If you’re like us, you might be thinking about the inevitable heat wave of the Arizona sun this summer and wondering how to escape it while still enjoying the outdoors. You’re craving an experience that doesn’t require extreme hiking or biking or zipping through the trees. Instead, you want an enjoyable and relaxing way to get outside while also being thoroughly entertained. We searched for the perfect cool festivals, and not just because they are really cool, but because they are located in the pines of Flagstaff. If you’re looking for great entertainment and want to get out of the hot sun over the summer of 2019 come up to Flagstaff and enjoy these festivals.
June 7th & 8th – Flagstaff Blues and Brews Music Festival
Although Summer officially starts on June 21st, we’ve found the best way to kick off summer is at the Flagstaff Blues and Brews Festival on June 7th and 8th. This year marks the first time it will be a two-day event, with bands taking the stage on Friday afternoon and throughout Saturday. We suggest knocking off work early and heading up on Friday to start your weekend right listening to blues under the bright stars of Flagstaff. Entering its seventh year as a festival it tends to draw big name stars and this year doesn’t disappoint with Kenny Wayne Shepard, Tab Benoit, Larkin Poe and Samantha Fish as some of the top headliners. The festival also features some of the best craft Brews in the region from breweries like Mother Road Brewery and Barrio Brewing, as well as Gluten Free Beer, Wine and canned cocktails. Better grab your tickets soon as they tend to sell out. Check it out: https://flagstaffblues.com
June 22nd – Pride in the Pines
Flagstaff Pride delivers a diverse lineup of national, regional and local entertainers, featuring Hip-Hop Latin artist Kat Dluna as the main headliner along with Neon Native, Keith Okie and Rebel Sol, Zigtebra. Plus belly dancing by Anahata Tribe and entertaining performances by Miss Phoenix Pride 2018 Mya McKenzie and Friends. Food vendors and various exhibitors make this a wonderful and fun festival for the entire family. Pride in the Pines helps promote and support cultural diversity, civil and human rights by fighting discrimination of all kinds. Grab your tickets now to support awareness and acceptance. https://flagstaffpride.org/
July 20th & 21st – Arizona Highland Celtic Festival
The Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society is dedicated to preserving the Celtic culture including language, traditions, arts and history. The festival kicks off with the highland games including many traditional athletic competitions like the hammer throw, caber toss, sheaf and many other games. Celtic bands will be taking the stage throughout the day, featuring musical artists Knockabouts, The Wicked Tinkers and The Ploughboys. There will be many different exhibitors and if you are curious about your Celtic pride, visit the genealogy research tent. This tends to be a very popular festival so make sure to get your tickets soon as they go fast! http://www.nachs.info/festival.shtml#Order%20Tickets
September 13th, 14th & 15th – Pickin’ in the Pines
Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music (FFOTM) hosts the award-winning bluegrass and acoustic music festival featuring the best traditional and contemporary bluegrass music, coupled with other styles of acoustic music and dance such as Celtic, gypsy jazz and more. This year’s featured artists include Sam Bush, Del McCoury & David Grisman, Jeff Austin Band with Darol Anger & Jary Starling, Sierra Hull, Blue Highway, Becky Buller Band and many more. The festival also features educational workshops and as well as a band contest, all in a family friendly setting. Local and regional food and vendors make this a must attend event. Experience for yourself why it was voted as the “Best Festival” in 2017 by readers of the Arizona Daily Sun. https://pickininthepines.org/
October 5th – Flagstaff Oktoberfest
The Flagstaff Oktoberfest is in its 11th year as a family tradition to bid farewell to summer and kick off the autumn season. With a focus on German heritage there will be Polka music, brat eating contests, stein holding competitions and much more. Musical artists include Mike Reeves Band and The Thirsty Five and more. Join the fun and enter the Brat Eating Contest, Men’s and Women’s Beer Stein Holding Contest or the Frozen T-shirt Contest. Bring the family and enjoy free root beer floats in the Root Beer Garden. Audience participation is encouraged and so lace up your dirndl, throw on your lederhosen and grab your stein for a rousing good time! https://flagstaffoktoberfest.com/
