Flagstaff Hullabaloo Festival
The debate of which is the coolest festival in Arizona feels almost as old as the Grand Canyon. Whether it's music festivals, cultural festivals, or community festivals, Arizonans are all about getting out and having fun. And Arizona is the perfect place to do that. But what if you could combine all of those things into one awesome event? And throw in giant shade trees, mountain fresh air, 72 degree weather, sunny skies and all for $10, what!? Well, then you'd be talking about the summer mainstay, Flagstaff Hullabaloo! To celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, the local event producers are pulling out all the stops! So here it is folks, the top 10 reasons why we think Flagstaff Hullabaloo is the #1 COOLEST festival in Arizona!
1. The Temps
That's right folks, the temps in Arizona during the summer are scorching everywhere, but not in the high country. If you're an Arizonan, you know what it's like. It's summertime, the kids are out of school, the teachers are on break, the parents are tired of the AC, and the weekend warriors need a cool spot to play in the outdoors. Little known fact: Flagstaff, AZ has the most days of sunshine in the US with an average temperature under 90 degrees! The sunny, 72-degree weather during Hullabaloo will make you never want to go back down to The Valley of the Sun. Try and compete with that, Pot of Gold Festival!
2. The Music
A close second to eliminating the fear of heat exhaustion is the MUSIC! Yes, the stuff that gets your shoulders bouncing, your feet tapping and eventually, your backside shaking! Hullabaloo boasts two stages, live acts and an energetic vibe that will keep you singing and dancing all weekend long. The 2019 lineup features all kinds of music from Latin to funk to reggae to bluegrass to rock and everything in between. No matter your taste in music, Hullabaloo will have a band for you and won't break the bank! Take that, Innings Festival!
3. The Entertainment
I know what you're thinking, you already said music, and yes, music is entertainment…. BUT when was the last time you got to party with GIANT PUPPETS?! Or Native American dancers, drum troops, circus performers, stilt walkers, acrobats? Take that, Phoenix Lights!
4. The Trees
There's just something special about sitting in the grass below a giant shade tree, listening to some sweet jams while sipping on a cold one that soothes the soul. Wheeler Park, where Hullabaloo takes place, is covered by trees that provide the perfect amount of shade. What's better than laying out on a blanket under the canopy of shade? Combined with our amazing June weather, it cannot be beat! You can't get this kind of shade from the cacti down in Phoenix. Take that, Country Thunder!
5. The Food
The food vendors at Hullabaloo DO NOT FOOL AROUND! Well, they do, but not when it comes to delicious eats. Hullabaloo attracts legions of costumed festival-goers into a single block park in downtown Flagstaff AND another 12 yummy treat vendors, restaurants and food trucks with the most unique and dangerously delicious festival chow! So, make sure that you have the stretchy elastic in your tutu waistband, cause you're gonna need it! Take that, Devoured Week!
6. The Costumes
Whether you have a trunk dedicated to party time costumes or you just like to people watch, Hullabaloo is all about getting all gussied up in your freakiest outfit. The event starts with a costumed bike parade around downtown Flagstaff, and that sets the bar for the rest of the weekend. Some of the local Hullabaloo loyalists consider this the biggest dress up event of the year, spending hours (if not days) on prepping their finest wings, tails, suspenders and elevator shoes! The event founders are a bit quirky themselves and thought, why not give the eccentrics of Arizona the perfect excuse to buy neon tights and afro wigs?! If you decide to participate, don't forget to enter the costume contest for both adults and kiddos! Take that, Decadence!
7. The Vibe
If you've ever been to Flagstaff, you know they take laid-back to a whole new level. This isn't your typical overcrowded, people-pushing-you-everywhere-you-go festival. Hullabaloo attendees love to chill out on the grass, enjoying drinks with friends, and spending time with their neighbors. Don't know anyone attending? Grab some food, pick a spot on the lawn and they will make you feel like family. Take that, FORM Arcosanti Festival!
8. The Shopping
With over 60 vendors slinging everything from leather bags to handmade jewelry, hula hoops and everything in between, Hullabaloo takes festival shopping to a whole new level. Each vendor sells one-of-a-kind treasures that you won't find anywhere else. On top of that, you're supporting our local economy by buying from local vendors. Take that, Gem and Jam!
9. The Kids Activities
Hullabaloo is the perfect event for all ages. Although there are a ton of fun things to do for the big kid in all of us, the focus on the little ones has not been lost. With over 15,000 square feet of grass with bounce houses and inflatables, a kid's costume contest and a dance floor full of kiddos, Hullabaloo is a paradise for our miniature festival goers. Don't worry about getting a babysitter this year, Hullabaloo is an event the whole family can enjoy! Take that, McDowell Mountain Music Festival!
10. The Art
Unlike many other festivals, Hullabaloo isn't just about the music (although we've got more than enough sweet tunes to keep you audiophiles happy), it's also about creativity in all its forms. At Hullabaloo, you can view the works of local visual artists, get your face painted, or watch a performance from Flagstaff circus performers. There's plenty to satisfy not only the ears, but the eyes too! And did we mention the live art? Yes, that's right, LIVE! See local artists make jewelry, paint and more. Take that, Tempe Festival of the Arts.
11. The Greater Good
When you attend Hullabaloo, you're not just giving yourself a mighty good time -- you're giving back to others too. Since 2010, the festival has raised over $110,000 for local non-profits such as Grand Canyon Youth, Family Food Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Flagstaff Shelter Services. Flagstaff's Hullabaloo is all about giving festival-goers a positive, entertaining, and one of a kind festival experience, but they also have the bigger picture in mind, aiming to lift up those less fortunate than themselves in the process. And when you buy a Hullabaloo ticket, you support real people in Flagstaff doing good and serving others, something you can feel good about, and not just because it's a heckuva good time. Take that...well hmmmm, the more Philanthropy the better!
12. The Beer
I know we said 10, but we got to 10 and forgot the one thing that gets more people on the dance floor than anything else...the beer! Ok, so what's cooler than being cool? That's right, ice-cold beer! Partnering with Four Peaks brewing of Phoenix and Lumberyard Brewing of Flagstaff, the Hulla producers know their micros! And if you're not into beer (or kombucha or lemonade or cider), then you're in luck! They also partner with Canyon Diablo Distillery, with award-winning whiskeys, gins, and vodkas! And yes, grape lovers, there is wine too! So take that, Great American Beer Fest!
Find out for yourself why Hullabaloo is the coolest festival in Arizona!
Visit http://www.flaghullabaloo.com
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