Grand Canyon community members who are veterans gather for a group photo at Mather Amphitheater in recognition of Veterans Day. Grand Canyon National Park thanks them and all veterans for their service and sacrifice. Wednesday, Nov. 11, is also a fee-free day for U.S. citizens visiting all national park sites. (NPS/M. Quinn)
Click below for the latest news updates from the:
Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
Dear Museum Friends,
As we enter the season of giving thanks and gathering to spend time with friends and family, I want to share how grateful we are for your connection to MNA. It means the world to us to see you in the galleries and at our events sharing your favorite parts of the museum with your companions. November and December are times when we seek special connection with friends, family, or community. The Museum of Northern Arizona is the perfect place to visit at this time of year, whether it be with your friends, with family members, or seeking to connect with a community of people who enjoy shared interests. Our galleries and exhibitions offer special insights into the arts, culture, and science of the Colorado Plateau, and invite you to enjoy, reflect, and learn about this remarkable part of the world. In this newsletter you will see a range of special events that magnify that experience – come along and enjoy contemporary Native American art and performance; visit our gift shop to find a unique gift for that special someone; or enjoy a musical performance by the US Navy during Navy week. Above all, be sure to enjoy our newest seasonal experience, the Snowpine Model Railway, new for this year but set to become an annual seasonal favorite in Flagstaff.
Thank you for being part of the MNA community. I look forward to seeing you at the museum.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona
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, Nov. 5, 2026. The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.
The guest speaker for this month will be Arel Meister-Aldama of Sorena Health.
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.
READ MORE
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Coconino County Recorder’s Office has announced that as of Oct. 29, As of Thursday, Oct. 29, it has received about 30,900 voted ballots for the Nov. 3, 2026 General Election.
Click here for a printable list of Nov. 3, 2026 General Election Voting Locations
To check your voter registration status, visit my.arizona.vote
Halloween Tours at Riordan Mansion; 2026 Halloween Bash at Flagstaff Visitor Center, more.
When someone is coping with the effects of domestic violence, knowing that support exists and knowing where to find it can be two very different things.
That can be especially true in Northern Arizona, where the nearest provider may be miles away, transportation may be difficult or unavailable and smaller communities can make privacy feel more challenging.
As a therapist at Denova Collaborative Health, I’ve worked with people who knew they needed support but weren’t sure what that support looked like for them, where to begin or whether they were “ready” to ask for help.
The good news is that there isn’t only one way to start.
Northern Arizona is stronger when people and organizations work toward the same goal. That idea is at the heart of United Way of Northern Arizona’s 2026-2027 Campaign Breakfast, and time is running out to register.
Annual Campaign Breakfast
Thursday, October 29th • 8 am
High Country Conference Center
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Hikers can once again explore several inner-canyon trails. These trails have reopened following repairs after trail damage caused by recent flooding.
The South Kaibab Trail below The Tipoff and the entire River Trail, connecting the South Kaibab to the Bright Angel Trail, has reopened to hikers. The Bright Angel Trail between Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and Havasupai Gardens has reopened to hikers only. This section will remain closed to stock use as crews continue to repair additional trail damage.
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Bright Angel Trail Closure Extended
Due to recent rockfall and ongoing trail work, Bright Angel Trail remains temporarily closed to foot traffic between the Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and Havasupai Gardens. The closure will remain in place until further notice as crews continue clearing debris and stabilizing the area.
Stock traffic is expected to be delayed longer as trail work continues. Hikers should check the park’s Key Hiking Messages page for current trail status.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — A number of local organizations are presenting a variety of free youth events this Fall, including wellness, resource fairs and Halloween-related activities.
The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you.
Also, be sure to check out our monthly EVENTS section to see other upcoming programs in Northern Arizona.
(Updated Oct. 20, 2026)
FLAGSTAFF — Mariachi music, folklorico dances and a central courtyard illuminated by hundreds of candles placed on nearly two dozen ofrendas/altars — visitors to the Museum of Northern Arizona will once again experience it all when Celebraciones de la Gente returns on Oct. 24-25, 2026 courtesy of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and its partnership with the Museum.
The 23rd annual Celebraciones de la Gente will feature headline performances by Mariachi Agave from Tucson and Flagstaff’s own Ballet Folklorico de Colores, which has performed at the annual event since Celebraciones was founded in 2003. It was at that time that Nuestras member and longtime historian Delia Munoz came up with the name which means Celebration of the People.
Route 66 Centennial Walking Tour
Historic Downtown Flagstaff
Route 66 turns 100 this year, and in Flagstaff it’s still the road people take to work, school, and the grocery store. On Freaky Foot Tours’ Route 66 Centennial Walking Tour, a local guide takes you along both the original 1926 route and the 1934 reroute, past neon signs from the motel wars, a Green Book landmark, and a mural that packs a century of the Mother Road onto one wall. Along the way you’ll hear about a French priest, a Boston astronomer chasing Martians, and an unsolved double murder from 1916. It’s a 90-minute, 1.3-mile stroll from Heritage Square that is open to all ages.
Learn More
FLAGSTAFF — A ‘No Kings: Vote Early – Flagstaff’ rally will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. MST, Saturday, Oct. 17 at 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.
Join us to rally in celebration of exercising our superpower – voting!
We will provide non-partisan education for those who haven’t yet voted, including finding the closest ballot box or how to vote early in-person. We will also provide volunteer opportunities for our Election Protection program.
Bring signs with the theme of early voting en mass as the best way to thwart attempts to disrupt elections. Have fun with it! Superhero costume + voting is our superpower. Voting is as American as Apple Pie. Express yourself! The People Decide Our Elections,
South Rim Water Treatment Plant Begins Testing with Bright Angel Creek Water
Big progress is happening on the South Rim. On October 15, we began bringing water from the Bright Angel Creek intake into the South Rim Water Treatment Plant for the first time. This is a major step toward a more reliable water supply for our community.
The artists have arrived! Twenty-five accomplished artists from across the countryhave gathered in Red Rock Country for the 22nd Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival, bringing nine extraordinary days of painting, creativity, and community to Sedona.
Throughout the festival, these talented artists will set up their easels across Sedona and the Verde Valley, capturing the changing light, brilliant colors, and breathtaking landscapes that make this place so inspiring.
“The Board of Supervisors is honored to present Kim Musselman with the Medal of Merit,” Chair of the Board and District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman said. “This award is reserved for individuals whose contributions to the people of Coconino County are truly extraordinary. Kim’s legacy exemplifies this standard, and the County proudly celebrates her achievements and lasting impact.”
Musselman is best known for her service as Director of Health and Human Services, where she led a transformative restructuring that unified public health and social services into a single, integrated department. This vision strengthened county operations and enhanced services for the community.
By Virginia Watahomigie • Executive Director,
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — I have been trying to find a way to explain and honor this work since I celebrated my 10-year anniversary with CCC&Y in September. But I write, erase, re-write and let it sit….let me explain how all of this amazing work is also tied to my own lived experience. This is a story of both celebration and sorrow. It is a story about my why.
First, I want to celebrate all the amazing successes and work we have done together, from conferences, symposiums, early childhood fairs, workshops, prevention strategies, lot’s of writing and reports and so much more. I am honored to have been invited to speak and listen in so many amazing spaces
The 22nd Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival is almost underway, and artists from across the country are arriving in Red Rock Country for nine extraordinary days of painting, creativity, and community.
Throughout the festival, artists will set up their easels across Sedona and the Verde Valley, capturing the changing light, brilliant colors, and breathtaking landscapes that make this place so inspiring.
And you’re invited to experience it all!
I’m excited to share that United Way of Northern Arizona’s 2026-2027 Annual Campaign is officially underway.
This year, we’re working to raise $1.2 million to fund programs that increase youth opportunity, promote healthy communities, foster financial security, and strengthen community resiliency across Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
Our theme this year is Give Where You Live. United at Its Peak. It celebrates the power of local giving and what we can accomplish in northern Arizona when we come together.
Daily stress doesn’t always look like a mental health crisis. It can look like lying awake thinking about bills, losing patience with the people you love after a long day or feeling tired no matter how much you sleep.
Maybe you’re juggling work and family responsibilities. Maybe groceries and gas cost more than you expected again this week. Maybe someone you care about is struggling, and you have quietly taken on the responsibility of helping them, too.
Over time, those pressures add up.
On Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day reminds us to check in with ourselves and the people around us when life starts to feel a little too heavy. But how can you tell when it may be time for more support?
Homecoming festivities start in two days, Jacks! Don your school colors and get ready for a weekend packed with pride, tradition and celebration, both on campus and throughout Flagstaff. There’s something for everyone, and new this year—campus open houses to learn more about campus spaces.
FLAGSTAFF — Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Alumni Day with a special football game and tailgate event against Montana at the Skydome. Tailgate for 150 people!
Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and other local community leaders and residents will be honored during the game.
A Message to Our Grand Canyon Community: Every Drop Counts
This community has met every challenge the canyon has thrown at it with grit and generosity. These past weeks have tested us, and you have answered with patience, cooperation, and care for one another. Thank you.
As the park scales back the temporary resident water services starting Friday, Oct. 9, we want to acknowledge what you’ve already accomplished. You have adapted your routines, supported your neighbors and worked together to conserve water during Stage 4 restrictions.
Building a desert bestiary
Bobby Long, an associate teaching professor of visual communication, recently created more than 65 detailed illustrations for “Sonoran Desert Bestiary: A More-than-Natural History,” a book that explores small and underrepresented species through folklore and natural history. We asked Long a few quick Qs about the experience.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — Flagstaff City Manager Joanne Keene was recognized as a 2026 Women Achiever of Arizona within Government and Public Service. The Women Achievers Award recognizes exceptional women whose leadership, service, innovation, and dedication have made a meaningful impact on Arizona’s communities, industries, and public life. Awardees represent leaders who inspire others through their accomplishments and commitment to making a difference.
Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett said “Joanne’s dedication to Flagstaff and her commitment to public service have made a lasting impact on our community. We are proud to celebrate her achievements and are grateful for her service to our city.”
For nine days this October, 26 artists from across the country will spread out across Sedona and the Verde Valley, painting the landscape as it changes around them—capturing the light, color and extraordinary beauty of Red Rock Country in real time.
And you don’t have to experience the festival from a distance.
This year, there are several special opportunities to join us where the painting is happening—from an evening among the vineyards at D.A. Ranch to an intimate private Sedona residence, or by picking up your own brushes and participating in the Community Paint Out.
Reserve your place now and be part of the 22nd Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival!
These last couple of months have been busy, filled with community, events, art, and Flagstaff fun. Thank you for your involvement in everything we do and for your continued engagement in art, science, and culture! Here is what has been happening at Creative Flagstaff and Coconino Center for the Arts:
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — The National Park Service invites the public to help shape the long-term recovery and future of the North Rim at Grand Canyon National Park by participating in a 30-day public involvement period beginning Oct. 6, 2026.
Following the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire and significant recovery work over the past year, recent flash floods have underscored the importance of resilient infrastructure, reliable utilities, public safety, emergency preparedness, and thoughtful long-term planning in this remote and dynamic environment.
Explore Something New. Create Something Wonderful
There’s always something new to discover at Sedona Arts Center! Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time, developing your skills at the pottery wheel, or exploring a completely new medium, our upcoming classes and workshops offer opportunities to learn, experiment, and grow.
From painting and ceramics to stained glass, photography, mixed media, and more, you’ll find welcoming instruction, hands-on experiences, and a creative community ready to inspire you.
Find your next creative experience and join us in the heart of Sedona!
Our newsletter has a new design, but it still brings you the same great news from Parks & Recreation.
The air is getting cooler, and Fort Tuthill County Park is the place to be this fall! From hands-on culinary classes and archery clinics to live music at the Pepsi Amphitheater, there is something for everyone this October. See what’s coming up in programs, events, and everything happening at Coconino County Parks & Recreation.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — Whether it’s connecting families to food and shelter resources, to helping foster care families learn about potential scholarship programs for their youth, resource guides provide a valuable assistance to residents throughout Coconino County and Northern Arizona.
To spread the word about these valuable information resources, CCC&Y has compiled a listing and links to a variety of additional resource guides throughout the region including CCC&Y’s own recently updated Fall/Winter 2026 Page/Fredonia and Tuba City/Navajo Nation resource guides.
READ MORE
FLAGSTAFF — An ‘ICE OUT RALLY’ will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. MST, Saturday, Oct. 10 at 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.
##Join Flagstaff DSA to protest ICE’s detention and deportation of our neighbors.
Immigrants are being removed quietly – so it’s up to us to show up and speak up for them!
Flagstaff Oktoberfest
Wheeler Park
Raise your steins, Flagstaff — the 17th Annual Flagstaff Oktoberfest returns to Wheeler Park on Saturday, October 3rd from 10 AM–9 PM! Celebrate fall in the mountains with a full day of craft beer, brats, live music, contests, kids activities, vendors, and our famous Puppy Races with High Country Humane.
Come dressed in your best Bavarian gear and enjoy everything from the Root Beer Garden to lawn games to local food favorites. Every ticket supports the Debbi Grogan Memorial Fund, helping fund music education for local students through the Flagstaff Unified School District Foundation.
Flagstaff’s First Friday ArtWalk is a monthly celebration of creativity that brings downtown to life. Local galleries stay open late with special artist receptions and entertainment, so check out the gallery map to visit them all!
Join us for First Friday today, October 2, starting at 5pm! The 2026 ArtWalk season is generously underwritten by Dapper Dre, supporting Car-Free First Fridays with traffic closures on Aspen St. for art and performance activations.
Grand Canyon Recovery and Water Conservation Efforts
The Grand Canyon community continues to come together as recovery efforts move forward following the August 29 flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the ongoing South Rim water emergency.
In the inner canyon, National Park Service staff, the Alpine Hotshots and the Bright Angel Creek Incident Management Team continue clearing heavy debris and mud, removing hazardous trees and re-establishing trails and facilities near Phantom Ranch. Crews are also using helicopters to transport water, equipment and other critical supplies into the canyon.
I know it’s been a little while since you’ve heard from me. It’s been a busy year here at MNA and we are preparing some very special experiences for you this autumn and winter. In addition to our new exhibitions and lively programming, we are introducing a new holiday experience in November that’s sure to become a favorite tradition in Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. There’s lots of information in this newsletter, so I invite you to take a moment and have a look at all that is happening here. Autumn is such a beautiful time in Northern Arizona. I look forward to seeing you at the museum.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona
FLAGSTAFF — From astronomy to rocket science and everything in between, young people had a wide variety of hand-on activities to enjoy and learn from at the 2026 Snook Science in the Park presented on Sept. 26, 2026 by the Flagstaff Festival of Science.
More than 60 exhibitor booths crowded Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff as children had a wide variety of activities to choose from. Unofficially, more than 3,500 people attended the event, according to event organizers.
Some of the exhibitors ranged from The Arboretum, CCC&Y, Coconino Community College, the Coconino Astronomical Society, Coconino High School’s CocoNuts Robotics, Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, Flagstaff Fire Dept., Lowell Observatory, Meteor Crater Education Alliance, Momentum Aerial, the Museum of Northern Arizona, Northern Arizona University, Riordan Mansion, Slide Rock State Park, Tynkertopia, to the U.S. Geological Survey.
READ MORE
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is offering vaccinations against flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumonia at our Walk-in Vaccination Clinics. These clinics are held at the CCHHS Health and Wellness Clinic, located at 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff, every Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Sept. 22 through Nov. 4. Appointments are not needed to receive your vaccination at these clinics.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County announces the retirement of Lucinda Andreani, Administrator of the Coconino County Flood Control District. Andreani’s departure marks the close of a distinguished career in public service defined by leadership, collaboration and steadfast commitment to the safety and resilience of Coconino County communities.
Community Potable Water Tank Update
The Bright Angel Flash Flood Incident Management Team has updated the size and, in some cases, location, of potable water storage tanks throughout Grand Canyon Village in order to serve residents who have relied on the tanks during the current water emergency.
The potable water tank placement plan was developed with input from park leadership and based off usage reports. There are a total of 16 tanks at various locations, for a total of approximately 15,000 gallons. Although the total amount of water has been reduced, it still exceeds the average daily use of approximately 6,000 gallons per day.
Whether you’re exploring a new passion or building on years of experience, Sedona Arts Center offers inspiring classes and workshops for every skill level. Learn from working artists in a welcoming, hands-on environment while exploring painting, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, photography, mixed media, and more.
Join us in the heart of Sedona and discover where creativity can take you.
Snook’s Science in the Park
Wheeler Park
The headlining event for the Flagstaff Festival of Science, Snook’s Science in the Park offers hands on science events, activities, and workshops for all ages! If you are interested in a career or knowledge in a STEM field, this is the event for you.
Discover something new and interact with over 50 vendors from a variety of Flagstaff scientific institutions! 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. FREE!
Update on Potable Water Storage Tanks
The Bright Angel Flash Flood Incident Management Team (IMT) recognizes that the recent removal of potable water storage tanks throughout Grand Canyon Village raised questions among residents, particularly those who have relied on the tanks during the current water emergency.
Immediately after the flash flood, the tanks were installed as an additional source of potable water and provided approximately 46,000 gallons of total storage capacity. Actual use was significantly lower, with approximately 6,000 gallons used daily. Because the water was not being used as quickly as anticipated, it was remaining in the tanks for longer periods of time. Water that remains in storage can lose its chlorine residual over time, which can eventually affect water quality. Testing of the water found no identified health risk, but the IMT took the underused tanks out of service as a precaution to ensure the water did not remain stored long enough to become a water-quality concern
Saturday, October 3, 6:30 pm
Flagstaff Takes the Stage is BACK!
The Northern Arizona Theatre Alliance (NATA) is thrilled to announce the return of Flagstaff Takes the Stage on Saturday, October 3rd at the Coconino Center for the Arts!
Join us for a celebration of Northern Arizona theatre as we come together to announce our participating organizations’ 2027 seasons and give you an exciting sneak peek at what’s coming to local stages next year. Expect show announcements, snippets from upcoming productions, and plenty of reasons to get excited about another year of theatre in Flagstaff!
This is a FREE event, with opportunities to make a donation at the event. All donations directly support NATA and our efforts to strengthen Northern Arizona’s theatre community through resource sharing and collaboration.
While admission is free, seating is limited and tickets will be required.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.
The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and your help is needed.
When you become a member of CCC&Y, your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more.
READ MORE
Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona’s Starter Home Program approaches affordable home ownership in an entirely new way, the organization stated on its website.
Starter homes are energy efficient, 500-square-foot stand-alone homes that provide an attainable path to homeownership for Flagstaff’s workforce.
COCONINO COUNTY — In April, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) launched the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey to help identify the health priorities, community needs, strengths and risk factors within Coconino County. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to share their input, we’ve extended the deadline to take the survey to Saturday, Oct. 31.
Free community showers
Free shower facilities are available to Grand Canyon residents until further notice. Residents are strongly encouraged to use these facilities whenever possible to reduce household water use and help conserve the park’s limited water supply. This week ADA showers were also placed at four locations throughout the park.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park today announced tentative dates for the restoration of water services to the South Rim residences and concessionaires within the park.
Based upon construction timetables, the National Park Service Incident Management Team projects the park will be able to start pumping water by Nov. 16 from the Bright Angel Creek intake to the new water treatment plan. The National Park Service estimates distribution from the new treatment plant to residents will begin by Thanksgiving, allowing concessionaires to begin a phased approach to providing services to overnight guests at that time. These dates are tentative and residents and concessionaires will be notified as construction is completed.
Whether you’re exploring a new passion or building on years of experience, Sedona Arts Center offers inspiring classes and workshops for every skill level. Learn from working artists in a welcoming, hands-on environment while exploring painting, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, photography, mixed media, and more.
Join us in the heart of Sedona and discover where creativity can take you.
