Fall Events

FALL IN FLAGSTAFF

 To experience the fall colors at their finest, hit the hiking trails and climb to 8,000 feet in elevation; where large stands of aspen trees steal the show with their quaking leaves glowing like liquid sunshine.

To find out when the leaves will be changing, check the Flagstaff LEAF-ometer to see color ranges for different regions throughout Flagstaff. A scenic drive is a great way to see the fall colors, and so is a glorious autumn hike. 

Marvelous Fall Hikes

Take in the fall scenery on foot might by hiking some of Flagstaff’s most popular trails. There are many trails, ranging in difficulty, which will provide stunning views of the changing landscape.

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

First Friday Artwalk
September 2, 2022
6-9 PM
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Join us Friday, September 2rd in Downtown Flagstaff to stroll the awesome businesses that host First Friday ArtWalk. Also, don’t forget to stop by Heritage Square to get a map from Creative Flagstaff and enjoy live music from 6-8 PM.

Art in the Park Festival
September 3-5, 2022
Wheeler Park
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Flagstaff Art in the Park is an arts and crafts festival that features tightly juried one-of-a-kind fine art and fine crafts designed and shown by the artists. These shows take place over the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends in Wheeler Park in Downtown Flagstaff; a beautiful tree-shaded, grassy venue across the street from City Hall and on the main thoroughfare to the Grand Canyon. These shows feature nonstop live music throughout the three days of each event. So come and join us once again for another amazing season of art and music in the heart of Northern Arizona's cool pines!

Flagstaff Festival of Science: Pyramids to the Peaks
September 23- October 2, 2022
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The 2022 Flagstaff Festival of Science will explore the “Pyramids to the Peaks”. World-renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass, Ph.D., will begin the free, 10-day adventure with a compelling presentation sharing his passion for archeological discovery in the fascinating world of pharaohs and Egyptian gods. The W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote presentation featuring Dr. Hawass is scheduled for 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 23, in Northern Arizona University’s Ardrey Auditorium. 

Flagstaff Star Party and Celebration of the Night
September 22 - 24, 2022
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This celebration offers virtual 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. 

Flagstaff Oktoberfest
October 1, 2022
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
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Munich returns to downtown Flagstaff, AZ with the 12th 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 13 years of the Flagstaff Oktoberfest! Located in Wheeler Park near downtown Flagstaff.

Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift Ride
(928) 779-1951
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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 30, 2022 and Wednesdays through September 7, 2022
Sundays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wednesdays 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
(928) 607-2481
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The freshest in regional fruits, vegetables, honey, baked goods, fresh flowers, tamales, jams, breads and more at City Hall on Sunday mornings and across from the Orpheum on Wednesdays. 

NAU Fall Festival of Choirs
Sunday, October 23, 2022
3:00 p.m.
Ardrey Memorial Auditorium
(928) 523-5661
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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.

Pumpkin Carve
Friday, October 28
Dark Sky Brewing
3:00 - 6:00 pm
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Come care the pumpkins that will make The Arb Pumpkin Walk shine! Carving is free for the while family while supplies last!

Pumpkin Walk
October 29, 2022
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
4:00 - 8:00 pm
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Old-fashioned Carnival Games, Spooky stories & Face-Painting, Halloween fun from Tynkertopia, 100's of lit Jack-o-Lanterns, Beer from Dark Sky and Historic, Dinner from Hatcher Shack Bar-B-Q, Community Organizations, Music from Lady Beard.