Guide to Flagstaff Summer Festivals and Outdoor Music Concert

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Ah yes, finally, summer music festivals and concerts are upon us. This is hands down my favorite time of year. Why? Because well, spring in Flagstaff is windy and sometimes it snows. Ok, it always snows randomly and our cold winters don’t allow for outdoor music festivals.  You go to Phoenix for that! It’s nice to be able to attend concerts and festivals right here on our mountain island.

Also, I’m a self-professed music junkie who lives for seeing live music. If you know me, you know where to find me when I have a night off from the kids, or even away from the ‘ol ball n’ chain, or to hang with my “show” friends, or to go with the whole dang family. I love it all.

Great news though! There’s a music festival and concert for everyone. So I’ve compiled a very thorough list of all Northern Arizona has to offer adults and kids of all ages, backgrounds and musical interests. We are really quite lucky to live in such a mild temperate area during the summer months. It makes enjoying music and festivals outdoors all the more, well…enjoyable!

I’ve categorized these by festivals, summer music series and individual concerts at the Pepsi Amphitheater. I hope to see you out there dancing, singing, relaxing and enjoying our amazing summer weather and atmosphere.

Music festivals you’ve got to check out, all family friendly, great food options, beer and wine, and plenty of stuff for both the kids and adults to enjoy

June 2-3 – 9th annual Flagstaff Hullabaloo Festival (kids 5 and under are free, check website for adult ticket prices)
Time: 10am – 6pm; Location: Wheeler Park

June 9 – 6th annual Blues and Brews Festival (kids 12 and under free, check wthe ebsite for adult ticket prices)
Time: 11am – 9pm; Location: Continental Country Club driving range

June 23rd – PRIDE in the Pines (kids 10 and under free, family and ppet-friendly check website for adult ticket prices)
Time: 12pm – 9pm; Location: Thorpe Park Complex

June 30th – July 1st – Flagstaff Folk Festival ($5 per person or $15 per family)
Time: 10am – 6pm; Location: Coconino Center for the Arts and the Pioneer Museum (they’re right next to one another)

September 14th – 16th – Pickin’ in the Pines (kids 15 and under are free, you can camp all weekend at Ft. Tuthill if you choose, which is super fun, but there are fees to do so, check the website for pricing)
Time: Varies each day, check the schedule for details

Summer music series making it easy for you to pick and choose when and what you want to see, all family friendly

The Arboretum summer music series – June through September on the first Saturday evenings of the month at 5:30pm (kids 12 and under are free) – check their web site for specific dates and performances (remember if you’re a member you get a 20% discount on these events)

Concerts in the Park – Every Wednesday evening during June and July, 5pm at Bushmaster Park or Piute Park – more information to be released on this – Free to all

Pepsi Amphitheater summer concert calendar – some of these are great for kids and some are perfect for date nights. I can attest that the Franti concert is not one to miss, with or without the kids.  

  • May 16th – Modest Mouse
  • June 3rd – Travis Tritt
  • June 10th – Michael Franti & Spearhead Stay Human tour
  • June 29th – Beres Hammond
  • July 6th – Scotty McCreery

Check back on their web site for more shows to be added or follow them on Facebook for updates.

Also, don’t forget The Orpheum downtown or the Coconino Center for the Arts. I know neither are an outdoor venue but both are great spots to catch live music. The Orpheum is particularly one of my favorite places to see music all year round and they do get some great shows in the summer. I’d say most events at either venue aren’t ideal for the younger kiddos, so save those events for a date night with the spouse/partner or a girls night out.

Did I miss anything? Feel free to share in the comments. The more music, the merrier!