and we’d love to see you there! Fanfares & Fireworks opens a year of music that celebrates beauty, bold journeys, and thrilling triumphs. Tomorrow night’s concert begins at 7:30 PM in Ardrey Memorial Auditorium.

Reserve your seats today, and share the excitement of Season 76’s opening night with us. We can’t wait to see you there!

The NAU Review — Relive a tree-rific Family Weekend at NAU!

Building bikes for local children, a fun-filled block party and casino night and a record-making football game that included a Hail Mary pass in the final seconds of the first half—Lumberjacks know how to do Family Weekend right! NAU Social was out over the weekend to capture all the fun.

Sunnyside Neighborhood Association celebrates 22nd annual Fiesta de Independencia Celebration at Flagstaff Mall. See celebrations nationwide

FLAGSTAFF — From the festive performances of folklorico dancers to the moving traditional El Grito de Dolores read by the Mexican Consul from Phoenix, Flagstaff joined cities across the nation in celebrating Mexican Independence Day when the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association presented its 22nd annual Fiesta de Independencia Celebration at a new venue, the Flagstaff Mall on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.

Officials attending the event included Jorge Mendoza Yescas, Cónsul General de Mexico, Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett, Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez, and Coral Evans representing the office U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly. Other officials in attended included Flagstaff City Councilmember Anthony Garcia.

Serving as presenters and organizers were Alejandra Esparza Marin and Kimberly Robinson.

Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff presented their always inspiring dance performance.

The event also featured, about a dozen arts and crafts and informational vendors, concluding with the traditional smashing of the candy-filled of the piñata for children.

Also see, celebration of Mexican Independence Day nationwide

2025 Celebración De NAU brings students, faculty, staff and community together for festive Hispanic Heritage Month event

FLAGSTAFF — In what has become an annual festive celebration to mark the start of Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month, the Northern Arizona University community gathered for an evening of fun, food and information during the 2025 Celebración De NAU held on Sept. 16, 2025 at the spacious DuBois Ballroom in south campus.

Presented by the Office of Inclusion, C3, Campus Living and the Center for Inclusive Excellence and Access, organizers said the event allowed students to have some fun and also gain information and contacts from a variety of campus and community groups such as Chicanos Por La CAUSA, the Hispanic/Latine Leadership Program, Kappa Delta Chi, the Latine Student Union, the NAU Dept. of Astronomy and Planetary Sciences, NAU Counseling Services, the NAU Society of Professional Engineers and the NAU Spanish Club.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — The popular Snook’s Science in the Park takes Place Sept. 20 in Flagstaff

On Saturday, Sept. 20th, join the Festival of Science at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff and engage with over 50 booths with interactive learning for the whole family! Some of the activities you will get to do include:

Practice using prehistoric technologies

Meet live birds of prey

Safely view sun spots through a solar telescope

Build a wildlife crossing prototype

Sedona Arts Center — Out of the Fire: Student Ceramic Exhibition, more news

Celebrate the creativity of Sedona Arts Center’s ceramics students in Out of the Fire, a dynamic exhibition and sale featuring dozens of original works. Produced during classes, workshops, and open studios, the show highlights the incredible range of talent emerging from SAC’s ceramics department — from striking sculptural forms to elegant dinnerware and functional pieces.

Join us for a special artist reception on Friday, September 19, 4–6 p.m., held in conjunction with Celebrate Sedona. The afternoon will include music, artist demonstrations, food, wine, and beer. Both the exhibition and reception are free and open to the public, with complimentary parking available behind the Art Barn.

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra’s Season 76 opens on SEPTEMBER 26 — Reserve your seat today

You are cordially invited to celebrate the opening of Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra’s 76th Season with our first concert, Fanfares and Fireworks, on Friday, September 26 at 7:30 PM in Ardrey Memorial Auditorium. FSO launches the season with a program brimming with excitement, featuring music of breathtaking power and dazzling virtuosity.

Purchase tickets here or by clicking the button below.

Sedona Arts Center — Sign up for an art class today!

park your creativity with upcoming classes and workshops at Sedona Arts Center! From ceramics and painting to photography, encaustics, and more, there’s something for every artist and learner — whether you’re beginning a new journey or expanding your practice. Join us in the studio or online, connect with fellow creatives, and be part of a vibrant community in the heart of Sedona.