Good morning, Flagstaff! Are you as excited as we are to see rain in the forecast?! Monsoons are starting later than usual this year, with July 2nd being the average area start date.

Today in Flagstaff Inspires:

Let’s go!

— Alissa Zorn & Alexandra Wittenberg

👨🏻‍🚒Fire Chief Mark Gaillard is the City’s 2025 Leader of the Year. He partnered with the Flagstaff Police Department to review and enhance computer‑aided dispatch processes, and worked alongside government officials to explore long‑term approaches for insurance costs in wildfire‑resilient neighborhoods.

🏨 A group of Flagstaff residents is working to raise $2.75 million to purchase the El Pueblo Motor Inn, the Route 66 motel where the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers were recruited during World War II. The property is for sale, and supporters say its history is at risk of being lost.

🥾 Grand Canyon Native Trails is a Navajo-owned business giving tours along the rarely seen East Rim of the Grand Canyon. They’re giving 65% off tours for locals for select dates in July.

🎤Pepsi Amphitheater at Ft. Tuthill celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The 2025 season generated $13.7 million for the local economy, including $2 million in spending at Flagstaff bars and restaurants before and after the shows.

🌆 Flagstaff Inspires publisher, Alissa Zorn, is excited to attend the Downtown Matters Conference at the Orpheum later this week! The event explores how vibrant urban centers drive economic vitality, community connection, and long-term resilience. 

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🌻Wildflower Painting: Sign up for Heartbox’s summer wildflower painting series to learn to paint a different wildflower each month. On July 18th, paint the Echinacea Coneflower. Register by July 15th.

🎭💖I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change: Theatrikos brings you this musical comedy revue that explores the triumphs, agonies, and hilarity of modern relationships. Shows are Thursdays through Sundays, until July 26th.

👦🏽 Kids Squared — Activities: Enjoy activities with Fit4Mom and American Legacy Academy. Designed for kids ages 4–9, with big and little siblings welcome to join the fun! 10-11am, Heritage Square

👨‍👦 Toddler Tales: A special time for stories, songs, games and more for tots. 10:30-11am, Downtown Library

🐍 Wild for Wildlife: A wild afternoon with Arizona Game & Fish showcasing animals native to Arizona. Families ages 8+. 1-2pm, Downtown Library Northwest Corner

🧩 Puzzle Exchange: Puzzlers, get out those puzzles you’ve already done! Bring a puzzle and swap it at this exchange. 5-7pm, Bright Side Bookshop

🎲Board Game Night: Modern and classic games available, free to play. Drinks and snacks by donation. 5-9pm, The Ice House

🏆 Trivia at Harrington’s: Use your wits and obscure pop culture knowledge to battle for beer and glory! Prizes for the winning team. 6pm, Harrington’s Taphouse'

🪓Axe-Throwing Social: Throw axes, knives, and ninja stars with this new weekly Throwing Social. Friendly competitive — keeping score, but more about the fun! 6-7:30pm, FlagTagAZ

🏳️‍🌈📝LGBTQ+ Estate Planning Workshop: Join Rose Winkeler for an open discussion of wills, trusts, and other legal strategies designed to protect LGBTQ+ families. Free light bites and refreshments. 6-7pm, Mother Road

🎳Starlite After Dark — 80’s/90’s NIght: New weekly theme nights at the bowling alley with a live DJ, costume contests, giveaways, prizes and specialty-themed cocktails. $15 all you can bowl special. 9-12pm, Starlite Lanes

🎈Balloon Show: A Girl and Her Balloons will put on a balloon show during this week’s free Summer Kids Series. Engaging, educational and fun! 1pm, Bookmans

🌄 Farmers Market Downtown: Come for local produce, treats, pop-up shops from downtown businesses, and more! 3pm-dusk, Heritage Square

🎶Concerts in the Park — The Pocket Limes: Free family-friendly live music, plus PALS bookmobile, hot dog and ice cream vendors. Check Flagstaff PROSE social for weather cancellations. 5:30-7:30pm, Mobile Haven Park, 4280 N Hamblin St

🍀🎶Bagpipes & Parade: Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society is celebrating Flagstaff Celtic Week! Bagpipers will be at Wheeler Park then parade down Aspen Ave for a cèilidh at Uptown Pubhouse. 6pm, Free.

📝 Wily Writers: Join this weekly writing group for practice, motivation, sharing, and learning! 5:30-7pm Downtown Library, Community Room

🧵 Create & Connect Night: Weekly open studio with access to sewing machines! Bring a project or craft of your choice, make new friends & get a bit of help from staff if you need it! Donation/PWYW. 5:30-7:30pm, Threaded Together

🍺🌳Ales with the Arb - Vegetable Gardening in Flagstaff: Grab a pint and learn from local scientists in this free series. This month Nate O'Meara presents on Vegetable Gardening In Flagstaff. 6pm, Mother Road Brewery

🃏 Game Night at FLG Terroir: Come with friends or meet someone new over a glass of wine and a rotating mix of classic games. 7-11pm, FLG Terroir Wine Bar & Bistro

🕺Dancing on the Square: Dance all summer long with a free lesson in a new style every week, followed by a social dance. Wednesdays until Memorial Day! Lesson: 7-8pm, Social Dance: 8-10pm, Heritage Square

💃🍦 Fro' Yo' Show! and Bingo! Vacation Edition: An all ages evening of Bingo, song, dance, drag, and delicious treats! 6pm, Yogaert

🍀🎶Bagpipe Concert: Celtic Week leads up to the Arizona Highland Celtic Festival this weekend. Today, check out the annual free bagpipe concert at Riordan Mansion. 7pm.

🤓 Smarty Pints Trivia: Are you a smarty pants? Prove it at Smarty Pints Trivia, every Thursday, 7-9pm, Dark Sky Beer Garden

💃 Swing Dance Class: Dance the night away Thursday nights with Flagstaff Rhythm and Roots. Beginner, intermediate and social dances from 7-10pm, Firecreek Coffee

Drinking Horn | Open Mic | 6pm
Dark Sky Beer Garden | Flagspins Vinyl Night | 6-9pm

Wheeler Park | FFTM Bluegrass Jam | 11am-1pm
Charly’s | Blues Night - Ace Slim | 7-9:30pm | $5
Gopher Hole | Karaoke | 9:30pm

Heritage Square | Emerging Artist Thursday | 5-7pm
Charly’s | Open Mic | 6pm
Drinking Horn | JigzUp Celtic | 7pm

I’m excited to attend Downtown Matters later this week - if you see me please say hello!

Thanks for reading Flagstaff Inspires. You can always get in touch. Hit reply or email → [email protected].