Each summer the Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival, known locally as FlagShakes, stages Shakespeare outdoors under its festival tent, and the rest of the year many of its shows play at the intimate Beaver Street Theatre in downtown Flagstaff. The professional company has been putting on plays in Flagstaff since 2015, from Shakespeare’s tragedies and comedies to contemporary and original works.
The Festival Tent and Beaver Street Theatre
Summer performances take place outdoors under the festival tent, so check flagshakes.org for each season’s location and schedule. The rest of the year, many shows play at the Beaver Street Theatre at 11 S. Beaver Street in downtown Flagstaff. The lot at that address is reserved for patrons with ADA parking tags, limited-mobility patrons can be dropped off right in front, where a ramp leads to the front door, and other theatergoers can use the lot across Phoenix Street or street parking on most downtown streets.
Cultural Mission
The festival represents more than mere entertainment – it embodies Flagstaff’s commitment to making high-quality arts accessible to residents and visitors throughout the region. Flag Shakes, as the festival is affectionately known locally, faithfully portrays classics of the Renaissance and other actor-driven works, bringing professional-caliber performances to Northern Arizona’s cultural landscape. As a seasonal, professional, and dynamic theater company, the festival rotates through various Flagstaff venues throughout the year, with summer performances traditionally held under their signature festival tent.
Perfect Summer Setting
The summer season lets visitors pair an evening of theatre with Flagstaff’s other warm-weather attractions, and at about 7,000 feet the mountain town stays far cooler than Arizona’s desert cities. Shows at the Beaver Street Theatre during the rest of the year pair easily with dinner or a stroll through historic downtown.
Essential Information
🌐 Website: flagshakes.org
📱 Social Media: @flagshakes (Instagram), Facebook: Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival
📧 Email: ticketing@flagshakes.org
🎟️ Tickets: Available through festival website
🏢 Organization Address: 11 S. Beaver St #2, Flagstaff, AZ
Performance Details
Venue: Outdoor festival tent in summer; Beaver Street Theatre and other Flagstaff venues the rest of the year
Special Considerations
- Weather-appropriate clothing recommended for outdoor evening performances
- Season tickets available for multiple productions
Accessibility and Parking
- Ramp access to the Beaver Street Theatre’s front door, with drop-off right in front for limited-mobility patrons
- Theatre lot at 11 S. Beaver Street reserved for patrons with ADA parking tags
- Additional parking across Phoenix Street and on downtown streets
A Cultural Cornerstone
The Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival has established itself as one of Northern Arizona’s premier cultural events, attracting theatre enthusiasts from across the Southwest who appreciate the unique combination of professional performances and the region’s natural beauty. Its seasons, together with its educational outreach, make it a fixture of Flagstaff’s cultural life.
Planning Your Visit
For visitors planning their Flagstaff experience, the festival performances pair excellently with the city’s other attractions including the Grand Canyon’s South Rim (80 miles away), historic downtown Flagstaff, the Arizona Snowbowl, and numerous hiking trails in the Coconino National Forest.
Buying tickets early is a good idea, since popular shows can sell out.
