Flagstaff and Grand Canyon hotels and travel information
Weekend Events
Although not an official Federal holiday yet, the first labor day was held in 1882, just a month after the railway arrived in Flagstaff, Arizona. The city celebrates the extended weekend with great traditions such as the Coconino County Fair at Fort Tuthill County Park (8/31 – 9/3). Movies on the Square (9/1) will feature Big Miracle, Art in the Park (9/1-9/3) will be held in Wheeler Park near downtown, and Lowell Observatory is once again hosting their Labor Day Star Fest (9/2). While you’re in town take a trip back to 1882 with a guided walking tour of historic downtown (tours held every Tuesday through Saturday).
Symbolically the end of summer for most, Labor Day in Flagstaff highlights a variety of events throughout the weekend. But don’t count summer out yet. With the changing of the leafs fast approaching, the events continue throughout September and into the fall. For a full schedule of Flagstaff area happenings visit Flagstaff 365 or sign up for the Flagstaff Happenings e-newsletter to recieve event highlights weekly.
Wheeler Park in Historic Downtown Flagstaff • 928-556-9498 • flagstaffartinthepark.com
Flagstaff Art in the Park is an arts and crafts festival featuring tightly juried one-of-a-kind fine arts and fine crafts designed and shown by the exhibitor. This will be the twentieth annual show over the Labor Day weekend. Over 80 artists booths will again be located on the grass in Wheeler Park across the street from City Hall and on the main thoroughfare to the Grand Canyon. Food vendors, local musicians, bounces houses and a petting zoo will combine to make this year's festival a memorable celebration in the heart of Northern Arizona's cool pines. Free. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday,
9 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday.
Mormon Lake Lodge • 928-354-2227 • mormonlakelodge.com
Wrap up the summer with Mormon Lake Lodge's Labor Day weekend activities! Jack and Stacey Fuller host the last competitive team roping event of the year. Join in the fun and family-friendly festivities for the 3-day Labor Day weekend. Roping in the arena, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking and OHV riding. There will also be a fun Scavenger Hunt for families at 1:00 p.m. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Environmental Education events are FREE. There will be prizes for Scavenger Hunt winners.
Museum of Northern Arizona • 928-774-5213 • musnaz.org
Award-winning film The Return of Navajo Boy tells the story of a reunited Navajo family and a federal investigation into uranium contamination. Set in the stunning landscape of Utah's Monument Valley, this unforgettable documentary chronicles the extraordinary saga of how a rediscovered 1950s silent film reel leads to the return of a long-lost brother to his Navajo family. John Wayne Cly, adopted by Anglo missionaries, discovers his lost heritage and travels to Utah for an emotional reunion with his brothers and sisters. 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Lowell Observatory • 928-233-3211
lowell.edu
This special event will feature indoor multimedia programs and telescopes set up for viewing celestial objects. 5–9:30 p.m.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff • 928-774-1442 thearb.org/events_concerts
Kailin Yong's solo album is titled Bowing with the Flow, which consists of all original tunes inspired by his exploration of different world cultures. From this album, he started the group called the Kailin Yong Peace Project Trio. They have been putting on Peace Concerts all along the front range featuring upbeat fiddle with an inspiring message. 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Heritage Square • 928-853-4292
flagdba.com/movies-on-the-square
Bring your chairs, blankets and kids for a fun night. Gypsy Chicks will also add the exciting activities. Family Entertainment precedes each movie beginning at 6 p.m. Movies begin at dusk; free.
Lowell Observatory • 928-233-3211
lowell.edu
The weekend is filled with kids’ games, a Lowell Observatory will be open for kids’ activities throughout the day, including science demonstrations, telescope viewing of the sun, grounds tours, and multimedia presentations. Admission is free for all children under 18 years of age. Children must be accompanied by an adult or responsible guardian. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Lowell Observatory • 928-774-5107 flagstaffsymphony.org
The Percival Lowell concert series, sponsored by Bill and Kitty Putnam. Come enjoy a variety of musical groups in the gorgeous outdoor setting of Lowell Observatory. All concerts are free. 5 p.m. free.
Coconino Center for the Arts • 928-779-2300
culturalpartners.org
The Prelude to Open Studios art exhibit offers a preview of the work from the artists who are participating in the 15th Annual Flagstaff Open Studios event. Participating artists will each have one piece of work showing in the Prelude exhibit. 6 p.m.; free.
Grand Canyon National Park • 928-638-9215 • grandcanyonmusicfest.org
Grand Canyon Music Festival is an annual three-week series of concerts held in Grand Canyon National Park that emphasizes the broad diversity of chamber music, focuses on programming and presentation excellence, and celebrates the environment of this majestic World Heritage Site. Musicians of national and international standing are drawn to the Festival because of the high quality of musicianship, the sophistication of its leadership, and the inspiration of the Canyon itself.
August 31 - September 3 Fort Tuthill County Park • 928-679-8000
coconino.az.gov/parks
Performances by Everlast, Indigenous, Sergio Mendoza Y La Orkestra, Circus Bacchus and more! Traditional fair exhibits/demonstrations, livestock shows/auction, interactive edutainment for children, thrilling carnival rides, cultural performances, spectacular entertainment and live music by local talents and national recognized headliners.
The Pioneer Museum • 928-774-6272
arizonahistoricalsociety.org
Meet at the Flagstaff Visitor Center and join an experienced tour guide as they take you back in time to experience Flagstaff as it once was. The historic walking tour lasts about an hour and covers the downtown area of Flagstaff. Tues.–Thurs. 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. *The tours are first come first serve, however if you have a large group with specific needs or want to schedule a time not listed please contact the Pioneer museum to make arrangements.
Museum of Northern Arizona • 928-774-5213 musnaz.org
Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton was an independent spirit. Her creative drive and tenacious temperament led her to become an artist, educator, ethnographer, curator, and writer. And her love of art, nature, and Southwestern cultures played a major role in the creation of her artwork and the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, with her husband, Harold Sellers Colton. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
© 2012 Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved. Contact us at 928-774-9541, 800-842-7293, or cvb@flagstaffaz.gov for more info.
