Oct 09 Friday
Early Artist Entry NOW OPENThe Flagstaff Plein Air Festival will take place from October 4–25, 2026, challenging both painters and photographers to capture the beauty of the Northern Arizona region, on location. This multi-day event blends artistic practice with community engagement, environmental awareness, and visual storytelling.
At the culmination of the festival, participants will showcase their work in a professionally juried exhibition. The public is welcome to watch the artists at work throughout the week, participate in a variety of workshops and presentations, and purchase completed artwork at the culminating First Glimpse Reception and Sale. A two-week Festival Exhibition to follow.
Festival Highlights Include• Paint Alongs — join painters at select locations to watch or try your hand at plein air painting• Workshops and Presentations — opportunities for photography and painting, registration is open to participants and the public• Quick Draw Challenge and Auction — open to participants and the public• Competition Awards and First Glimpse Reception & Sale — open to the public• Festival Exhibition — a two week exhibition • In celebration of Flagstaff’s 25th anniversary as the first designated International Dark Sky City, we have partnered with the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition to highlight events and programs that celebrate the darks skies surrounding Flagstaff.
Notable DatesEarly discount registration August 15, 2026Registration Closes September 15, 2026Festival Dates October 4-10, 2026 Awards Ceremony, Reception & Sale October 10, 2026Festival Exhibition October 11-25, 2026
Ticketed events and workshop registration will remain available until full.
Festival Information: flagstaff-Arts.org
About The Artists’ Coalition of FlagstaffThe Artists’ Coalition of Flagstaff encourages and promotes the artistic growth and professional development of local artists and to create a forum for the arts within the greater Flagstaff community and Northern Arizona through events, exhibits, and educational programs.
Media Contact Mike Frankel Executive Director acfexdir@gmail.com 928.856.2485
The Flagstaff Plein Air Painting and Photography Festival will take place from October 4–18, 2026 With an August 15, early discount entry deadline and a September 15, 2026 final entry deadline, visit: flagstaff-arts.org, or contact: acfexdir@gmail.com for information.
Stop by the NACA Oak Creek Overlook Vista for beautiful & authentic Native American crafts! Our Artisans can also be found at the Grand Canyon Tusayan Museum!
The Overlook Vista is open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM, depending on the weather. Crafts that can be found at our Artisans' tables include jewelry, ornaments, pottery, sculptures and much more! Check out the Oak Creek Overlook Facebook and Yelp pages for more info and up-to-date hours.
If you have questions or would like general information, please contact Pearl Tsosie at (928) 526-2968 ext.135 or email her at ptsosie@nacainc.org
Spend the weekend surrounded by art, creativity, and the charm of Old Town Cottonwood at the Arizona Wine Country Artists Village, October 9–11 at Old Town Activity Park.
This free, outdoor art and craft fair brings together talented artists and makers from across Arizona and the region, offering a chance to shop original, one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find in a typical store. Meet the artists behind the work, watch them create, learn about their craft, and find something special to take home.
There’s something for everyone, including a free scavenger hunt and raffle with artist-donated prizes and a $500 cash grand prize, plus a hands-on Children’s Art Activity Tent where kids can get creative and make their own artwork.
And when you’re ready for a break, you’re just steps from everything that makes Old Town Cottonwood a favorite destination. Grab a bite, explore local shops and galleries, or visit one of the area’s nearby wine tasting rooms.
Admission is free, and the event is family and pet-friendly. Come browse. Come discover. Come meet the artists. And maybe find something you’ll love enough to take home.
Looking for an excuse to hang out with cool people and make some art? Look no further! Come, relax, and participate in group sketching prompts. This is NOT an art class, but beginners are more than welcome!Extra drawing utensils and paper pads will be provided.
Oct 10 Saturday
See curious Museum specimens and discover why we keep them. Explore our haunted laboratory and learn about insects and minerals that glow in the dark, see coprolites (fossilized poo) from ancient creatures that once roamed the Colorado Plateau, and meet bugs, living and dead! We’ll have touch tables with real animal skulls and fossils, a spooky craft and an owl pellet dissection station.
Costumes welcome! Free with Museum admission. Kids 9 and under free.