Across Arizona, public educators know how to help their students succeed, but they often think they can’t make meaningful change without permission from the state. Permission Granted, a new tool co-developed by NAU’s Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy, aims to show schools there’s more flexibility than they think—and they can use it to their advantage to adjust bell schedules, launch career-readiness initiatives and more.
Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center …and Online!
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our classes and workshops — from iPhoneography and oil painting to sculpting, stained glass, ceramics, and pottery for teens and beginners — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring. Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its
next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 5. Our next guest speaker will be Brandy Stuhan, Coconino County Youth Behavioral Health Center Clinical Director.
Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.
The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.
Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.
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March 7-28, 2026
Youth Arts Exhibition Opening Reception March 7, 4-8 pm
Youth Talent Showcase CCA Theater March 7, 5-7 pm
This year’s exhibition features a record number of 510 pieces by over 300 regional youth artists!!
Coconino Center for the Arts’ 2026 Youth Arts Exhibition invites local youth artists from Coconino County and the regional community to exhibit their recent artwork at CCA. The exhibition is open to and inclusive of all artwork submissions by youth artists, Pre-K to 12th grade, that reflect the theme From Ordinary to Extraordinary.
From first cue to final bow, Jacks take the lead
Students in NAU’s theater program don’t just perform—they also produce. Every theater production runs entirely on student power, with Lumberjacks stepping into the spotlight, building sets, programming lights, mixing sound, patching costumes, promoting shows and managing the chaos. It’s all about teamwork, community and hands-on learning.
FLAGSTAFF — Join Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez and members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) for a film screening of A Song for Cesar! The film aims to educate generations old and new about civil rights activist Cesar Chavez’s legacy of impactful, peaceful protest.
The inaugural Cesar Chavez Film Screening will be held on Monday, March 16 at 5:30 p.m. at Coconino Center for the Arts.
A Song for Cesar, a documentary film by Abel Sanchez and Andres Alegria, presents a unique view of the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez and the farmworker movement.
Click below for the latest news updates from the:
Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
LIMITED SEATS: Sunday, March 1, 7:30 pm
One of Canada’s finest artists, Bruce Cockburn has enjoyed an illustrious career shaped by politics, spirituality, and musical diversity. The Ottawa-born artist remains deeply respected for his activism on issues from native rights and land mines to the environment and Third World debt, working for organizations such as Oxfam, Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, and Friends of the Earth.
The year is already alive with music at Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, and this weekend, we bring that energy to a new space in town. Join us Saturday, February 28 at 3:00 PM for our second Max Jerrell Community Concert of the season at Shepherd of the Hills Church (1601 N. San Francisco St.).
FSO musicians and friends perform Dohnányi’s Serenade for Strings and Schumann’s Piano Quartet in E-flat Major, two masterful works of drama and intimacy.
Shaping the world one sound at a time
Jordan Strohmeyer is exploring how audio shapes our world. Through the Lumberjacks Thrive Externship program, he has made connections and gained an inside look at what the industry he wants to explore after graduation is like, finding inspiration at the intersection of art and science.
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.
Two of Minnesota’s finest musicians team up for an intimate and unforgettable evening.
David Huckfelt is a singer/ lyricist /activist and founding frontman of Minneapolis indie-folk cult favorites “The Pines”. With improvisational mastery, Huckfelt’s shows and songs have earned him a devoted following from small-town opera houses & theaters to national festival stages.
Join us for a night of celebration, reflection, and school-spirit–level pride as we honor the individuals and organizations who have helped shape our community and move it forward. Think: a reunion with purpose, a celebration of growth, and a reminder of just how far we’ve come—together.
Get ready to tease your hair and dust off your favorite crinoline! Theatrikos is over the moon to announce the cast for our second Mainstage production of the season, The Marvelous Wonderettes, directed by the talented Matthew Windham.
This high-energy jukebox musical whisks us back to the 1958 Springfield High School Prom, where four best friends with big dreams and even bigger voices take the stage. We’ve found a quartet of powerhouse performers ready to deliver those iconic four-part harmonies and classic hits like “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” From the bubblegum pop of the 50s to the soulful girl-group sounds of the 60s, these ladies are ready to sing their hearts out.
I Heart Pluto Festival
Various Locations
As part of the centennial celebration of Route 66, this year’s event centers around the connection between Pluto and Route 66, as well as the 20th anniversary of Pluto’s reclassification. Various Times.
Dear Museum Friends,
As we move into the new year, I’d like to share why becoming a member of the Museum of Northern Arizona means a deeper connection to the Colorado Plateau you love, as well as belonging to a community of people who share that interest.
Members enjoy all that MNA has to offer with free year-round general admission to the Museum, early access to exhibitions and events, invitations to member-only experiences, and discounts on select programs and in the Museum Gift Shop. Some membership levels also include reciprocal admission to cultural institutions across the U.S. and Canada through the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association—an especially valuable perk for frequent travelers and museum lovers.
Friday, February 13, 7:30 pm
Over the course of his thirty-year career, Nolan McKelvey has covered nearly every corner of the country and traversed all roads of Americana. From the pavement of alt-country, to the dusty trails of bluegrass, to the gravel roads of classic-country, to the interstate highway of rock-n-roll.
Joining him for this intimate performance is Jesse Valenzuela, founding member of Gin Blossoms. For more than three decades, Jesse has provided the multi-platinum group with hit songs (“Til I Hear It From You,” “Follow You Down,” “Mrs. Rita”), masterful guitar playing and exquisite harmony singing.
Register NOW for Upcoming Programs
Teaching High School in a Time of Polycrisis
begins Feb. 22nd
“How Tyranny Works”
begins March 1st
“Surveillance, Privacy, & Democracy
begins March 31st
Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower
begins April 4th
Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center …and Online!
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our classes and workshops — from iPhoneography and oil painting to sculpting, stained glass, ceramics, and pottery for teens and beginners — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring. Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.
Recreation Program Catalog
The 2026 Recreation Program Catalog (January – June) is now online! Register for upcoming programs and sessions. There are various classes listed including beginner and intermediate archery clinics, culinary classes, disc golf clinics, and the popular youth summer camp, Fun at the Fort.
Saturday, February 7
10th Annual Flagstaff Chocolate Walk
Flagstaff Vistor Center
Join us in Downtown Flagstaff for a delicious afternoon of chocolate, shopping, and community fun! 11 a.m.
Park Moves to Stage 1 Water Restrictions
Good news! Grand Canyon National Park has moved to Stage 1 water restrictions after improved reservoir tank levels. While this shift allows for normal operations, conserving water is still important. All employees, residents, and visitors are asked to continue using water wisely.
We are proud to announce the 2026 National Theatre Live Series at Theatrikos, featuring a powerful lineup of acclaimed productions recorded live from London’s National Theatre and shared with our community here in Flagstaff. These screenings invite audiences to experience extraordinary performances and timeless stories in a setting designed for connection, conversation, and shared discovery.
We have so much going on this month, I am going to jump right in….
First, Vision + Sound: An African American Experience opens TONIGHT, Friday, February 6 at Celebrate Sedona from 4-6PM. Since the weather will be GREAT, we will be outside. The band, Just Common, is performing and artist, Isse Maloi, is demonstrating. As usual, we will have beer, wine and water for sale as well as some light hors d’oeuvres to munch on.
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our classes and workshops — from iPhoneography and oil painting to sculpting, stained glass, ceramics, and pottery for teens and beginners — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring. Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.
NightVisions: AMBER is an international juried art exhibition that seeks to explore and celebrate our deep connections with the night. In its 9th iteration for 2026, this long-standing collaboration between Coconino Center for the Arts and the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition celebrates the 25th anniversary of Flagstaff’s designation as the world’s first International Dark Sky City. This special anniversary-year exhibition expands upon the established NightVisions: Cultural Interpretations of the Night Sky concept with a focused thematic exploration of amber lighting, aligning with the critical role that amber spectrum lighting plays in Flagstaff’s dark-sky conservation.
Courtesy MosaicNAZ.org
FLAGSTAFF — A national shutdown is planned for Friday, Jan. 30 as part of the growing opposition to the ICE crackdown operation in Minneapolis, Minn. Under the banner of”No Work, No School. No Shopping. Stop Funding Ice,” organizers hope the action will convince the Trump administration to end their operation in Minneapolis.
“The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country – to stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN,” the organization reported on its website.
Protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intensified during the past few weeks following the shooting deaths of ICE watchers Renee Nicole Good on Jan. 7 and Alex Pretti on Jan. 24.
Another protest against ICE and surveillance cameras is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 near Flagstaff City Hall.
Phantom Ranch has reopened following the successful repair of multiple breaks along the Transcanyon Waterline, and water service has now been restored to Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, Boat Beach, and the Delta restrooms. Park water utilities crews completed repairs near Manzanita Rest Area and the mule corral near Phantom Ranch, allowing the system to be repressurized and inner canyon operations to resume.
On the South Rim, water tanks are slowly refilling as the system stabilizes. Grand Canyon National Park remains under Stage 2 water restrictions, and residents are encouraged to continue reducing water use wherever possible to support system recovery. Utilities staff will continue monitoring the waterline and system pressures as operations return to normal.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5. Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.
The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.
Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition coalition@coconinokids.org to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.
READ MORE
Story courtesy MosaicNAZ.org
FLAGSTAFF — Anti-ICE protesters braved a chilly and breezy Friday afternoon to take part in a nationwide demonstration in response to a federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota.
Taking positions in front of the Flagstaff City Hall, the majority of protesters waved a variety of anti-ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) signs on Jan. 23, 2026.
The local protest was organized by Indivisible Northern Arizona in response to ICE activity in Minneapolis, Minn., which included the shooting death of immigrant supporter and ICE watcher Renee Nicole Good on Jan. 7, 2026.
“Thank you to everyone who turned out today in solidarity with Minnesota! Our volunteer counted 550 people at the height of the protest,” Indivisible reported on its Facebook webpage.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park is preparing an adaptive approach for the seasonal reopening of the North Rim, evaluating potential impacts from winter weather to park infrastructure after the Dragon Bravo Fire. The park aims to open popular points of interest, including the North Kaibab Trail, on May 15, weather and conditions permitting.
Park officials emphasize that the guiding principle for the upcoming season is: “We will open what we can, where we can, when we can.” This approach prioritizes visitor safety, resource protection, and operational readiness. Park officials are aware of the challenges of local communities, businesses and our visitors in planning for the 2026 season and are committed to providing specific details about the 2026 North Rim season no later than April 1, 2026.
Our Valentine’s Day Jewelry auction will be closing soon! This auction will close on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 12:00 pm (MST) to allow us time to ship any items and ensure that they will arrive before February 14th.
If you have been looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, look no further than MNA’s virtual auction, featuring 20 stunning jewelry pieces! What’s more, all auction proceeds will benefit MNA’s educational mission, so you can give a lovely gift and support the museum at once.
CALL TO ARTISTS — Culture Connection AZ is hosting an exhibition during the month of March in honor of Women’s History Month. Titled Resilience Revisited: The Women Continuing the Legacy, the exhibition will honor both the experiences of women in Northern Arizona, and specific women who have carried on the legacy of the groundbreaking women honored in the original Resilience exhibition.
Saturday, Jan 31, 7:30 pm
Jake Allen has toured globally, is endorsed by Takamine Guitars, and has shared stages with guitar legends such as Andy McKee and Mike Dawes. As a solo artist, Allen utilizes impeccably timed live looping to create a captivating one-man show, with his hypnotic command of the guitar bringing every inch of the instrument to life.
By MosaicNAZ.org
NORTHERN ARIZONA — Anti-ICE organizers have announced a series of protests and actions in response to the shooting death of a Minneapolis, Minn. man on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal law enforcement agencies.
Protests will be held at:
She Kills Monsters — Theatrikos Theatre
In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. Fr.-Sat. 7 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m.
Over the last week, Grand Canyon National Park water utilities crews successfully repaired multiple pipeline failures along the North Kaibab Trail that temporarily disrupted water service in the inner canyon. Two pipeline breaks near Manzanita Rest Area were fully excavated and repaired, followed by successful excavation and repair at the Xanterra mule corral site near Phantom Ranch. With all damaged sections addressed, the Transcanyon Waterline is now being repressurized.
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 we couldn’t do it without the support of our Funding Partners, our Sponsors and our Organization and Group members.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth (CCC&Y) is pleased to receive support from both local and state partners. This support ensures the success of activities and increases the capacity of CCC&Y to have the greatest impact on children and youth at the earliest stages possible.
Our Funding Partners include:
The City of Flagstaff
Coconino County
Vitalyst Health Foundation
Our 2025 Sponsors included:
APS
Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona Health
Richard and Julianne Hartzell
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FLAGSTAFF — On Wednesday, January 7th, an American citizen was killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This killing is part of a broader pattern of unchecked violence, impunity, and abuse carried out by federal immigration enforcement agencies against members of our communities.
A broad coalition of groups across the country is calling for coordinated Ice Out For Good actions on Friday, January 23rd in solidarity with Minnesota, and to demand accountability, honor the life lost, and make visible the human cost of ICE’s actions.
Click here for a link to details about the event.
FLAGSTAFF — Join the Office of Inclusion along with the Black Student Union (BSU), the Center for Inclusive Excellence and Access, the Center for Service and Volunteerism at NAU, The Southside Community Association , and the Flagstaff Lived Black Experience Project for an event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Black History Month on Monday, January 19, 2026.
When we listen to youth, powerful things happen.
That’s why one of the core commitments of your United Way of Northern Arizona is bringing our community together around programs and projects that provide local youth with the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
I’m excited to share two items that will make a difference to teens this winter. The first is the grand opening of The Bijou Teen Center in Holbrook, a project for youth by youth that has been several years in the making.
FLAGSTAFF — Creative Flagstaff and ARTx: Art + Ideas Experience are pleased to announce the 2026 ARTx at The Arb commissioned installation, Ephemeral Bloom: Weathered by Time, created by artist Jill Sans in collaboration with botanical consultant and storyteller Kate Watters. The work will be on view throughout the 2026 season at The Arboretum at Flagstaff, opening April 29, 2026 and running through the end of October.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — As we prepare for another wonderful year ahead serving children and youth throughout Northern Arizona, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth would like to recognize a very busy but productive year for the organization.
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For several years, Theatrikos has welcomed film into our space as part of our artistic offerings. Beginning in 2026, that work deepens into a lasting commitment. Film at Theatrikos places cinema at the heart of our programming, embracing film as a powerful storytelling medium alongside live theatre. Through carefully curated documentaries, independent films, festival partnerships, and community centered screenings, we are expanding how stories are shared and experienced at Theatrikos. This new focus reinforces our mission to connect, inspire, and engage our community through exceptional storytelling, on stage and on screen. Stay tuned as we share more details in the months ahead.
With the latest winter storm bringing much needed moisture to Northern Arizona, you may be wondering, what are some snowplay options in the region?
❄️Check out Flagstaff Snow Park located at Fort Tuthill County Park. Flagstaff Snow Park offers visitors a variety of tubing hills including a kiddie hill and long, fast runs.
📌The 2025-26 Flagstaff Winter Recreation Map will tell you where to go and what winter recreation activities there are throughout Flagstaff.
🌬️Located west of Flagstaff and along the iconic Route 66, the city of Williams Experience Williams offers a multitude of winter recreation activities, including snow tubing at Canyon Coaster Adventure Park.
Saturday-Sunday,
January 10-11
USASA Grand Canyon State Series Rail Jam Weekend
Arizona Snowbowl
Two days of USASA rail jam competitions for skiers and snowboarders. 8 a.m.
Learn More
Winter Emergency Notification Reminder
As of this writing, Desert View Drive and Hermit Road have CLOSED due to hazardous road conditions. Road closure information is always available by calling the park’s Road Line at 928-638-7496 (please, do not call Dispatch). As winter weather returns, residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications.
Grand Canyon NPS Everbridge alerts are a great way to receive real-time updates about power outages, road closures, weather-related events, and other emergency situations.
You can decide how you would like to receive notifications, whether this is through text, email, or by phone call. Sign up now by following this link.
CALL TO ARTISTS
Juried Friends Show & Sale —
The Face of Friendship
Exhibit Dates: March 6 – April 15, 2026
Opening Reception: March 6, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Location: Sedona Arts Center, 15 Art Barn Road, Sedona, AZ
Deadline to Apply: February 1, 2026
Notification: February 6, 2026
Now in its 45th year, this juried exhibition is open to all current Friend Level Donors ($60+). This year’s theme — The Face of Friendship — invites artists to explore connection, collaboration, and the emotional resonance of companionship through visual art. Submissions may be individual or collaborative, literal or abstract, celebrating the creative community that supports the Arts Center’s mission.
COCONINO COUNTY — As we kick off a new year, this is a good time to provide an update on the variety of monthly in-person and virtual community resource meetings available to nonprofit and governmental agencies who serve children and families throughout Northern Arizona.
To aid in that effort, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth maintains this listing of health and welfare resource networking meetings held each month in Coconino County and Northern Arizona.
The meetings offer health professionals and representatives from a variety groups the opportunity to share information on upcoming programs and events that benefit the educational, health and welfare needs of children, youth and families throughout the region.
The following is a listing of some of those meetings. Please check with individual meeting group coordinators for updated times, dates and meeting links. Please send any updates to frank@coconinokids.org
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Happy New Year! We begin 2026 with two exhibitions designed to spark curiosity and engage the senses.
Starting January 10, we invite you to explore Katsintithu—Katsina Dolls. This newly expanded installation takes a deeper look at the tradition, meaning, and artistry of these uniquely Hopi dolls. The installation of dolls will rotate every six months, drawing from MNA’s extensive collection.
Later in the month, we hope you’ll return for Call of the Colorado Plateau, an immersive exhibition that explores the powerful relationship between nature and the human spirit. Featuring artists and adventurers inspired by the region’s dramatic landscapes, the exhibition goes beyond the visual with multisensory experiences that evoke the feeling of being in the wilds. We’re very proud to present this exhibition as the regional museum of the Colorado Plateau.
Saturday, January 3
Science Saturday: Winter Wonderland
Willow Bend Environmental Education Center
Through games, crafts, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, curious minds of all ages can learn about the science of the season. We’ll study how animals adapt to the cold, how water changes to snow and ice, and so much more! 9:30 a.m
Learn More
This Valentine’s weekend, experience a concert that offers both grandeur and intimacy—each from a fresh perspective. Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra presents Indulge: Symphonic Flavors on Friday, February 13, an evening of rich sound and unexpected delights, ideal for a romantic date night or a meaningful night out.
