The Sound of Music
Few instruments are as legendary as the Stradivarius violin – considered to have an amazing, unmatched sound. And on the opening night of the Sedona International Film Festival, you can hear violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn play one….
Things to Do in Northern Arizona
Festive Films
Rescheduled from February, the Sedona International Film Festival is from June 12 to 20. During this time, attendees can watch more than 100 films during the 27th annual festival. See full-length features, shorts, documentaries and foreign…
Reptilian Revelry
Starting April 6, and continuing on the first Tuesday of the month until September, you can see, touch and learn more about reptiles at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village’s monthly free “Snakes! Lizards! Tortoises!” event. Experts…
Visit Sedona Lands New CEO: Meet Candace Carr Strauss
Meet Candace Carr Strauss. She’s the new president and CEO of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau and started her job back in February. Candace has a diverse resume. She’s had stints with the…
Spring Fever
Enjoy a celebration of Mexico’s rich culture and heritage at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Cinco de Mayo commemorates…
Sedona’s Hertitage
The Sedona Heritage Museum is hosting a “Voices From the Grave” at the oldest cemetery in the Sedona area, the Schuerman Red Rock Cemetery, on April 30 and May 1. The cemetery was established in 1893…
Rock The Runway
BowWow Sedona and Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village are hosting “Paws Rocking the Runway” featuring animals showing off the latest fashions from 1 to 3 p.m. on April 25 at the Tlaquepaque North fountain. The proceeds…
Anniversary Bash: Celebrating 20 Years of the Sedona Women
The Sedona Women’s slogan is “Making A Difference.” And for over two decades, the organization has done just that. This nonprofit of about 275 members helps the local community in many ways. The group offers scholarships…
Art Houses
The Sedona Visual Artists’ Coalition is hosting its Spring Open Studios Tour on April 23, 24 and 25. About 45 working artists throughout the Verde Valley will open their private studios to the public. The tour…
Sedona Stumble
Lace up your running shoes and prepare to get (red rock) dusty if you sign up for the Sedona Stumble 5K and 10K Trail Run on March 20. This scenic run starts at Posse Grounds Park…
Winning Watercolors
For the first time ever, the Northern Arizona Watercolor Society’s annual spring show is going virtual. The online exhibit will run from March 1 to 14 on naws-az.org. “This is a year for adaptation and flexibility,…
Hanging Art
If you want to see original art when you’re at the Sedona Public Library, all you have to do is look up. If you do, you’ll see more than 50 original quilts hanging from the main…
Home Run
RunSedona is making its annual race virtual. On Feb. 6, you can run a virtual 5K, 10K, half and full marathon from anywhere. Run on the road, a trail or the treadmill, and log your finish…
The Sound of Music
Editor’s note: The Sinfonietta has been postponed due to the pandemic. Please visit vvsinfonietta.org for more information. The Verde Valley Sinfonietta is returning with its first performance of the 2020-2021 season. On Feb. 7 at 2:30…
Community Connections: Sedona Wish List Seeks to Connect Locals with Nonprofits
Deciding what organizations to support can be a challenge. But Sedona resident Barbara Vickers sought to change that when she founded Sedona Wish List back in 2010. Sedona Wish List is an online database of different…
Hiking Heaven
You have two chances in the next two months to take advantage of free parking in the Red Rock Ranger District as part of its Fee-Free Days. On Jan. 20, in honor of Martin Luther King…
Complimentary Calisthenics
Good news if you like to hike and don’t want to pay for parking: The Red Rock Ranger District offers Fee-Free Days so you can explore many popular Sedona sites with no charge. In 2020, Fee-Free…
Take A Hike
Arizona State Parks are open on Jan. 1, 2021 for First Day Hikes. If you want to kick the new year off with some exercise, consider paying a visit to Sedona’s Red Rock State Park or…
Support Small
On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, consider shopping at a small business on Nov. 28 as part of Small Business Saturday. Sedona is filled with many small businesses like Shey Khandro Sacred & Contemporary Art & Jewelry…
Burn That Bird
Prior to consuming pumpkin pie and turkey on Nov. 26, consider burning calories by lacing up your sneakers and running the Sedona Turkey Trot 5K. Take in red rock views as you work up a sweat….
Life in the Stacks: After Over Four Decades, Librarian Virginia “Ginny” Volkman Retires
Virginia “Ginny” Volkman had never even heard of Sedona when she first interviewed for a job at the library back in 1978. But like so many visitors, she quickly became captivated by Red Rock Country. “It…
Paying Respect
Although there isn’t an in-person tribute this year, the Sedona Heritage Museum (pictured above) is holding a video Veteran’s Day Tribute. The program will air on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. on the City of Sedona’s…
Opt Outside: Meet Steve Richardson, Parks & Recreation Manager for the City of Sedona
SEDONA MONTHLY: How did you get interested in this type of work? STEVE RICHARDSON: I grew up as a parks and recreation kid. My mom signed me up for just about everything. I grew up in…
Dream On
Verde Valley School will be hosting a virtual concert on Oct. 10 to support the Verde Valley School’s Native American Scholarship Fund. The “Dream Concert” aims to raise funds for Native American youth to attend Verde…
Touring Acts
From Oct. 2 to 16, the Prescott Area Artist Studio Tour will host its very first online art auction. During those dates, art fans can purchase creations from more than 60 award-winning juried Studio Tour artists….
Art Al Fresco
The Highlands Center for Natural History and the City of Prescott are presenting the first ever annual Prescott Plein Air Art Festival. From Oct. 1 to 3, more than 10 artists will work from dawn until…
Animal Advocate: Meet Jennifer Brehler of the Humane Society of Sedona
How did you get interested in this type of work? Like so many people in this field, I always found animals were kind of my respite place to be with given my more nontraditional…
“Everyday Peace” Show at the Goldenstein Gallery at L’Auberge
“September is one of my favorite shows: ‘Everyday Peace,’” says Linda Goldenstein, the owner of the Goldenstein Gallery at L’Auberge de Sedona. “It is inspired by the International Day of Peace. Yet we have expanded it…
Humane Society of Sedona’s Annual Pet Lovers’ Gala
New this year, the Humane Society of Sedona is virtually live streaming its annual Pet Lovers’ Gala on Sept. 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This year’s theme is “The Roaring 20s in 2020.” You can…
Great Value Wines
PAGE SPRINGS CELLARS Cornville’s Page Springs Cellars has been making Vino do la Familia since 2003. And the name of this wine is what it’s all about. According to the winery, this is meant to conjure…
Getting Spiritual in Sedona
What Makes Sedona So Special? The majestic red rocks and lush, evergreen vegetation are two reasons for the unique energy of Sedona and its tangible regenerative and inspirational effects. The red-orange color of the rock is…
Top Ten Must Have Sedona Experiences
From hiking one of Sedona’s many gorgeous trails to staying at one of the city’s top resorts, here are the 10 best Sedona experiences. We value Sedona’s local businesses as much as we value its visitors,…
Open House
Editor’s note: The Sedona Artist’s Studio Tour has been canceled. Please see sedonaartistscoalition.org for more. See artists’ works of all stripes inside their studios at the bi-annual Sedona Artist’s Studio Tour from April 24 to 26….
Piano Rock
Editor’s note: Piano on the Rocks has been canceled. Please see pianoontherocks.org for more. Originally created by pianist Sandrine Erdely-Sayo as a way to marry her love of music and literature, the “Piano on the Rocks”…
Dream On
Editor’s note: 2020 Dream Run 5k/10k has been canceled. Please see tiny.cc/dreamrun2020 for more. To get in a good run or walk and support Native American students, consider signing up for the 2020 Dream Run 5K/10K on…
A Chef’s Tale
Editor’s note: “The Raging Skillet” has been canceled. Please see gotoetc.org for more. Like Madonna, New York City-based Chef Rossi only goes by one name. In 2015, she published her memoir that shares the name of her…
Food Truck Fare
Editor’s note: The food truck festival has been canceled. Please see sedona.gov for more. Dig into food truck cuisine, listen to live tunes, and enjoy beer at the third annual Sedona Food Truck Festival on March…
Go Green
Editor’s note: the St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been cancelled. For more information, visit sedona.gov. One of Sedona’s most beloved annual traditions, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, is returning for its 50th year. Presented by the…
Watercolor Wonder
Check out watercolor paintings of all stripes – including two-dimensional works using any water media – at the 2020 Northern Arizona Watercolor Society’s Watermedia Exhibition. From March 6 to 19, expect to see more than 60…
Shred the Red
Sedona’s stunning terrain and plethora of single-track – trails intended for mountain biking and hiking – make it a true haven for mountain bikers. And Sedona’s Mountain Bike Festival seeks to raise awareness of the city’s…
Going Green: The 2020 Sustainability Guide
Sedona Monthly is a proud supporter of PrintReleaf, a program that certifiably reforests both American forests and those of developing countries. PrintReleaf partners with small organizations around the world to reforest areas that have been stripped…
Red Rock Run
The new year always conjures up new beginnings and promises of getting healthier or just shedding excess holiday pounds. If you’re searching for a way to jump start your 2020’s new year’s resolutions, consider running a…
Living Legends
For a rich and diverse celebration of the ancient cultures of Latin American, Native American and Polynesian, consider attending “Seasons.” Presented by Provo, Utah’s Brigham Young University, audience members can look forward to a plethora of…
Power Plants
Plant-based diets have really taken off. And you can learn more about this growing trend and lifestyle if you attend the Sedona VegFest. Held on Jan. 18 and 19 at the Sedona Performing Arts Center, VegFest…
Winter Wonder
On Jan. 9 and 12, the Chamber Music Sedona will present its seventh annual Winterfest. Attendees can look forward to two stellar performances. Held on Jan. 9 in a spectacular private home at 5:30 p.m., the…
Take A Hike
To kick off your new year’s resolution to get healthy, may we suggest taking a First Day hike on Jan. 1? First Day Hikes is a national collaboration of all 50 state park systems to host…
Beatle Mania
If you’re looking to take a break from all the holiday hoopla, may we suggest checking out the 90-minute long “Deconstructing The Beatles: The Birth of The Beatles”? Hosted by the Sedona International Film Festival, in…
Holiday Cheer
Perhaps no other Sedona resident has the holiday spirit quite like Susan Carter. Decades before the Berlin Wall would fall, in the small town of Galesburg, Illinois, a teenage Susan wandered into a boutique and left…
Holiday Happenings
NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE Now through Dec. 23 Little America Hotel (2515 E. Butler Ave. in Flagstaff) 480-779-9679 northpoleexperience.com Take a trolley ride to the North Pole and arrive at Santa’s workshop. Build toys with elves, enjoy…
Fun Run
Before you chow down on turkey and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, consider burning off calories beforehand at the tenth annual Sedona Turkey Trot 5K. The race kicks off and ends at Posse Grounds Park. The majority…
Giving Gala
Help raise money for Verde Valley senior citizens served by the nonprofit Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition at the organization’s seventh annual gala. The Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition Fire & Ice Gala on Nov. 15 from 5…
Giving Thanks by Giving Back
BOYS TO MEN MENTORING NORTH CENTRAL AZ The mission of Boys to Men North Central Arizona is to promote fundamental positive change in the lives of boys, their families, and the community by harnessing the power…
Bike Bash
As our readers know from our regular hiking feature, Sedona Monthly is a huge champion of all things outdoors. Which is why we were excited to read that the Roam Bike Festival is returning to the…
Beers, Brats and Red Rocks
Break out your German lederhosen or dirndl dress: One of fall’s most beloved celebrations, Red Rocks Oktoberfest, is returning. Festival-goers can head to Posse Grounds ballfields on Oct. 26 from 3 to 8 p.m. to enjoy…
Halloween Happenings
The City is of Sedona is hosting two different events to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year: Halloween. From 1 to 3 p.m. on Oct. 19, kids and their families can head to the Sedona…
Masterpiece Theater
Next year marks what would have been the 250th birthday of legendary composer Ludwig van Beethoven. To kick things off early, the Verde Valley Sinfonietta and Sedona International Film Festival have collaborated and are paying tribute…
High Fiber
Searching for a custom gift? Then consider checking out handmade fiber art ranging from handwoven baskets to ornaments at the fifth annual Verde Valley Weavers & Spinners Guild’s Fabulous Fiber Sale Besides a variety of one-of-a-kind…
Rock Out
The Red Rocks Music Festival returns for its 18th annual season and is bringing top-notch musicians to Sedona. The Red Rocks Music Festival was originally founded to make up for the lack of summertime music festivals…
Wine It Up
Drinking wine against the backdrop of Sedona’s stunning red rocks is our idea of a perfect day. And the eleventh annual Sedona Winefest will give attendees the chance to celebrate the Grand Canyon State’s homegrown wine…
Sing the Blues
Who says blues music is dead? Not the Northern Arizona Blues Alliance. The organization’s biannual Sedona Red Rockin’ Blues Festival is back starting on Sept. 6 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre at 7 p.m. The…
Godless
Did you binge-watch the Netflix series Godless? Then you’ll be thrilled to know that the hats donned by three of the main characters are the creation of Arizona hat maker Eric Watson, owner of Watson’s Hat…
Mountain High
Want a stunning view of Northern Arizona? Then consider booking a ticket to ride Arizona Snowbowl’s Scenic Chairlift in Flagstaff. The lift transports you up to 11,500 feet. From the top, take in sweeping views of…
Picture Perfect
Photographers have flocked to Sedona for decades to capture the beauty of the red rocks. And come this August, photographers of all stripes can hone their craft, learn new techniques from the pros and photograph Sedona’s…
Festival In The Pines
Following a decade-long hiatus, the festival formerly known as SummerFest has returned to Flagstaff as the Festival in the Pines. From July 4 to 6, attendees can anticipate art, live music, food and creative activities for…
Wet and Wild
Families looking to (literally) cool off and celebrate Independence Day can head to the Sedona Community Pool for City of Sedona Parks and Recreation’s 4th of July Wet Fest. Kids can enjoy a live DJ, face…
From Farm to Table
Shopping for farm-fresh foods, fruits and vegetables that are locally grown should be on your checklist of things to do in Sedona. The Sedona Community Farmers Market held in the creekside parking lot of Tlaquepaque Arts…
Three Nights of Music
Listen to music surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Red Rocks, Friday evenings in June. The City of Sedona’s Parks and Recreation presents its annual Red Dirt Concerts held at the Pavilion at Posse Grounds…
Jerome Historic Home and Building Tour
Once billed as the wickedest town in the west, Jerome is now a bustling community. But who lives in this old copper mining town filled with rambunctious stories that almost always raise a few eyebrows? Now…
The Great Sedona Chili Cook-Off
Some like it hot – others hotter! This year’s Great Sedona Chili Cook-off may be the hottest event yet! As the attendance has grown, the competition for the best chili becomes more competitive. Sample chili from…
Celebrate Bernstein’s Birthday
A favorite among Sedona audiences, renowned pianist-composer Michael Brown returns to Chamber Music Sedona on Thursday April 11 at 5:30 p.m. to perform Spring Salon Musicale – Bernstein at 100! It’s the last concert of the…
In The Long Run
Every parent – and grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc. – is familiar with school fundraisers, but there’s a big difference between selling wrapping paper and running all 800-plus miles of the Arizona Trail. That’s what Nate Hansen…
Sedona Food Truck Festival
Bring your appetite to the Sedona Food Truck Festival at Posse Grounds Park on March 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 20 food trucks, $5 beers and a live band will satiate crowds….
Sedona’s Jack Of All Trades
When we spoke to author, tech company CEO, Sedona resident and Beatles collector extraordinaire Chris Formant, he was in the middle of hiking his way through Argentina and Chile. That’s just how he rolls. Chris’ second…
Love Songs
Plan a pre-Valentine’s Day afternoon out on Feb. 10 when Verde Valley Sinfonietta presents Sweet Melodies at 2:30 p.m. at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. The concert features Debussy’s Petite Suite and Brahms’ Serenade No. 1…
George Winston
Pianist George Winston will take the stage at the Sedona Performing Arts Center on Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the show are $45 to $65. George, who grew up in Montana and plays a…
Music To Our Ears
Chamber Music Sedona’s 6th annual Winterfest concert is mixing things up this year. The festival culminates in a concert on Jan. 13 at 2:30 p.m. at Sedona Performing Arts Center. Dubbed Shepherd on the Rock, the…
Red Mountain Music Academy
In October, longtime Sedona resident and music teacher Deanna Branaman opened the doors to Red Mountain Music Academy at the former Big Park School in the Village of Oak Creek. Deanna and her husband, Jeff, were…
Dance, Dance, Dance
Nothing announces the start of the holiday season like Sedona Chamber Ballet’s presentation of Phoenix Ballet’s The Nutcracker. The timeless performance takes place Dec. 1 at 2 and 7 p.m., and Dec. 2 at 2 p.m….
Turkey Trot 5K
Before you head to that Thanksgiving feast, burn some calories at the 9th First Annual Sedona Turkey Trot 5K at Posse Grounds Park on Nov. 22 at 9 a.m. The race, presented by Sedona Running Company,…
Artful October
If you are an art collector – or if you just appreciate beauty – October is your favorite month. First up is the Sedona Arts Festival on Oct. 13 and 14. The 28th annual event takes…
Native American Heritage Park Trail
Learn about the people who called our area home 1,400 years ago along the new Native American Heritage Park Trail in Camp Verde. The half-mile loop boasts interpretive-exhibit signs that educate hikers on the people native…
Sedona Family Foot Rodeo
Celebrate the history of Posse Grounds Park with the City of Sedona’s Parks and Recreation department during the Sedona Family Foot Rodeo. The event takes place at the lower softball field at Posse Grounds Park on…
Vroom, Vroom
Listen up car lovers! The 44th Annual Prescott Antique Auto Club Watson Lake Show happens Aug. 4-5 at Watson Lake Park in Prescott. The show takes place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and admission is…
High Profile
One of the coolest (literally) spots to be this month is on top of 11,500-foot Mt. Agassiz near Flagstaff. How do you get there? Take Arizona Snowbowl’s Scenic Chairlift to the top. The chairlift takes you…
Independence Day
Happy 242nd birthday, America! Celebrate Independence Day with the 4th of July Wet Fest at the Sedona community pool from noon to 4 p.m. The free activity features a water slide, games, water toys, swimming, live…
Let’s Go To The Movies
What happens when you combine great movies with balmy Sedona evenings? The City of Sedona Parks and Recreation Department’s new Sedona Summer Cinema Series, which begins June 6 and happens every Wednesday through the month. The…
Home Away From Home
For all of you domestic mavens, May is your month. First up is the 2018 Prescott Historic Home Tour, which takes place May 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s tour focuses on the…
Sedona Public Library – Sweet 60
In 1958, a group of Sedona residents came together to establish the town’s first library in a donated space. They brought with them three shelves of books and magazines, which were also donated. The library moved…
All-Arizona Messiah Sing-In
You might be familiar with Handel’s Messiah, but we bet you’ve never heard it like this before. On March 17 at 7 p.m., the nonprofit Sedona Conservatory will present the second annual All-Arizona Messiah SingIn at…
The 13th Annual Sedona Marathon Event
Lace up those sneakers! The 13th Annual Sedona Marathon Event takes place Feb. 3 on Navoti Drive behind the Sedona Medical Center. The race begins at 9 a.m. and is expected to draw more than 3,000…
Sedona Arts Center’s Loving Bowls
What’s better than shopping? Shopping for a cause! Sedona Arts Center’s Loving Bowls event returns Dec. 9 from noon to 3 p.m. More than 1,100 bowls created by area ceramicists will be sold for $10 each….
Sedona Open Studios
Thinking about holiday gift giving? Forgo online shopping and spend a weekend browsing local artist studios during Sedona Visual Artists’ Coalition’s Fall Open Studios Tour. The self-guided, free tour takes place Nov. 10-12 from 10 a.m….
13th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival
It’s that magical week in fall when Sedona’s streets, trails and viewpoints are teeming with plein-air painters from around the country. We’re talking about Sedona Art Center’s invitational 13th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival, which returns…
Fiesta del Tlaquepaque in Sedona
The 45th annual Fiesta del Tlaquepaque, a celebration of Mexican Independence Day, takes place Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. Tlaquepaque’s longest-running tradition will feature mariachis, flamenco dancers, ballet…
Pedal to the Medal in Sedona
Sedona Golf Resort’s 4th Annual Sedona Bike & Brew Festival returns Aug. 26 with mountain bikers racing a 6-mile course at the resort. The race takes bikers around all 18 holes and through 80 acres of…
Tlaquepaque North Block Parties
What’s summer without a block party? How about four of them? Tlaquepaque North will be hosting block parties every Saturday in June from 4 to 8 p.m. Each free event will feature live entertainment along with…
Jerome Historic Home and Building Tour
Arizona’s mile-high town is the place to be May 20-21 when the Jerome Historic Home and Building Tour returns for its 52nd year. The guided tour takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (the last…
Bonne Idée, Sedona!
Mark your calendars, francophiles: On April 8, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village will host A Taste of Provence from 4-7 p.m. Listen to songs in French and English from three French bands; watch demonstrations by a…
The Golden Dragon Acrobats
The Golden Dragon Acrobats, a renowned troupe of 16 Chinese artists, will take to the stage at the Sedona Performing Arts Center on March 4 at 7 p.m. The show, presented by Yavapai College Performing Arts…
Bike and Brew in Sedona
Love biking? Passionate about microbrews? Head to Oak Creek Brewing Co. on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. for the Bike and Brew event organized by Dennis Ketterman, publisher of Bike and Paddle Magazine. “It’s really…
