‘Find Your Joy’ at Flagstaff Public Library during National Library Week through April 25

FLAGSTAFF — What brings you joy? Whether it’s cozying up with a new story, learning a new skill, gathering with community or something else, you can find your joy at the Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library.

National Library Week, April 19–25, 2026, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Public invited to attend remaining Public Safety Citizen Committee meetings on April 22, 29; May 6, 13

Members of the public are invited to attend a series of meetings of the Public Safety Citizen Committee (see schedule below). This Committee is tasked with advising the Mayor and Council on potential ballot measures for the November 2026 election, including funding for Fire, Police, Aircraft Rescue, Wildland Firefighting, and Emergency Management.

The Public Safety Citizen Committee started meeting late last year. F3 is represented on the Committee by Michele James, Executive Director. The Committee has four meetings remaining before its scheduled to submit a recommendation to City Council. The Committee is exploring a potential sales tax increase and a city bond to provide a yet-to-be-determined amount of needed funding that cannot be covered by the City’s General Fund.

GELL Center at NAU and the Coconino Center for the Arts to present two author talk by Dora Rodríguez on April 23

FLAGSTAFF — Dora Rodríguez, who nearly perished while fleeing El Salvador and crossing the AZ border in 1980 will give to readings of her memoir, A Daughter of Unforgiving Terrain, . Dora’s survival is credited with helping to spark the Sanctuary Movement. She is a committed humanitarian and an incredibly inspiring speaker.

On Thursday April 23 you have two different opportunities to hear Dora read/present:

      @ 4 pm in Liberal Arts 120 at NAU

      @ 6 pm in the Coconino Center for the Arts, 2300 N Fort Valley Rd

United Way of Northern Arizona — Will We See You on April 30th?

Please join United Way of Northern Arizona on Thursday, April 30th as we celebrate a year of impact and achievement and the many things we have done – together – to ensure that all can thrive in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.

Our community breakfast will feature a panel discussion highlighting UWNA’s partnership with organizations that serve youth, including representatives from Homeless Youth Connection, Stuck Community Acupuncture, Boys and Girls Club, and the Flagstaff Unified School District.

We’ll also talk about the success of this year’s Annual Campaign and hold our annual meeting, including the installation of Kyla Garrison of Mission Driven Finance as the Chair of the UWNA Board of Directors.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 13-17, 2026

Continued Water Conservation Remains Critical for South Rim Community

As announced in this morning’s news release, the park will begin gradually easing water conservation measures on the South Rim starting Friday, April 17 at 12 p.m., following progress in repairing the South Rim water pipeline and restoring pumping capacity. While this marks an important step forward, the park continues to operate on a constrained, aging, and vulnerable water system. Additional pipeline breaks remain possible, and water use must remain careful and intentional.

Grand Canyon National Park to gradually ease water conservation measures beginning April 17

— Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

UPDATED — See more local media coverage. More than 100 NAU students protest in front of new ICE office in Flagstaff on Friday

Also see: 

• Arizona Daily Sun (subscription) — Gallery: Northern Arizona University students protest outside ICE office in Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — More than 100 Northern Arizona University students took part in a march and protest from the campus to the newly-leased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office on Plaza Way, just to the east of Home Depot.

The students, some of whom identified themselves as members of the new NAU Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) organization, carried a variety of protest signs, shouted slogans and held a rally directly across the street from the new ICE office, who officials said may serve as a center for their Northern Arizona operation.

As the students protested, nearly a dozen police vehicles could be seen scattered on both sides of the street to monitor the situation. Most of the vehicles appeared to be Flagstaff Police Dept. units. More unidentified law enforcement units could also be seen directly behind the building at 1585 S. Plaza Way. 

Theatrikos Theater Co. announces cast of ‘Life Sucks,’ more news

Get ready for a hilarious, heartbreaking, and “sort of” Chekhovian experience as Theatrikos presents Life Sucks., opening May 21. Directed by John Forsythe, this bold adaptation of Uncle Vanya tackles life’s biggest questions with modern wit and a healthy dose of fourth-wall-breaking honesty.

We are thrilled to announce an incredible ensemble of local talent bringing this “beautiful mess” to life:

Joel Austin
Andrew Dzeguze
América Fregozo
Leslie S. Jones
Nick Rabe
Vicki Thompson
Audrey Young

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition joins partners in celebrating ‘Full STEAM Ahead!’ Flagstaff Early Childhood Fair

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — Families braved a last-minute rainstorm and breezy conditions outside to return to Killip Elementary School for the annual “Full STEAM Ahead!” Flagstaff Early Childhood Fair on  Saturday, April 11, 2026 in Flagstaff.

Nearly two dozen family-supportive organizations staffed a variety of interactive activity tables related to S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math). The event also provided a variety of resources for parents and providers, dental information and snacks.

National Park Service / Grand Canyon National Park announce 2026 South Rim Firewise Cleanup — April 18-26, 2026

We need your help in preventing wildfire severity! The 2026 Firewise Residential Cleanup will occur April 18-26, 2026.

Please pile all pine needles and woody debris along your residential road in an area accessible to vehicles for the crew to pick up. Park staff will begin hauling debris the week of April 27.

Creative Flagstaff — 10 days until we celebrate! Viola Awards are almost here

Tickets are on sale for the Viola Awards at the Orpheum Theater on April 25, 2026!

This year’s Viola Awards are bringing all the homecoming vibes with our theme:
Homecoming: Look How Far We’ve Come.

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.

The NAU Review — Research in a flash

Last week, 11 graduate students stood in front of an audience and shared their research. That’s par for the course for any researcher. What was different this time? They had only three minutes and one slide to sum up months, or even years, of research. See what students have worked on during their careers at NAU and which students walked away with a cash prize.

Sedona Arts Center — A perfect time to step into something new

Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center
 

A perfect time to step into something new.

At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our upcoming classes and workshops — from oil painting and wet concrete carving, to no solder chain making, alternative pottery finishing and iPhoneography — our classes 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.

City of Flagstaff hosts three upcoming sustainability events (April 18, 25 and May 2)

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office invites community members to join three signature events this spring: the Earth Day Celebration on April 18, Drop Off Day on April 25, and the Fix-It Clinic on May 2.

Earth Day Celebration

The annual Earth Day Celebration will be on Saturday, April 18 at Bushmaster Park from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Listen to live music, attend a free workshop, eat food from a local food truck, and discover dozens of sustainable-minded organizations and activities.

Coconino Center for the Arts — New performance announcements

Saturday, May 9, 7:30 pm

S.E. Willis returns with Roger Smith, Frank Manhardt (Freaky Frank) and Donny Roberts. If you missed his last standing room only show at CCA now is your chance!

This show will be more eclectic, not so Blues focused, with more Americana and even Country elements. We’re having a party 60 years in the making and we’re inviting you to come out and see what a lifetime of experience playing American music can achieve. Let’s have some fun!
GET TICKETS
Members save 10% on tickets!

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — F3 Regional Plan 2045 Workshops in April

Registered voters living in the City of Flagstaff will decide in a special election in May 2026 whether to ratify the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045.

F3 is offering two workshops this month where you can learn more about the Regional Plan 2045, ask questions, discuss, and view future growth illustration maps. See dates and locations listed on the flyer above.

In preparation for the election or a workshop, start by reading the Regional Plan basics and Frequently Asked Questions found on this page. Visit the city’s Regional Plan Page to read the Plan itself and view policy maps.

Bilingual report — City of Flagstaff reports ICE signs lease for office space on Plaza Way

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff announced on Thursday, April 9 that it has received confirmation that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO) has signed a lease for office space at 1585 S. Plaza Way in Flagstaff. The property is near the former Suddenlink/Optimum customer service building.

Two City of Flagstaff Police Dept. patrol units could be seen parked in front of the location on Thursday evening.

Keep Flagstaff Together, a project of the Catch Fire Movement, has stated on its Facebook page to “Stay away from 1585 South Plaza Way, Suites 150 & 160. Call 928-395-6330 to request witnesses for support and to record a suspected encounter with immigration law enforcement.”

Please see:

• Arizona Daily Sun — City of Flagstaff, Flagstaff Police Department announce ICE has signed lease for South Plaza Way office space
• Great Circle Media — ICE Enforcement And Removal Operations Signs Lease For Office Space In Flagstaff
• KNAU — Flagstaff activists claim ICE office to open on Plaza Way
• Coconino County Sheriff’s Office — U.S. Immigration and Customs Presence in Coconino County (March 26)

Exchange Club of Flagstaff holds annual Child Abuse Prevention Month ‘Field of Hope Dedication’ at County Courthouse

FLAGSTAFF — On a cool, breezy afternoon in April, dozens of individuals gathered on the lawn of the Coconino County Courthouse for the annual Field of Hope Dedicationpresented by the Exchange Club of Flagstaff.

Following a presentation by local dignitaries on April 3, 2026, those in attendance took part in the solemn ceremony (video)of placing of 113 white Prevent Child Abuse flags (video)representing the 113 children who died in 2025 (video) due to neglect or abuse in Arizona. The ceremony (video) also included the ringing of a bell (video) by members of Girl Scout Troop 4668 for each child remember during the event.

Indivisible NAZ April 15th Community Gathering & Candidate Forum

Join us for our monthly community gathering! DOORS OPEN at 5:00 pm and the meeting will begin promptly at 5:30.

We will continue our candidate forum series with CD2 Candidate Jonathan Nez. Learn about his platform, followed by Q & A.

The Protect Ed petition will be discussed.

There’s lots to talk about and I expect a packed meeting and registration is required.

Please bring a non-perishable food donation to benefit Flagstaff Family Food Center. Our neighbors need our help.

Registration is required so that we can have enough chairs set up.

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

Save the Date—Town of Tusayan Cinco de Mayo Celebration on May 5

On Tuesday, May 5, the Town of Tusayan will be hosting its annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration from 4:30-9 p.m. at the Squire Resort in Tusayan. Mexican food and music will be featured as well as pinatas for kids, a face painter, balloon artist, a dive-in movie and indoor and outdoor pool, as well as a drone light show.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Discover Flagstaff — Northern Arizona Book Festival / Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival / Celebration of Youth at Flagstaff Mall

This Week’s Highlights
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.

Sedona Arts Center — Update: Saturday Art History Talk Cancelled + Upcoming Classes

PROGRAMMING NOTE:
SATURDAY LECTURE CANCELLED 

We wanted to share a quick update regarding this weekend’s programming.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Art History Talk: The Many Faces of Friendship with Brandelyn Andres (April 11) has been cancelled.

We appreciate your understanding — and we hope you’ll still join us for one of the upcoming classes and workshops below.

Coconino County announces Eilise Fisher as new Workforce Development Director

“Eilise Fisher’s combined experience as a small business owner and project manager for Arizona’s WIOA Rapid Response Program gives her a full-circle understanding of the workforce system from the perspective of both an employer and an administrator,” Coconino County Board Chair and District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman said. “She also has a fantastic track record working at the city, county and state level so we are excited to welcome her back to the Coconino County team.”