Fall Events

FALL IN FLAGSTAFF

Often hailed as Arizona’s capital of autumn, Flagstaff is a leaf peeper’s paradise. To experience the season at its most exhilarating, visitors flock to the trails around 8,000 feet elevation; where large stands of aspen trees steal the show with their quaking leaves glowing like liquid sunshine.

As the fall months begin to emerge, the warming autumn colors will descend from the San Francisco Peaks to the streets of Flagstaff. Considering the vague perception of when the foliage will reach its peak, the Flagstaff LEAF-ometer is a great resource for those hoping to observe the transitioning colors. This online resource enables visitors to grasp an idea of what stage of color alteration to expect leaves when traveling to various areas of the city. Flagstaff offers many opportunities to explore and witness the alluring golden brown, red and orange autumn colors.

Marvelous Fall Hikes

Those interested in absorbing the scenery by foot might consider hiking some of Flagstaff’s prominent trails. There are many trails, ranging in difficulty, which will provide stunning views of the changing landscape. Some of these trails include Wilson Meadow, Aspen Nature Loop and Bismarck Lake.

Wilson Meadow

Located in Hart Prairie, Wilson Meadow is brimming with meadows and aspen groves in an open landscape. The lavish amount of nature, including fields of wildflowers and grasslands, ensures incredible sights of the foliage. This trail comes in at two miles round-trip, making it a wonderful option for those with minimal hiking experience and for those with children.

Aspen Nature Loop

Another salient trail, the Aspen Nature Loop offers views of the San Francisco Peaks and Kendrick Mountain. Located near the base of Arizona Snowbowl, this scenic loop is sure to expose some of the most impeccable fall colors. At a length of 1.8 miles, this hike is rated as relatively easy. Those looking for an effortless way to witness the scenery should consider Aspen Nature Loop.

Bismarck Lake

Situated in an alpine meadow, Bismarck Lake is the perfect location to observe both the altering autumn setting and the wildlife that is attracted by the lake. This remarkable “lake” exhibits pond-like features, acquiring shallow waters enclosed by marshes. As a resource for wildlife in the surrounding forests, visitors should expect to see some wildlife activity.  This is a difficult 17 mile trail and primarily used for nature trips, birding and mountain biking. 

FALL EVENTS AND FESTIVITIES

SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER

Shakespeare Festival 
September 6 - 22, 2019 
Flagstaff Shakespeare

Winter's Tale, “Exit Pursued by a Bear” — thus begins the second half of this story of a family torn apart by jealousy and separated by oceans. Through powers both human and mystical, and situations both dire and zany, the characters journey through their own vices to find love and forgiveness. Shakespeare’s greatest gift to us may be his stories of redemption; nothing, not even a very hungry bear, should keep you away from this one!

FLAVOR
September 14, 2019
1:00 - 7:00 pm
(928) 774-1983
localfirstaz.com/events/flavor

Taste a bit of FLAVOR at the first annual food and wine festival in Northern Arizona, hosted in partnership with Local First Arizona and Over the Rainbow Butterfly Garden. Celebrate Arizona's vintners and independent restaurants on the beautiful garden grounds at Warner’s Nursery. 

Flagstaff Festival of Science: To the Moon and Beyond
September 20-29, 2019
www.scifest.org

The Flagstaff Festival of Science is a FREE 10-day event with field trips, guided hikes, star parties, open houses, hands-on exhibits, presentations and archaeological excavations

Cornucopia Fall Festival
September 28 - 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
September 29 - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm 
(928) 853-4292
flagcorn.com

Cornucopia is a community wide celebration of fall, the turning of the leaves and PUMPKINS! The event is held at Thorpe Park softball complex.

The Flagstaff Star Party
September 26-28, 2019
5:00 - 9:00 pm
flagstaffstarparty.org

The three-day event offers discussions, telescope observing, night sky orientations, workshops (fee required), fascinating presentations about the stars and night skies and much more all in the First International Dark-Sky City.  Event locations vary, viewing events are at Buffalo Park. 

Flagstaff Oktoberfest
October 5, 2019
11:00 am - 8:00 pm
flagstaffoktoberfest.com

Munich returns to downtown Flagstaff, AZ with the 11th annual Flagstaff Oktoberfest. Kick off the autumn season with bratwurst, pretzels and plenty of beer! Guests will enjoy many crowd favorites including polka music, brat eating contest, stein holding competition and much more. Lace up your dirndl, throw on your lederhosen and grab a stein because Flagstaff is celebrating 11 years of the Flagstaff Oktoberfest! Located in Wheeler Park near downtown Flagstaff.

Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift Ride
Friday - Sunday through October 20, 2019
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
(928) 779-1951
snowbowl.ski/about-the-scenic-chairlift

Arizona Snowbowl is well known as a skiing and snowboarding winter wonderland. However, every summer and autumn nature lovers can take to the skies on the Scenic Chairlift. As you soar over the mountains, you will enjoy the glories of autumn’s crisp amber, with a bird’s eye view of the mixed fir and aspen tree canopy below. Located north of Flagstaff off Highway 180 on Snowbowl Road. 

Community Farmers Market 
Sundays, through October 20, 2019
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
(928) 607-2481
flagstaffmarket.com

The freshest in regional fruits, vegetables, honey, baked goods, fresh flowers, tamales, jams, breads and more at the Flagstaff City Hall Parking Lot. 

NAU Fall Festival of Choirs
October 20, 2019
3:00 pm
(928) 523-3731
events.nau.edu/event/nau-fall-festival-of-choirs/

The NAU School of Music presents the Fall Festival of Choirs Concert featuring a variety of historic, contemporary and multicultural choral works performed by NAU's various student ensembles.  The festival is on campus in the university's Ardrey Auditorium. 

Pumpkin Walk
October 25-26, 2019
4:00 - 7:00 pm
(928) 774-1442
thearb.org/calendarofevents/pumpkin-walk/

Celebrate the fall season with one of Flagstaff’s favorite family events. Enjoy The Arboretum gardens during the evening while following a path illuminated by creatively carved pumpkins. Wear your favorite costume, enjoy refreshments by the bonfire, and bring your flashlight! Fees are required.

Northern Arizona University Homecoming Parade, Game & Activities
October 26, 2019
(928) 523-3757
nau.edu/homecoming/

Students, parents, alumni, community and friends of Northern Arizona University are invited to join the annual Lumberjack homecoming festivities.  Week-long events lead to the big day which begins with a parade, family fun zone, campus tours, tailgate party and the football game against Portland State, 4:00 pm, in the Walkup Skydome.