Fall Events

FALL IN FLAGSTAFF

Experience falls 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. Flagstaff makes this easy for you; by using our leeaf-ometer tool, you will never miss the allure of cool crimson, autumn orange, and golden radiant leaves dancing overhead in a whimsical celebration of the season again.

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. Locations expand beyond historic downtown Flagstaff, these seasonal spectacles can be found in Oak Creek Canyon along scenic Highway 89A, walking through the prestigious Northern Arizona University campus, atop mars hill amidst stellar star searching, and more. Further immerse yourself in the golden hues with a visit to breathtaking Aspen Corner, this crisp elevated adventure will leave you in absolute awe.

Beyond outdoor adventures, local events offer a variety of experiences to top off your fall fun! Peruse unique creations at Art in the Park or during any First Friday Artwalk. Have a drink and dance at the renowned Oktoberfest with friends and family. Or tap into your inquisitive side and attend the stellar Star Party or Festival of Science. 

No matter what the activity, trust that you'll be engulfed in a splendor of enchanted autumn canopy's when you choose Flagstaff for your fall festivities.

FALL EVENTS & FESTIVITIES

First Friday Artwalk

Every first Friday of the month, 5-9 PM
Heritage Square & Downtown Flagstaff

ArtWalk FLG brings Downtown Flagstaff to life every first Friday of the month. Art galleries and businesses open their doors to the community with special art exhibitions, performances, live music, treats, and more. From paintings and sculptures to live performances, such as the dancing grannies, the streets are filled with excitement as artists and art lovers mingle, listen and dance to music, and discover unique treasures. It’s a night of creativity, community, and endless inspiration—perfect for anyone looking to experience Flagstaff's artistic heart!

Art in the Park Festival

Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2024
Saturday & Sunday 9:30am-5pm, Monday 9:30am-4pm
Wheeler Park

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

September 20 - 29, 2024

Each year, Flagstaff's Festival of Science features 10-days of engaging events and programs, all free, for the community to enjoy and celebrate the wonders of science! This year’s theme is “Accelerating Innovation”! The 2024 Festival of Science will take place from Sept. 20th – Sept. 29th and will commemorate the 35th anniversary. The festival offers a wide variety of presentations, hands-on workshops, interactive discussions, classroom talks, and guided tours led by outstanding Flagstaff scientists and STEAM professionals. Festival events highlight the innovative research happening right here in Flagstaff! Events are held in a variety of venues and institutions throughout northern Arizona.

Flagstaff Star Party and Celebration of the Night

September 26–28, 2024

The Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition presents the annual (and free) Flagstaff Star Party at Flagstaff’s Buffalo Park, located in the heart of the world’s First International Dark-Sky City. Featuring twilight talks, stargazing under starlit skies and telescopes to look through (plus workshops, fee required), the Flagstaff Star Party brings dark-sky experiences to Flagstaff residents and visitors from across the Southwest and around the world. The Flagstaff Star Party’s goal is to share Flagstaff’s world–renowned starry skies with those who may not have the opportunity to view starry night skies from their own homes because of urban sky glow. The Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition invites locals and visitors alike to see the beauty of a starry sky for themselves and to experience with their families the awe and wonder that such views can inspire.

Flagstaff Oktoberfest

October 5, 2024
11 am-9 pm
Wheeler Park

Munich returns to downtown Flagstaff, AZ, with the 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 15 years of the Flagstaff Oktoberfest! The Flagstaff Oktoberfest has raised over $125,000 for local non-profits, join in the gift that keeps on giving when you attend this fun fall festival!

Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Gondola Ride

(928) 779-1951

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 Gondola. 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. Drive through scenic Aspen Corner to catch the leaves shimmering gold in the sun and stretch your legs on a trail along the way. Bonus: The Grand Canyon can be spotted from this panoramic spot.

Flagstaff Community Market

Sundays through October 2024
Sundays 8 am-12 pm
(928) 853-2382

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. The Flagstaff Community Market aims to support small and medium sized independent growers and producers by providing folks with a local alternative to corporate and globalized food production in Northern Arizona. It's definitely worth a stop to shop some fresh honey, spicy salsas and locally created crafts.

Pumpkin Walk

October 26, 2024
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
4:00pm - 8:00pm

As the Arboretum is seasonal and only open May through October, this will be their last event of 2024! Don't miss out on fall pumpkin fun! Beer, food trucks, kids' activities, music and hundreds of lit pumpkins will be waiting for you surrounded by ponderosa forest with spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks.

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. Try out the virtual Flagstaff Trails Passport to pick trails from an expertly procured list of hiking, biking, running and accessible opportunities. The passport promotes seasonal recommendations, so leaf-peepers have their research done for them when embarking on Fall adventures in Flagstaff. 

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. 

Check out the Trail Passport for more hikes!