Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility I♥Pluto Festival 2022 | Meet Our Out-of-this-World Community Partners - Lowell Observatory

I♥Pluto Festival 2022 | Meet Our Out-of-this-World Community Partners

The Galaxy's Edge Pluto Frozen Cocktail

The only thing we love more than Pluto here on Mars Hill is our incredible Flagstaff community! This year, the I♥Pluto Festival is being supported by a few integral players in Flagstaff’s food, drink, and entertainment scenes. Read on to learn what our stellar sponsors are bringing to the table (besides their love for Pluto, of course!).

The Runway Nightlife and Eats (Our Top-Tier Sponsor!)

The Runway is a laid-back coffee house by day, and Flagstaff’s hottest club by night! As Flagstaff’s premier location for the LGBT+ nightlife experience, this veteran-owned and operated venue hosts weekly drag shows, karaoke, and performances by local bands. During the I Heart Pluto Festival, VIP guests will be taken to Runway during their off-campus tour for 45 minutes of drinks and appetizers. They have also created a special limited-time beverage for the occasion: The Galaxy’s Edge Pluto Frozen Cocktail!

The Galaxy’s Edge Pluto Frozen Cocktail is made with Ciroc Red Berry Vodka, Blue Curacao, fresh lime juice, raspberry syrup, cranberry juice, and sweet n’ sour. The drink is served frozen, mixed with bar glitter, and rimmed with blue raspberry Pop Rocks.

Mother Road Brewing Company

Mother Road Brewing Company is Arizona’s 3rd-largest independent craft brewer. Since 2011, their mission has been to brew distinguished beers and build community, one pint at a time. For the first-ever I Heart Pluto Festival in 2020, they brewed up a delicious Pluto Porter. This year, they’ve created Lowell Lager, a bright, crisp blend that’s sure to please! You can get a taste of this limited-time brew during the I Heart Pluto Art Reception. Just purchase a beer ticket and present it to the craft-masters at Mother Road’s pop-up bar to get a can.

Peppercorn Games

Goddess Hecate standing in front of Percival Lowell’s mausoleum.

Peppercorn Games specializes in interactive theater and gaming experiences, featuring live actors! During the I Heart Pluto Art Show Reception, they will be offering an immersive theater experience featuring Greek gods Persephone, Hecate, Demeter, Pluto (Hades), Hermes, and Helios! To get the full story, you must speak to each of the actors to learn their side of the legend. Upon completion, you’ll receive a special token to take home with you. This experience is included with the purchase of a general admission ticket to the Art Show Reception on Saturday, February 12.

Findlay Toyota Flagstaff

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line vehicle in Flagstaff, our local Findlay Toyota dealership is the place to go! Findlay Toyota Flagstaff is a certified J.D.Power Dealer of Excellence, a distinction that reflects the commitment and dedication of select retailers to provide their customers with a purchase experience that meets today’s consumer expectations. Starting at 4pm during the Pluto Art Reception, Findlay will be grilling and serving burgers and hotdogs on a first come, first served basis, so don’t miss out! Food is free with general admission to the Art Show. 

FlagTag AZ

FlagTag AZ are your Northern Arizona fun specialists! This venue offers laser tag, axe throwing, arcades, and a pizza cafe, so it’s sure to have something for everyone in your group to enjoy. FlagTag will be set up for Pluto-themed axe throwing at the Orpheum Theater during the Night of Discovery event on Friday, February 18. See if you can discover Planet X by hitting the x that marks the spot! This version of axe throwing will also be available to play at their Route 66 location. Click here to get $5 off the “Hunt for Planet X” axe-throwing game at FlagTag AZ!

Fratelli Pizza

Who’s hungry? At Fratelli Pizza, they bake pizzas the right way – in a stone deck oven. This locally-owned restaurant’s commitment to quality has earned it the title of Flagstaff’s Best Pizza every year since 2002. Visit any of its three Flagstaff locations to enjoy a slice of heaven! For a $10 small pizza and an ice-cold drink, just ask for the ‘Pluto Special’ when you visit during the month of February.

Historic Brewing Company

Historic Brewery’s “Not a a Real Cocktail”

Since 2013, Historic Brewing Company has brought quality craft beer to the Flagstaff community in a bold and intentional way. Throughout their spaces, you’ll experience mainstay brews like the beloved Piehole Porter, seasonal favorites like Undercover Cucumber, and unique limited-release brews that have a fan base of their own.

In honor of the I Heart Pluto Festival, Historic will be offering a specialty drink called the “Not A Real Cocktail” (hint: it’s definitely a real cocktail) at their downtown Flagstaff location throughout the month of February. This incredible drink is made with blue pea flower-infused tequila, Passoa passion fruit liqueur, lime, agave, and ginger beer.

Take your Lowell Observatory General Admission ticket to historic any time throughout the month of February to get a BOGO 50% deal on your order!

Karma Sushi Bar & Grill

Karma Sushi serves up fresh, beautiful food in an equally fresh and beautiful venue! Enjoy unique sushi rolls, tempura, specialty cocktails and more in one of Flagstaff’s highest-rated restaurants. For this year’s festival, Karma is bringing back its iconic Pluto Roll, which will be available starting February 15 through to the end of the month.

Northern Arizona DX Association

Get ready to ham it up! The Northern Arizona DX Association will be on Mars Hill communicating with people from all over the world every day during the festival. Stop by their trailer in Lowell’s overflow parking lot to learn about what they do and hear voices from faraway places.

The Orpheum Theater

The historic Orpheum Theater (originally named the Majestic Theater) has stood in Flagstaff since 1911. Since then, it has hosted countless performances, movie showings, concerts, and more. It was also the very place where Clyde Tombaugh went to watch a movie on the day he discovered Pluto in 1930! Today, the Orpheum’s rich history continues with its hosting of A Night Of Discovery at the Orpheum Theater, a special event that commemorates Pluto’s discovery. 

Click here to buy tickets and to learn more about the world-renowned scientists who will be speaking at the Night of Discovery event on Feb 18, including:

  • Dr. Alan Stern (PI of New Horizons Mission)
  • Dr. Donald Johanson (discoverer of the hominid Lucy fossil)
  • Dr. Nancy Currie-Gregg (four-time astronaut)
  • Dr. Cathy Olkin (PI of Lucy Mission), and 
  • Alden Tombaugh (son of Clyde Tombaugh).

Southwest Conservation Adventures

Get incredible nighttime portraits done by local astrophotographer Evan Thibodeau with Southwest Conservation Adventures! During the Art Show Reception and on Valentine’s Day here on Mars Hill, you can get your portrait taken with the beautiful observatory backdrop with a professional night-sky photographer. Professional portraits will be provided for $20 per couple or $15 per individual, with free digital downloads and an option to purchase physical prints through the photographer. 

Create an incredible Valentine’s Day memory and capture it with a night-time photo!

International Association of Astronomical Artists

“Pluto Sunrise” by Michael Carroll

Lowell Observatory is pleased to present a group exhibition of works featuring artists of the International Association of Astronomical Artists.

The International Association of Astronomical Artists (IAAA), is a non-profit organization whose members implement and participate in astronomical and space art projects, promote education about space art and foster international cooperation in artistic work inspired by the exploration of the Universe.

The IAAA became a nonprofit foundation in 1988 and now has 201 members from 23 countries from around the planet. The organization serves the community of artists creating works inspired by astronomy and outer space, serving as a networking resource on topics specific to the trade as well as issues common to professional artists.

Quality Connections

Quality Connections helps individuals with disabilities become independent, productive members of our community by providing them with employment opportunities, job training, and practical life learning programs. The financial support for this mission comes from sales made by QC Office, an office products supplier for every type of business. For the month of February, use code PLUTO to receive a discount on your order!