
Each year, the Festival features 10-days of engaging events and programs, all free, for the community to enjoy and celebrate the wonders of science! This year’s theme is “Harvesting Knowledge”! Various Times.
Learn More

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

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — With a setting that gazed toward the stars, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth successfully presented its 2025 CCC&Y Conference on Sept. 9, 2025 at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.
Guest speaker Iyo Affo launched the conference with a morning presentation with her discussion on “Cohere. Connect. Conduct,” combining storytelling, science, spoken word and systems change to promote transformation within organizations and communities.
Affo, a Culturalist and Trauma Specialist, draws on personal experiences, neuroscience and the power of collective healing to talk about how self-healing communities and systems change can be the foundation for lasting transformation.
Attendees had powerful responses to the speakers and the event.
“I loved Iya’s ability to tell stories, share data, and engage with the audience. I appreciate her sharing things about her personal journey and how she connected with the audience. She was inspiring!” said one attendee.
READ MORE

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.

FORE! returns to Coconino Center for the Arts in January 2026, and we’re inviting artists and community organizations to design sculptural art greens for this miniature golf installation and benefit supporting CCA exhibitions and programming.
Selected participants receive a $500 honorarium, turf, and a hole cup to create a safe, durable, and imaginative par 3–4 green (3–9 yards from tee to cup) that can be easily assembled in the gallery. Designs should be creative and functional.

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.

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces honored District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez for his long support of local Hispanic community during a ceremony held on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 at Mayan Winds Coffee Emporium.
Vasquez was presented with an award signifying all the “Barrios de Flagstaff.” The award was created by long-time Nuestras Raíces Armando Gonzales.

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.

Latest news updates for September 2025
Kelly Joins Kaine, Colleagues in Pressing for Answers from Trump Administration on Strike in Caribbean …
Kelly, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Small Businesses from Trump Tariffs …
Kelly, Colleagues Demand Trump VA Rescind Dangerous New Proposed Rule to Ban Life-Saving Abortions for Veterans …
Kelly, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Amendment to Raise Annual Pay Cap for Wildland Firefighters …
Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, Ansari Urge Trump to Prevent Removal of Arizona Mother and Business Owner ..
MORE …

Latest news updates for September 2025
Attorney General Mayes Announces Town Halls on Health Insurance Denials
Attorney General Mayes Files Brief in Support of Federal Employees’ Right to Collective Bargaining and Free Speech
Attorney General Mayes Wins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration, Stops $184 Million Cut to AmeriCorps Service Programs
MORE…

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — An amazing setting complemented two fantastic speakers when the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth presented its CCC&Y 2025 Conference on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory.
Guest speaker Iyo Affo kicked off the morning presentation with her talk “Cohere. Connect. Conduct,” skillfully weaving together storytelling, science, spoken word and systems change to promote transformation within organizations and communities.
She was followed with an afternoon presentation by Dr. Sandra Solano, who combined science with human emotions and taking care of oneself during her presentation “From Within to the World: Harnessing Heart Coherence for Healing and Systematic Empowerment.”
This is just a preview of the photos and the information on the conference that will be posted next week on our website and newsletter. Until then, thank you to all our speakers, our sponsors and all those who planned for, presented and attended our CCC&Y 2025 Conference. Very much appreciated.
READ MORE

Final Call: Youth Theatre Classes Start Next Week!
The countdown is on! For the first time in our history, Theatrikos is offering year-round theatre classes and they begin one week from today!
In just one week, our studios will be filled with young artists learning to bring characters to life with stage makeup, mastering iconic choreography, and discovering the joy of improv. From our youngest movers to our most advanced students, this season is packed with opportunities for learning and growth. Sign up today and let the creativity begin!

Reservation links for all events with limited engagement are open now! Numerous guided hikes, specialized workshops, and behind-the-scenes activities are all free but require advance reservations. Visit the links on our website or on the app. Remember, these programs do fill up, so don’t delay! Additionally, if your plans change, please notify the event host so that we can open spots for additional guests.
The W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Lecture with Mariah Gladstone also has tickets now available. This talk, held on Sept. 19, 7 p.m. in Ardrey Auditorium will cover the themes of land sustainability, community health and traditional food systems.

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

FLAGSTAFF — Snowbowl Road (Forest Road [FR] 516) will close from 6 a.m. to noon Saturday Sept. 6 to accommodate the annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event.
Electronic road signs will be posted to remind motorists of the temporary closure.
While Snowbowl Road will remain open before and after the closure window, drivers are asked to remain alert and cautious. Event coordinators and sponsors will be using the road to initiate event setup in the days leading up to the event.

Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly
Latest news updates for August 2025
Kelly, Gallego Demand Answers on Trump Administration’s Weakening of U.S. Cyber Agency Following Arizona Election Cyberattack
Kelly Calls Out Trump Administration for Funding Cuts Threatening Community Colleges
Kelly, Arizona Lawmakers Demand Full and Immediate Disbursement of Solar for All Funds

The gray area of AI in academics
Artificial intelligence has quickly become part of the fabric of academic life, causing scholars to ask: When does innovation come at the expense of integrity? Two NAU faculty members and one Lumberjack alumna are part of a research team that’s examining the ethical gray area of AI usage in academic publishing.

Less than two weeks remain to get your tickets to attend the return of our popular and educational CCC&Y Conference with this year’s theme of “Coherence Rising: Inner Alignment as the Catalyst for Systematic Change.” The 2025 conference will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.
Join us in a beautiful setting that reminds us the universe is infinite and so is our potential.
We are joined by not one, but two amazing and powerful keynote presenters who share their expertise, gift for inspiration and profound insights.
In her morning presentation “Cohere. Connect. Conduct,” guest speaker Iya Affo will weave together storytelling, science, spoken word and systems change to spark transformation within organizations and communities. Affo, a Culturalist and Trauma Specialist, will draw on personal experiences, neuroscience and the power of collective healing to talk about how self-healing communities and systems change can be the foundation for lasting transformation.
… During her afternoon presentation, Dr. Sandra Solano will talk about “From Within to the World: Harnessing Heart Coherence for Healing and Systematic Empowerment.” Solano, M.D., M.S. is a results-driven healthcare executive, will explore the science and practical applications of how your heart’s powerful energy works and influences your entire environment. You’ll discover that true, lasting change begins not “out there,” but within you.
READ MORE

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.

FLAGSTAFF — Even though it was on short notice, a crowd of 500 or so protesters gathered at the Flagstaff City Hall on Aug. 16, 2025 as part of the “Rapid Response: Fight the Trump Takeover” to protest the potential moves by the Trump Administration and its allies in Texas change the voting map to keep Republican in power in Congress.
The protest in Flagstaff included members of Indivisible Northern AZ and other organizations.
“Trump told Texas Republicans to gerrymander the state to add congressional seats to the map. It’s a power grab pure and simple,” Indivisible Northern AZ officials stated before the event.

or 36 years, the Flagstaff Festival of Science has been bringing free, cutting-edge STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programming to Northern Arizona. In September, our community gathers to celebrate curiosity, innovation, and discovery during what has become fondly known as the 10 Best Days of the Year.

This gathering is more than a conference—it’s a call into hope, connection, and limitless potential.
Our keynotes were crafted specifically for this event and setting—Lowell Observatory, a place that symbolizes the infinite universe and infinite possibility. In a time when spirit, science, and connection are needed most, our speakers will guide us into transformation on both a personal and community level.
Here’s what you’ll experience (see details in the images below):
A keynote weaving together storytelling, science, spoken word, and systems change to ignite transformation in individuals and communities.
A keynote exploring the power of the heart’s energy as a catalyst for healing, coherence, and system-wide change—giving you actionable tools for leadership, communication, and personal empowerment.

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.

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.

F3 is excited to introduce the first speaker in our new Community Speaker Series!
This series will focus on bringing people to Flagstaff who will provide important ideas about how we can build a resilient community.
F3’s speaker series is timed to coincide with the Flagstaff community’s review of the city’s Draft Regional Land Use Plan. Public review of the Plan started this month and will continue until May 2026, when Flagstaff residents will have the opportunity to vote on it in a special election.

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.

Tap into your creativity, make new friends, and explore a variety of art forms in this engaging six-week sampler class just for adults 55 and older. Whether you’re brand-new to art or returning after years away, our professional teaching artists will guide you through storytelling, drawing, painting, art journaling, and mixed media in a fun, supportive environment.
No experience necessary! Caregivers are welcome. If registering yourself plus your loved one, please contact Bernadette directly.

Join us on Tuesday, August 26th at High Country Conference Center for a buffet breakfast and an inspiring panel discussion on youth mental health, spotlighting collaborative efforts to give adolescents the tools and resources they need to thrive.
Deadline to register is 5 pm tomorrow!
The kickoff marks the official beginning of our annual campaign to raise $1.2 million to fund efforts to increase youth opportunity, healthy communities, financial security and community resiliency in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.

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.

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.

At the Museum of Northern Arizona, learning is at the heart of everything we do. As a new academic year begins, we’re excited to share opportunities designed to inspire curiosity and deepen connections to the Colorado Plateau.
First, we’re pleased to offer free admission to all Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College students from August 15 through May 15. Simply present a valid student ID to explore exhibitions highlighting the science, art, and cultures of this remarkable region.
For younger learners, our elementary school tours offer hands-on experiences with real artifacts, interactive activities, and guidance from passionate educators and volunteers. Programs align with Arizona state standards, and grant funding is available to help with field trip costs.
To kick off the school year, we invite teachers and administrators to join us for Educators Night Out on August 20—a free evening to explore MNA, connect with peers, and discover how we can support your classroom goals.
For all lifelong learners, step out of the August heat and into the cool, welcoming environment of our exhibit galleries to explore the Museum’s latest offerings. Also, don’t miss a rare chance to go behind the scenes during our Easton Collection Center Open House on August 23.
Wishing you a month of discovery, inspiration, and meaningful learning!

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.

As we look to the North Rim, we can all see that the Dragon Bravo Fire continues to burn. It likely will burn for a while longer given the extremely dry conditions and the lack of monsoon rains. Many of us have deep connections to the North Rim and the people and places that make that a special place.
We are in a time of transition, with our personal experiences at the North Rim, our professional lives within the Park, and with the daily transitions that are occurring. Transitions can be hard as we leave the known and comfortable and enter uncharted territory. That is how I feel about the North Rim. I’m sure many of you feel that way too. But, transitions allow us to think differently, allow us to be unconstrained in our ideas and possibilities. That is also how I feel, and I hope many of you feel that way too.

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.