Flagstaff ’s BEST festivals
Music, carnivals, chili cook-off and more things to do in 2021
In-person festivities are back in Flagstaff. Last year, the festivals that weren’t canceled because of COVID-19 were held virtually. This year, Flagstaff is resuming several of its festivals as in-person events. Others will be hybrid — both online and in person. The acclaimed Pickin’ in the Pines bluegrass festival, the Coconino County Fair and the historic Heritage Festival are among the events that are returning for in-person attendance. Check your preferred event’s website for COVID-19 precautions and safety measures. Take a look at these festivals, plays and other events planned for Flagstaff in 2021.
Heritage Festival
New for 2021, the Heritage Festival and Native Art Market will take place each weekend of July and celebrate all the tribes on the Colorado Plateau. Each weekend will represent a different cohort of artists and performers. Highlights include the Yavapai-Apache Warriorettes, a Hopi long-flute project and artist demonstrations such as weaving and painting.
“Over the course of 2020, COVID-19 has really impacted all tribal communities, especially all the communities living on the plateau, and those who have suffered the most are Native artists,” said Darvin Descheny, festival manager. “Instead of doing the same tribes as in past years we are making it inclusive to all artists living on the Colorado Plateau.”
Details: Festival dates are July 2-4, 9-10, 16-18 and 23-25. The museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays. 3101 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff. $20. 928-774-5213,https://musnaz.org.
Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival
The 2021 season will present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Hamlet” in July. Staged at the Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill County Park, the outdoor shows will let viewers enjoy Shakespeare under the stars. Performance dates for both shows are July 8-11 and July 15-18.
Details: See complete schedule and pricing online. Fort Tuthill County Park, 3 miles south of Flagstaff off Interstate 17.https://flagshakes.org/2021-season.
Route 66 Chili Cook-off Festival
It’s been a tradition for more than 30 years. Head to Thorpe Park for a day of eating all sorts of chili — red, green and vegetarian.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7. Thorpe Park, 191 N. Thorpe Road, Flagstaff. Free admission; charges for tasting. https://www.facebook.com/ Flagstaff-Chili-Festival-1935209773 41446.
Hullabaloo Festival
It’s the party that celebrates Flagstaff and all that it is. And it’s for all ages. From the bike parade to live music to the costume parade, kids and adults can partake in a weekend jam-packed with colorful festivities.
Details: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14-15. Wheeler Park, 212 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. $10 ($8 in advance); free for age 5 and younger. 877-435-9849, https://flaghullabaloo.com.
Coconino County Fair
The Labor Day weekend tradition at Fort Tuthill County Park features exhibits, livestock shows, the Northern Arizona Junior Livestock Association Auction and a carnival with rides, a beer garden, live entertainment and food and other vendors.
Details: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Sept. 3-5; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 6. Fort Tuthill County Park, 3 miles south of Flagstaff off Interstate 17. $5-$8; parking is $5. All-day unlimited ride wristbands are $35. 928-679-8000, https://www.coconinocountyfair.com.
Pickin’ in the Pines
Live bluegrass is back in business for Coconino County. More than 20 bluegrass and acoustic musicians are set to perform, including headliner and Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs.
Friday-Sunday, Sept. 17-19. Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill County Park, 3 miles south of Flagstaff off Interstate 17. Single-day tickets cost $65-$75 and go on sale July 1. Three-day passes cost $118. Kids 14 and under are free. Camping is sold out. https://pickininthepines.org.
Flagstaff Festival of Science
Archaeologist Jaime Awe will kick off the 10-day event by sharing his discoveries in his lecture, “When Stones Speak: Decoding the Messages Embedded in Ancient Maya Monuments.” Other Flagstaff scientists will lead presentations, workshops and guided tours through the “Stories in Stone” themed week.
Sept. 17-26. Awe’s presentation is at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, in Northern Arizona’s University’s Ardrey Auditorium, 1115 Knoles Drive, Flagstaff. All events are free. https://scifest.org.
Overland Expo
More than 375 outdoor gear vendors and exhibitors, a film festival and nearly 200 specialized classes are returning to Flagstaff for the 11th annual expo. This trade show will provide avid outdoors people everything they need for their next adventure.
Sept. 24-26. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Fort Tuthill County Park, 3 miles south of Flagstaff off Interstate 17. General admission is $17; other packages are available. https://www.overlandexpo.com.
Pride in the Pines
The traditional Pride in the Pines celebration won’t be held this year, but the Northern Arizona Pride Association is hosting a 25th anniversary Socially Distanced Pride Party at the Orpheum Theater, along with virtual events. Featured artists include Coco Montrese of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Grammy-nominated DJ Chris Cox and Jewel the Drag Queen.
9 p.m. Saturday, June 19. Orpheum Theater, 15 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. From $38. 928-814-0076, https://flagstaffpride.org.
Arizona Highland Celtic Festival
Though typically held in Flagstaff, this year’s festival will be in Williams.
Hosted by the Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society, the event will include dancing, athletics and food true to the spirit of the Irish pub. Those who opt for the virtual event will have access to highland games demonstrations, cooking classes representing food from all eight Celtic nations, classes on Celtic languages and online shopping all through July.
The games are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, July 17, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, July 18. Rodeo Grounds, 750 Airport Road, Williams. http://www.nachs.info. Online activities: $10 per person for full access. https://celtsconnect.com.
These Flagstaff festivals have yet to announce their 2021 plans:
Arizona Mead and Cider Festival. Barks and Brews.
Cornucopia.
Flagstaff Day of Peace.
Made in the Shade.