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Category: Local
City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences news and opportunities
Keep an eye out next week, when the City of Flagstaff opens a Request for Statements of Qualifications (RSOQs) for an artist or artist team to design and execute a large-scale mural on the Buffalo Park water tank. This highly visible project could reflect Flagstaff, Northern Arizona, the current activity and/or history of the park, or the communities that utilize this natural and recreational resource. The mural will become an emblematic feature of the park and the surrounding area.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition provides listing of 2026 Health and Welfare Resource Meetings in region
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
READ MORE
January at the Museum of Northern Arizona
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.
The NAU Review — Happy new year! What’s new in science, hospitality & health
Meet Earth’s biggest sodium seekers
While it’s easy for us humans to get plenty of sodium in our diets, some of the world’s largest land animals have access to a pinch too little. A new study from NAU researchers showed that elephants, rhinos, giraffes and other large plant-eaters can only get enough salt in a few specific areas of the world, limiting their population growth.
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Weekly Happenings 1/5/2026
Sedona Arts Center — New Year. New YOU. Learn something new!
Check out our 2026 Catalog of Workshops and Classes now online…
Discover hands-on workshops in painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and more. Whether you’re just beginning or expanding your skills, Sedona Arts Center offers a welcoming place to grow creatively.
United Way of Northern Arizona — You’re Invited! Bijou Grand Opening January 9th
We are excited to announce the Grand Opening of the Bijou Teen Center in Holbrook on January 9th. More than two years in the making, this center is a shining example of what our community can achieve through collaboration.
The seeds for the teen center were planted back in 2023, when a youth-led mental health survey of northeast Arizona teens revealed a strong desire for a safe, inclusive space they could call their own. Multiple partners then worked together to transform that dream into a reality.
Downtown Flagstaff — Start Your New Year Right – Flagstaff Happenings
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
Copyright Notice
AmigosNAZ does not accept any illustrations, photos or other images and written material that are in violation of copyright law. Individuals and organizations may be required to provide proof of such copyright authorization. Otherwise, please provide only website links to your upcoming events.
City of Flagstaff hosts meet and greet event for Deputy City Manager candidates on Feb. 11
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is hosting a meet and greet event for members of the community to meet and provide feedback on candidates for the Deputy City Manager position. The City began its competitive search following the appointment of former Deputy City Manager, Joanne Keene, to the role of City Manager. The City received 184 applications and six finalists have been invited to participate in in-person interviews and an in-person public meet and greet event on Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 5 -6:45 p.m. at Flagstaff City Hall in Council Chambers (211 W Aspen Ave).
A Valentine’s Weekend Concert, Reimagined with Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra on Feb. 13
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.
NAU presenting Luis Valdez’s ‘Los vendido’ & ‘The Dumbwaiter’ Feb. 27 through March 1
Coconino Center for the Arts announces new shows March 1
March 23 — Coconino County Building Code adoption open house to be held in Flagstaff
April 1 — Culture Connection AZ to hold Grand Opening Trivia Extravaganza fundraiser
April 1 — City of Flagstaff hosts meet and greet event for Flagstaff City-County Library Director candidates
April 17 — Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra to present ‘Light Unbound’
April 19 — City of Flagstaff hosts Community Social Powwow
April 23 — City of Flagstaff announces public meeting on Community Wildfire Protection Plan
April 25 — Save the Date for the 18th Annual Viola Awards!
April 27 — City of Flagstaff to begin annual Road Repair and Street Safety project
April 30 — Free Fair Housing 101 Continued Education Training to be held in Flagstaff
May 1-3 — Coconino Center for the Arts — ARTx: Artist announcements & upcoming experiences
May 2 — The Flagstaff Festival of Science announces the 3rd annual Scavenger Hunt!
May 5 — City of Flagstaff — Notice of proposed new rates/ fees for short term rental license fees meeting
May 11 — Lone Tree Road between Butler and Franklin to close
May 12 — City hosts public outreach events on 2024 Building and Fire Code adoption
May 13 — Public invited to attend Public Safety Citizen Committee meetings in Flagstaff
June 3 — Coconino County to host informational meeting for EPA grant to remediate old jail
June 13-14 — Coconino Center for the Arts announces upcoming events
Through June 13 — Grand Canyon National Park Hosts 36th Annual Grand Canyon Star Party
June 13 — Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra has TWO opportunities to connect
June 23 — Coconino County sets Truth in Taxation hearing
June 27 — Coconino County Center for the Arts presents opening of NightVisions: AMBER
Through July 28 — The Big Gay Art Show continues at the Sedona Arts Center
United Way of Northern Arizona — Join Us & Have Your Giving Go Further in NAZ
As we approach the end of the year, we wanted to share a snapshot of what’s been happening at United Way of Northern Arizona — and invite you to be part of what comes next.
In 2025, our community came together in powerful ways to support children, families, and individuals across Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties. Through collaboration with nonprofit partners, educators, service providers, and caring neighbors, we made meaningful progress on some of the challenges facing northern Arizona.
The Literacy Center — Thank You for Being Part of Our Story This Year
FLAGSTAFF — Thank you for supporting the Literacy Center this year. We wanted to let you know that as the year comes to a close, your support helps makes a lasting difference. Your generosity ensures that adults and children in our community have access to tutoring, classes, and immigration legal services that open doors to learning, belonging, and opportunity. Every day, we see lives transformed–parents gaining confidence in English, children discovering the joy of reading, and families finding stability and hope. These successes are possible because people like you choose to invest in our learners.
As the only privately funded adult education center in Northern Arizona, The Literacy Center relies on charitable giving to provide one-on-one tutoring, ESL and GED classes, youth reading programs, and immigration legal services at little to no cost.
NACASA program transfers to Northern Arizona Healthcare and Victim Witness Services leadership
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Attorney’s Office announces transition of Northern Arizona Care And Services after Assault (NACASA) from North Country Healthcare to a shared leadership model between Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) and Victim Witness Services (VWS).
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.
Learn More
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Weekly Happenings 12/29/25
Flagstaff Festival of Science — Your Year End Donation – Matched!
Season’s Greetings!
As we wrap up 2025, we reflect with deep gratitude on the 36-year journey of the Flagstaff Festival of Science and the many lives changed because of supporters like you.
Each year, the Festival shines a spotlight on the incredible research, innovation, and discovery happening right here in our community. Through more than 100 free events—lectures, field trips, hands-on activities, and school programs—we connect people of all ages to the excitement of science.
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:
Sedona Arts Center — Learn something new. Make something beautiful
Check out our 2026 Catalog of Workshops and Classes now online…
Discover hands-on workshops in painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and more. Whether you’re just beginning or expanding your skills, Sedona Arts Center offers a welcoming place to grow creatively.
United Way of Northern Arizona — Holiday Wishes
All of us at United Way of Northern Arizona wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful holiday season. May this time be filled with meaningful moments, safe travels, and time spent with the people who matter most.
We are deeply grateful for your continued support and partnership. Together, we will keep strengthening our communities and creating opportunities for youth, families, and neighbors across Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties in 2026 and beyond.
Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!
Liz Archuleta and the UWNA Team
Coconino Center for the Arts — Last Minute Gift? Concert Tickets!
Discover Flagstaff — Santa on the Slopes on Dec. 24
Through Tuesday, December 23 — Luminaria Walk
Riordan Mansion Historic State Park
Weather permitting, come enjoy the view of the Riordan Mansion by the light of luminarias lining the path. 6 p.m.
Learn More
Winter holiday closures for Coconino County
Coconino County’s Administrative Center, Attorney’s Office, Superior Court and Health and Human Services (CCHHS) office and clinic will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25 and Thursday, Jan. 1 in observance of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
On Thursday, Dec. 25, Animal Services will be available for emergency calls only from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Calls will be dispatched through 911. For non-emergency matters please call 928-679-8756 and leave a message and an Animal Services Officer will return your call the next day.
Gina Santi Photography — Image of the Month – December 2025
Stonehenge is a world-famous prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, built around 5,000 years ago, which features strategically arranged standing massive stones in a circular pattern. On the winter solstice, December 21, the sun sets to the southwest, aligning without a glitch with the central axis of the monument, indicating the arrival of the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Weekly Happenings 12/22/25
Flagstaff Youth Riders (FLYRS) — 10 Years of Impact, One Ride at a Time!
As FLYRS heads into its 10-year anniversary next year, we’re gearing up for our most impactful season yet—and we need your help to get there. Only about half of our annual budget comes from program fees, which means nearly 50% of our operating costs must be raised each year through donors, sponsors, and grants. This year, 221 youth participated in our school-based programs at no cost, made possible entirely through fundraising. These programs give kids resilience, confidence, mentorship, and a healthy community at a time they need it most. As we approach this milestone year, your support is what keeps these opportunities accessible to every young rider—no matter their family’s financial situation. A donation today strengthens the path into our next decade of impact. We have a goal to reach $15,000 dollars by the end of 2025! We are almost there!
City of Flagstaff holiday closures
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall and all other non-essential City facilities will be closed to the public on the afternoon of Wednesday, Dec. 24, all day Thursday, Dec. 25 and all-day Thursday, Jan. 1 for the Christmas and New Year holidays. This includes the City’s recreation centers, public libraries, the Visitors’ Center, the Cinder Lake Landfill, the Hazardous Products Center, and the Materials Recovery Facility (Recycling Center). Two exceptions are the Joe C Montoya Community & Senior Center, which will close at 1 p.m. on Dec. 24 and the Jay Lively Activity Center, which will close at 6 p.m. on Dec. 24 and will be open with regular programming and operating hours on Jan. 1.
Office of Indian Education — Biweekly Communication – Last one of 2025!
This special section highlights the outstanding achievements of Arizona teachers and schools in 2025. These accomplishments reflect not only individual talent but also the collaborative spirit that drives educational success across schools and classrooms serving Native American students. (Note: This is not an exhaustive list and is presented in no particular order. Some achievements may be missing due to reporting timelines or limited availability of information.)
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.
United Way of Northern Arizona — Turn your Arizona taxes into local impact
This holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our community. Your partnership, collaborative spirit, and generosity are what make northern Arizona so special and why we make this region our home.
I’d also like to invite you to consider a gift to United Way of Northern Arizona that will not only help support our youth and families but also give you a break on your taxes.
There are many ways to give and each has its benefits.
Flagstaff Festival of Science — Your Support Opens Doors to Discovery!
View online Did you know the Flagstaff Festival of Science is the longest-running, entirely free science festival in the world? Fondly known as the Best 10 Days of the Year, it’s made possible by donors who believe science should be…
Sedona Arts Center — Happy Holidays From our Family to Yours
As the year comes to a close, all of us at Sedona Arts Center want to say thank you. Your support—whether through attending exhibitions, taking classes, supporting our artists, or simply believing in the importance of creative expression—makes this place…
2026 Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year nominees announced
COCONINO COUNTY — Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget, announces 2026 Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year nominees. This year, there are 26 nominees for Teacher of the Year and 15 nominees for Rookie Teacher of the Year.
The Coconino County Teacher of the Year Program is designed to honor and celebrate teacher excellence. The objective is not to designate a singular “best” teacher, but rather to recognize and highlight exceptional teachers who have inspired a passion for learning in their students and have distinguished themselves in their profession.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Time to gather details on your hopes, goals, resolutions for 2026
COCONINO COUNTY — With 2026 rapidly approaching, we want to find out what hopes, dreams, goals or (if you are willing to share) resolutions you may have for the coming year.
Maybe it’s setting a personal physical or mental health goal? Maybe it’s achieving a family or professional goal? Maybe more vacation travel, carving out more personal time or spending more time with friends and loved ones?
Imagining a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community starts with all of us and your dreams and goals feed back into the collective.
We want to know so we can include your thoughts when our newsletter returns on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, following our two-week newsletter break starting Dec. 17. And please let us know if you want us to share your comments anonymously with all our newsletter subscribers.
Maybe it’s too early to think about setting goals for the coming year. Instead, you can tell us what you are most proud of that you have done in 2025, be it a personal or professional accomplishment. For the Coalition, one of the things we are most proud of is our collaboration with our community partners on a variety of resource events throughout the year. (See photos).