Category: Entertainment

Downtown Flagstaff — Find Your New Year’s Eve Plans Here. Flagstaff Happenings

Wednesday, December 31

Noon Year’s Eve

Downtown Flagstaff

Heritage Square will be buzzing from 10:00am–1:00pm with crafts, games, face painting, axe throwing, pinecone decorating, a live DJ, a photobooth, and more family-friendly fun, all leading up to a magical Noon Pinecone Drop with a sparkling apple cider toast to welcome 2026. 10 a.m. Free.

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Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra wishes you a Happy New Year

As we prepare to welcome a new year, Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra wishes to express our deep gratitude for the moments we shared in 2025. Together, we experienced uplifting and artistic performances, impactful collaborations, and collective enthusiasm that inspired us every step of the way.

Whether you attended a concert, supported one of our outreach programs, or simply shared your love of live orchestral music with others, you helped make this year one of connection and joy.

Coconino County Center for the Arts — Your Year-End Donation is needed now to support youth arts

Dear Friends,

There’s still time for a year-end donation to ensure arts engagement for youth at Coconino Center for the Arts.⁠

Creative Flagstaff has been awarded a $15k grant from the Robert Lehman Foundation toward our $30k initiative to expand educational programs and build permanent infrastructure for youth access to the visual arts at CCA, which includes:

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 15-19, 2025

Lodging Reopens as Transcanyon Waterline Work Continues

As 2025 comes to a close, overnight lodging on the South Rim has resumed and some water restrictions have eased. This progress comes after park water utility crews successfully completed complex repairs to the existing pipeline and resumed pumping water without identifying additional breaks.

Hotels operated by Xanterra—including El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, and Maswik Lodge—as well as Delaware North’s Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village, are now welcoming overnight guests, with reservations open. While water storage is improving, the park will continue operating under enhanced water conservation measures until storage tanks reach adequate capacity. Dry camping remains in effect, campground spigots are still turned off, and fire restrictions continue across the South Rim and inner canyon.

FORE! Miniature Golf at Coconino Center for the Arts

FORE! is a miniature golf art installation exhibition and fundraiser to support exhibitions and programming at CCA. CCA’s 4,000 square foot gallery will turn into a 9-hole miniature golf course, with each green uniquely designed by an Arizona artist or local community group!

Flagstaff community holds traditional Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration

FLAGSTAFF — Early morning temperatures in the low 20s didn’t deter parishioners or supporters of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration held at the historic Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel in Flagstaff on Dec. 12, 2025.

About 100 Luminarias, placed by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, lit the way for the more than 100 churchgoers who took part in the event that included a Rosary led by Sociedades Guadalupanas, a Mañanitas Serenade to Our Lady of Guadalupe, a bilingual mass with a blessing of new new Guadalupana members.

Pan dulce, coffee and Mexican chocolate, served by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, greeted attendees who went downstairs to the meeting hall in the basement.

The celebration officially began on Dec. 11 when participants met in front of the chapel prior to the traditional procession to San Francisco de Asis Church, which featured a performance by Danza San Francisco de Asis, followed by a Reenactment of the Apparition and Consecration to the Virgin Mary.

New art projects celebrate Southside history and community in Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences program has announced the completion of two public art projects at Cleo Murdoch Park and the Murdoch Community Center.

“Rustle,” an 8-foot-high weathering steel artwork located at Cleo Murdoch Park, adjacent to the Murdoch Community Center, was designed by artist Beth Nybeck. The sculpture incorporates words and phrases contributed by the community into its leaf-like form.  Symbolizing both nature and the interconnected stories that define the neighborhood, the artwork celebrates the Southside, its history, and its people.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 8-12, 2025

Good news—Phantom Ranch (reopened Dec. 11)! Crews repaired the damaged section of the Transcanyon Waterline and began pumping water again on December 8. South Rim water tanks are slowly refilling, and if that progress continues, we expect to reopen South Rim lodges in the near future.

All existing water and fire restrictions remain in effect. This includes:

• No overnight lodging inside the park
• Dry camping only (no spigot access at Mather Campground)
• No outdoor wood or charcoal fires
• Continued conservation measures for residents and employees

Give the Gift of Coconino Center for the Arts

Give the Gift of CCA This Holiday Season
This year, share the joy of creativity, connection, and community. Whether you’re celebrating a loved one or treating yourself, gifts from Coconino Center for the Arts last far beyond the season. Because the gift of celebrating the arts gives all year long.

Theatrikos Theater Co. — Help Us Close the Year with a Standing Ovation!

As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect with deep gratitude on the extraordinary community that keeps Theatrikos Theatre Company thriving. This year, your support fueled bold productions, empowered local artists, and ignited creativity in students across Flagstaff.  Your generosity has been the heartbeat of our success, fueling our passion and determination. As we prepare for another incredible year, we invite you to join us in shaping a vibrant future for our community.

Sedona Arts Center — Create, Explore, and Travel With Us

Two unforgettable creative journeys
— Ireland and Maine await.

There’s something transformative about leaving home and creating art in a place that speaks to you. Our Field Expeditions are built around that experience — pairing extraordinary instructors with landscapes that shape the work itself.

Each journey is fully curated, intentionally timed, and deeply immersive. With expert instruction, supportive staff, and local partners who know their region intimately, these trips aren’t tours — they’re creative retreats rooted in place, meaning, and discovery.

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.