The aroma of pine coupled with an 80-degree average July Fourth temperature make the mountain town of Flagstaff the perfect place to unwind during the extended holiday weekend.

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Aside from summer activities including long strolls in the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest, relaxing on patios at any of the eight award-winning breweries, stargazing in the world’s first dark sky city at Lowell Observatory where Pluto was discovered, there are special things to do during the holiday, including:

Free Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Independence Day Parade: Starts at 9 a.m., Thursday, July 4. The route starts at Elm and Beaver streets, heading south on Beaver, east on Aspen Avenue and north on San Francisco Street to Elm.

Street Faire:  from 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday with live music, a photo booth, balloon artists, face painting and more at Heritage Square in downtown.

Run a mile around downtown: Everyone knows Olympic athletes from around the world visit Flagstaff for training camps, and if you want a taste of the high-altitude training life, you can start July Fourth off with a 1-mile run and costume contest sponsored by Nike. Last year 800 runners participated. The race offers $1,000 first-place prizes to the top finishers, but many participants take a more lighthearted approach and aim for an award in the costume contest. Spectators can watch the race beginning at 6:30 a.m. July 4. https://runsignup.com/Race/AZ/Flagstaff/FlagstaffDowntownMile

Party at Oeno Wine Lounge: The downtown wine bar will throw a parking lot party starting at 7:30 a.m. before the parade with mimosas, breakfast burritos, doughnuts and a front-row seat to the parade. After the parade enjoy live music and a barbecue until 2 p.m.

Relax at a free patriotic symphony event: The Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra will present a free “Flag Fourth” concert featuring patriotic pops at Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. July 4. Doors open at 2 p.m., and guests are allowed to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the grassy concert venue.

Enjoy Art in the Park: The locally owned and operated arts and crafts festival features juried fine art and crafts from Friday, July 5 through Sunday, July 7 at Wheeler Park in downtown, a beautiful tree-shaded, grassy venue. In addition to more than 80 artists from across the Southwest, the show features live music, food trucks, beer garden and activities for children. The event is free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

Zip line through the trees: Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course challenges visitors with swings, slides, suspended bridges and other obstacles high above the forest floor. Courses include those appropriate for beginners and children as young as 7 to more advanced climbers. Reservations recommended over the holiday weekend. flagstaffextreme.com

Ride the scenic Arizona Gondola: Arizona Snowbowl offers visitors a chance to see the beautiful Arizona high country from the slopes of the highest peaks in the state. The gondola hoists guests to an elevation of 11,500 feet where they can see the red rocks of Sedona and the Grand Canyon on a clear day. Snowbowl.ski

Be aware of fire restrictions in effect and wildfire risks: Flagstaff welcomes visitors seeking a reprieve from the heat throughout the summer and reminds visitors to be fire aware to ensure everyone can continue to enjoy the forest throughout the year.

  • Dragging tow chains or straps can spark a wildfire.
  • Parking vehicles in dry, grassy areas can spark a wildfire.
  • Smoking and e-cigarrettes are prohibited in Flagstaff’s public places.
  • Stick to designated forest roads and trails.
  • The use of fireworks is prohibited in Flagstaff.

Fire restrictions can change along with weather and other factors. To get the latest restrictions and links to sources, visit discoverflagstaff.com before your visit. For more information: