Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition compiling back-to-school resource information. Also see our listing for Summer reading, food security and remaining Summer camps

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — While many families are enjoying their Summer vacations, school officials are busy planning for a variety of back-to-school information fairs and other activities as the new school year rapidly approaches.

The following is a listing compiled by the Coalition of some of the back-to-school activities that have been announced in Coconino County.

​​​​​​​

In addition, agencies, school districts and other organizations are still continuing to present a variety of Summer food security, Summer reading and Summer camp programs in Coconino County and throughout Northern Arizona.

Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information. Please visit the links below to see if registration is still available. Registration deadlines may have already passed for some programs.

If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

(INFORMATION UPDATED July 15, 2026)

READ MORE​​​​​​​

Willard Springs Green Waste Site reopens July 17 for Friday/Saturday green waste disposal

FLAGSTAFF — The Willard Springs Green Waste Site will reopen this Friday, July 17 for free green waste-only disposal after a temporary closure to support aerial firefighting operations for the Pocket Fire.

The site was closed on July 1 for public safety so it could serve as a staging area for fire suppression materials used by helicopter firefighting crews.

Willard Springs is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 31. The last load of green waste is accepted through the gate at 4:30 p.m. each operating day. This schedule is subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

Coconino Center for the Arts —Celebrate Flagstaff Dark Skies with NightVisions: AMBER through Sept. 26, more events

BECOME A MEMBER Exhibitions Concerts & Events NightVisions: AMBER Exhibition Dates: June 27 – September 26, 2026 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,…

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra — Season 77 Is Here—Subscriptions Open July 25

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to invite you to our 77th concert season, The Stories We Carry. Each of us is shaped by stories—those we inherit, those we imagine, and those we write each day. This season, we invite you to experience musical stories that reflect our shared humanity, celebrating the journeys, memories, dreams, and experiences that shape who we are. Explore the new season below.

New season subscriptions are available beginning July 25. Enjoy exclusive savings, priority access, and the flexibility to create the concert season that’s right for you.

Prefer to purchase as you go? Single tickets for all concerts go on sale August 10.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 6-10, 2026

Cliff Spring Fire Update

The Cliff Spring Fire on the North Rim remains at 171 acres with no new growth, no visible smoke, and currently at 40% containment. Fire activity remains minimal, and firefighters continue full suppression efforts while tracking small pockets of interior heat identified during a recent infrared flight.

There are currently no closures associated with the fire. The Cape Royal and Walhalla Plateau backcountry areas have reopened to permit holders.

City of Flagstaff — ICE confirms office space in Flagstaff; Provides contact information for questions

FLAGSTAFF — On July 3, 2026, the City of Flagstaff received confirmation from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/ Enforcement and Removal Operations that the agency has secured office space in Flagstaff. ICE stated that the purpose of the Flagstaff Sub-Office is to expand enforcement efforts in the state of Arizona. No additional details on the timing or scope of planned operations were shared by ICE.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Discover Parks and Recreation Summer Adventures with Our July 2026 Newsletter

• Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Effect: Parks & Recreation has specific guidelines outlining what is allowed and prohibited during this time. Click here to review the details before your next visit.
• Spots still open for Summer Camp weeks! Fun at the Fort has been enjoying fun themes each week, and we have room for new recruits for weeks 6 and 7. Register to join the adventures.
• Great Programs and Clinics for the summer! Culinary classes, archery, disc golf clinics, and more are coming your way. Visit our calendar to find new adventures.

Flagstaff City Council approves appeal for Certificate of Economic Hardship for 19 W Birch Avenue

FLAGSTAFF — In a five-two vote, the Flagstaff City Council found that the six criteria for a Certificate for Economic Hardship were met and approved an appeal of a Certificate of Economic Hardship for demolition of the existing building at 19 W. Birch Avenue. A development project at this location and an adjacent parcel proposes to construct a Hilton Graduate Hotel and parking garage.  

Find Your Next Creative Adventure at Sedona Arts Center

Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center
Discover the Joy of Creating

Sedona Arts Center offers year-round classes and workshops designed to inspire artists of all experience levels. From painting, ceramics, jewelry making, and photography to mixed media and more, our programs are welcoming, hands-on, and taught by working artists in a supportive creative environment.

Whether you’re discovering a new passion or continuing to grow your skills, you’ll find opportunities to explore, create, and connect in the heart of Sedona. New ceramics classes begin in June, alongside a wide variety of upcoming workshops and studio experiences for adults, teens, and families.

Theatrikos Theater Co. — Inside: Rave reviews for I Love You…, Bryan Cranston on screen, and local film Old Man Lightning

The applause is roaring, the laughter is non-stop, and our opening weekend audiences have proven what we knew all along: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is an absolute triumph. From the very first musical number, viewers are transported into a brilliant, hilarious exploration of love and relationships that is as heartfelt as it is relatable. Come experience the magic everyone is talking about!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition welcomes board members to new positions

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — A leader at a youth services organization. A regional director for a statewide early childhood group. A manager for a statewide organization that advocates for high-quality education for youth — they are just a few of the individuals who are leading the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth in 2026.

Following recent elections, the Coalition has named Kimberly Sevier,MA, as president; Peter Van Wyck, BA, as vice president and treasurer; and Laura Rosensweet, M.Ed, as secretary of the executive committee of its board of directors.

The Coalition wishes to thank immediate-past president Andrea Merronuck of Northland Family Help Center for her dedication and service to CCC&Y, including serving as secretary and as a member of the Coaliition’s Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Committee.

The Coalition would also like to welcome new board members Laura Valdez Bojorquez, Wendy Kasprzyk-Roberts and Brandy Stuhan.

READ MORE

The NAU Review — Saving your cup of joe + do you know what Pluto is made of?

Rescuing the world’s coffee

The coffee berry borer is destroying about 30% of the world’s coffee crops annually, costing farmers more than $500 million a year and driving down the supply of everyone’s favorite caffeinated beverage. NAU Ph.D. candidate Lynn Bonomo is on a mission to find a safe, sustainable way to protect coffee farmers’ crops—and your morning jolt. 

The last day to request an Early Ballot by mail for Primary Election is July 10

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Recorder’s Office reminds registered voters that the last day to request an early ballot to be mailed to you for the July 21 Primary Election is Friday, July 10 at 5 p.m. Voters on the Active Early Voting List (AEVL) who are registered with the Republican, Democratic, Libertarian, Green or No Labels party should have received their early ballot by mail. Voters who are registered as Independent, Other or Party Not Designated must contact the Recorder’s Office to make a party ballot selection, even if you are on the Active Early Voting List.

To request an early ballot be mailed, voters may call the Recorder’s Office at 928-679-7860 or toll-free 800-793-6181. Voters may also request an early ballot online at coconino.az.gov/elections and by clicking on “Early Ballot Request.”

Flagstaff Fire Chief Mark Gaillard named 2025 Leader of the Year

During his time at the City, Chief Gaillard has had many notable accomplishments. He supported efforts to strengthen emergency response by partnering with the Flagstaff Police Department to review and enhance computer‑aided dispatch processes, resulting in more accurate unit deployment and improved response times. When the homeowner’s insurance crisis began impacting Flagstaff residents, Chief Gaillard engaged with state and national groups and worked alongside government officials and insurance representatives to explore long‑term approaches to support wildfire‑resilient neighborhoods.

Coconino County — Which 4th of July Parade are you attending?

COCONINO COUNTY — Saturday, July 4 will be a busy day of celebration in Coconino County! There are five Independence Day parades taking place in Flagstaff, Page, Munds Park, Parks and Williams.

Click here for more information from Coconino County

Click here for more information on the Page 4th of July Parade from the City of Page

Coconino Center for the Arts — First Friday ArtWalk!

Flagstaff’s First Friday ArtWalk is a monthly celebration of creativity that brings downtown to life.

Join us for the next First Friday on July 3, starting at 5 pm, for a western-themed ArtWalk and a celebration of Flagstaff’s local artists!

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.

Areas of Kachina Village, Forest Highlands, and Pine Del will be downgraded from “SET” (Pre-evacuation) to “READY” status

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the areas of Kachina Village, Forest Highlands, and Pine Del will be downgraded from “SET” (Pre-evacuation) to “READY” status. The zones for these areas are 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 97, 98, and 99.

While conditions have improved to allow this adjustment, residents will continue to see smoke and fire activity for the foreseeable future.

The decision to downgrade to “SET” status was made in conjunction with the Forest Service’s Critical Incident Management Team. While conditions have improved to allow this adjustment, residents will continue to see smoke and fire activity for the foreseeable future

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — 2026 Summer reading, food security and camp program information compiled by CCC&Y. See our listings

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, July, 2, 2026. The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

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.

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.

READ MORE

City of Flagstaff announces 4th of July closures

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Friday, July 3 in honor of the Fourth of July holiday. City Hall offices will reopen Monday, July 6 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on July 3 include: 

East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.) 
Downtown Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N Izabel Street)
Cinder Lake Landfill and Hazardous Products Center (6770 E Landfill Rd.)
Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) (1800 E Butler Ave.)
Citizens Cemetery (1300 S San Francisco St.)

Sedona Arts Center — Celebrate Sedona This Friday: Freedom!

Join us for the opening reception of

FREEDOM

Celebrate the opening of Freedom, Sedona Arts Center’s newest exhibition,
with an evening of art, conversation, and community.

Inspired by the themes of America 250—Independence, Inclusivity, and Innovation—Freedom explores the many meanings of liberty through painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, fiber, mixed media, and more. Each artist offers a unique perspective on one of humanity’s most enduring ideas.