Once again, Downtown Flint roared to life with thousands of car lovers, families and visitors from across Michigan and beyond. What began over 20 years ago as a dream to celebrate Flint’s automotive heritage is now one of the Midwest’s premier classic car festivals — and this year’s celebration did not disappoint.
The weeklong event kicked off at Birch Run Speedway, gathering car owners and spectators for an opening car show with awards, vendors and fun on the track. From there, each day built anticipation: a nostalgic “Bricks Flicks” night at the US23 Drive-In featured the family movie “Road Rally Racers,” then to Grand Blanc for the GB Chamber’s “Roll On In” event and car show honoring community leaders. On Wednesday and Thursday, the legendary Rolling Cruise stretched from Flint to Grand Blanc and back, filling Saginaw Street with chrome, horsepower and hometown pride.
Downtown Flint welcomed thousands to Friday’s Cruise N’ Concert. Collector cars stretched for blocks while music from The Regulators and Packin’ Heat turned the city into a giant block party.
Against the backdrop of Flint’s historic Downtown, Saturday’s Main Event featured a moving salute to veterans and active-duty military, and the unveiling of the newest statue in the Back to the Bricks Automotive Heritage Collection – A.B.C. Hardy. Crowds explored the Corvette Reunion and Buicks on the Bricks, Drag City’s “Fast & Loud” dragsters, and family friendly faves like the Kids’ Zone and Optimus Prime replica vehicle. The first-ever Miss Back to the Bricks Pageant added a vintage-themed flourish, creating new excitement for the festival’s future.
Organizers, sponsors and hundreds of volunteers worked tirelessly to make the 21st anniversary a huge success — but it was the people who came to share in the passion who made it truly special. As one longtime participant stated, “Back to the Bricks isn’t just about cars — it’s about community.”
It is clear that Flint’s automotive legacy is alive and well — and rolling strong into the future!
