
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,…

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Significant progress continues on the Dragon Bravo Fire, which is now 86% contained at 145,504 acres with 617 personnel assigned.
Today at 6 a.m., the Kaibab National Forest reopened approximately 96,000 acres of national forest lands on the North Kaibab Ranger District. This step was made possible thanks to extensive suppression repair work, including hazard tree removal and safety improvements along roads and trails. While more areas are now accessible, several roads remain closed. For the latest road status, maps, and closure information, visit the Kaibab National Forest Alerts page.

Chromatic colors in bubbles create a mesmerizing effect when light interacts with the thin film of soap, producing a spectrum of colors due to light interference and diffraction and splitting into its individual colors. As the bubble moves or changes shape, the iridescent spectrum of colors shift and transform due to the changing thickness of the soapy film, creating a dynamic and spell-binding result. As in the case of this image, a simple bubble against the blue sky can be used to create visually striking art and design pieces.

COCONINO COUNTY — From the colorful swirling traditional costumes of female performers from Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, to the energizing Latino tropical beat of headliner Tropicalisimo Apache, fairgoers had plenty of entertainment to choose from at the 2025 Coconino County Fair on Sunday, Aug. 31 at Fort Tuthill, Flagstaff.
The fair will conclude today, Sept 1. See today’s schedule here.

Grand Canyon Music Festival concerts this weekend
The festival showcases a variety of music types, including classical, contemporary (modern composers and new works) along with Jazz and Blues.
All performances take place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Evening performances are scheduled to take place on Fridays and Saturdays – beginning this Friday (August 29th) and running through Saturday, September 13, Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation with a suggested donation of $20. Details: https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/concerts/

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we are getting close to our goal of funding brand-new theater seats for the Coconino Center for the Arts! After more than 40 years of use, our current seats have served our community well, but it’s time for a long-awaited upgrade.
With just a few weeks left before our September 27 deadline, we need your help to cross the finish line. Every seat sponsored brings us closer to unveiling a modern, more comfortable theater experience for all.

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

Dear Museum Friends,
As the Museum of Northern Arizona marks its 97th year this month, I’m thrilled to announce Twilight Thursdays, our latest initiative to enable more people to visit. The Museum will stay open late every Thursday until 7 p.m. Admission is pay-what-you-wish starting at 4 p.m. Guests are welcome to pay any amount—a few dollars, the regular admission price, or more if they’d like to support the Museum.
Whether you’re looking for an inspiring after-work outing, a family-friendly evening, or a peaceful way to wind down your day surrounded by art, culture, and science, Twilight Thursdays offer an exceptional opportunity for more people to enjoy the Museum galleries, exhibits, and Gift Shop.

Creative Flagstaff is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 Arts & Science Project Grant Program. With $125,000 available for funding, these grants are designed to empower and expand the creative, scientific, and cultural landscape of the Flagstaff community!
Arts & Science Project Grants are available to non-profit ORGANIZATIONS or INDIVIDUALS with a non-profit fiscal agent for INNOVATION:

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

It is with immense excitement and pride that I invite you to join us for Theatrikos Theatre Company’s 2026 Season, our most vibrant, daring, and heartfelt season yet.
From the first laugh of a lightning-fast mystery in Clue to the final, haunting chords of A Christmas Carol, this season is a celebration of everything that makes theatre magical: joy, depth, humanity, and connection. Whether you’re a lover of musicals that stir the soul, comedies that leave your cheeks sore from laughing, or dramas that spark meaningful reflection, this season was made for you.
Each production in our 2026 lineup has been chosen with care to speak to the broad, beautiful spectrum of human experience. You’ll find yourself swept up in nostalgic harmonies, provocative questions, moving love stories, and more than a few surprises. We’re not just putting on plays, we’re building a season of shared moments and unforgettable nights at the theatre.
And there’s never been a better time to subscribe.

Dragon Bravo Fire Update – Aug. 28
The Dragon Bravo Fire remains at 145,504 acres and 64% containment, with 654 personnel assigned. Crews continue to make progress removing hazard trees along Hwy. 67 and other roads, with an average of 15 truckloads hauled out each day. Suppression repair, mop-up, and patrols are ongoing, and no additional fire growth is expected.
With the fire stabilized, attention is turning to post-fire impacts. The DOI Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is now on-site in the park, while the U.S. Forest Service BAER Team is working on the Kaibab National Forest.

Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) to staff Coconino County booth Sunday afternoon, Aug. 31. Come by for a visit. SEE MORE COCONINO COUNTY FAIR INFORMATION BELOW…
COCONINO COUNTY — In what is becoming an unofficial Latino entertainment day, the Coconino County Fair’s (Aug. 29 through Sept. 1) entertainment will include Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, Rhythm Edition — Latin Set, Grupo Conceptos on Sunday, Aug. 31
Our entertainment schedule is now posted. You can now view the schedule for each day of the Fair. Check out the lineup here

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

“If you live on the Eastside or have a strong connection to this area, the artist team wants to hear from you,” said Jana Weldon, program manager for Beautification, Arts & Sciences. “This is your chance to share what makes this part of Flagstaff special.”
An online survey, open now through September 9, invites participants to answer a series of experiential questions designed to spark factual, imaginative, and community-rooted responses. Insights gathered will help the artist team develop a site-specific, one-of-a-kind artwork that reflects the spirit of the Eastside.

Creative Flagstaff is thrilled to announce that ARTx: Art + Ideas Experience is back for 2026 — and we’re once again offering funding to bring bold, creative ideas to life in Flagstaff! Thanks to $125,000 from the City of Flagstaff’s Bed, Board, and Beverage tax revenue, this marks the 4th year of funding for artists through ARTx.
The 2026 biennial event will light up Flagstaff May 1–3, 2026 with a multi-day celebration of performances, exhibitions, installations, activations, conversations, and community gatherings — plus additional ARTx moments all year long during First Friday ArtWalks.
We’re looking for individual artists, creative collaborations, and organizations ready to dream big. Whether your work thrives on the street, in a gallery, outdoors, or in unexpected places, ARTx has a space for you.

Get ready for a thought-provoking and deeply human experience as Theatrikos prepares to stage Rebecca Gilman’s compelling play, Swing State. Directed by AJ Flores, this powerful production promises to resonate with audiences through its exploration of complex themes including what it means to be human, the intricacies of trust, the bonds of family, whether by blood or by choice, and navigating the profound impact of loss.
Swing State tells the story of Peg, a woman who has found solace in the quiet beauty of her prairie land after the loss of her husband. Her solitary life is interrupted by visits from a troubled friend and the mysterious disappearance of her late husband’s belongings. When the authorities are called, a tense chain of events unfolds, forcing everyone to question who they can truly trust. The play delves into the cracks in our communities, revealing how national divisions echo through our most personal relationships.

FLAGSTAFF — A record-breaking crowd of more than 450 took part in the 10th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” held on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
The free event, which celebrates Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture and community history, was headlined with the return of popular all-female Mariachi Rubor, with other entertainment including opening music by Cumbre, the ever energetic Ballet Folkloroco de Colores — Flagstaff and closing dance music by New Destiny.
In between the entertainment, the event included the traditional all veterans group photo, the Dale E. Crick Purple Heart Chapter No.793 truck display, new additions to the Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces Hispanic veterans banner display; a car show, arts & crafts booths, raffles and of course tasty Mexican and other food.

Apply for a Beautification in Action Grant
Artists, local businesses, nonprofits, schools, and community groups—this is your chance to transform Flagstaff’s shared spaces. The City of Flagstaff, through the Beautification and Public Art Commission, is accepting Beautification in Action (BIA) grants of up to $8,000 for creative projects that add character and beauty to our community. Eligible projects must be in publicly accessible locations and can include murals, sculptures, community or pollinator gardens, decorative benches, neighborhood pathways, and more.

Single tickets for FSO’s Season 76 are now available! Whether there’s one concert you can’t wait to experience, or you’re planning a year of music, now is the time to reserve your seats.
If you’ll be joining us for more than one performance, a subscription is still one of the best ways to enjoy the season—offering discounted pricing, exclusive benefits, and the flexibility to make Season 76 your own. Full season and flexible packages are still available.
Subscriptions start as low as $129 for a three-concert package. Learn more about each concert on our website and secure your seats today.

We are thrilled to launch our fall concert season with an diverse array of local favorites and acclaimed touring artists, offering something for every music lover.
Listed below are the first concerts of the season, and we’ll be announcing even more performances and dates in the weeks ahead. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Coconino Center for the Arts for another season of unforgettable live music!

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.

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

FLAGSTAFF — To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invites the public to attend its 10th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff.
The event is FREE, open to the public and has drawn upwards of 400 visitors in past years.
Entertainment for this year includes the opening music of Cumbre, followed by a dance performance by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, the return of the popular all-female Mariachi Rubor, with closing dance music by New Destiny.

We’re thrilled to share that we’re so close to reaching our goal to purchase brand-new seats for the Coconino Center for the Arts theater—but we need your help to get us across the finish line!
The current seats have been in use for over 40 years, and it’s time for a much-needed upgrade. With our concert season fast approaching, our goal is to have all seats sponsored by September 27 so the new seating can be installed in November. The photo below shows the modern, more comfortable seats we’ll install with your support.

In appreciation of all code talkers, the event will feature an official proclamation, an informational message from Eugene “Geno” Talas, U.S. Air Force, Retired, Chief Master Sergeant and special honoring songs by Clark Tenakhongva, E-6 Staff Sergeant, three years reserves, U.S. Army. There will also be a cultural share through dances and songs from a local Hopi dance group and a light breakfast and lunch will be served to attendees.

Soar into an unforgettable evening with Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra at Wiseman Aviation. On August 30, experience an intimate and immersive musical soirée with Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra musicians. Plus, savor local flavors, sip wine and craft beer, and enjoy live and silent auctions.
Purchase tickets here or by clicking the button below.

OPENING RECEPTION THIS FRIDAY
at Celebrate Sedona!
Friday, August 1, 2025 | 4–6pm
In the Special Exhibitions Gallery and Theater Studio
at Sedona Arts Center
15 Art Barn Road, Uptown Sedona
Join us for a vibrant evening of art, music, and community as we kick off our 2025–26 season with Celebrate Sedona and the opening of our newest exhibition, The Face of Time. This juried show features powerful and diverse portraiture from artists across the country—exploring identity, memory, and transformation through the lens of time.

Join us for a free youth art workshop led by artist and instructor Erika Tsouras: On The Road: Using Perspective to Draw a Realistic Road Scene! In this hands-on session, young artists will learn the basics of one-point perspective to create dynamic and realistic road scenes inspired by Route 66. Erika will guide students step-by-step through drawing techniques that bring depth and dimension to their artwork.
This is a free one-hour workshop and no experience is necessary! All supplies are provided.

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.
VIEW ALL EVENTS THIS WEEK

Message from Superintendent Keable on Dragon Bravo Fire
The recent Dragon Bravo Fire has profoundly impacted our Grand Canyon community, particularly for our colleagues on the North Rim who have bravely faced this devastating event. Many have experienced traumatic conditions, with some losing their homes and cherished belongings. The challenges have not been limited to our North Rim team; South Rim employees and the Grand Canyon community in and out of the park have felt the weight of this fire, as many have deep personal connections to the North Rim.
The destruction wrought by the fire is hard to fathom, and we acknowledge the emotional toll it has taken on all of us. In response to this crisis, we are adjusting our park management structure to better serve the needs of our affected employees, and the complex demands of the Grand Canyon. I continue to focus my efforts as the Agency Administrator of the Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT), comprised of skilled professionals who are dedicated to addressing the ongoing fire.
To further stabilize our response, we have assembled a regional Incident Management Team that is focusing on vital areas such as coordinating mental and physical health resources and planning for the ongoing needs of those affected.
As we navigate this difficult time, we are bolstered by the strength, resilience, and dedication that defines the GRCA community. Together, we will overcome these challenges.

At Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, we believe in helping our community feel vibrant, connected, and fully alive. That’s why we’re sending one final reminder about Fitness Collective’s exclusive offer just for the FSO community—a custom, 3-week Fitness Jumpstart Program for just $99!
One of our FSO board members, Cindy, has personally been training with Fitness Collective for several months. She says: