The month of August brings many exciting festivals that bring thousands of visitors to Downtown Flint including the Crim Festival of Races, Back to the Bricks and more. Attendees of these world class events have plenty of other things to enjoy Downtown – unique shops to browse, abundant dining opportunities, a new hotel, inspiring mural art and much more!
The Capitol Theatre
Open again for live shows, The Capitol Theatre was listed among the National Register of Historic Places in Michigan in 1985. The theatre opened originally in 1928, designed by John Eberson. Recently restored, it is an atmospheric performance venue designed to look like a Roman garden. In August, get ready to rock out to “Zoso – The Ultimate Led Zepplin Experience.” The group was formed in 1995 to perform the most authentic and captivating live Led Zeppelin show since the real thing. For “Zoso”, it’s much more than just being a tribute band. It’s about touching a golden era in music. “Zoso” embodies Page, Plant, Bonham and Jones in their spirit, tightly-wound talent and authenticity. In September, you can enjoy Kool & The Gang on (9/2) and “Legends of Motown” (9/18).
The Flint Cultural Center
Reopened to the public, The Flint Cultural Center campus provides area residents and Flint visitors with an array of cultural, scientific and artistic experiences and promotes understanding of the diverse cultures reflected in the Greater Flint community. Events are taking place at Longway Planetarium, Flint Institute of Arts and Sloan Museum at Courtland Center Mall.
Eateries Galore!
There’s a taste of something for everyone at Downtown’s many restaurants – from a burger and a beer at The Torch, to an elegant meal at Cork on Saginaw or tapas and a martini at 501 Bar & Grill. You can enjoy a satisfying sandwich or super-delicious salad for lunch at Hoffman’s Deco Deli and Cafe. Prefer a cool vintage vibe? Pop into Cafe Rhema for an espresso. Treat yourself to Grandpa’s Berry Rhubarb crepe and a latte at Flint Crepe Company. A little further down Saginaw St., Churchill’s Food & Spirits serves up draft beer, craft cocktails, a full menu and live music. Keep heading north and you will find Soggy Bottom Bar, a local favorite. The truffle fries are a must-try! Also on the list and a Flint institution, the White Horse Tavern is a great place to go for one of their famous pizzas and a nightcap. (They serve breakfast, too!)
These are just a few of Downtown Flint’s distinctive restaurants – keep an eye out for Blackstone’s Smokehouse and some great places for Mexican fare!
Shopping
You can’t visit Downtown Flint without doing some shopping in one of the unique shops and boutiques. Clothes? Coffee? Books? Artwork, shoes, hats, jewelry … you name it! You might just find what you are looking for at J-London’s Fine Men’s Apparel or at SHIFT, a women’s and kid’s clothing and gift boutique. You will also enjoy browsing at Mad Hatter, Flint Trading Co., Brush Alley Skate Shop, Foster Coffee Co., Flint City T-shirts, Paul’s Pipe Shop, Totem Books, Sutorial Boots and Shoes, pop-up shops in the Dryden Building and so many more!
Flint Farmers’ Market
The Market is a bustling hub of Downtown on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with folks marveling at the wide array of fresh produce from local farmers, fruit, cheese, meats, baked goods, arts & crafts and much more. Check out the amazing and diverse variety of restaurants including: Beirut Restaurant, B-dogs Hot Dog Cart, Charlie’s Smokin’ BBQ, Steady Eddy’s Cafe, Spectacular Spudz, Chubby Duck Sushi, Sweet Peaces Veggie Bistro and Tee’s Plentiful Salads.
Mural Art
You have to check out some of the more than 150 murals that have been completed on buildings throughout the Flint area. In 2019, Flint Public Art Project (FPAP) started the first phase of their plan to paint 100 new murals in Greater Flint by the end of summer 2020. Since then, artists from all over the world have come to the city and reinforced Flint’s reputation as a haven for artists looking to make an impact.
Hilton Garden Inn
Need somewhere to stay Downtown while attending an event? Opened in October 2020, the Hilton Garden Inn located (110 W. Kearsley St.) offers 101 guest rooms, five meeting rooms, fitness center, patio bar (Simmer), restaurant (Sauce) and The Federal Coffee House. The former home of Genesee County Savings Bank offers an impressive display of history and style. Sauce Italian American Kitchen serves homemade pasta and pizza including delicacies based on authentic old-world recipes, as well as made-to-order breakfast items. Enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and a farm-to-table appetizer while taking in the view from Simmer Rooftop Lounge.
