Free fun: Flagstaff Children’s Music and Arts Festival

City of Flagstaff Recreation Services presents the Fifth Annual Flagstaff Children’s Music and Arts Festival on Saturday, August, 18^th from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Wheeler Park (212 W. Aspen Ave.).  

Voted 2009’s Most Outstanding Cultural Event from Arizona Parks and Recreation Association, this family-friendly event celebrates the artistic potential of all youth in our community.  In addition to dance and music performances, children can make recycled arts projects, participate in the instrument petting zoo, make their own musical instrument, and learn to paint, draw and create sculptures.  

There will be a Kiddie Caboose, bounce houses, carnival games, Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Library Bookmobile, food vendors and other fun things to do.  Most activities are free!  A $3.00 wristband can be purchased for unlimited rides on the Kiddie Caboose and bounce houses.

For more information call 213-2300 or visit flagstaff.az.gov/recreation.  

Free Activities include:

· Music and Dance performed by talented local youth

· Turn Trash into Treasures Recycled Art Project

· Create your own musical Instrument Workshop

· Learn to play a musical instrument @ the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo

· Carnival Games with Prizes

· Library activities including

· Clay creations

· Painting

· Face Painting

· Balloon Animals

· Puppets

· Informational booths

$3.00 Wristband includes unlimited rides on:

· Bounce House

· Kiddies Caboose

Flagstaff's Annual National Night Out celebration planned for August 7, 2012

The 29th Annual National Night Out, part of a nationwide crime, drug, and violence prevention program, will be held at Wheeler Park on Tuesday, August 7, from 5:30-8 p.m. 

There will be free hot dogs, soda, and water available. Local agencies and groups include Target, Citizens Against Substance Abuse, the Flagstaff Governor's Alliance Against Drugs, Pepsi, the Flagstaff Medical Center, Northland Family Help Center, Office of the Arizona Attorney General, and other local organizations support National Night Out. There will be a location for donating non-perishable food for the food bank, winter clothing, and toys for the toy drive. There will also be informational displays about internet safety, fraud prevention, hands-only CPR, identity theft prevention, city ordinances on animal control topics, an update on the booster seat law, and many more.

Free Family Fun: Mormon Lake Lodge's Kids Fun Day

Just about 30 minutes from Flagstaff, you'll find free family fun on Saturday, July 21st at the Mormon Lake Lodge. Learn how to catch fish, play a scavenger hunt and more. Meet at the Mormon Lake Lodge pond by the store at 9:00 a.m. Loaner fishing gear provided on a first come - first serve basis. At 1:00 p.m. there will be a scavenger hunt - a fun learning event about Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics. Prizes for the winning team. Kids under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
More events at mormonlakelodge.com.

Free Flagstaff Family Fun: NAU Theater's 'Josefina Javelina, a Hairy Tale, The Play'

As part of the Peaks Summer Theatre Festival by NAU Theatre, students will perform “Josefina Javelina, a Hairy Tale, The Play” and “The Three Little Javelinas” based on the books by Susan Lowell, adapted for the stage by Darby Winterhalter Lofstrand, and directed by Bob Yowell.  The free performance will be staged at Heritage Square, in downtown Flagstaff, June 8 from 6-8 p.m.

"Josefina Javelina" is adapted from Arizona author, Susan Lowell, children's book.  It tells the story of a little javelina with big dreams and her journey to make those dreams come true.  "The Three Little Javelinas" is based off the children's tale "The Three Little Pigs."  

The actors, talented performers from the NAU Theatre Department, will perform and then interact with the kids and their parents.

Free Flagstaff Fun: Summer Concerts in the Park Roadshow

The City of Flagstaff's Recreation Services is taking you on a tour of Flagstaff's park system, while combining great music, activities for kids, and food vendors all summer long.

The Concerts in the Park Roadshow runs Wednesdays from June 6 through July 25 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (special extended concert on July 4th)  All of this fun is free!

This year’s performers include:

•June 6th at Wheeler Park (212 W Aspen Ave): Summit Dub Squad (reggae)

•June 13th at Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista): Wade Lashley & The Rounders (Original Americana & Classic Country)

•June 20th at Wheeler Park (212 W. Aspen Ave): Muskellunge Bluegrass (bluegrass)

•June 27th at Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista): Brian DeMarco & The Big Idea (Bluesy/Folk/Rock)

•July 4th at Wheeler Park (212 W. Aspen Ave): Extended show from 12pm-7pm

• 12pm: Stylus (classic rock/r&b)
• 2:15: Vincent Z (world music)
• 3:30: Porchlights (folk/bluegrass)
• 5pm: Dave Logan Band (Folk/Rock/Roots)

•July 11th at Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista): Anam and the Boys (Bluegrass/Folk/Americana)

•July 18th at Wheeler Park (212 W. Aspen Ave): Northern AZ Celtic Heritage Society Day with the Knockabouts, Bagpipers and Celtic Choral Groups

•July 25th at Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista): Chuck Hall Band (blues)

For more information contact City of Flagstaff Recreation Services at (928) 213-2300 or visit flagstaff.az.gov/recreation.

Flagstaff's free Soar Into Spring Kite festival this weekend

Join Flagstaff Recreation Services at the 10th annual Soar into Spring Kite Festival this Saturday, May 12, 2012 from noon to 4pm at Foxglenn Park (4200 East Butler Avenue).

This event has been voted Arizona Parks and Recreation’s Most Outstanding Community Event.
The day will include kite flying, arts and crafts with the Northern AZ Celtic Heritage Society, carnival games, bounce houses, yummy carnival food, face painting, the Flagstaff Library Activities and Kiddie Kaboose Train.
Most activities are free.  $3.00 wristband for unlimited rides on the Kiddie Caboose and bounce houses.

Free Flagstaff Family Fun: Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day at Mormon Lake Lodge

Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day at Mormon Lake Lodge. They're hosting a free event for families from 10a-3p Saturday, June 9, 2012.

On the agenda of fun:

• Lots of kids’ activities including fishing in the trout pond, archery, shooting in the air rifle trailer, games, wildlife viewing.
• Exhibitors- Over 40 sportsmen/conservation groups, government agencies and others working for outdoors, natural resources, wildlife conservation and environmental education programs.
• See live wildlife from the Arizona Game & Fish Department Adobe Mountain Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
• See a live snake display from the Arizona Herpetological Assn.
• Arizona Game and Fish Department displays and information about condors, watchable wildlife, fishing, archery, shooting, etc.
• Students from AAEC High School in Phoenix will have a special interactive fun and informative program about how to catch, clean and cook environmental invasive crayfish. • OHV information regarding safety, available trails, etc.
• 4WD Rangers, mountain bike and horseback riding available for a fee.
• Self guided hikes to the nearby Arizona National Scenic Trail.

Mormon Lake Lodge is about 30 minutes south of Flagstaff via Lake Mary Road. Call them for more info at 928-354-2227.

Free Family Fun: Flagstaff Easter Egg Hunt

This Sunday is the city of Flagstaff's third annual Easter egg hunt. This event is free to everyone. There are free egg hunts, egg decorating, face painting and meet the Easter Bunny! There will also be a raffle, food vendors and bounce house (unlimited rides for $2) that cost money.
The fun takes place at Bushmaster Park, 3150 N Alta Vista, Sunday, April 8, 2012 from 11a-1p.

Free olive oil tasting event fundraiser for Camp Colton

Montessori Schools of Flagstaff is having an Olive Oil (& Balsamic!) Social Event to send their  sixth graders to Camp Colton. Locally owned Olio Primo of Flagstaff will sample their finest gourmet olive oils and balsamic vinegars - all for free - Thursday, Feb. 9th from 5-7pm at their Switzer Mesa Campus, 850 N Locust St.

The free event offer an opportunity to learn about varieties of olives from around the world and how balsamic vinegar is made in the true artisan tradition. 

$5 of every $15 bottle sold during the event goes toward their Camp Colton 6th grade trip.

Free Family Fun: Centennial Skate Celebration in Flagstaff

Arizona marks its 100th year of statehood on February 14, 2012. To celebrate, Jay Lively Ice Center is having a free ice skating celebration session. On Feb. 14th, from 2:30-4pm, everyone can go ice skating for free and get free skate rentals. Plus they'll have cake and hot cocoa!

Free Flagstaff Fun: 13th Annual Parade of Lights

Put on the coats, hats, scarves and mittens and head out to Flagstaff's 13th Annual "Northern Lights Parade" on Saturday, December 10th. The parade includes bands and floats all covered in twinkling lights. The fun begins at 6pm. The parade goes through the traditional downtown route. For more info contact the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce at 928-774-4505.

Free Family Fun: Flagstaff's Little America holiday lights display

This Saturday, start your winter holidays with free family fun at the Little American Flagstaff.
Every year they put up more than one million outdoor lights for a holiday light display like none other in town.
This year they're having an old-fashioned holiday celebration with strolling carolers, performances by local choirs and free cookies and cider. Plus - Santa will be there, as always, to flip the lights switch.
This free event starts at 3pm Saturday, November 26, 2011. The lights will be on every night through the holiday season for everyone to stroll through at their leisure.

Free family fun: Flagstaff's Winter Wonderland Celebration

Here's a free fun activity my family enjoys every year... Flagstaff Recreation Service's Winter Wonderland Celebration.

This free event is fun for the whole family. It takes place on Friday, Dec 2nd from 6:30-8:00pm at Heritage Square.

In conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk, the tree will be lit at 6:30pm then crafts and visits with Santa. NAU lights their tree at 6:00pm. 

For more info, call Flag Rec Services at (928) 213-2300.

Free family fun: Flagstaff's free Halloween Harvest

Get ready for what my family considers Flagstaff's funnest annual event: the Halloween Harvest!
On Halloween (Monday, October 31, 2011), dress your family up and head downtown to Heritage Square(6 E. Aspen). The party runs from 4-7pm with carnival games, arts and crafts, a pumpkin patch, spooky music (but never scary), library activities and a costume contest. There's also a free Trick or Treat trail around Flagstaff's downtown businesses that is not to miss!
For older kids, there's free haunted downtown tours that leave every half hour.
This event was voted most outstanding community event in 2009 by AZ Parks and Rec Association - for good reason! It's a one more way to enjoy this great community we live in!

Flagstaff Children’s Music and Arts Festival

The Flagstaff Children’s Music and Arts Festival is coming back for its fourth year.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, August, 20^th from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Wheeler Park (212 W. Aspen Ave.).  The Children's Music and Arts Fest was voted 2009’s Most Outstanding Cultural Event from Arizona Parks and Recreation Association. The family-friendly event celebrates the artistic potential of all youth in our community. 

In addition to dance and music performances, children can make recycled arts projects, participate in the instrument petting zoo, make their own musical instrument, and learn to paint, draw and create sculptures.  There will be a Kiddie Caboose, two bounce houses, a climbing wall, carnival games, Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Library Bookmobile and Rock Band, food vendors and other fun things to do. 

Most activities are free!  A $3.00 wristband can be purchased for unlimited rides on the Kiddie Caboose, bounce house and climbing wall.

For more information call 213-2300 or visit flagstaff.az.gov/recreation.  

Free Flagstaff Fun: Concerts in the Park Roadshow in June and July

Concerts in the Park Roadshow is coming soon to a park near you!
The City of Flagstaff – Recreation Services is taking you on a tour of the City of Flagstaff park system, while combining great music, arts and crafts for the kids, and food vendors. 
The free concert series is on Wednesdays in June and July from 5:30-7:30pm.
This year’s performers include:
·       June 8th at Wheeler Park (212 W Aspen Ave): Chuck Cheesman and Bookman’s (folk)
·       June 15th at Foxglenn Park (4200 E Butler): Summit Dub Squad (reggae)
·       June 22nd at Wheeler Park (212 W. Aspen Ave): Dave Logan Band (folk)
·       June 29th at Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista): Knockabouts (Celtic)
·       July 6th at Foxglenn Park (4200 E Butler): Denise Allen Band (blues)
·       July 13th at Wheeler Park (212 W. Aspen Ave): Northern AZ Celtic Heritage Society Day with the Knockabouts, Bagpipers and Celtic Choral Groups
·       July 20th at Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista): Chris Laterzo (rock)
·       July 27th at Foxglenn Park (4200 E Butler): Isrobel (rock)

For more information contact City of Flagstaff Recreation Services at (928) 213-2300 or visit our website at www.flagstaff.az.gov/recreation.

Moms get in free to Flagstaff Arboretum on Mother's Day

Moms, head to The Arboretum Sunday, May 8 (aka Mother's Day) for family-friendly fun.

Moms get in free that day (10a-4p). Regular admission for accompanying family members ($7 adults, $6 seniors, $3 for youth).
The whole family can enjoy a chocolate tasting, create a crafty gift for mom, tour the garden and more. This year families can also have a commemorative photo taken at the photography area.

Flagstaff's 2011 Soar Into Spring festival

Fun at last year's festival

Check out Flagstaff's ninth annual Soar Into Spring festival. This year it is in May -Saturday, May 14, 2011 to be exact- at Foxglenn Park, 4200 East Butler Avenue, as always, from noon to 4pm.
Flagstaff Recreation Services hosts this awesome free event that's been voted AZ Parks and Recreation’s Most Outstanding Community Event.
The day includes kite flying, arts and crafts with the Northern AZ Celtic Heritage Society, carnival games, bounce houses, yummy carnival food, a climbing wall, face painting, the Flagstaff Library Book Mobile and Kiddie Kaboose Train. Lots of fun prizes and giveaways too.  Most activities are free. $3.00 wristband for unlimited rides on the Kiddie Caboose, bounce houses and climbing wall.
Parking is free at Sinagua High School and Knoles Elementary School.
For more information contact the Flagstaff Recreation Services at (928) 213-2300 or visit our website at www.flagstaff.az.gov/recreation.

Visit Flagstaff's Arboretum free today (April 1) plus on Arbor Day (April 30)

 The Arboretum officially opens for 2011 today! As always, all visitors are FREE.
Check it out with the whole fam from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 
As always, The Arb will also be free on Arbor Day (April 30) and have lots of family-friendly tree-centric fun!
Find out all about this year's events at TheArb.org.

Free baby signs intro class next week

Learn how to communicate with your baby before he can talk with the free baby signs intro class at Bookmans on Tuesday (March 22, 2011) from 10-11am.
Bring your little one and learn how signing with babies work and tips on getting started.