Get downtown early to claim a spot at the curb! The 18th Annual 4th of July Parade steps off on Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. With over 100 entries including floats, marching bands, civic groups, clubs, classic cars and fire trucks, the parade has become a hallmark summer event in Flagstaff. The parade begins at Beaver and Elm, heading south on Beaver, east on Aspen and north on San Francisco.
Flagstaff is ranked #1 in the entire country as the place to be for Independence Day by Travel and Leisure Magazine. The parade, which is spectacular, is only part of it.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the holiday weekend means Flagstaff Art in the Park at Wheeler Park, downtown. It’s the 8th Annual Show on the 4th of July weekend. “Food vendors, regional entertainers, and quality arts and crafts booths will combine to make this year’s festival a memorable celebration in the heart of Flagstaff beneath the cool pines!” Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
A 4th of July tradition since the 1930s, the Museum of Northern Arizona hosts the 81st Annual Hopi Festival of Arts & Culture on Saturday and Sunday. See the fine work of more than 60 artists including jewelry, katsinas, pottery, paintings, woodworking baskets, textiles and more. Enjoy traditional music, artist demos, dancing, food and more. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day. $10 adults, $9 seniors (65+), $7 students (w/ ID), $6 American Indians (10+), $6 youths (10-17), children 10 and under free.
On Friday afternoon, celebrate America with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra’s Annual Independence Day Concert! The music begins at 2:00 p.m. at the Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill with an ensemble from the Curry Summer Music Camp, followed by the Symphony at 3:00. It’s Free!
Head back downtown on Friday evening for Flagstaff’s monthly street party — the First Friday ArtWalk. Galleries and businesses are open from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. with new exhibitions, performances, live music and more. Downtown hot spots stay open late as the celebration continues.
If it’s fireworks you want, head east on I-40 to Twin Arrows Casino for The Largest Fireworks Display in Northern Arizona, on Friday night and Saturday night as well! Free, at 9:00 p.m. each evening. Just 15 minutes east of Flagstaff. Live music starts at 8:00 p.m. with the Midnight Riders Band. There will also be fireworks at Flagstaff’s own Continental Country Club.
The next concert in the Arboretum at Flagstaff Summer Concert Series is Saturday evening, featuring Todo Mundo (All the World). The music blends the flavors of rumba, reggae, samba, gypsy, and other South American and Caribbean rhythms. Todo Mundo’s unique mix of world rhythms and danceable songs has helped them to appeal to people of all ages and ethnicities. 5:30 p.m. Bring chairs and a picnic if you like.
This week’s Movie on the Square at Heritage Square is “Frozen.” Sponsored by the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance, a family movie is shown at dusk on the town square every Saturday evening through the summer. Entertainment begins at 5:00 p.m. Get down there early to stake out a spot for a blanket or lawn chairs!
A new show is open at the Museum of Northern Arizona: Shonto Begay – Map of My Heart. Journey through contemporary Navajo life with this prominent regional artist’s work spanning 30 years. Free with museum admission.
Flagstaff Eats now offers Flagstaff Walking Food Tours — the 2.5-hour walking tour includes food samples from seven different restaurants, and fun facts along the way. $40 per person. Friday – Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Or, tag along downtown with local historian and tour guide Johnny Anaya on a Flagstaff Historic Walking Tour, leaving from the Flagstaff Visitor Center (in the train station) at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. $10 per person.
There’s plenty of musical entertainment this weekend in Flagstaff’s many pubs and hot spots. Go to the FlagLive! website for the current issue online for all of the weekend listings.