Spring is always breezy in Flagstaff, and perfect for the 11th Annual Soar Into Spring event sponsored by the City of Flagstaff Parks and Recreation Department. On Saturday, take part in this kite festival at Foxglenn Park (4200 E. Butler Ave.). The day will include kite flying, arts and crafts, carnival games, bounce houses, yummy carnival food, face painting, Flagstaff Library activities, and a kiddie train. Lots of fun prizes and giveaways. Most activities are free. A $3.00 wristband is good for unlimited rides on the kiddie train, for laser tag and bounce houses. 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
On Friday, head over to NAU’s Ashurst Hall for Suzuki Strings Formal Recitals at 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. The Northern Arizona University Community Music and Dance Academy offers instruction in the Suzuki method for violin, viola, and cello players. Free!
Friday night is the monthly 2nd Friday Science Night at Lowell Observatory. The highlight this month is on Chemistry. See some exciting experiments then visit the rest of the campus for some night sky viewing of celestial objects. Demonstrations at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Saturday is Astronomy Day at Lowell in observance of National Astronomy Day. The observatory is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., with things to see and do all day. Go at night to view the heavens. Regular observatory admission includes these featured events.
Coconino High School Drama presents Peter Pan and Wendy on Friday (7:30 p.m.) and Saturday (2:00 and 7:30 p.m.). It’s a great show for all ages. Students $3, adults $5, (2801 N. Izabel St.).
The Flagstaff Youth Theatre production of Tarzan the Musical continues this weekend on Friday (7:30 p.m.), Saturday (2:00 and 7:00 p.m.), and Sunday (2:00 p.m.). Tickets: Evenings — $10.00 adults, $8.00 youth 12 & under; Matinees — $9.00 adults, $7.00 youth 12 & under. Tickets available at the door or online.
Flagstaff Potters’ Guild is holding a Mother’s Day Pottery Sale on Saturday, just in time for Mother’s Day gift giving. Head down to Heritage Square, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., as more than a dozen local artisans will be selling mugs, bowls, teapots, plates, vases and more.
Saturday is also National Train Day. Celebrate with those who love to ride the rails at Flagstaff’s Historic Train Station and Visitor Center (1 E. Route 66). It’s a day of train-related activities for the family, including live music, displays of railroad items from the Pioneer Museum and the Model Railroad Club, as well as local artists, tours and raffles. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Families might want to head out to the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday afternoon for Discovery 2nd Saturday. This month’s theme is Beetles and Butterflies. Learn about insects, build a larger than life replica, and take home some ladybugs. 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Included with regular museum admission.
The Northern Arizona University Community Music and Dance Academy is expanding the scope of the NAU School of Music throughout the Flagstaff community with programs and education for all ages. Hear the Academy Orchestra in Concert on Sunday at NAU’s Ardrey Auditorium, 4:00 p.m. Under the direction of Jon Eder, the orchestra performs from the finest classical symphonic repertoire and provides an opportunity for exposure to new music and collaboration with fellow area musicians.
Later on Sunday, the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) and Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music (FFOTM) host a Run Boy Run CD Release Party and Concert at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an intimate evening with the Tucson-based band in the museum’s 200-seat Branigar Chase Discovery Center. The 2009 winning band at Flagstaff’s Pickin’ in the Pines Festival, with two guest appearances on NPR’s Prairie Home Companion under their belt, Run Boy Run offers touches of classical, jazz and folk music. With special guest Ryanhood. Admission: $15 general admission; $13 for MNA and FFOTM members, seniors and student; $17 at the door.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff is open for the season. At 7,150 feet in elevation, The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a unique destination, specializing in plants native to the high elevation habitat of northern Arizona. Open six days a week (closed Tuesdays), with live raptor shows at 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. (no raptor shows on Fridays). See the website for schedule of wildflower walks, bird walks, Outdoor Adventure Camps, and the popular outdoor Summer Concert Series.
The 12th Annual Recycled Art Show continues through May 24th at the Hozhoni Art Gallery and Gardens (2133 N. Walgreen’s St.), sponsored by the Artists’ Coalition of Flagstaff, Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Have a wonderful weekend. Living in Flagstaff is great! When you’re ready to give it a try, contact The Elite Team at RE/MAX Peak Properties.