Super Bowl Events & Activities in Flagstaff

Going to the big game? Located just two hours from downtown Phoenix, Flagstaff is a convenient and ideal candidate for a Super Bowl overnight visit thanks to our jaw-dropping natural wonders, unbelievable night skies, charming and historic downtown, and unrivaled winter activities. Here are a few of our suggestions that are sure to complement any Super Bowl itinerary.

Visit the Grand Canyon

With a width of nearly 317 football fields and a length of 4,875 football fields, the Grand Canyon — located in Flagstaff’s backyard — is a natural wonder that unsurprisingly tops the lists of all who visit our region. The canyon’s close proximity to Flagstaff makes it a perfect day trip option for football fans, as a 90-minute drive between you and some of the most magnificent views in the world. Visiting without a car? Reach the geological marvel by way of shuttles, buses, tours — such as Grand Canyon Adventures, All-Star Grand Canyon Tours, and Canyon Country Grand Canyon Tours.

Explore Local Breweries Along the Flagstaff Brewery Trail

It is estimated that Americans consume up to 325 million gallons of beer on Super Bowl Sunday, so it should come as no surprise that a tour of Flagstaff’s breweries is among the top activities for football fans in Flagstaff. Sample the local suds that earned our city the title of a “leading Arizona Craft Beer City” with the help of the Flagstaff Brewery Trail, whose passport guides beer lovers to the region’s signature craft breweries, such as Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery, Wanderlust Brewing Company and Dark Sky Brewing Company. Once you’ve toured at least five breweries, trade in your passport for a commemorative pint glass at the Flagstaff Visitor Center.

TIP: Arizona Beer Week kicks off February 17-26, featuring limited edition pours and exclusive collaborations available from a number of Flagstaff breweries — perfect for any imbibers who extend their Arizona adventure after the big game concludes.

Ski & Snowboard Through Flagstaff’s Winter Terrain

Flagstaff has our own “super bowl” — the Arizona Snowbowl. Super Bowl week coincides with our wonderful winter season, and February is an excellent time of year to partake in any number of snowplay activities. Spanning 777 acres, the Arizona Snowbowl features 55 ski and snowboard runs across varying terrain, complete with a high speed lift that gets you back into the action as quickly as possible. In addition to the Snowbowl, be sure to check out our other popular winter attractions, such as the family-friendly Flagstaff Snow Park and the premier cross-country skiing location in Arizona, the Arizona Nordic Village.

TIP: Keep an eye on our Snow-ometer for the latest snow totals and weather conditions for our winter attractions.

Watch as Space Puts on a Show

Rivaling anything you’ll see during the halftime show, our night skies dazzle year-round thanks to lighting restrictions that help establish Flagstaff as the world’s best destination for astrotourism. The World’s First International Dark Sky City is rich in evening experiences that have visitors and locals alike directing their eyes — and telescopes — to the skies above. Visit the Lowell Observatory to gaze into the galaxy through the 125-year-old Clark Telescope, or just find an open space and look up to discover a cluster of stars made easily visible thanks to the city’s stargazing-friendly lighting systems. For more space-themed fun, be sure to visit the nearby 50,000-year-old Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum or immerse yourself in the Apollo mission via Flagstaff’s Lunar Legacy experience.

Explore (& Shop!) Historic Downtown Flagstaff

Before sports history is made in nearby Glendale, Arizona, spend time walking the historic streets of Downtown Flagstaff, once the most populous stop on the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad between Albuquerque and the California Coast. Led by our Historic Downtown Walking Guide, take to the streets of this charming and storied section of town along iconic Route 66 where you’ll encounter historic buildings from the 1800s and learn the stories behind them — like the former train station that is now home to the Flagstaff Visitors Center.

As you explore, be sure to stop into local boutiques, storefronts and trading posts where you can shop for only-in-Flagstaff items, outdoor and western apparel, or other locally made artisan goods.

Savor Diverse Local Flavors

Considered the “greatest Arizona dining town” by Phoenix Magazine, Flagstaff’s culinary community is home to a mouthwatering mix of restaurants featuring globally-inspired menus that will surely score a “touchdown” for your tastebuds. Get the day started with coffee, pastries or a hearty breakfast burrito from a local café or diner, such as MartAnne’s, Tourist Home or The Toasted Owl. For lunch or dinner, opt for the tapas-like take on pub classics available at Dark Sky Brewing’s Atmosphere Kitchen, sample sushi from Hiro’s Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant, or enjoy classic and contemporary Mexican dishes at Salsa Brava. After the sun goes down, enjoy more regional grub and local libations at any of our pubs, bars and breweries.

Watch the Game at a Local Sports Bar

So maybe you weren’t able to score tickets to the big game but still want to experience the thrill of the action alongside local Arizona sports fans? Head to one of Flagstaff’s local sports bars, pubs and breweries, each of which are sure to show the game on any number of televisions as you enjoy game day snacks and local beer. Options include Dirty Birdies, who features over 25 beers on tap and walls upon walls of multiple TVs, and Sportsman’s Bar & Grill, noted for their ⅓ pound BYO burger and “Vegas Style” wings. Other nearby options include Collins Irish Pub & Grill, Buffalo Wild Wings and Southside Tavern.