Festivals, music, markets, movies and more! It’s Summer in Flagstaff!
Every time of year in Flagstaff is my favorite time of year. Just when I think Spring is best (except for the wind!), Summer comes around and our calendars are overflowing with fun things to do. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Flagstaff becoming the world’s first Dark Sky City and I’m here for it. The Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition (FDSC) kicked it off with Starlight in the Square and a gorgeous Full Moon Concert in Buffalo Park. You can still get into the action with the next one on July 28 where you’ll be serenaded while you gaze at the stars or take an up-close look through one of many telescopes aimed at our treasured night sky. Creative Flagstaff (CF) hosts a juried mixed media exhibition through September called NightVisions: Amber. Once you’re hooked, you’ll definitely want to check out the High Country Motor Lodge’s Star Party in July and the FDSC Star Party in October. Speaking of the stars, no matter the season, Lowell Observatory is a must-visit icon. Kids of all ages will love the Astronomy Discovery Center, Lowell Universe Theater, or gazing at the stars at the Dark Sky Planetarium or the Open Deck Observatory.
This year also marks the 100th anniversaries of Route 66 and Flagstaff’s Train Station. Pick up Discover Flagstaff’s 66 Things to Do on Route 66 at the Flagstaff Visitor Center (located in the train station) or download it from their website. You’ll find 66, Route 66-related, activities and locations to visit in and around Flagstaff. The Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) presents an exhibition titled Wagon Road to Mother Road now through the end of January.
Some of my favorite local events take place on the weekends in Flagstaff. First Fridays, Music on the Square, Movies on the Square, Community Farmers Market, Urban Flea Market, and the Flagstaff Mountain-Town Market are always a good time. For one-time events, there’s Art in the Park and our (almost) world-famous Fourth of July Parade.
If you prefer more quiet, contemplative activities, visit the Arboretum at Flagstaff (Arb) which is as rejuvenating as it is tranquil. Visit their gorgeous native plant gardens, listen to hundreds of hummingbirds, bird watch, purchase plants, and gaze up at the San Francisco Peaks. There’s also Yoga at Dark Sky Brewing hosted by DSB and High Country Humane on Sundays where you can stretch, drink hand-crafted beer, and cuddle puppies—in no particular order.
Whether you’re an urban walker or enjoy the trails, enjoy history and public art walks—check in with Freaky Foot Tours and the Flagstaff Visitor Center for guided walks—or discover the dark history of the Jim Crow era through the self-guided tour of locations included in The Travelers’ Green Book. Explore several self-guided tours of other historic landmarks, get out on the nearly 60 miles of the Urban Trails System, or venture farther out for 100s of hikes.
Enjoy live music at the Orpheum Theater where, incidentally, in 1930 Clyde Taumbagh watched a movie before heading back to Lowell Observatory and discovering Pluto. Experience festivals, events, and live music at the MNA, the Arb, Coconino Center for the Arts, or visit the Celtic, chili, music, and film festivals throughout the summer.
Summer in Flagstaff is sublime. Locals can find something to do every single day, and visitors will never be disappointed. I hope to see you at one of the many events, concerts, festivals, or just hanging out sipping coffee and feeling grateful that I get to live in Flagstaff.
I’m always available to Flagstaff residents via email.
Tons of information can be found at flagstaffarizona.org and a calendar of events at flagstaff365.com.
This column appears in the July 2026 edition of the Flagstaff Business News.
