Fall Events

FALL IN FLAGSTAFF

Let the content within serve as inspiration for future travel to explore Flagstaff, the golden aspens, red hues of oak trees, and the changing leaves.

Often hailed as Arizona’s capital of autumn, Flagstaff is a leaf peeper’s paradise. 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.  

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

Virtual Shakespeare Festival 
September 11 - 27, 2020
Flagstaff Shakespeare

You’ve never seen Shakespeare like this! Welcome to the world of massive online role player games: a place where you can escape reality and become anything you can dream of. Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival is thrilled to announce our upcoming virtual gaming adaptation of Shakespeare's comedy "As You Like It." The play follows the spunky young Rosalind, played by Becki Zaritsky, as she navigates her father’s banishment and her new-found love of Orlando, played by Ryan L. Jenkins, all while hijinks and comedy ensue. The play is full of mistaken identities, battles, even a lion!

Virtual 2020 Flagstaff Hullabaloo
September 5, 2020
Flagstaff Hullabaloo

Greenhouse Productions & The Orpheum Theater present Flagstaff Hullabaloo. Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Greenhouse Productions, the people that bring you Flagstaff Hullabaloo, Cornucopia, and countless, memorable concerts. The night will be an event full of live music from Summit Dub Squad, archive footage, photos, and memories of past Hullabaloos, and an all around good time for everyone.

Virtual Flagstaff Festival of Science: Superpowers of Science 
September 18-27, 2020
www.scifest.org

The Flagstaff Festival of Science is a FREE virtual 10-day event with self-guided hikes, star parties, activities, and online presentations. 

Virtual 2020 Flagstaff Star Party and Celebration of the Night
September 15-26, 2020
flagstaffstarparty.org

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
Cancelled, 2020
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 September 30, 2020 and every day during Fall colors
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 September 18, 2020
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 400 W Elm Ave Flagstaff High School. 

Virtual NAU Fall Festival of Choirs
TBD
(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 will be held virtually this year and more finalized details will be updated soon.

Virtual 2020 Northern Arizona University Homecoming Parade, Game & Activities
November 5-7, 2020
(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, which will be held virtually this year allowing those near AND far to participate. Please patiently keep an eye out for more finalized details coming soon.