Summer Fun Guide 2019

0

Downtown Flint

9th Annual Flint Alley Fest FREE

July 13
Flint Downtown Entertainment District
This high-energy Downtown event is held in Brush and Buckham Alleys, featuring live bands on a variety of stages, dancing, crafts, food and drinks, street performers and so much more. For info, visit friendsofthealley.org.

Flint City Bucks vs Dayton Dutch Lions

July 13, 7pm
Atwood Stadium, Flint
Cheer on the hometown team and enjoy top-level soccer action with community fans at the final home contest of the season!

Flint Artwalk FREE

2nd Fridays, July & August, 6-9pm
Various Downtown Flint Locations
Downtown Flint is awash with art and music! Open house receptions promote the diversity of Downtown gallery offerings with events at GFAC, Buckham Gallery, Churchill’s Food & Spirits, Local Grocer, Totem Books. Organized by the Greater Flint Arts Council (GFAC). Maps available at GFAC.

Kettering University Centennial Celebration FREE

July 20, 12-8pm
Atwood Stadium, Flint
Rapper T-Pain will headline at this celebration in honor of the University’s 100th year. The event will include a music festival in partnership with Beats x Beers Founder, Brandon Corder, with multiple stages featuring local bands, plus artists and vendors. There will also be a Flint Community Car show, including classic cars, custom vehicles, muscle cars and more.

Kettering University Atwood Stadium Races 2019

July 20
5K Run – 7:30am, 5K Walk – 7:31am,
10K Run – 8:30 am, 10K Walk – 8: 31am
This event benefits Atwood Stadium and celebrates the 40th anniversary of the races formerly known as the Tuuri Races, now managed by the HAP Crim Festival of Races team. The course features a lap around Kettering’s Mobility Research Center – an autonomous vehicle lab and proving ground. Both 10K and 5K races start and finish at Flint’s historical Atwood Stadium.

2019 5th Annual Downtown Throwdown

July 24, 4-7pm
Flint Farmers’ Market
Enjoy tunes, treats, arts and eats from Flint and Genesee County. The family-friendly event features artists from Flint Handmade and beer from Market Tap. Pack up your neighborhood and throw down for some summer fun!

5th Annual Flint River Flotilla

August 3, 1-4pm
Join more than 200 people who gather to float the waterway on all types of “watercraft!” The Flotilla begins at Tenacity Brewing and ends at Mott Park Recreation Area’s new Paddler’s Landing.

Back to the Bricks® 2019

Tune-Up Week: August 5-10
Main Event: August 13-17
Downtown Flint & Various Locations
The excitement builds during Tune-Up Week, as Tune-up Parties rev up on successive days around Genesee County (sponsored by ELGA Credit Union). Attractions and activities vary by location, but include parties with a 50s, 60s, or 70s theme, concessions, vendors, live music, dancing in the streets and T-shirt giveaways. The party schedule follows.
August 5: Davison
August 6: Clio
August 7: Linden
August 8: Fenton
August 9: Swartz Creek
August 10: Mt. Morris & Beecher
The five-day Main Event extravaganza kicks off with Bricks Flicks, a family-oriented party and movie screening (“American Graffiti”) at the nostalgic US-23 Drive-In. During the week, excited crowds line the streets for the Rolling Cruises as the parade route stretches from the red bricks of Saginaw St. in Downtown Flint to the City of Grand Blanc. On Friday, there will be a car show, concert and dance party with a Motown theme. Saturday will bring thousands to the bricks to admire vehicles of every age and description, take photos, buy souvenirs and enjoy the fun. Beginning with the Opening Ceremony, you will want to be there to experience the excitement, see the amazing car show, check out the automotive vendors, and taste the delicious food that is synonymous with Back to the Bricks, one of the nation’s best Classic Car Events!

8th Annual Flint Drop Fest FREE

August 10, Noon-10pm
Buckham Alley, Downtown Flint
Proclaimed “Michigan’s No. 1 Growing Electronic Music and Art Festival,”  this event features live music by deejays, live visual art and craft, product and food vendors.

2019 HAP Crim Festival of Races

August 23-24, 7am-3pm
Downtown Flint
This Michigan gem brings thousands of runners, walkers and race spectators to the Flint area every August. Participants and spectators will pack the streets of Downtown Flint again for the 10-mile Run/Walk, 5-mile Run/Walk, 5K Run/Family Walk, Michigan Mile Run/Walk and the Teddy Bear Trot. There’s something for everyone who wants to participate and some of the biggest names in racing show up to share the global spotlight.

Fenton

9th Annual Fenton ArtWalk FREE

July 13, 10am-7pm
Downtown Fenton
Celebrate the arts at this fun, family-friendly community event sponsored by Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation. Local and regional artists display their works along the streets of Downtown Fenton, including visual art, music, entertainment, technology-integrated art, and kids’ activities. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Downtown, excellent restaurants and purchase artwork.

Fenton Summer Slam

Softball Tournament
July 19-21
Andrew G. Schmidt Middle School
One of the area’s premier softball and baseball tournaments, the focus is to keep it fun and competitive by limiting it to community-based programs (open to local and out-of-town teams.) Tournament fees include a 3-game guarantee, MHSAA certified umpires and all game balls. The 1st and 2nd place teams in each division will receive both team and individual player trophies. Softball Divisions include 10u-16u and Baseball Divisions include 10u-13u. For info, visit the Fenton Summer Slam website.

Taste in Fenton

August 7, 4-8pm
Rackham Park / Back Lawn of Fenton Community & Cultural Center
Fenton area restaurants gather to serve some of the most delectable samplings of their menus to the public. A FREE shuttle service for parking also allows Taste-goers easier access to the event. As well as the food, patrons can enjoy the beer and wine tent, live music, a pie-eating contest, and purchase tickets for the annual Chamber Raffle to win a car or cash. Children can relish in the sunshine at the Kids Zone and take part in a donut-on-a-string eating contest! Sponsored by the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Flint

“Living as the Past”

July 13
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
Travel back to a time when things were a whole lot simpler. Come dressed as your favorite 19th Century icon and celebrate “Living as the Past.” Enjoy a 40-minute journey on an authentic Baldwin Steam locomotive, take a scenic ride on the Genesee Belle, catch a show at the Colwell Opera House or learn a trade from one of the village craftspeople. There will be period-costumed guests, a costume contest, make-and-take crafts and more. It is recommended that Huckleberry Railroad train tickets be purchased in advance, as the train often sells out.

12th Annual Our Lady of Lebanon Mid-East Festival

July 19-21

Authentic Middle Eastern food, kids’ games, traditional Dabke dance, beer tent, entertainment, music, belly dancing lessons, fireworks and much more! Visit mideastfestival.com/

Day out with Thomas 2019 “The Steam Team Tour”

August 16-18/23-25
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
Everyone’s favorite blue engine will make its annual stop, delighting kids of all ages! The event includes Crossroads Village admission, a 40-minute train ride with Thomas, a meet-and-greet with Sir Topham Hat and Bob the Builder. Thomas and Friends-themed activities, Village activities and plenty of free parking. Visit geneseecountyparks.org/DOWT.

Grand Blanc

Grand Blanc Food Truck Festival

July 12 & August 9, 3-8pm
Parking Lot, Grand Blanc High School
This community event offers MANY types of food trucks, Expo Shopping area, Kids’ Zone, musical entertainment and many other fun elements!

Grand Blanc Concerts in the Park FREE

Tuesdays July 16-August 13
Grand Blanc High School
Bring a chair or blanket to sit in the grass, kick back and relax. The series begins with featured band Third Degree Burns from 7-9pm. The city will host a Foam Party for the kids and food trucks will roll in to serve up dinner and/or dessert!

Montrose

48th Annual Montrose Blueberry Festival

August 16-18
City Park
Festivities will include a parade, Beautiful Baby Contest, canine competition, golf scramble, karaoke, Renaissance Faire, softball tournaments, 5k/8k road race run and walk, classic car/motorcycle show, flea market, arts & crafts, food and much more.

Mt. Morris

Michigan Warrior Dash 2019

July 27
E.A. Cummings Center
This is a 5k obstacle course race that anyone can start and everyone can finish! The 12 world class obstacles offer a special brand of challenging fun. For more info and to register, visit fitevents.com/event/2019-warrior-dash-michigan-mount-morris-mi/

Genesee County Fair

August 19-25
E.A. Cummings Center
Enjoy a family tradition that spans 169 years in Genesee County. The Fair provides an environment of common ground where people can socialize, be entertained, and participate in events that unite the entire community. Grandstand events include a Monster Truck Shootout, Figure 8 Derby, Truck & Tractor Pull, Trace Adkins in concert, a Demolition Derby, Rodeo and Mud Bog!

Swartz Creek

Art in the Park Fine Art Festival FREE

August 24, 9am-5pm
Elms Park
Presented by the Swartz Creek Kiwanis Club, this juried fine art festival features metal sculpture, wood, paintings/drawings, photography, textiles, glass, jewelry, pottery and ceramics. Artists are from states including Ohio, Florida, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and more. Kid’s Zone, silent auction, food and music.

Summer Camps

Kyle Kuzma Basketball Camp FREE

July 25-26
Powers Catholic High School
Designed for boys and girls ages 7-16, this two-day camp is staffed by some of the area’s top players and coaches. Flint area hoops standout and L.A. Lakers forward, Kyle Kuzma, will offer tips and hands-on instruction, including lectures, fundamental skills, contests and games in a high-energy, fun and positive environment. Campers will be placed in small groups by age to ensure that each child gets maximum instruction. To register, visit evensi.us.

YMCA Camp Ohiyesa

Located on the shores of Fish Lake in Holly, this day and overnight camp for kids ages 4-16 is now in its 101st year. Day Camp is a great introduction to the benefits and activities of a Camp Ohiyesa experience in an action-packed day. Boys and girls grades K-8 can spend a week participating in safe, fun, quality programs in a convenient location. Overnight campers gain independence, build friend-making skills, challenge their limits, explore the natural world, and create lifelong habits of healthy living. Overnight campers choose two skill areas to learn and attend those clinics every day, with an opportunity for substantial skill progression. Campers also choose daily cabin challenge activities with their bunkmates, enjoy laid back siestas, take part in all-camp evening programs like campfires and capture the flag, as well as ride the slide or take on the lake during swim time. Camp Ohiyesa is currently registering for all 2019 camp sessions. For info, visit ymcadetroit.org/ohiyesa/

YMCA Camp Copneconic

Day Camps 8am-5pm daily
Located on 700 acres of beautiful, serene Fenton property, this medley of historical and modern facilities has served thousands of families as a place for fun, excitement and learning. A variety of traditional overnight, specialty and day camps is offered in July and August. The Traditional Overnight Camps offer the best “all around” camping experience. With age-progressive programming, kids can return every year and experience unique programs for their age group. Specialty Camps provide a more in-depth experience in a particular area of interest. Camp Copneconic also offers Partner Specialty Camps working with local, regional and national groups to create unique experiences. Extended care options are available for families who need to drop off as early as 7am and pick up as late as 6pm. For info and to register, visit campcopneconic.org/

YMCA Camp Boomerang

Flushing
The weekly schedule at this Flushing facility is jam-packed with fun! In addition to adventurous activities, campers swim each day under the watchful eye of the lifeguards and camp staff. Weekly themes present kids ages 5-13 with imaginative adventures of secret missions and treasures found. Each week culminates with a field trip to a local area attraction. For info and registration, visit flintymca.com/pierson-road-ymca/camp-boomerang/

Y Safe Places FREE

Offered by the YMCA of Greater Flint at seven Greater Flint sites, this community-based summer and after-school program is for all youth K-12. Prior registration is required. Y Safe Places offers great activities focused on individual growth, teamwork, healthy lifestyles and fun in a safe environment! Activities include fieldtrips, service learning and weekly trips to swim at the Y. For locations, more info and to register, visit flintymca.com/y-safe-places/

Sea Trek BVI

Summer Camp at Sea! Based in Flushing, this tropical adventure summer camp has programs for junior high, high school and college-aged students in the British Virgin Islands and other Caribbean islands. Voyages revolve around hands-on sailing, learning to SCUBA dive, and instruction in marine science. All educational experiences are geared toward adventure, leadership, growth and fun. Previous sailing and SCUBA experience are not required. Exciting community service opportunities and academic credit options are also available. For info, call 810.487.1616 or visit seatrekbvi.com/

Longway Planetarium & Sloan Museum

In July and August, these Downtown Flint facilities offer a variety of summer day camps and activities in different age groups presented by Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium educators. Hurry! They sell out fast! View the brochure at sloanlongway.org/summer/

Kettering University

In July and August, Kettering University offers a variety of day and week-long camps. All camps are held at the Kettering University FIRST Robotic Community Center. For Day Camps, need-based scholarships are available and may be applied if student qualifies for free/reduced school lunches. For Residential Camps, campers are housed in the Francis Wilson Thompson Residence Hall.
For more info and to register, visit /goo.gl/Q8XCo2 or goo.gl/sE6Dra

University of Michigan Flint

July 23-25
This three-day Summer Entrepreneurship Institute is for high school students who will be a junior or senior in fall 2019. The Institute will help participants with an interest in business and entrepreneurship decide if this is a route they want to pursue in college. The program will engage students in a series of life-changing sessions, allowing them to get a feel for the field. The mission is to encourage entrepreneurial thinking and to assist students in learning about the process of starting and growing new ventures.

Sunshine & Music

Wanna groove? Welcome to Greater Flint’s summer of sound! There’s every kind of tune for every kind of person. Pick a venue and jam all summer long. Here’s a quick guide to help get your foot tapping!

Community Concert Series

Flushing Concerts in the Park 2019 FREE

Wednesdays July 3-August 14, 7pm
Riverview Park, Downtown
Enjoy a concert in the park with your family every Wednesday evening! Rain location: Flushing High School Auditorium. For band info, visit flushingchamber.com/events.cfm?eventID=21

Clio 2019 Summer Concert Series

Tuesdays, July 9-August 13, 7pm (Gates open at 6pm) 
Clio Amphitheater
Enjoy an exciting variety of music genres from the Magic Bus 60s tribute (7.9) to a Johnny Cash tribute on 8.13. Parking is free; season passes can be purchased at City Hall. Visit clio.govoffice.com/

Fenton Summer Concert Series FREE

Thursdays July 11-August 29
Fenton Millpond Park Gazebo
This fantastic line-up is brought to you by Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation and sponsored by the City of Fenton. Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket and spend the evening with your neighbors. For a full list of the bands and times, visit: slpr.net/programs/special-events/music-in-the-parks-fenton/. Rainout location is the Fenton Community & Cultural Center.

38th Annual Flint Jazz Festival 2019 FREE

July 25-July 28
Riverbank Park, Downtown Flint
Presented by the Greater Flint Arts Council, this event offers four days of great Jazz in Downtown Flint, beginning with a Jazz Walk Thursday evening, with live performances in a variety of Downtown’s finest clubs followed by three days of local, regional and international jazz groups playing at Riverbank Park. Thursday 5-11pm, Friday 5-8:30pm, Saturday 2-8:30pm, Sunday 2-8:30pm.

Linden Music by the Mill FREE

Wednesdays, August 7-28, 7-8:30pm
Linden Millpond Gazebo
Bring your family and friends for summertime FUN! Linden Concerts are brought to you by Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation and sponsored by the City of Linden DDA. Rain location: Linden VFW Hall. For more info, visit slpr.net/news/summer-concert-series-2019/

Local Indoor/Outdoor Venues

Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ

2461 North Rd, Fenton
This eatery is quickly becoming one of the most popular places to be on Friday and Saturday nights. Enjoy award-winning BBQ and great musicians including Paul Simons, Katon & Perkins, Sweet Willie Tea, Shelter Dogs, Mike Espy Band, Mojo Hand and others. For full listing of performers, visit the Fenton Beale St. Smokehouse Facebook page.

DTE Energy Music Theatre

33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston
Located a stone’s throw away, DTE Energy Music Theatre has been going strong for decades. This summer presents a great lineup including performances by Jimmy Buffett, Alice Cooper, Train, Peter Frampton, Mary J. Blige, Chris Stapleton, Beck, Joan Jett, Korn, Smashing Pumpkins, Hootie and the Blowfish and Nellie.  Visit dteenergymusictheatre.org/ to view the entire lineup.

The Capitol Theatre

140 E 2nd St., Flint
The Capitol is back!  Visit the historic venue for a great show. Musicians are flocking to the old theatre and this summer will feature the POP 2000 tour, JJ Grey & Mofo, Johnny Lang, Flint’s own Whitey Morgan and more. Afterwards, have a nightcap and explore the rest of Downtown Flint! For showtimes and event listings, visit the Capitol Theatre Facebook page.

The Local 432

124 W 1st St., Flint
This all-ages venue is a legendary source of local music. Since the 80s, The Local has influenced Flint’s music scene and it’s still going strong. This place is guaranteed to rock your summer weekend! For show announcements, visit flintlocal432.com/ or the Local 432 Facebook page.

The Machine Shop

3539 Dort Hwy., Flint
The most iconic music venue in Genesee County, this is the place to go for rock and outlaw country. The summer line-up features Reverend Right Time, Stabbing Westward, Whiskey Myers, Boxmasters, Bishop Gunn, Moonshine Bandits and more. For a full list of bands, visit themachineshop.info/

Other Local Venues

  • Blondie’s Food & Spirits
    2520 W. Hill Rd., Flint
  • Brick Street of Grand Blanc
    1223 E. Grand Blanc Rd.
  • Café Rhema
    432 Saginaw St., Flint
  • Captain’s Quarters Lounge
    6011 E. Atherton Rd., Burton
  • Churchill’s Food & Spirits
    340 Saginaw St., Flint
  • Cork on Saginaw
    635 S. Saginaw St., Flint
  • Corunna Road Bar
    3110 Corunna Rd., Flint
  • Good Beans Café
    328 N. Grand Traverse, Flint
  • Jack’s Place
    124 N. Cherry St., Flushing
  • MoJoe’s Food & Spirits
    4300 N. State Rd., Davison
  • Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery
    5304 Gateway Center, Flint
  • Scooters Bar & Grill
    6004 Torrey Rd., Flint
  • Sherman’s Lounge
    4211 Fenton Rd., Flint
  • Side Tracks Bar & Grill
    266 Lake Nepessing Rd., Lapeer
  • Smokin, J’s Bar B Que Pit
    10230 Hegel Rd., Goodrich
  • Soggy Bottom Bar
    613 MLK Ave., Flint
  • Tenacity Brewing
    119 N. Grand Traverse, Flint
  • The Lake Inn
    3711 Hunt Rd., Lapeer
  • The Loft
    515 Buckham Alley, Flint

For complete line-ups, visit the website or Facebook page for your chosen venue.

Share.

Comments are closed.