FESTIVALS
Festivals abound in Flagstaff in the summer and fall. We’ve rounded up what we consider to be some of the most interesting ones.
Flagstaff Beer Festival
FLAGSTAFF BEER FESTIVAL
When: June 22
Where: Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill County Park
Cost: Ticket prices start at $60.
The name of this festival says it all: Enjoy plenty of craft beer outside at the Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill County Park at the Flagstaff Beer Festival. As of press time, some confirmed breweries include Huss Brewing Co., Barrio Brewing Co. and Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery. Attendees also can look forward to vendors like Radiant Art Events. This event also benefits the Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona. Visit ruggednatureproductions.com for more.
Heritage Festival of Arts & Culture
HERITAGE FESTIVAL OF ARTS & CULTURE
When: June 22 to 23
Where: Museum of Northern Arizona
Cost: Adult ticket prices cost $20.
The Museum of Northern Arizona is hosting the Heritage Festival of Arts & Culture in June. This festival celebrates the Native populations of the Colorado Plateau. Discover art made by natives and watch native dances under the outdoor tents. Attendees also can listen to talks by cultural experts. Admission to the festival also includes museum admission. Visit musnaz.org for more.
FLAGSTAFF PIANO FESTIVAL
When: June 22 to 29
Where: Kitt Recital Hall at Northern Arizona University
The Flagstaff Piano Festival will bring some top-tier musicians to town where they’ll be performing at the Kitt Recital Hall. See concerts from celebrated pianists including Alexander Korbin, Jeffrey Swann, Spencer Myer, Inna Faliks and Michelle Cann. An added bonus? The opening ceremony and faculty concert on June 22 is free. Visit flagstaffpianofestival.com for more information.
ART IN THE PARK
When: July 5 to 7; Aug. 31 to Sept. 2
Where: Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff
Cost: Admission is free
Held over the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends, Art in the Park brings over 80 artists from across the Southwest to showcase their creations. Attendees also can look forward to food trucks, live music, a beer garden and activities for the kids. Visit flagstaffartinthepark.com for more information.
Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival
FLAGSTAFF SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
When: Various dates from July 10 to Aug. 3
The Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival is one of the city’s most celebrated summer events, and it’s returning for its tenth anniversary. This summer, festival attendees can enjoy two classic plays penned from The Bard. They can watch “The Merry Wives of Windsor” from July 10 to Aug. 4 and “Julius Caesar” from July 11 to Aug. 3. Visit flagshakes.org for more.
Pickin’ In The Pines
PICKIN’ IN THE PINES
When: Sept. 13 to 15
Where: Pepsi Amphitheater at Ft. Tuthill County Park
Founded back in 2006, Pickin’ in the Pines is a bluegrass and acoustic music festival held annually in September. The festival also features other acoustic music genres like Celtic and gypsy jazz music. Enjoy listening to live music in the ponderosa pine forest of Flagstaff. Visit pickininthepines.org for more.
WHERE TO EAT
FAT BAGELS
Searching for New York-style kettle-boiled bagels? You can find them at Fat Bagels, which opened in December of 2023. This shop is owned by one of Flagstaff’s most celebrated chefs, John Conley. According to the shop’s website, John was inspired by his first job at Katz Deli in Phoenix. Located in between Salas Brava and Fat Olives on Route 66, Fat Bagels makes over 12 flavors like garlic and jalapeno cheddar. Every bagel is made from scratch. This shop is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and can sell out of a certain flavors. Guests also can order coffee, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, Matzo ball soup and pastrami sandwiches here.
TEATRO ITALIAN FOOD & WINE
Opened in late 2022, Teatro Italian Food & Wine is a concept from the folks at That Place Projects, which is behind Tinderbox Kitchen and the Tourist Home Cafe. Teatro means theater in Italian, and the restaurant is located in a former theater. Open for lunch and dinner, Teatro serves hearty Italian fare at its downtown Flagstaff location. Diners can feast on Grilled Ciabatta & Whipped Ricotta, Pesto Flatbread and plenty of fresh pastas on the lunch menu. In the evening hours, guests can find traditional Italian dinner dishes like Pork Osso Buco, Branzino and Butternut Squash Ravioli. To finish a meal here, consider devouring Tiramisu or the Panna Cotta. The restaurant also stocks 125 bottles of Italian wine.
Foret
FORET
OK, so Foret is not exactly new. But the restaurant’s chef, Sam Greenhalgh, has recently been nominated for a James Beard award, which is a big deal. Foret only serves breakfast and lunch dishes, many which are influenced by French cuisine. For breakfast, find plates like Eggs Benedict, Crispy Rice Bowl and Breakfast Burrito. For lunch, guests can devour a Roasted Corn Salad, a Smash Burger and a Porchetta Sandwich. Pair your food with choice of coffee, matcha, tea, juice or cocktails.
WHERE TO STAY
Planning to do more than day trip? Here are some newer Flagstaff properties that have opened in the past two years.
Americana Motor Hotel
AMERICANA MOTOR HOTEL
The 89-room Americana Motor Hotel has a retro vibe. Originally built in 1962, the cast and crew of classic movie “Easy Rider” even stayed here when they were filming. The hotel was renovated in recent years and reopened to the public in July of 2023. The remodeled hotel pays homage to the hotel’s history. Each room features a hanging disco ball, dark wood paneled walls and groovy colors like orange, blues and reds in the floor rugs and in the headboard.
Americana Motor Hotel
The hotel also has a space theme – a nod to Flagstaff’s role in the astronomy community – with a “We are all made of stars” plaque hanging above the bed. Property-wide amenities includes a heated pool, bikes that guests can check out for free and a backyard area complete with firepits and picnic tables where guests can hang out in the evening.
303 BNB FLAGSTAFF
The 303 BnB Flagstaff is owned by Kim Davis and Don (Woody) Woodin. The pair resided in Flagstaff from 2012 to 2013. Kim has worked in hospitality for 25 years and dreamed of opening her own bed and breakfast. They moved out to Ouray, Colorado, to run one but always longed to return to Flag. Return they did. They purchased this inn in 2021, remodeled it and opened it in 2022. The inn features four private guest suites. The yellow inn is quaint and features two levels along with outdoor patios. Rooms are named after colors they’re decorated in. For instance, the purple room features, you guessed it, purple walls, curtains and window coverings. Guests can enjoy a home cooked breakfast every morning.
PUBLIC PARKS
One of the many things we love about Flagstaff? The city’s numerous public parks. Here are a few of our favorites. Plus, it’s always nice to spend time outside sans blazing heat.
Buffalo Park
BUFFALO PARK
Buffalo Park features jaw-dropping mountain views coupled with flat, well maintained paths that make this an ideal place to exercise. Go for a pleasant stroll or a long run. But no matter what you choose, be sure to soak up those aforementioned iconic Flagstaff views.
THORPE PARK
Located minutes from downtown Flagstaff, Thorpe Park features a community garden, basketball courts, a cultural center and orchards. If you’re short on time but would like to spend time in a park, this 8.5-acre park is a nice place to visit.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
THE ARBORETUM AT FLAGSTAFF
Only open seasonally from May through October, The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a place you’ll want to put on your must-visit list. The 200-acre arboretum is home to 750 different plant species native to the area. The arboretum features views of the San Francisco Peaks and plants throughout along with plenty of paved walking trails – making it a perfect place for a peaceful stroll.
