Here’s a sample of the unique & exciting things to do this summer … right in your own backyard!
Downtown Highlights
Buckham Alley Fest FREE
July 15, 4-10PM
Back to the Bricks 2017 FREE
August 15-19
Crim Festival of Races
August 25-26
Art
Flint Artwalk FREE
July & August: 2nd Fridays (7/14, 8/11) 6-8PM Downtown Flint
Flint Youth Media Project
Throughout July
Flint Institute of Arts Fleckenstein Video Gallery
In conjunction with the Flint Youth Film Festival, the FIA will exhibit several works by young, local filmmakers.
Visit flintarts.org/visit/calendar/2017/07/
Self-Expression: U of M-Flint Student Organized Exhibition
10AM-5PM Through the month of July
Check online for specifics.
Films at the FIA: Art á la carte FREE
Wednesdays 12:15-2:15PM
Flint Institute of Arts – Isabel Hall
Educational art videos on topics such as art history, theory and practice.
Arts & Crafts Street Fair Hosted by Flint Handmade FREE
Saturdays through August 12, 8AM-3PM
Flint Farmers Market
Local artisans, live music, face painting & make-and-takes!
Music Festivals
“Toons at Noon” FREE
Monday-Friday, July 10-August 18, 11:45AM-1:15PM UM-Flint’s Wilson Park (549 Wallenberg St.) Live music presented by the Greater Flint Arts Council
Genesee County Gospel Festival
July 15, 12-7PM – Flint Cultural Center
(Free parking)
A day of family fun with over a dozen national and local artists performing on stage, food/non-food vendors, healthy living info.
Visit geneseecountygospelfest.com
Flint Folk Festival
July 22, 10AM-9PM
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Flint (UUCF) 2474 S. Ballenger Hwy.
Concert performances on the Ron Woods Festival Stage, as well as a second stage and workshops/showcase performances for smaller, more intimate audiences. $5 donation requested for main stage performances
6th Annual Flint Drop Fest 2017 FREE
August 5, 12AM-10PM
Buckham Alley, Downtown Flint
Open air music and art street fair; four stages, live art, vendors, food, workshops and more!
36th Annual Flint Jazz Festival
August 11-13, 5-8:30PM
Flint Cultural Center Grounds
Presented by the Greater Flint Arts Council
Performances by local, regional and international jazz musicians; food/non-food vendors
Family Fun
Back to the Bricks 2017 FREE
August 15-19 – Downtown Flint
Tune-Up Week August 7-12
Throughout Greater Flint Area
Over 500,000 car enthusiasts flock to Genesee County to celebrate our love of motor vehicles, and the area’s historic role in the automotive industry. Music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Visit backtothebricks.org
Tractors on the Bricks
July 29 10AM-4PM – Downtown Flint – Flat Lot
Corner of Saginaw & Kearsley St.
The antique tractor parade (from 1980 and older) will start on the corner of Court & Saginaw St. and end in the Flat Lot where the tractors will be on display until 4PM.
Fourth Annual Flint River Flotilla
August 5, 1-4PM
Registration opens at noon at Tenacity Brewing
(119 N. Grand Traverse St., Flint).
Float ends at Mott Park; free shuttle.
$10 per person/$30 per family (12 & under FREE)
Kearsley Street Walking Tour:
Evolution of a Neighborhood
JULY 3, 1-2:30PM
Starts at Whaley House, 624 E. Kearsley St., Flint
Participants will learn about the early residents of Kearsley Street and the development of the Cultural Center institutions that sit there now.
Reservations are not required.
Call 810.471.4714 or email director@whaleyhouse.com.
Movies Under the Stars
Presented by Communities First, Inc. FREE
Free popcorn & snacks! Great games, giveaways, and fun for the entire family. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.
July 14 “GREASE” Crossroads Village
July 28 “A BUG’S LIFE” Flint City Hall Back Lawn
August 11 “SING” Applewood Estate
August 25 “FINDING DORY” Flint City Hall Back Lawn
Michigan Storytellers Festival
July 15, 10AM-10PM
Flint Public Library
Entertaining stories for children and adults of all ages plus storytelling workshops.
Hurley Children’s Hospital Miracle Picnic
July 25, 5-8PM
Sloan Museum
Great food, entertainment and a chance to explore the Museum.
Visit hurleyfoundation.org or call 810.262.7005.
Food
2nd Annual Downtown Throwdown – FREE
July 19, 4-8PM – Flint Farmer’s Market
Enjoy more tunes, treats, arts and eats this year. Sample food and desserts from some of Genesee County’s best restaurants, food trucks and more.
Cooking Matters for Adults (16+) FREE
Mondays July 3-31, 1:30-3:30PM
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, 2142 N. Genesee Rd., Burton
Cooking and nutrition taught by a chef and nutritionist! Topics include Healthy Snacks, Shopping Smart, Food Safety at Home, and Planning Balanced Meals. You’ll get FREE groceries and a cookbook.
Visit geneseecountyparks.org/events.
Grow it, Try it, Like it! (Ages 3-6) FREE
Explore fruits and vegetables including how they grow and how we eat them! During the class, kids will also be able to taste a yummy recipe using delicious fruits and veggies.
Fun with Fruits & Veggies (Ages 7-12) FREE
July 11-August 10, 1:30-2:30PM
Flushing County Park, Pavilion 1
Focusing on a different Michigan-grown fruit or veggie each week; simple cooking skills like safety when cutting, measuring and mixing will be included. Fun competition at end of program! Check online for locations and times.
Live Theater
Summer Shorts – Flint Youth Theatre, Bower Theatre Lawn
10AM (Rain or shine)
Tales will be told as you and your family explore and enjoy the fun of live theatre and interactive acting activities. Contact: 810.237.1530, Donations welcome.
July 22 “The Frog Prince”
July 29 “Rumpelstiltskin”
August 5 “The Emperor’s New Clothes”
SummerStage Presented by the Flint Youth Theatre
“The Adventures of Robin Hood”
August 11-20, 2-3PM (check online for specifics)
Bower Theatre – Admission: $14-$18
Contact 810.237.7333
A wild, anarchic take on an ancient story, “The Adventures of Robin Hood” is packed with sword fights, archery competitions, daring rescues and impossible escapes!
Acting OUT with Flint Youth Theatre FREE
Tuesdays through July & August
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum – outside, weather permitting
Working with a Flint Youth Theatre educator, students will create amazing characters and stories from literature and their own imaginations, while working on acting techniques, teamwork, confidence, self-worth and responsibility. Ages 5 and older, all abilities. Pre-registration is required by 7/23/17.
Genesee County Parks
Fun for Kids & Families
There are so many programs all through the summer at Genesee County Parks! Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad, Bluebell Beach and Stepping Stone Falls are just three of the places to explore and enjoy this summer!
Sundays Kayaking in the Parks:
Nature in the City
Bray Road Fishing Site, Canoe Launch 10AM
Join the Flint River Watershed Coalition and For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum for a unique 2 ½ hour nature tour along the Flint River that winds from rural to urban. We will be joined by a river guide from the FRWC and a For-Mar naturalist who will assist in identifying all the wildlife we see along the way. Kids 10 and older can paddle by themselves, younger kids ride with an adult. To register, contact the Flint River Watershed Coalition at jwelch@flintriver. org or 810.767.7140 $25 per participant
Fishing
There are 15 fishing sites throughout Genesee County Parks, including:
Bray Road Fishing Site
5030 Bray Rd., Flint
Branch Road Fishing Site
Branch Rd. north of Carpenter Rd., Flint
Lions Park
E. Stanley Rd. west of N. Genesee Rd., Genesee
Genesee Road Fishing Site
N. Genesee & E. Stanley Rds., Flint
Across from the Administrative Building
Stanley Road Fishing Site & Boat Launch
5131 Stanley Rd., Flint
Stanley & Belsay Road Fishing Site
5487 Stanley Rd., Flint
Timberwolf Fishing Site
7004 N. Irish Rd., Otisville
Irish Road Fishing Site & Canoe Launch
6422 Irish Rd., Davison
M-15 Fishing Site & Canoe Launch
State Rd., north of Stanley Rd., Davison
Holloway Dam Public Access Fishing Site
11135 Carr Rd. between Henderson and
Oak Rd., Davison
Stanley Road Tubes Fishing Site
12439 Stanley Rd. east of Henderson Rd. Columbiaville
Mudd Lake Fishing Site
2345 Elba Rd., Lapeer
Mt. Morris Road Fishing Site
Mt. Morris Rd., east of Catlin Rd., Lapeer County
Pyles Road Public Access
Intersection of Pyles Rd. and N. Lake Rd. Columbiaville
Klam Road Fishing Site
Klam & Piersonville Rds., Columbiaville
OTHER PARKS WHERE FISHING IS ALLOWED
- Flint Park Lake Park
- McKinley Park
- Thread Lake Park
- Bluebell Beach
- Bluegill Boat Launch
- Richfield County Park
- Mt. Morris Mounds
- Buell Lake County Park
- Goldenrod Disc Golf
- EA Cummings Center
- Walleye Pike Boat Launch
- Wolverine Campground &
- Buttercup Beach
- Hogsback Area
- Zemmer Park
Kids Fishing Club FREE
9-11AM – Pre-registration not required.
Bring your rod and they supply the bait. Club includes a short lesson on things like fish ID, knowing your equipment and how to use it.
Ages 4-17, all abilities.
July 8: Buell Lake County Park on the fishing dock
July 15: Flint Park Lake Pavilion, Winthrop Blvd.
July 22: McKinley Park/Thread Lake
August 19: Flint Park Lake Pavilion
7th Annual Catfish for a Cause Tournament FREE (Parking Permit required)
August 20, 6AM-Noon
Holloway Reservoir Edition: Walleye Pike Boat Launch, 7240 N. Henderson Rd., Davison
Last year, 76 participants caught 112 channel cats with a total weight of 135 lbs! For all ages and abilities. Registration begins at 6AM, fishing starts at 7AM; weigh-in is at noon.
Summer Camps & Programs
More than 40 classes and camps!
Ages 4 & 5, grades 1-3 & 4-8.
Register online at SloanLongway.org or in person.
Summer Camps
Kinderscience Camp: Energy Explorations
July 17-19, 1-4PM
Longway Planetarium
$65
STEM Camp
July 10-14, 9AM-Noon
Longway Planetarium
Second session July 17-21, 1-4PM
Grades 1-3
$90
July 24-28
Grades 4-6
Girls Through Time Camp
July 5-7, 1-4PM
Sloan Museum
$65
World Passport Camp
July 18-20, 1-4PM
Sloan Museum
Grades 4-5
$65
Girls Camp Alpha Omega: Earth
August 1-3, 9AM-Noon
Longway Planetarium
Grades 6-8
$65
Sloan*Longway Highlights
Info on additional programs can be found at SloanLongway.org
SLOAN MUSEUM
Water Party
July 26, 1-2:30PM $7
Ages: 4-5 years
Your child can enjoy several hands-on waterplay stations in Sloan Museum’s Courtyard.
Wear a bathing suit and bring a towel!
Monster Mash Up
July 31, 1-3PM
Celebrate Halloween in July! Wear a costume and learn about monsters.
LONGWAY PLANETARIUM
The Great American Solar Eclipse
August 7, 1-4PM $10
Grades 5-8
Get ready for the eclipse! Explore solar and lunar eclipses, build an eclipse viewer and get a pair of eclipse glasses so you’re ready to safely view the eclipse.
Playground Programs
Genesee County Parks FREE
Monday-Friday, June 26-August 25 – 11AM-3PM
(Lunch is served at noon.)
The summer playground and lunch program is back! Kids ages 4-18, all abilities, can drop in daily for crafts, gardening, nature, games and all kinds of fun stuff!
Pre-registration not required, but parents/guardians must complete a release form before kids can participate.
(No program on July 4.)
Bluebell Beach, Pavilion 1
Davison Roadside Park, Pavilion
Flushing County Park, Pavilion 1
Max Brandon Park, Pavilion 2 (near MLK & Stewart Ave.)
McKinley Park, Vista Center Area
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
Huckleberry Playtime
Saturday July 8, 10AM-5PM
Either Saturday or Sunday, you can enjoy jump rope, water play, relay races, old fashioned games and a craft to take home in addition to all the traditional summer village fun.
Crossroads Village
Apprentice Weekend
July 29-30
Meet the CRV Artisans and learn how they create their one-of-a-kind handmade items and try your hand at several different artisan crafts.
Railfans Weekend
August 5-6
This weekend is dedicated to trains and train lovers! Shop tours, demonstrations, model trains and special photo run.
Literary Day – Treasure Island
August 12
The 19th century book comes to life with pirates, crafts and more! Dress as a pirate to receive a special reward! Standard admission fees apply for this event.
Day Out with Thomas
August 18-20 & 25-27
This annual visit from everyone’s favorite engine is a dream come-true for kids! Your Thomas ticket includes Crossroads Village admission, Thomas and village activities and plenty of free parking. There’s even a show and meet & greet with special guest, Bob the Builder.
Purchase tickets online at ticketweb.com.
Fitness
41st HAP CRIM Festival of Races
August 25-26 – Downtown Flint
Race/Walks include the 10 Mile Walk, Teddy Bear Trot
Crim Pasta Party Adults $10
Friday, August 25, 4:30-9PM
Festival Lot, Kearsley & Saginaw St., Downtown
All you can eat pasta, salad, bread & drink. All proceeds benefit Shelter of Flint.
The Lois Craig Invitational –
Michigan Special Olympics Race
Presented by Grand Blanc Motorcars
Friday, August 25, 6PM on Saginaw Street.
This race is free and open to the public.
Festival Lot Entertainment FREE
Friday & Saturday, August 25 4-9PM
August 26 8:30AM-2:30PM
Music & entertainment includes a beer tent, live bands, food vendors and more!
Yoga in Nature
Thursdays through July & August, 6-7PM
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum – outdoors, weather permitting – $3 per person
Series of classes from slow-pace yoga to help you unwind after a long day, to a heart-pumping flow to help you stay fit. Yoga mats are provided, if needed. Suggested for ages 13 and older, all abilities.
“The Morning After” Rooftop Yoga
Saturdays after 2nd Friday Art Walk, 8:30AM
Farmers’ Market, 2nd Floor
The Yoga Loft hosts this class on the Rooftop Terrace.
Atwood 5k/10k Race Presented by HAP
July 22, 7:30AM
Start & finish at Atwood Stadium
Community event that incorporates many of the challenges of the former Tuuri race course, including the new Flint River Trail.
$25-$40
Greater Flint Fun
Fenton
Silver Lake Ski Club Ski Show
Tuesdays throughout the summer – Silver Lake Park
Pre-Show 6:30-7PM & Main Show 7-8PM
You will see a tournament style ski show featuring nationally ranked skiers performing pyramids, bare-footing, ski-jumping, women’s ballet line and more.
Farmers Market
Tuesdays, beginning July 6, 5-8PM
Downtown Fenton
Fill your pantry with healthy, local food while supporting Fenton area farms. And, you can also shop the crafts of local artisans. Visit slpr.net.
Concerts in the Park
Thursdays 7PM – Fenton Mill Pond
Fenton concerts are brought to the community by Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation (SLPR), and sponsored by the Fenton DDA. Visit slpr.net.
Bastille Day Race
July 15 – Downtown Fenton
15K Run 7:45AM, 5K Run/5K Walk 8:00AM
Fenton United Methodist Church, 119 S. Leroy St.
The proceeds from this race benefit the local Habitat for Humanity in Genesee County to help build or renovate homes for people in need.
ArtWalk
July 15, 10AM-4PM – Downtown Fenton
Fine art will be displayed inside local businesses, at the Fenton Community & Cultural Center, and along the sidewalks of Downtown Fenton.
12th Annual Adopt-A-Pet Picnic
July 15, 3-10PM
This super-fun fundraiser offers lots of activities for kids and adults! Great food and fun!
Taste in Fenton
August 2, 4-8PM – Downtown Fenton
Behind Fenton Community & Cultural Center
Over 30 local restaurants bring tastes of their favorites. Live music and kids’ entertainment.
Back to the Bricks Tune-up Party
August 10
For details, visit FentonChamber.com.
Linden
Farmers Market
Wednesdays, July 12-August 30, 5-8PM
Downtown Linden
Music by the Mill
Wednesdays through August 30, 7-8:30PM
Linden Mill Pond Gazebo
Bring a friend and enjoy the historic beauty of the Historic Linden Mill.
Storytime by the Mill
Tuesdays & Thursdays through August 10, 10:30AM. Gather at the Linden Gazebo and take a journey through literature.
Flushing
Summer Concerts in the Park
Wednesdays through August
Riverview Park, Downtown Flushing
Enjoy a concert with your family! Food is available at the Lion’s Tent, Teen Canteen and Roaring 20’s Ice Cream.
Holly
Classic Car Show
Wednesdays throughout the summer, 5-8PM
Downtown Holly
See the cars of yesterday – anywhere from 90 to 450 cars will be on display during the event. Fun for the whole family!
Sights, Sounds & Tastes of Holly
Hosted by Holly Area Chamber of Commerce
August 5 – Downtown Holly
This family-friendly event offers food provided by local eateries in the historical ambiance that only Holly can offer! Soft drinks, beer and wine are available. Live music, festival atmosphere, raffles and more throughout the evening.
Grand Blanc
Taste of Grand Blanc
September 12, 5-8PM
Captain’s Club of Woodfield
The annual event showcases many of the fine restaurants and eateries that Grand Blanc has to offer – all in one place!
Summer Art Fair
Presented by Grand Blanc Arts Council
August 5 & 6 rain or shine – Physicians Park
10:00AM-5:00PM
19th annual event will offer fine art and fine crafts for sale, music and fun! Free admission and parking.
Farmers Market
Sundays through October, 10AM-3PM
Grand Boulevard
Davison
2nd Annual Davison Remax Team Glow Event
July 15, 6:00PM – Lake Callis Recreation Complex
Some activities will include hot air balloons, free tethered balloon rides, lots of glow games and live music. Fun for everyone!
Park Entrance Fee
Snorkeling
July 18 – Lake Callis Recreation Complex
Session 1: 10:00AM-Noon, Session 2: 1-3PM
$30/resident, $35/non-resident
Participants will learn about the snorkeling gear, how to fit it properly, proper fin-kick and much more. Mask, snorkel and fins provided by The Dive Shop.
Archery
Wednesdays, August 9-September 13 6:30-7:30PM
Lake Callis Recreation Complex
Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center – North House
Ages 8 & Up – $60/resident, $70 non-resident
Craig Gibbs of Arrow Sport Archery and his employees teach a 6-week, interactive archery class for all ages and levels.
Twilight Trail FREE
August 19, 8:00-10:00pm
Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center – North House
All ages welcome to celebrate renovation of the facility. This will be a beautiful lantern-light trail walk featuring all the additions to the park complete with a light appetizer and entertainment social in the new classroom.
Mermaid for a Day
Session 2: Wednesday, July 12 12-3PM
Session 3: Tuesday, August 8 3-6PM
Lake Callis Recreation Complex
A real mermaid will come to teach your kids the magic of being a little mermaid (or merman) in the sea and on the land. Kids will make beautiful shell jewelry, then learn the safety of swimming with the tail (monofin), several mermaid tricks and mermaid modeling. Mermaid tails will be provided. Certificates of the real Little Mermaid Class will be issued to all.
Movies at the Beach & Family Fun Nights
Friday Nights through Labor Day
(Weather Dependent)
Lake Callis Recreation Complex
All ages welcome – movies begin at dusk; themed activities for each movie start at 6PM. Free with Park Entrance Fee
Lapeer
Lapeer Days Festival FREE
August 18-20
“Michigan’s Largest Free Festival!” includes a carnival, Paratus Air Helicopter rides, ponies, inflatables, arts & crafts, parade, car show and a Soap Box Derby 11AM on August 20.
