Top 11 Things to Do in Historic Downtown Flagstaff in Summer

Discover Flagstaff’s vibrant historic downtown with backdrops of beautiful mountain views and perfect summer temperatures—80 degrees is Flagstaff’s average high.

Landscape view of Downtown Flagstaff At Night

1. Follow the Flagstaff Brewery Trail

Make your way along the Flagstaff Brewery Trail to taste for yourself why the governor designated this mountain town as Arizona’s Craft Brew City. We have so many award-winning brews that you’ll have to come back to taste them all. Pick up brewery trail maps and passports at the Flagstaff Visitor Center or print here. When you collect stickers from all eight craft brewpubs, you can exchange your passport for a commemorative beer glass. What are you waiting for? Hop to it!

Pizza and beer on table at Beaver Street Brewery in Flagstaff, AZ

2. Paint the Town

Get ready to dabble in the arts in a fun, relaxed atmosphere with Creative Spirits. You don’t need prior art experience to participate because local artists guide you with step-by-step painting instructions and all the supplies. Creative Spirits offers painting sessions in studio and at various venues in Historic Downtown Flagstaff. Prices vary by class and include all the painting supplies that you need. Learn more

3. Get Your Fill: Foodie Flagstaff

Dining at one of more than 200 Flagstaff restaurants will undoubtedly bring a smile to your face. Like most vibrant college towns, Flagstaff offers almost every kind of cuisine and a flourishing craft beer scene. Locals are particularly proud of the city’s burgeoning reputation as a foodie town where talented chefs are pushing hard backstage and getting Flagstaff recognized for its food. Get the dish on Flagstaff restaurants and local brews here.

Graphic reads "Escape to Food Mountain" from Phoenix Magazine
Pound for pound, the greatest Arizona dining town is… Flagstaff. Led by a cadre of motivated restaurateurs, the mountain hamlet of 70,000 is scoring hit after restaurant hit.

4. Discover Free Self-Guided Tours

Discover Flagstaff’s self-guided walking tours. Choose the itinerary depending on your interests, and then download the easy-to-follow guide. Interested in the visual arts? Then the Public Art Walk is for you! If a family member is keen on spooky tales, then download the Haunted Tour. With the Walk this Talk tour, dial in on your smartphone for directions to ten Route 66 sites. Actor Ted Danson and author Rose Houk narrate the fun walkabout. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll find.

5. Celebrate Independence Day 

Enjoy a red, white and blue annual tradition at the 4th of July Parade presented by the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce starting at 9:00 a.m. in historic downtown Flagstaff. Tip: arrive early to find a great spot to see all the action! Learn More

Bright red vintage firetruck decorated with flags riding through July 4th Parade route in Flagstaff, AZ

6. Art in the Park 

The Flagstaff Art in the Park features arts and crafts designed and showcased by artists that are sure to please. Located downtown in Wheeler Park, this three day event during 4th of July weekend includes artists from across the Southwest, live music and a wine garden in a grassy, cool, shaded venue in the heart of downtown Flagstaff. Learn more

Art In The Park

7. Amazing ArtWalk

The First Friday ArtWalk is one of Northern Arizona’s premier arts events. Each first Friday of the month, art galleries and businesses in historic Downtown Flagstaff open their doors from 6-9pm with special art exhibitions, performances, live music, treats and so much more. The ArtWalk is an event that both locals and out-of-towners love to experience, attend and enjoy! Learn more

aerial view of people gathering for the Downtown Flagstaff First Friday Art Walk

8. FREE Movies

Movies on the Square is a FREE, family-friendly event in the heart of downtown on Heritage Square! Movies are every Saturday evening through the summer and conclude Labor Day weekend. The fun starts at 4pm with entertainment from the community and music. Movies begin at dusk, usually between 7:30pm and 8:00pm, with a great list of family friendly titles ranging from new blockbusters to classic movies. View the full schedule

Movies on the Square

9. Friday nights are for music

The Summer Concert Series is a celebration of music and dance featuring FREE concerts by local and regional artists. Perfect for all ages these great performances happen at Heritage Square throughout the summer from 5-7pm. View the complete summer schedule

Lights on the Lawn Music

10. Elevated Exercise

Experience Yoga on the Lawn every Saturday at 9am on the County Courthouse lawn.  This event showcases downtown Flagstaff as a prime location for healthy activities with a relaxed setting. The yoga practice is for all yogi abilities and costs only $5.00.  Also, remember to bring a yoga mat. downtownflagstaff.org/events/yga-on-the-lawn

11. Open-Air Flagstaff Markets

Shop outdoors in the cool mountain pines at the Flagstaff Urban Flea Market and the Flagstaff Community Market. The Flagstaff Urban Flea Market is every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 9am-2pm at City Hall parking lot (211 W. Aspen). Find a variety of goods such as antiques, food, handmade woodwork and leatherwork, household goods, toys, jewelry, and more! This is not something to be missed! With it easily walkable, enjoy the eclectic mix of artisans and peddlers that Flagstaff has to offer. The Flagstaff Community Market is every Sunday through October from 8am-noon and also at City Hall. The focus is on connecting growers and consumers to encourage people to grow more of their own food. This Market is great way to spend a Sunday morning that provides a relaxed, educational, and fun environment. Stay in the know with the markets and keep up to date at www.flagstaffmarket.com

Baskets of produce at the Flagstaff community market

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downtown flagstaff at dusk

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Discover Flagstaff features travel information for visitors to Flagstaff, Arizona and regional attractions like the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Navajo Nation and Route 66.

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