Archive of 2019 Park Centennial Events

Every Grand Canyon experience is its own grand adventure, however, during 2019, experiences were bigger than ever because of the centennial! Park visitors, fans, and canyoneers from around the world celebrated the anniversary by attending special events and programs. This page presents the original events schedule for future reference.

 
 
American Indian artist holds pale bowl in lap. One hand holds the bowl while the other hand traces designs and patterns onto the bowl.
A cultural demonstrator decorates pottery at Desert View Watchtower.

NPS

All Year (2019)

Desert View Cultural Demonstrators
All Year
Desert View, Grand Canyon National Park

Human cultures and the canyon have been shaping each other for over 12,000 years. American Indians cared for, shared knowledge of and admired this special place. Grand Canyon’s original stewards and their stories are still here today. Desert View Cultural Demonstrators are members of Grand Canyon's 11 traditionally associated tribes. During a cultural demonstrator program, visitors can interact and learn about these cultures and their traditional crafts.

100 Years of Grand Online Exhibit
All Year

ASU, NAU, and Grand Canyon National Park have partnered to produce "100 Years of Grand" -a centennial project to showcase archival materials around the early years of Grand Canyon.

Splendor and Spectacle
*Through September 2019
NAU Cline Library, Flagstaff, AZ

NAU Cline Library and Grand Canyon National Park Museum Collections worked together to create "Splendor and Spectacle: the 100 Year Journey of Grand Canyon National Park."

 

January (2019)

Phoenix Symphony performs "Grand Canyon Suite"
January 11-12, 2019
Symphony Hall | Phoenix, AZ

The Phoenix Symphony will peform Grofe's picturesque Grand Canyon Suite in honor of the National Park's 100-year anniversary. The performance will feature Westwater Arts high-definition images of the Grand Canyon projected above the orchestra in Symphony Hall.

NPS Fee-Free Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
January 21, 2019

Come experience the grandest of national parks! In honor of MLK Jr. Day of Service, Grand Canyon National Park will join National Parks around the country in providing visitors free entrance to Grand Canyon. To see a list of all fee-free days in 2019 and for more information visit www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.
 

February (2019)

Grand Canyon Historical Symposium
February 20-23, 2019
Shrine of the Ages | Grand Canyon, AZ

The Grand Canyon Historical Symposium is a gathering of professional and avocational people who enjoy topics specific to Grand Canyon history. This year as Grand Canyon celebrates is 100th Anniversary the symposium will cover a wide range of topics including American Indian History, the Colorado River, and the National Park Service. Note: General Admission registration is sold out. If you'd like to be added to their waiting list, follow this link: https://grandcanyonhistoricalsoci.regfox.com/waiting-list

Teddy Roosevelt: The Man in the Arena
February 20, 2019 | 7:30 PM
Kerr Cultural Center | Scottsdale, AZ

Award-winning actor, Derek Evans, brings to life the 26th President of the United States, one of the most exciting and charismatic personalities in all of history. For tickets, call 480-596-2660.

Teddy Roosevelt: The Man in the Arena
February 21, 2019 | 7:30 PM
Community Performance & Art Center | Green Valley, AZ

Award-winning actor, Derek Evans, brings to life the 26th President of the United States, one of the most exciting and charismatic personalities in all of history. For tickets, call 520-339-1750.

Teddy Roosevelt: The Man in the Arena
February 22, 2019 | 7:00 PM
Elks Theatre Performing Arts Center | Prescott, AZ

Award-winning actor, Derek Evans, brings to life the 26th President of the United States, one of the most exciting and charismatic personalities in all of history. For tickets, call 928-777-1370.

Evening Program:Teddy Roosevelt: The Man in the Arena
February 23, 2019 | 7:00 PM
Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater | Grand Canyon, AZ

Award-winning actor, Derek Evans, brings to life the 26th President of the United States, one of the most exciting and charismatic personalities in all of history. This event is free and open to the public.

Teddy Roosevelt: The Man in the Arena
February 24, 2019 | 6:30 PM
Coconino Center for the Arts | Flagstaff, AZ

Award-winning actor, Derek Evans, brings to life the 26th President of the United States, one of the most exciting and charismatic personalities in all of history. For tickets, call 928-779-2300.

Evening Program: Then, Now, and Forever: Zuni in the Grand Canyon
February 24, 2019 | 7:00 PM
Grand Canyon Visitor Center | Grand Canyon, AZ

Join us for a special viewing of Then, Now, and Forever: Zuni in the Grand Canyon. Follow the Ashiwi rain priests and medicine men on a sacred migration down the Colorado river-from the pueblo at Halona Idiwana'a to shrines and ancient settlements, through canyon walls carved by the petroglyphs of the ancestors, back where time began.

Evening Program: Dine: Winter Stories of Wisdom with Sunny Dooley
February 25, 2019 | 7:00 PM
Grand Canyon Visitor Center | Grand Canyon, AZ

Join storyteller and folklorist Sunny Dooley as she shares a rich and entertaining tale of wisdom. Appropriate for all-ages, this Navajo tale shares culturally grounded lessons of leadership and demonstrates that nature is a powerful teacher for humankind.

Founder's Day Centennial Celebration
February 26, 2019 | 10 AM - 4 PM
Grand Canyon Visitor Center | Grand Canyon, AZ

Everyone's is invited to this celebratory event to kick off Grand Canyon's 100th Anniversary! Join cultural demonstrators from Grand Canyon's traditionally associated tribes, stop by for a concert by Flagstaff School District Choir, and hear from Grand Canyon Conservancy and National Park Service staff. This event is free and open to the public.

  • 10 AM- 4 PM Cultural Demonstrators

  • 10 AM- Flagstaff School District Choir

  • 12 PM-Flagstaff School District Choir

  • 1 PM-Commemoration Ceremony

  • 2 PM-Cake!

Evening Program: Dine: Winter Stories of Wisdom with Sunny Dooley
February 26, 2019 | 7:00 PM
Grand Canyon Visitor Center | Grand Canyon, AZ

Join storyteller and folklorist Sunny Dooley as she shares a rich and entertaining tale of wisdom. Appropriate for all-ages, this Navajo tale shares culturally grounded lessons of leadership and demonstrates that nature is a powerful teacher for humankind.

Evening Program: Unnatural Wonder
February 27, 2019 | 7:00 PM
Grand Canyon Visitor Center | Grand Canyon, AZ

Join AZ Republic and NPS staff for a special screening of An Unnatural Wonder. The film covers the journey of AZ Republic reporter and photographer on his 16-day journey down the Colorado River to record how the river's ecosystem has been altered. The film will be followed by a panel discussion.

Evening Program: A Native History of Grand Canyon with Ed Kabotie
February 28, 2019 | 7:00 PM
Grand Canyon Visitor Center | Grand Canyon, AZ

A third generation of artist and musician from the Hopi and Tewa tribes, Ed Kabotie will share the history of native people of the Grand Canyon.

Mapping the Grand Canyon
February 28-March 1, 2019 | 8:00 AM
ASU | Tempe, AZ

"Mapping Grand Canyon" is a full two-day program of map-based story-telling, transdisciplinary analysis, state-of-the-art geospatial and cartographic demonstrations, engaging hands-on activities, and open community dialogue. This event is free and open to all. For more information visit, lib.asu.edu/mapping-grand-canyon-conference.

Evening Program: A Native History of Grand Canyon with Ed Kabotie
March 1, 2019 | 7:00 PM
Grand Canyon Visitor Center | Grand Canyon, AZ

A third generation of artist and musician from the Hopi and Tewa tribes, Ed Kabotie will share the history of native people of the Grand Canyon.

 

March (2019)

Mapping the Grand Canyon
February 28-March 1, 2019 | 8:00 AM
ASU | Tempe, AZ

"Mapping Grand Canyon" is a full two-day program of map-based story-telling, transdisciplinary analysis, state-of-the-art geospatial and cartographic demonstrations, engaging hands-on activities, and open community dialogue. This event is free and open to all. For more information visit, lib.asu.edu/mapping-grand-canyon-conference.

Tucson Symphony Present "Grand Canyon State"
March 2-3, 2019 | 4:00 PM, 2:00 PM
Tucson Music Hall | Tucson, AZ

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Grand Canyon National Park. The Tucson Symphony presents a spectacular film of Arizona’s greatest natural treasure played to Grofé’s brilliant score. For more information please visit, www.tucsonsymphony.org/event/grand-canyon-state/all.

Outreach Event: AZ Game and Fish Outdoor Expo
March 30-31 2019
Ben Avery Shooting Range | Phoenix, AZ

Stop by the Grand Canyon National Park booth at the AZ Game and Fish Outdoor Expo to get park updates, trip planning, and general information about Grand Canyon. Meet with a Grand Canyon park ranger and plan your trip this centennial year!

 
Hikers on South Kaibab Trail
Hikers on South Kaibab Trail

NPS

April (2019)

Grand Canyon: 100 Years of Stories
April 16, 2019 | 7-8:30 PM
Crescent Ballroom | Phoenix, AZ

Over the past 100 years, the National Park Service efforts have garnered thousands of stories, and Grand Canyon Conservancy is here to celebrate that heritage with five storytellers who will share a true, first-person story of adventure, conservation, and community in Grand Canyon. Learn more and purchase tickets.

NPS Fee-Free Day
National Park Week
April 20, 2019
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Come experience the grandest of national parks! In honor of the first day of National Park Week and National Junior Day, Grand Canyon National Park will join National Parks around the country in providing visitors free entrance to Grand Canyon. From diverse wildlife and iconic landscapes, to vibrant culture and rich history, our National Park System has something for everyone. To see a list of all fee-free days in 2019 and for more information visit www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.

Earth Day Celebration
April 20, 2019 | 10 - 2 PM
Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza | Grand Canyon, AZ

Grand Canyon National Park will celebrate the 49th Anniversary of Earth Day with demonstrations, games, information on local and national environmental initiatives, and much more. All Earth Day activities are free of charge and open to the public.

Geoscience Symposium
April 18-20, 2019
Shrine of the Ages | Grand Canyon, AZ

Grand Canyon is one of the world’s iconic geologic laboratories and has long–served as a centerpiece for geoscience education and science literacy. This symposium honors 100 years of geoscience education at Grand Canyon National Park and 150 years of Grand Canyon geology. The objective is to provide an update on research progress and on innovations in geoscience education that have taken place at Grand Canyon to promote a next century of geologic research and outreach in this iconic region. The symposium is open to the public as well as the geoscience community.

Presentation Agenda
Friday, April 19 | 8:30-5:00 PM | Geology of Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Geology Debates and Their Global Reverberations
Unkar Group: Summar and Update
Chuar Group: Summary and Update
Tonto Group: Summary and Update
Paleozoic Progress-The oldest vertebrate trackway in Grand Canyon and the dawn of Reptiles
Uplift and age of Grand Canyon and Grand Staircase
Where was the downstream end of the pre-Pliocence Colorado River
The Bouse Connection and Controversies
The Shape of Water
Roaring Springs and the Pipeline
The modern river corridor and the dam

Saturday, April 20 | 8:30 AM-12:30 PM
Geoscience Education
Ethnogeolgoy and Grand Canyon Geoscience Education
Engaging the Public in Geology and Geoscience: Techniques Learned Using teh History of Ideas on the Origin of Grand Canyon
Virtual Field Trips as a Complement to field geologic learning at Grand Canyon
Old Red and Powell's Rock Naming
The Trail of Time Exhibit
Brainstorming a Next Century of Informal Science Education

For more information contact Karl Karlstrom at kek1@unm.edu.

Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) Symposium
April 21-23, 2019
Shrine of the Ages | Grand Canyon, AZ

Learn about the very important work Grand Canyon PSAR rangers do on a daily basis to ensure visitors to Grand Canyon National Park have a fun and safe visit. More details to come.

Outreach Event: Gathering of the Nations PowWow
April 25-27, 2019
Tingley Coliseum | Albuquerque, NM

Stop by the Grand Canyon National Park booth to learn about to get park updates, trip planning, and general information about Grand Canyon. Meet with a Grand Canyon park ranger and plan your trip this centennial year!
 
A volunteer stands speaking to a group of visitors with a large brown raptor perched on the volunteer's arm as she speaks.
A volunteer with a raptor speaks to a group of visitors during Wildlife Day.

NPS

May (2019)

The Cowboy President Evening Program with Michael Blake
May 3, 2019 | 8:00 PM
Shrine of the Ages | Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Two time Emmy winner and historian Michael F. Blake will take you on a ride to learn all about the conservation president, Theodore Roosevelt. Come learn about the important role President Roosevelt played in helping create Grand Canyon National Park. This evening program is free and open to the public.

Grand Canyon Lecture Series: Buzz Holmstrom, River Running, and the Grand Canyon with Brad Dimock
May 17, 2019 | 7:00 PM
NAU Cline Library | Flagstaff, AZ

Listen to the fascinating tale of Buzz Holmstrom, river runner extraordinaire, and Brad's quest to follow his path by building the Julius and running it down the Colorado River. This event is free and open to the public.

Grand Canyon Semester Reunion
May 17-20, 2019
Mather Campground | Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Grand Canyon Semester alumni, faculty, and staff from 1999-2018 will come together to celebrate their special Grand Canyon learning experience in one of the greatest classrooms on earth. Grand Canyon Semester is an undergraduate program hosted by Northern Arizona University and Prescott College in partnership with Grand Canyon National Park. This event required registration.

Grand Gathering
May 17-19, 2019
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

The Annual Grand Gathering is a Grand Canyon Conservancy supporters-only event that provides behind-the-scenes views of the park’s hidden treasures while offering an opportunity to meet the people who make Grand Canyon one of the world’s most treasured parks. Learn more at www.grandcanyon.org.

Harlan Tanney presentation "The Weight of Water"
May 18, 2019 | 7:00 PM
Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater | Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Join us for a special screening of The Weight of Water, a film that follows blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer's journey on a kayak down the Colorado River. Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Brown, The Weight of Water is an adventure documentary that highglights the elusive state that so many of us seek, to be engaged in the present moment. This event is free and open to the public.

Powell Sesquicentennial Memorial Plaque Dedication
May 19, 2019 | 10:00 AM | Powell Memorial Overlook
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

A commemorative event celebrating the 150th anniversary of John Wesley Powell’s famous 1869 expedition that marked the first significant geo-scientific survey of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. This event is free and open to the public.

The Cowboy President Evening Program with Michael Blake
May 19, 2019 | 8:00 PM
Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater | Grand Canyon, AZ

Two-Emmy winner and historian Michael F. Blake will take you on a ride to learn all about the conservation president, Theodore Roosevelt. Come learn about the important role President Roosevelt played in helping create Grand Canyon National Park. This evening program is free and open to the public.


The Nature Makers
May 31-June 1 | 8:30 PM
McKee Amphitheater | Grand Canyon, AZ

Join director Scott Saunders for the premiere of The Nature Makers. In a world increasingly dominated by humans, three teams of determined conservationists go to extraordinary, often seemingly nature-disrupting lengths to save three threatened fish species in the American heartland, the Colorado River. “The Nature Makers” is a moving portrait of passionate people and the extraordinary creatures they’re fighting for.

Grand Canyon Wildlife Day
June 1 | 10 AM- 4 PM
Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza | Grand Canyon, AZ

Stop by and meet some of Arizona's grandest critters! This event provides opportunities for visitors to learn about the unique wildlife that inhabit the Grand Canyon area. Participating organizations include Grand Canyon Conservancy, Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project, Azulita Project, AZ Wilderness Coalition, International Falconry Center, Phoenix Herpetological Society, Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, Heritage Park Zoo, and Kaibab National Forest. This event is free and open to the public.
 
Red lights illuminate a large telescope. People gather around the telescope, trying to look through.
For eight days every June, park visitors and residents explore the wonders of the night sky of Grand Canyon National Park. Visitors look through one of the many telescopes brought by volunteers.

NPS/Michael Quinn

June (2019)

Grand Canyon Lecture Series: The Making of the Blue Dragon with Peter Huntoon and George Billingsley
June 7, 2019 | 7:00 PM
NAU Cline Library | Flagstaff, AZ

Spend an evening hearing the origin story of the Geologic Map of Grand Canyon National Park, the largest selling geologic map of all time. Hear about the timing, the people, essential convergences, the Museum of Northen Arizona/Grand Canyon Natural History Association/National Park Service alliance, William Breed, and where it led. This event is free and open to the public.

Centennial Speaker Series: Smitten by Stone: How We Came to Love the Grand Canyon- A Special Tribute to Grand Canyon National Park's 100th Anniversary
June 19, 2019 | 8:00 PM
Grand Canyon Lodge Auditorium | North Rim, Grand Canyon, AZ

The Grand Canyon is one of Earth’s most recognizable and cherished landscapes. Yet it was not always seen in such positive light. Early explorers, conquistadors, miners and trappers all visited the canyon during the era of exploration but left unimpressed. Only after the canyons’ geology was comprehended could it be appreciated aesthetically. Join geologist Wayne Ranney, who for 44 years has studied the canyons’ geology, for lessons in how we came to love the Grand Canyon.

AZ State Parks Family Campout
June 20-23, 2019
Mather Campground | Grand Canyon, AZ

No camping experience? No problem! Join AZ State Parks staff and learn everything you need to know about camping and experience all the fun of being in the outdoors. Registration required, visit www.azstateparks.com for more information.

Grand Canyon Centennial Star Party
June 22-29, 2019 | 8 PM
Grand Canyon Visitor Center | Grand Canyon, AZ

For eight days in June, park visitors and residents explore the wonders of the night sky on Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim with the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and on the North Rim with the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix. Amateur astronomers from across the country will volunteer their telescopes and their expertise. Free slide programs will be offered, and numerous telescopes will be pointed at planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies at night and the sun by day. This event is free and open to the public.

International Dark Sky Certification Ceremony
June 22, 2019 | 10 AM
Mather Point Amphitheater | Grand Canyon, AZ

Grand Canyon National Park is officially certified as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association. To celebrate this milestone, Grand Canyon National Park will hold a ceremony on the South Rim at Mather Amphitheater at 10 am on June 22. Park leadership, Grand Canyon Conservancy management, a historian from Lowell Observatory, and a representative from the International Dark Sky Association will speak about the importance of this certification. This event is free and open to the public.

Junior Ranger Day
June 22, 2019 | 10 AM - 4 PM
Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza | Grand Canyon, AZ

The Junior Ranger Program is a great way to explore national parks, get some cool swag, and maybe even a replica of a ranger hat! You'll also learn why national parks matter and how you can be a part of the team that helps keep parks healthy. We don't care what age you are–just come to “explore, learn, and protect” your national parks and become an official Grand Canyon Junior Ranger. This event is free and open to the public.

Jr. Rangers can stop by to learn about Grand Canyon Wildlife at the park's touch table, make some split twig figurines,participate in the bark ranger program, and more. Participating organizations include Grand Canyon Conservancy, High Country Humane Animal Shelter, Delaware North, and Grand Canyon Vegetation Program.

Storytime on the Rim & Jr. Ranger Swear In
Join storybook authors and park rangers for a special reading and Jr. Ranger swear in after.
10 AM- Scout Moore:Junior Ranger, Grand Canyon! Reading by author Theresa Howl
1 PM-Who Pooped in the Park? Reading by Grand Canyon Ranger
3 PM-Whose Tail on the Trail at Grand Canyon? Reading by Grand Canyon Ranger

Buddy Bison Meet and Greet
11 AM and 2 PM
Stop by and meet the National Park Service's official mascot.

Bells and Whistles Ambulance Tour
12 PM
Stop by and take a tour of a Grand Canyon ambulance and learn about the importance work our emergency service staff does every day.

The Havasupai Guardians of the Grand Canyon Performance
June 22, 2019 | 6:30 PM
Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza | Grand Canyon, AZ

On June 22, 2019, the Grand Canyon Music Festival kicks-off Grand Canyon National Park Centennial Celebrations with a performance of Brent Michael Davids’s “Guardians of the Grand Canyon,” performed by the Havasupai Guardians of the Canyon and flutists Brent Michael Davids (on crystal flute), Clare Hoffman (on metal flute), traditional Native cedar flute, clay flute, and percussion. "Guardians of the Grand Canyon," created by Brent Michael Davids focuses on the indigenous people who have lived here at the Grand Canyon for centuries.

Centennial Summerfest Film Festival
June 23-28, 2019 | Starts at 4 PM daily
Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater | Grand Canyon, AZ

Grand Canyon National Park will celebrate its centennial by showcasing a variety of films about Grand Canyon National Park and the surrounding Colorado Plateau. These films celebrate and explore those who live, work, and play in this special area.

Sunday, June 23-Grand Canyon National Park Centennial (40 minutes)
Beyond the Rim: The Next 100 years of the Grand Canyon- AZ PBS Horizons

Take a look at some of the changes facing Grand Canyon National Park as it enters its second century. We explore the vital role volunteers play in the daily operations at the park, how Native American voices are becoming more integrated, how the tourist experience is changing and what’s being done to shore up natural resources like the Colorado River and native plant and animals. This Arizona PBS production was made possible by William and Susan Ahearn.

Monday, June 24-River Adventures (43 minutes total)
Feel of Vision - Tucker Gragg & Austin Gardner. After losing his eyesight in a 1997, Lonnie Bedwell described his blindness as a wall that prevented him from living a full life, until he discovered kayaking—the door that opened back up the world for him. Later, he became the first blind kayaker to navigate the Grand Canyon in a solo kayak. Today, Lonnie spends his time engaging fellow blind paddlers in the spray and white foam of the Ohioplye and Yellowstone wilderness—leading them to that doorway, so that they too can create their own vision of the life ahead. (26 minutes)

Return From Desolation - Justin Clifton. After returning from Afghanistan, Garrett Eaton was dangerously close to losing his family and his life to addiction when he found a river guiding program for American veterans. Trading the ups and downs of daily life for the twists and turns of the wild serpentine rivers of the American Southwest, Garrett immersed himself in nature to regain his sense of calm and make peace with his demons. Noticing the benefits of wild places, Garrett became a part-time rafting guide, and now splits his time between Desolation Canyon, Utah and the oil fields of North Dakota. His double life raises eyebrows at both of his places of work, but through this arrangement he can bring home a paycheck and a rejuvenated heart to his wife and four children. Slowly finding his way back from the brink, Garrett rediscovered what he has been fighting for deep in the canyons of Desolation. (11 minutes)

What You Take Away - A Colorado River Reflection - Jeremy Monroe & David Herasimtschuk. Meet Katie, one of the 40 million people who depend on the Colorado River. Pondering life after high school, Katie finds comfort in reflecting on her time in one of the Nation’s most iconic National Parks. Guided by river currents, curiosity, and scientists from the US Geological Survey, her voyage of discovery leads to a deeper understanding of the Colorado River as an ecosystem… and her own place in it. (6 minutes)

Tuesday, June 25-Protection and Preservation (45 minutes total)
Glen Canyon Rediscovered - Taylor Graham. Glen Canyon Rediscovered chronicles a 350-mile, sea-kayak-based journey to the remote and lost wonders of Glen Canyon, the “place no one knew.” As a result of climate change and an over-tapped Colorado River, Lake Powell is receding and the intricate side canyons, resurrected desert beauty, and forgotten cultural wonders of Glen Canyon are emerging from the depths of the reservoir. (28 mins)

Salween Spring - Will Stauffer-Norris. Meet Travis Winn, an American who traveled to China for the first time 15 years ago to join his dad on a first descent of the Headwaters of the Salween River in Tibet. On that first trip Travis realized that most Chinese citizens had no way to get out and experience free-flowing rivers. And later he learned that at the rate these rivers were being dammed, very few people would ever have a chance to see the rivers in their pristine and natural state. Risking his mental and physical health, Travis continues to strive toward his personal goal to bring the Chinese people closer to their rivers. (8 mins)

Too Precious to Mine - Justin Clifton. The Havasupai – people of the blue-green waters – have lived at the bottom of the Grand Canyon for centuries. But now uranium mining on the canyon’s rims is putting the tribe’s drinking water and its way of life at risk. What would you do to protect your home from uranium contamination? (9 mins)

Wednesday, June 26
An Unnatural Wonder- David Wallace, AZ Republic (29 mins)
Since the gates of Glen Canyon Dam were closed in 1963, the ecology of the Colorado River in teh Grand Canyon has beenaltered, some fear forever.

Thursday, June 27-Tribes Call the Canyon Home (51 minutes total)
Then, Now, Forever: Zuni in the Grand Canyon - Daniel Byers. Follow the A:shiwi rain priests and medicine men as this sacred migration down the Colorado river is documented on film for the first time – from the pueblo at Halona Idiwana’a to shrines and ancient settlements, through canyon walls carved by the petroglyphs of the ancestors. (28 mins)

Glimpse of the Dine - Dawn Kish. This film documents a little glimpse of the Dinè People (AKA Navajo) and their culture at the Western Navajo Fair in Tuba City, Arizona. It's purpose is to connect the old and new traditions and tell their stories through their eyes. (10 mins)

Canyon Song - Dana Romanoff & Amy Marquis. Within the sacred walls of Canyon de Chelly National Monument, two young sisters, Tonisha and Tonielle Draper, learn about their Navajo culture and history. Above the rim, the girls compete in “royalty” pageants by singing songs in Navajo. But throughout the region, Navajo culture is fading. This film illustrates the sacredness of a people and a place, the effort to define identities in both modern and traditional worlds, and the movement to honor Navajo culture for generations to come—all while reminding viewers of the critical role national parks play in preserving our country’s greatest stories, cultures, and landscapes. This film is part of the National Park Experience (NPX) shorts series celebrating diversity and youth in our National Parks. (13 mins)

Friday, June 28- Find Your Park
National Parks Adventure-A MacGillivray Freeman Film. The power of America’s national parks is undeniable. Millions have packed up the family to hike through impossibly lush forests, to gaze upon towering cliffs and deep-plunging canyons, to witness the breathtaking arcs of natural history, and, most of all, to share moments of wonder amid the protected treasures of this land. National Parks Adventure offers not only a sweeping overview of the national parks’ history, but is equal parts adrenaline-pumping odyssey and soulful reflection on what the wilderness means to us all. (43 mins)

Centennial Summerfest
June 29, 2019 | 10 AM - 4 PM
Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza | Grand Canyon, AZ

Grand Canyon National Park will be celebrating its centennial with a summer festival bringing together park partners to showcase everything Arizona has to offer. Stop by the visitor center plaza to explore Arizona food and brews, see cultural demonstrations by tribes native to the canyon, and participate in fun activities that teach you more about this grand canyon! This event is free and open to the public.

Participating organizations include Grand Canyon Conservancy, Arizona Office of Tourism, AZ State Parks, Lowell Observatory, Desert Botanical Garden, AZ Trail Association, Sierra Club, Flagstaff Extreme Adventures, Museum of Northern Arizona, Hawk Watch International, REI Flagstaff, Subaru Flagstaff, Historic Brewing Company, Lumberyard Brewing Company, and Dark Skies Brewing Company.

Grand Archaeology Fair
June 29, 2019 | 10 AM- 4 PM
Desert View Watchtower | Grand Canyon, AZ

Come out to Desert View to learn and have fun with Grand Archaeology Fair! This family event will feature several outdoor stations with lots of hands on activities including split twig figure making, recreation of an archaeological dig, Ancestral Puebloan jewelry making, botanicals, atlatl demonstration and throwing, corn grinding with manos and metates, petroglyphs and pictographs. In addition, there will be a 2 day beginners weaving class using table top looms with Navajo teacher Lyle Henry in the old visitor center building. For further information, please contact Marie Malo at 928-638-7727 or e-mail us.
 

July (2019)

Outreach Event: Fourth of July Parade
July 4, 2019 | 11 AM
Flagstaff, AZ

Stop by to watch Grand Canyon National Park rangers and Grand Canyon Conservancy staff join over 100 floats, livestock, dancers, a marching band and much more as they parade down the streets of downtown Flagstaff. This event is free and open to the public.

Outreach Event: Fourth of July Parade
July 4, 2019 | 3 PM
Tusayan, AZ

If you're visiting the park in the afternoon come join by the Tusayan's 4th of July parade and celebration. Stop by for food, music, raffles and more! This event is free and open to the public.

Centennial Speaker Series: Smitten by Stone: How We Came to Love the Grand Canyon- A Special Tribute to Grand Canyon National Park's 100th Anniversary with Wayne Ranney
July 6, 2019 | 8:30 PM
McKee Amphitheater | Grand Canyon, AZ

The Grand Canyon is one of Earth’s most recognizable and cherished landscapes. Yet it was not always seen in such positive light. Early explorers, conquistadors, miners and trappers all visited the canyon during the era of exploration but left unimpressed. Only after the canyons’ geology was comprehended could it be appreciated aesthetically. Join geologist Wayne Ranney, who for 44 years has studied the canyons’ geology, for lessons in how we came to love the Grand Canyon.

Centennial Speaker Series: The Grand Canyon of Arizona and Mars with James Rice
July 13, 2019 | 8:30 PM
McKee Amphitheater | Grand Canyon, AZ

The 2019 Centennial of Grand Canyon National Park is an excellent time to discuss not only the Grand Canyon located here in northern Arizona but also a truly Grand Canyon carved into the surface of the Red Planet, Mars. This canyon on Mars is called Valles Marineris and it makes our Grand Canyon that you are visiting here, look pretty small in comparison. However, the geologic lessons learned and on full majestic display here are powerful tools to aid in our understanding of this Martian monster canyon located some 238 million miles away. Join astro-geologist Dr. James Rice, who for over 30 years has studied and worked on numerous NASA Moon and Mars Missions, for a presentation on these two Grand Canyon systems as well as brief updates from Mars Rovers and plans to return astronauts to the Moon in 2024.

Centennial Speaker Series: Grand Canyon: The Teachings of Place with Amy Martin
July 17, 2019 | 8:00 PM
Grand Canyon Lodge Auditorium, North Rim | Grand Canyon, AZ

Photographer Amy Martin shares the lifetime of insights that she has collected through her careers as a Park Ranger, a scientist, a guide, a boatwoman and an advocate for environmental and social justice at Grand Canyon. Amy was 6 months old when she made her first trip into the Grand Canyon (when she was backpacked into Phantom Ranch by her parents) and still frequently spends more than 100 days per year living and working in the depths. She shares views hidden from the rim and explores the idea of instilling love and advocacy for place in our future generations."

John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt Evening Program
July 16-17, 2019 | 8:30 PM
McKee Amphitheater | Grand Canyon, AZ

Come by and learn about two of the most important historical figures in park service history and learn about their trip to the Grand Canyon. This event is free and open to the public.

Centennial Speaker Series: Grand Canyon: A Photographic Exploration of Rim and River with Adam Schallau
July 20, 2019 | 8:30 PM
McKee Amphitheater | Grand Canyon, AZ

Photographer Adam Schallau shares some of his favorite experiences and photographs from his 10 years of chasing light at the Grand Canyon.

Centennial Speaker Series: Grand Canyon Photography with Adam Schallau
July 24, 2019 | 8:00 PM
Grand Canyon Lodge Auditorium, North Rim | Grand Canyon, AZ

Photographer Adam Schallau shares some of his favorite experiences and photographs from his 10 years of chasing light at the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Lecture Series: Art and the Grand Canyon with Bruce Aiken
July 26, 2019 | 7:00 PM
NAU Cline Library | Flagstaff, AZ

Awe and majesty come to mind when picturing the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Spend an evening with a 33-year National Park Service veteran and reowned artist Bruce Aiken. Listen to his stories of living and painting in the Grand Canyon. This event is free and open to the public.

Centennial Speaker Series: National Park Songs and Photography with Gigi Love
July 27, 2019 | 8:30 PM
McKee Amphitheater | Grand Canyon, AZ

Join Gigi Love, the NPS Trails and Rails Troubadour, for an evening of music, stories and a slideshow about the Grand Canyon and 10 other national parks. She’ll perform original compositions about the beauty and history of the Grand Canyon and our beloved national parks.

Centennial Speaker Series: We Call the Canyon Home with Stephen Hirst
July 31, 2019 | 8:00 PM
Grand Canyon Lodge Auditorium, North Rim | Grand Canyon, AZ

Come celebrate seven indigenous groups who have lived in and cared for the Grand Canyon long before it became a national park. Learn about the deep spiritual and physical ties they still maintain to this place and why they matter.
 
Dishchii' Bikoh' Apache Group from Cibecue, Arizona, demonstrates the Apache Crown Dance. He is wearing a three pronged head piece that is white with yellow, blue, green, and black embellishments. His head is completely covered with cloth while his upper
Dishchii' Bikoh' Apache Group from Cibecue, Arizona, demonstrates the Apache Crown Dance during Native American Heritage Days.

NPS/Erin Whittaker

August (2019)

Centennial Speaker Series: We Call the Canyon Home with Stephen Hirst
August 3, 2019 | 8:30 PM
McKee Amphitheater | Grand Canyon, AZ

Come celebrate seven indigenous groups who have lived in and cared for the Grand Canyon long before it became a national park. Learn about the deep spiritual and physical ties they still maintain to this place and why they matter.

Native American Heritage Week
August 5-9, 2019
North Rim | Grand Canyon, AZ

This event celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the Colorado Plateau, the Arizona Strip, and the Grand Canyon. Stop by for special programs by tribal members and non-tribal members on a variety of subjects, ranging from ethno-botany to American Indian flute playing and dance. Programmed activities will take place in various locations throughout the North Rim developed area. This event is free and open to the public.

A Celebration of Great American Parks featuring Grand Canyon Suite by Ferde Grofe
August 8, 2019 | 7:00 PM

Fairfield Village Green | Fairfield, OH *Rain location: Fairfield Community Arts Center*
The Butler Philharmonic invites the public to it's summer concert series in honor of Grand Canyon's 100th Anniversary. All concerts are free and open to the public. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.

Centennial Speaker Series: Grand Canyon: The Teachings of Place Amy Martin
August 10, 2019 | 8:30 PM
McKee Amphitheater | Grand Canyon, AZ

Photographer Amy Martin shares the lifetime of insights that she has collected through her careers as a Park Ranger, a scientist, a guide, a boatwoman and an advocate for environmental and social justice at Grand Canyon. Amy was 6 months old when she made her first trip into the Grand Canyon (when she was backpacked into Phantom Ranch by her parents) and still frequently spends more than 100 days per year living and working in the depths. She shares views hidden from the rim and explores the idea of instilling love and advocacy for place in our future generations."

A Celebration of Great American Parks featuring Grand Canyon Suite by Ferde Grofe
August 10, 2019 | 7:00 PM

Batavia Town Hall Armory | Batavia, OH
The Butler Philharmonic invites the public to it's summer concert series in honor of Grand Canyon's 100th Anniversary. All concerts are free and open to the public.

Centennial Speaker Series: Early Life at the North Rim with Martha McKee
August 14, 2019 | 8:00 PM
Grand Canyon Lodge Auditorium, North Rim | Grand Canyon, AZ

Join Martha McKee as she shares stories about her family's close ties with the Grand Canyon and Brighty the Burro.

A Celebration of Great American Parks featuring Grand Canyon Suite by Ferde Grofe
August 15, 2019 | 7:00 PM

Oxford Uptown | Oxford, OH *Rain Location: Oxford Presbyterian*
The Butler Philharmonic invites the public to it's summer concert series in honor of Grand Canyon's 100th Anniversary. All concerts are free and open to the public.

A Celebration of Great American Parks featuring Grand Canyon Suite by Ferde Grofe
August 15, 2019 | 7:00 PM

Bicentennial Commons AK Pavillion | Hamilton, OH
*Rain Location: Forest Hills Sports Complex*
The Butler Philharmonic invites the public to it's summer concert series in honor of Grand Canyon's 100th Anniversary. All concerts are free and open to the public.

Grand Canyon Lecture Series: Hualapai and the Grand Canyon with Loretta Jackson-Kelly, Carrie Cannon, Ka-Voka Jackson, Peter Bungart
August 23, 2019 | 7:00 PM
NAU Cline Library | Flagstaff, AZ

The Hualapai people have lived in and around the Colorado River and Grand Canyon region for countless generations. The speakers will provide a glimpse of Hualapai history and culture, ethnobotanical resources, research on springs, and an overview of the Hualapai cultural landscape in the canyon. This event is free and open to the public.

A Celebration of Great American Parks featuring Grand Canyon Suite by Ferde Grofe
August 23, 2019 | 7:00 PM

Pyramid Hill Pavilion | Hamilton, OH
The Butler Philharmonic invites the public to it's summer concert series in honor of Grand Canyon's 100th Anniversary. All concerts are free and open to the public.

Centennial Speaker Series: Reflections from 1,000 days of Exploration below the Rim of Grand Canyon with Rich Rudow
August 24, 2019 | 8 PM
McKee Amphitheater | Grand Canyon, AZ

Join adventureer and canyoneer Rich Rudow as he shares stories, photographs, and timelapse videos of some of Grand Canyon's most stunning and seldom seen places.

Fee Free Day, NPS Founder's Day
August 25, 2019
Grand Canyon National Park | Grand Canyon, AZ

Come experience the grandest of national parks! In honor of the National Park Service Founder's Day, Grand Canyon National Park will join National Parks around the country in providing visitors free entrance to Grand Canyon. From diverse wildlife and iconic landscapes, to vibrant culture and rich history, our National Park System has something for everyone. To see a list of all fee-free days in 2019 and for more information visit www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.

Centennial Speaker Series: Reflections from 1,000 days of Exploration below the Rim of Grand Canyon with Rich Rudow
August 28, 2019 | 8:00 PM
Grand Canyon Lodge Auditorium, North Rim | Grand Canyon, AZ

Join adventureer and canyoneer Rich Rudow as he shares stories, photographs, and timelapse videos of some of Grand Canyon's most stunning and seldom seen places.

Centennial Speaker Series: A Historical Wild West Show
August 31, 2019 | 8 PM
McKee Amphitheater | Grand Canyon, AZ

Travel back in time and join the great-great-granddaughter of William Wallace Bass for a live vintage, multimedia, music, and spoken word journey to the begining of Grand Canyon Tourism.

Outreach Event: Coconino County Fair
August 30- September 2, 2019 | 10 AM
Fort Tuthill County Park | Flagstaff

Stop by the National Park Service booth to get updates, trip planning and general information about AZ National Parks like Grand Canyon. Meet with a ranger and plan your trip to a national park!
 

September (2019)

Outreach Event: Coconino County Fair
August 30- September 2, 2019 | 10 AM
Fort Tuthill County Park | Flagstaff

Stop by the National Park Service booth to get updates, trip planning and general information about AZ National Parks like Grand Canyon. Meet with a ranger and plan your trip to a national park!

Grand Canyon Lecture Series:Discovery, Exploration, and the Grand Canyon with Craig Childs
September 13, 2019 | 7:00 PM
NAU Cline Library | Flagstaff, AZ

Childs will talk about routes, how one moves through what looks like an impossible terrain of cliffs and shadows, and what you dicsover about the Grand Canyon in the process. He will tell stories about finding ways. This event is free and open to the public.

11th Annual Celebration of Art
September 7- 15, 2019
South Rim | Grand Canyon, AZ

Celebration of Art is a wonderful tradition at Grand Canyon National Park, providing a vibrant experience for visitors, a venue for artists inspired by the canyon, and a successful fundraiser to benefit a dedicated art venue at the South Rim. Learn more. This event is free and open to the public.

Paleontology Symposium
September 27, 2019 | 7:30-9 pm

Shrine of the Ages Auditorium | Grand Canyon, AZ
The Symposium features four guest speakers discussing shark, invertebrate, and cave fossils, and vertebrate tracks and traces.

NPS Fee Free-Day, Public Lands Day
September 28, 2019
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Come experience the grandest of national parks! In honor of the National Public Lands Day, Grand Canyon National Park will join National Parks around the country in providing visitors free entrance to Grand Canyon. From diverse wildlife and iconic landscapes, to vibrant culture and rich history, our National Park System has something for everyone. To see a list of all fee-free days in 2019 and for more information visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm.

Naturalization Ceremony
September 28, 2019 | 10 AM
Mather Point Amphitheater | Grand Canyon, AZ

Grand Canyon National Park and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services Phoenix field office will be hosting a naturalization ceremony at Grand Canyon to welcome our newest citizens. On this day, select individuals will hear these words, “raise your right hand for the oath of citizenship.” This event is free and open to the public.

National Fossil Day
September 28, 2019 | 9:30 AM

Various Location in Grand Canyon Village | Grand Canyon, AZ
Join National Park Service paleontologist and educators to celebrate and learn about Grand Canyon's paleontological resources. Stop by for family activties and much more!

For a complete list of activities visit, https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/2019-national-fossil-day-celebration.htm

 

October (2019)

Fall Sustainability Fair
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Grand Canyon Visitor Center | Grand Canyon, AZ

Stop by the Grand Canyon Visitor Center for family friendly activities to learn about all the ways you can travel green and help preserve and protect Grand Canyon. This event is free and open to the public.

Sacred Spaces: A Grand Canyon Celebration
Sunday, October 13, 2019 | 3 PM

NAU Ardrey Auditorium | Flagstafff, AZ
The Army has always had a deep connection to the Grand Canyon--from the first expedition to explore its wild territory, to its protection and development. The US Army Field Band tells the story of the Grand Canyon in sound and immersive video, giving audiences a unique perspective into one of America's singular national treasures.

"Sacred Spaces" features music that takes audiences soaring over the rim of the canyon, following the rocky path of the Colorado River and gazing up at the star-filled night sky. Hear stories of how the Grand Canyon has inspired awe and provided healing from park rangers who steward the park today, to the Native American communities who have remained spiritually connected to this sacred place over thousands of years.
 

November (2019)

Picture Yourself Here: Public Lands for All
November 5-6, 2019
Shrine of the Ages Auditorium | Grand Canyon, AZ

In honor of its centennial, Grand Canyon National Park will host an inclusivity training November 5-6, 2019 at the South Rim titled Picture Yourself Here: Public Lands for All. This training will include workshops, presentations and field trips designed to identify how public lands can be inclusive for all. This training is not open to the public, registration required.

Native American Heritage Month Celebration
November 6, 2019 | Evening Program 7 - 9:30 PM
Shrine of the Ages Auditorium | Grand Canyon, AZ

Grand Canyon National Park will host a Native American Heritage Celebration with special presentations and demonstrations recognizing the many accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices made by America's first people. Grand Canyon National Park's extensive Native American histories make it an ideal place for the public to learn about, acknowledge, and appreciate Native American culture. This event is free and open to the public, and will include.
,
  • Posting of colors, Veteran's Color Guard
  • Dupkia Hoyam Dancers, Hopi Tribe
  • Dishchii'bikoh Crown Dancers, Apache Tribe
  • Antelope Track Dance Group, Hopi Tribe

NPS Fee-Free Day, Veteran's Day
November 11, 2019
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Come experience the grandest of national parks! In honor of the Veteran's Day, Grand Canyon National Park will join National Parks around the country in providing visitors free entrance to Grand Canyon. From diverse wildlife and iconic landscapes, to vibrant culture and rich history, our National Park System has something for everyone. To see a list of all fee-free days in 2019 and for more information visit www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.
 

Last updated: January 23, 2024

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Mailing Address:

PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Phone:

928-638-7888

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