Festival Archive
For 37 years, the Flagstaff Festival of Science has built a lasting legacy as a cornerstone of community engagement, education, and discovery in Northern Arizona. As the nation’s longest-running free science festival, it has reached generations of residents—sparking curiosity, expanding access to science, and strengthening connections between the public and the region’s rich network of scientists, educators, and institutions. Its sustained impact is reflected in a more scientifically engaged community, increased visibility of local research and environmental issues, and countless young people who first discovered their interest in STEM through Festival programs. By consistently removing barriers to participation and delivering high-quality, inspiring experiences year after year, the Festival has helped shape a culture where science is accessible, valued, and woven into the identity of the Flagstaff community. Check out themes and content from year’s past.

Flagstaff Festival of Science Past Keynote Speakers and Themes
2012
National Geographic Emerging Explorer, Alexandra Cousteau “Making Waves”

2011
Space Shuttle Astronaut, John Grunsfeld “Illuminating Science”

2010
Biospherian, Jane Poynter “Livin’ Science”

2009
Apollo Astronaut, Alan Bean “Launch Into Science”

2008
Author, Richard Preston “Zoom Into Science”

2007
Paleontologist, David Gillette “Dig Science”

2006
Maritime Archaeologist, James Delgado “Dive Into Science”

2005
Treetop Biologist, Margaret ‘Canopy Meg’ Lowman “Swing Into Science”

2004
Paleontologist/”Lucy” Discoverer, Donald Johanson “Life Forms”

2003
Volcanologist, Wendell Duffield “Science Erupts”

2002
Astronomer/Comet Discoverer, Carolyn Shoemaker “Stellar Science”

2001
X-Files Consultant/Plant Virologist, Anne Simon “Extreme Science”

2000
Paleontologist, Jack Horner “Huge Impacts”

1999
Aerospace Engineer, Donna Shirley “Science Rocks”

1998
Storm Chaser, Warren Faidley “Forces at Work”

1997
Futurist, B. Gentry Lee “Science the Ultimate Voyage”

1996
Ethnobotanist, Mark Plotkin “Discover Science”

1995
Space Shuttle Astronaut, Bonnie Dunbar “Envisioning the Future”

1994
Space Shuttle Astronaut, Linda Godwin “The History of Science in Flagstaff”

1993
Paleontologist, Walter Alvarez “Science and the Future”

1992
Geophysicist, Larry Soderblom “Our Changing Planet”

1991
Apollo Astronaut, Jack Schmitt “Science at its Peak”

1990
Arctic Explorer, Will Steger “Science from the Ground Up”

1989
Marine Biologist, Sylvia Earle “Exploring Ocean Depths”


