12 INSANE Things to Do in Flagstaff at Night (Stars & Saloons!)

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Think Flagstaff’s just a pit stop on the way to the Grand Canyon? At night, this mountain town turns into Arizona’s coolest hangout spot. While tourists sleep in Sedona, we’re up here at 7,000 feet spotting galaxies, exploring ancient lava caves, and mixing with cowboys in historic saloons.

Want the best things to do in Flagstaff at night? From stargazing at the lab that discovered Pluto to bar hopping through Americas most underrated beer scene, this town comes alive after dark. Trust me, skip the early night – at this altitude, even the stars look better with a local craft beer!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend doing this ghost tour through downtown Flagstaff! They take you to hidden haunted spots with true crime stories and paranormal encounters, plus exclusive local tales you won’t find in guidebooks. You also get chilling historic insights from expert guides who wrote the book on Flagstaff’s dark side. This ghost walk is a must-do on a Flagstaff itinerary in my opinion.

Best Things to Do in Flagstaff at Night (2025 Guide)

Are you ready to explore the most unique things to do in Flagstaff in the nighttime? As mentioned earlier, there’s a wide range of exciting activities in Flagstaff after dark. Keep reading to find where to go in Flagstaff at night!

1. Stargaze at Lowell Observatory

The Lowell Observatory is honestly where you need to start any Flagstaff night out. This place discovered Pluto back in 1930, and you can actually see the telescope that did it. I’ve been here three times now, and the night stargazing programs are way better than I expected.

General admission is $35 for adults (kids 6-17 are $20), and that gets you access to everything from open to close. The new Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center opened in November 2024 with a massive 40,000 square foot facility that’s pretty incredible. They’ve got the Dark Sky Planetarium, interactive exhibits, and six advanced telescopes at the Giovale Open Deck Observatory that’ll blow your mind.

What’s really cool is the night telescope viewings – weather permitting, of course. The staff astronomers actually know their stuff and don’t just point telescopes randomly. You’ll see Saturn’s rings, distant galaxies, and whatever planets are visible that night. I actually learned more about space in two hours here than I did in high school astronomy class. The Clark Telescope from 1896 is still working after 125+ years, which is pretty wild when you think about it.

My Pro Tip: Check the weather before you go because cloudy nights obviously suck for stargazing. Also, it gets cold up there at 7,000 feet, so bring a jacket even in summer.

2. Hop Flagstaff’s brewery trail

Flagstaff’s Brewery Trail is actually legit – eight breweries within walking distance of each other, and most are way better than typical tourist traps. I’ve done the full trail twice, and you really can’t go wrong starting at Mother Road Brewing Company on Mike’s Pike. They’re open daily 11am-10pm with solid IPAs and a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for getting things started.

Beaver Street Brewery has been Flagstaff’s first brewpub since 1994, and their R&R Oatmeal Stout is honestly one of the best beers I’ve had anywhere. The wood-paneled pub feels authentic, not like some corporate knockoff, and they’ve got a backyard beer garden when weather’s nice. You can grab food here too – their menu is popular with locals and NAU parents.

What’s smart about the trail is you can hit five breweries just in the historic downtown area within about a mile walk. Lumberyard Brewing, Flagstaff Brewing Company, and Dark Sky Brewing are all close enough that you won’t need an Uber between stops. Dark Sky specifically pushes creative limits – they introduce three new beers each week, which is actually pretty ambitious.

The digital passport thing is free and gets you a commemorative pint glass when you hit all eight spots. No purchase required, just geo-tag at each location. I definitely recommend doing this over multiple nights rather than trying to crush all eight in one evening.

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3. Hit Arizona Snowbowl (summer activities)

I need to be straight with you – Arizona Snowbowl doesn’t actually offer night skiing right now. That’s in their future expansion plans, but currently lifts run 9am-4pm during ski season. However, what they do have during summer months is actually pretty cool.

The Scenic Gondola Rides take you up to 11,500 feet for incredible views, and they run Sunset Gondola Rides on Fridays and Saturdays with optional dinner packages at Agassiz Lodge. I went last summer and the golden hour views were honestly spectacular – you can see for miles across northern Arizona.

They’ve also got summer tubing, a bungee trampoline, and climbing wall at the base. It’s about 30 minutes from downtown Flagstaff, and during winter the free Mountain Line Express Shuttle runs from downtown on weekends and holidays.

Lift tickets start as low as $19 online (demand-based pricing), but remember that’s for winter skiing only. For summer activities, check their website for current gondola and activity pricing. The Power Pass gives you access to multiple mountains if you’re planning to ski other places too. I actually think the summer sunset gondola experience might be better than winter night skiing would be anyway – you get those amazing mountain views without freezing your ass off.

• Read next: Epic Things to Do in Arizona at Night

4. Feel the Buzz at 4. Hang out at Heritage Square

Heritage Square is basically Flagstaff’s living room, and it’s where locals actually go to chill. The square hosts Movies on the Square every Saturday night from May 24 through July 26, starting with live music at 5pm and movies at dusk. I’ve been to a few of these and the atmosphere is really relaxed – bring blankets and chairs because it gets chilly after sunset.

Music on the Square runs Thursday evenings 5-7pm from May through September with local bands that are usually pretty good. The Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance puts these on, and they’re free which is awesome. You can grab food from nearby restaurants and just hang out on the grass.

What’s cool is they do themed movie nights – last summer had an Astrojacks Night with Space Jam: A New Legacy where NAU Athletics and Lowell Observatory set up interactive stuff before the movie. Yogaert sells concessions at every movie night, and sometimes downtown businesses pop up with food trucks.

The square itself sits right in the center of downtown on Aspen Avenue between San Francisco and Leroux Streets, so you can easily walk to bars or restaurants after events. I actually love that it’s not some corporate entertainment complex – just a simple outdoor space where people gather and actually talk to each other.Square

5. Stargaze at Buffalo Park

Buffalo Park is where locals go when they want to stargaze without paying Lowell Observatory prices. Flagstaff is an International Dark Sky City, which basically means they actually give a shit about light pollution, so the stars here are legitimately incredible.

I come here pretty regularly because it’s free, never crowded, and has wide open fields with zero light obstruction. You can drive right up and park, then just walk out into the grass with a blanket. The Milky Way is visible on clear nights, which still blows my mind coming from a big city.

The park has gentle walking trails if you want to move around, but honestly the best experience is just lying back and looking up. I’ve seen shooting stars here multiple times – way more than I ever expected. It’s also a popular spot for amateur astronomers who bring their own telescopes and are usually happy to let you look through them.

What makes this better than some other stargazing spots is that it’s easily accessible – no hiking required – and it’s safe for families. The natural setting feels way more peaceful than tourist attractions, and you can stay as long as you want. I actually prefer this to the more structured observatory experience when I just want to relax and think.

6. Explore Walnut Canyon National Monument at night

Walnut Canyon National Monument is one of those places that’s completely different after dark. The ancient cliff dwellings take on this almost mystical quality under moonlight, and you get this incredible sense of stepping back in time 800+ years.

The monument itself showcases Sinagua people’s cliff dwellings from the 1100s, which is pretty mind-blowing when you’re standing there in the dark. I did a moonlight tour here last year and it was honestly one of the coolest historical experiences I’ve had. The shadows cast by the canyon walls create these dramatic scenes that you just can’t get during daytime visits.

You might spot nocturnal wildlife – owls, bats, maybe even elk if you’re lucky. The acoustics in the canyon are incredible at night; sounds carry differently and you really feel the isolation those ancient people must have experienced. I actually heard coyotes howling during my visit, which added to the whole atmosphere.

Check with the National Park Service for special night programs and moonlight tours. They don’t run constantly but when they do, they’re absolutely worth it. The canyon is about 10 miles east of Flagstaff and normally closes at sunset, so you’ll need to join an official program to experience it after dark. Bring warm clothes because the temperature drops significantly once the sun goes down.

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7. Bowl at Starlite Lanes

Starlite Lanes is Flagstaff’s only bowling alley, and honestly it’s got that perfect old-school vibe you can’t fake. They’ve been open since 1957 and it shows – not in a bad way, but in an authentic throwback way that’s actually pretty charming.

The place has 16 lanes, a full arcade, and The Side Door Bar & Lounge attached, so you can grab drinks between frames. I’ve been here for birthday parties and random weekend nights, and the staff is usually friendly and helpful. They’ve got deals on certain nights that make it way more affordable than you’d expect.

What’s cool is they serve actual food from their kitchen – not just typical bowling alley nachos. I had their Blackened Mahi Sandwich recently and it was actually really good. They’re open until midnight Sunday-Thursday and 1am Friday-Saturday, located right on historic Route 66.

The arcade has classic games and modern stuff, so if bowling gets boring (which it won’t), you can switch it up. Each lane handles up to 8 players, and bowling shoes are required obviously. I honestly think this place captures that authentic small-town entertainment experience better than any chain bowling alley ever could.

8. Join Flagstaff’s dark sky star parties

Flagstaff’s Dark Sky Star Parties are where serious stargazing happens. These gatherings bring together local astronomers and curious visitors at locations like Buffalo Park and Coconino National Forest, usually around late September (the 2024 event was September 26-28).

What makes these special is the expertise – local astronomers bring serious telescopes and actually know what they’re showing you. I went to one last year and saw Saturn’s moons, distant galaxies, and nebulae I never would have found on my own. The educational component is top-notch without being boring or overly academic.

Buffalo Park provides wide-open spaces perfect for setting up multiple telescopes, while Coconino National Forest locations offer that natural planetarium feeling with trees framing the sky. The events usually run multiple nights, so if one night has cloud cover, you’ve got backup options.

These aren’t just casual “look up at the sky” events – they’re organized gatherings of people who are seriously passionate about astronomy. I learned more in one night than I probably would have figured out on my own in years. Plus, it’s free and family-friendly, which is rare for quality educational experiences these days. Check flagstaffdarkskies.org for current schedules and locations. The dates vary each year based on moon phases and weather predictions.

9. Tour Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park offers a fascinating glimpse into early 1900s Flagstaff life, and while it’s not technically a “night” activity, the mansion’s grounds are beautiful for evening strolls and the building itself has this haunting elegance after dark.

The mansion was built in 1904 by the Riordan brothers who basically built half of Flagstaff’s early lumber industry. The architecture is incredible – rustic log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches, and handcrafted interior details that you just don’t see anymore. I took the guided tour and learned way more about Northern Arizona’s history than I expected.

What struck me most was how these lumber barons lived – the mansion has 40 rooms total and showcases this interesting blend of frontier practicality and genuine luxury. The guides know their stuff and share stories about the family and their role in Flagstaff’s development that really bring the place to life.

While regular tours end before dark, the grounds stay accessible for walking, and the mansion looks pretty spectacular lit up at night. It’s located in a quiet residential area, so evening walks around the property are peaceful and give you time to really appreciate the craftsmanship. Check their website for special evening events and holiday programs that sometimes run after normal hours.

10. Explore Lava River Cave

Lava River Cave is hands-down one of the coolest (literally) underground adventures you can have near Flagstaff. This mile-long lava tube was formed 650,000-700,000 years ago when molten lava created these incredible underground tunnels, and exploring it feels like stepping into another world.

The cave stays around 35-45 degrees year-round, so bring warm clothes even in summer. You absolutely need multiple light sources – headlamps are best because you’ll need your hands free for scrambling over rocks. I learned this the hard way when my flashlight died halfway through and I had to rely on my phone light to get out.

The entrance requires some rock scrambling down loose boulders, which can be slippery, but once you’re inside the main tube it levels out. The lava formations are incredible – you can see exactly how the molten rock flowed and cooled, creating these wave-like patterns on the floor. The “lavacicles” hanging from the ceiling look like stone icicles formed when hot gases re-melted the rock.

Access is free and it’s open year-round, though the forest roads (FR 245 and FR 171) might be closed in winter. Drive 9 miles north on US 180, turn left on FR 245, then follow signs. The whole experience takes about 1.5 hours round trip. I’ve done this hike four times now and it never gets old – it’s genuinely one of Arizona’s most unique adventures.

11. Grab drinks at Monte Vista Cocktail Lounge

The Monte Vista Cocktail Lounge is Flagstaff’s premier dive bar and honestly my favorite place to grab drinks downtown. This was Flagstaff’s first speakeasy during Prohibition, and the history is still soaked into the walls. Located in the historic Hotel Monte Vista, it’s been serving drinks since 1927.

The bi-level lounge has live music Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights starting at 9:30pm, plus karaoke Tuesday and Thursday nights that’s actually pretty fun. Happy hour runs daily 4-9pm with $1 off wells, wines, and drafts, plus free billiards and darts upstairs. I’ve spent way too many Tuesday nights here doing terrible karaoke, but that’s part of the charm.

What I love about this place is it feels authentically old-school without trying too hard. The clientele is a mix of locals, college students, and tourists, but it never feels too touristy or pretentious. The bartenders know their stuff and make solid cocktails, not just beer and shots.

They’re open Tuesday-Saturday (closed Sunday-Monday) starting at 7pm Tuesday-Thursday and 4pm Friday-Saturday. The space gets pretty packed on weekends, especially when there’s live music, but that energy is part of what makes it special. It’s definitely not a quiet cocktail lounge – this is where you go to have fun and maybe stay out later than you planned.

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12. Watch live music at The Orpheum Theater

The Orpheum Theater is Northern Arizona’s premier entertainment venue, and while they don’t do regular movie nights like the old blog suggested, what they do offer is way cooler – incredible live music and special events in a beautifully restored historic theater.

This place has been Flagstaff’s cultural heart since the early 1900s, and the restoration work is incredible. The vintage atmosphere adds something special to every performance that you just can’t get at modern venues. I’ve seen everything from indie bands to jazz performances here, and the acoustics are surprisingly good for a venue this old.

They host the Flagstaff International Film Festival each August, plus regular concerts featuring both local and touring acts. The Orpheum Lounge also has intimate acoustic performances that are perfect for date nights or when you want something more low-key than the main theater shows.

Ticket prices are reasonable – most shows range from $10-25, which is way cheaper than big city venues. The theater is right downtown at 15 W Aspen Ave, so you can easily grab dinner before shows or hit bars afterward. Check their website for current schedules because events vary throughout the year.

I actually prefer this to going to movies because live music in a historic venue feels like a real experience rather than just entertainment. Plus, you’re supporting local arts, which is always cool.

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