Flagstaff Parks staff outline summer concert series and July drone show plan

Haley Reynolds, the city’s events and marketing manager, told the Parks and Recreation Commission April 1 that the department plans a nine-week Concerts in the Park series in June and July, partnerships with Coconino County Parks and Recreation and a drone show contracted for July 4.

Reynolds said the concerts will be spread across several parks and that the city received roughly 37–40 band submissions; staff will finalize bookings after confirming availability. The city will partner with the Downtown Business Alliance and local organizations on specific neighborhood events, including a Juneteenth concert in coordination with Cleo Murdock Park and the Southside Community Center.

On July 4, Reynolds said the city has contracted OpenSky Productions for a 23- to 25-minute drone show to launch near Coconino High School and fly over McMillan Mesa. She said the vendor contract has been approved by council and that the city advised the school district it would not host a viewing party on school property. The planned launch time is about 9:15 p.m.

Reynolds said the drone show budget the city has funded is $97,000; she contrasted that with a typical fireworks price of about $30,000 and noted that drone shows can be more expensive but are more reliable and can be postponed for weather. She said some drone-show content will include patriotic imagery and Flagstaff-themed elements.

Reynolds listed other expected events for the summer and fall, including community markets, Fox Glen and Bushmaster park events, and larger permits at Wheeler Park. She directed residents to the city’s Flag365 information and said the events team coordinates with streets, police and fire on closures and logistics.

Commissioners asked about concert locations, parking, and contingency planning for weather; Reynolds said the team is finalizing bands and logistics and will bring updates to the commission as details firm up.