Greater Flint’s got plenty to do in July & August! Here’s a sample of entertainment and fun to be had under the summer sun …
Highlights
2018 Downtown Throwdown
Flint Farmers’ Market
Wednesday, July 18, 4:30pm
Back to the Bricks 2018
Downtown Flint & Various Locations
Tune-Up Week: August 6-11
Main Event: August 14-18
2018 HAP Crim Festival of Races
Downtown Flint
Saturday, August 25 7am-3pm
Flint Handmade Street Fair
Art, Food, Music & More
Flint Farmers’ Market, Downtown Flint FREE
Saturdays July 7-August 11, 8am-3pm
Browse the works of local artisans and enjoy live music, food trucks, face-painting and make-and-take crafts.
2018 Summer Concert Series
Clio Amphitheater, Rogers Lodge Dr.
Tuesdays July 10, 17, 24, 31/August 7 & 14 7-9:15pm
Shows include: “Magic Bus – Tribute to Woodstock,” “Bob Seger Tribute,” “Tribute to Shania Twain,” “The Rock Show – Tribute to the ‘80s,” and “Persuasion – Motown Review.” Season Tickets available at Clio City Hall, 505 West Vienna St., Clio for $25. Individual tickets available for $6 at the gate for each show.
Fenton Concerts in the Park FREE
Fenton Gazebo, 301 S. Leroy St.
Thursdays July 12, 19, 26
August 2, 9,16, 23 & 30 7-8:30pm
Free Summer Concert Series in beautiful Downtown Fenton! Fun for the whole family sponsored by the City of Fenton and the Fenton DDA. For the full list of bands, visit slpr.net/programs/special-events/music-in-the-parks-fenton/. Rainout location is the Fenton Community & Cultural Center.
Frankenmuth Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival & Battle of the Breweries
Frankenmuth River Place, 925 S Main St.
Thursday, July 12/August 9, 3pm
Head over to Frankenmuth’s 2nd Annual Food Truck Festival at Frankenmuth River Place Shops! The fun takes place on the second Thursday of each month. For more info, visit: frankenmuthriverplace.com/
ArtWalk
Downtown Flint, Various Venues FREE
2nd Fridays, July 13/August 10, 6-9pm
Downtown Flint is awash with art and music on these second Fridays. Organized by the Greater Flint Arts Council (GFAC), open house receptions promote the diversity of Downtown gallery offerings with events at GFAC, Buckham Gallery, Churchills Food & Spirits, The Local Grocer, Totem Books. Maps available at GFAC.
11th Annual Our Lady of Lebanon
Mid-East Festival FREE
4133 Calkins Rd., Flint
July 13 Noon-Midnight
July 14 Noon-Midnight
July 15, Noon-6pm
Authentic Middle Eastern food, new kids’ games, beer tent, entertainment, music and more! Fireworks on Friday AND Saturday nights! Parking: $3 visit mideastfestival.com/
Fenton ArtWalk 2018 FREE
Downtown Fenton
Saturday, July 14, 10am-8pm
This community event celebrates the arts and showcases local and regional talent with the visual art, music, entertainment, technology integrated art and kids’ activities. Artists display their work along the streets of Downtown Fenton or inside participating businesses and at local organizations. Visitors enjoy the beautiful downtown, excellent restaurants and purchase local art.
Summer Farm Tour
Westwind Farm, Swartz Creek
Sunday, July 15, 2pm $10
Start with a hayride across the farm out to the Great Oak to enjoy a farm-to-table luncheon. Then, take the tour and see how a modern day, sustainable farm works. You’ll see and hear about CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), selling the farm’s eggs and wool products, sustainable living classes and learn about grinding grain in the new Flour Mill. Registration required by July 8! Call 810.7018151 or email themillers@westwindmilling.com to reserve your spot!
Grand Blanc Concerts in the Park FREE
Physicians Park, 218 Reid Rd.
Tuesdays July 17, 24, 31, 7-9pm
This summer’s concert series begins with Detroit band, Kaleido. July 24 features Toppermost, and July 31 is 3rd Degree Burns from Metamora. The City will also host a foam party for kids in Physicians Park. Kick back and relax, bring a chair or blanket to sit in the grass at the park. There will be a few food trucks ready to serve up dinner and/or dessert.
2018 Downtown Throwdown
Flint Farmers’ Market
Wednesday, July 18, 4:30pm
The 3rd Annual Downtown Throwdown is back at the Flint Farmers’ Market! Sample food, desserts and drinks from local businesses. Stroll the Market, browse arts & crafts, and enjoy entertainment.
Food Truck Fridays at Lake Callis
Davison Township Parks & Recreation
1152 N. Gale Rd.
Fridays July 20/August 17, 5:30pm
The final two weekends for Food Trucks at Lake Callis! Featuring delicious food, live music, activities and a movie on the beach at dusk! Live music on August 17 is 3rd Degree Burns, the movie is “Wonder.”
Kettering University’s Atwood Stadium Races
701 University Ave., Flint
Saturday, July 21, 7am-Noon
This event has a long history in Flint. Previously, the races were known as the Tuuri, which began in 1979. In 2018, the races were taken over by Kettering and a unique element was added to the course: a lap around Kettering University’s Mobility Research Center. The course starts and finishes at the historic Atwood Stadium, and proceeds support the facility. Register here: bit.ly/2KkToYv
Fashion Against Bullying
Genesee Valley Center
3341 S Linden Rd., Flint
Saturday, July 21, 7pm
This event will bring forth awareness, fashion, community partnerships, gifts, raffles and more … but most importantly … HOPE! Doors open at 5:30 for vendor shopping and red carpet interviews.
Flint Toy Convention
Factory Two, 129 N. Grand Traverse St.
Sunday, July 29, 10am $2 (Kids FREE)
Now at a new bigger location – the generous folks at Factory Two will host this event. Huge swap meet! Many vendors from all over! Toys! Action Figures! Collectibles! Memorabilia! Trading Cards! Video Games! Vintage! Modern! Antique! New! Used! Classics form every era and about anything else collectible! All proceeds benefit Factory Two and their programs. Vendor spaces may be available; contact Jesse Grandy or Call 810.247.1922
2018 Flint River Flotilla
3779 Sunset Dr.
Saturday, August 4, Noon-4pm
The best river party in Flint returns for its 4th year! This year’s theme is “island paradise,” so come in your finest island attire and decorate your boat to match. Bring an inner tube, paddleboard, kayak, canoe, or anything that floats and enjoy this relaxing and fun journey down the Flint River from Tenacity Brewing to the Mott Park Recreation Area. Stay for the after-party at the Mott Park landing featuring food trucks, music and photo ops. Registration and shuttle start at noon, float begins at 1pm.
Balloon Quest Inc. Mini Balloon Festival
Groveland Oaks County Park
14555 Dixie Hwy., Holly
Saturday, August 4, 6pm
Six hot-air balloons will launch at approximately 6:30pm (weather permitting); two balloons will “glow” at dusk (weather permitting) For more info, check out DestinationOakland.com.
Flint Drop Fest 2018 FREE
Buckham Alley, Downtown
Saturday, August 11, Noon-10pm
The 7th Annual Flint Drop Fest features live music performances by deejays, live visual art and craft, product and food vendors. Proclaimed as, “Michigan’s No. 1 growing Electronic Music and Art Festival!”
Back to the Bricks 2018
Downtown Flint & Various Locations
Tune-Up Week: August 6-11
Main Event: August 14-18
Following a week of parties at various pre-event venues, the five-day extravaganza begins with a family-friendly party at the nostalgic US-23 Drive-In. Excited crowds line the streets for “Rolling Cruises” from Downtown Flint to Grand Blanc. Friday’s events include a car show, concert and Motown dance party. Thousands stroll the bricks on Saturday to admire vehicles of every age and description, take pictures, buy souvenirs, and enjoy the fun. Visit backtothebricks.org.
Day Out with Thomas 2018
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
August 17-19 & 24-26, 9am-5pm
This annual visit from everyone’s favorite engine is a dream-come-true for kids! A Thomas ticket includes Crossroads Village admission, Thomas and village activities, and plenty of free parking. Visit geneseecountyparks.org/DOWT/
Genesee County Fair
E.A. Cummings Center
6130 E. Mt. Morris Rd., Mt. Morris
August 20-26; Passes start at $15
Grandstand Events include Monday’s Monster Truck Show, a Figure 8 Demolition Derby on Tuesday, Live Music Wednesday- Friday, Rodeo Saturday and Truck & Tractor Pull on Sunday! Visit gcf.org
2018 HAP Crim Festival of Races
Downtown Flint
Saturday, August 25 7am-3pm
Michigan’s greatest race for runners and walkers of all ages and levels! 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 (Friday 8/24) and the Teddy Bear Trot. There’s something for anyone who wants to participate and some of the biggest names in racing show up.
Paddle the Flint River!
August 26/September 5, 8 & 15/October 7
$10-$15 per person
Flint River Watershed Coalition Kayaking Trips have begun! Enjoy guided trips along stretches of the Flint River in both Genesee and Lapeer Counties. Price includes experienced guides, shuttling, water and snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, insurance … and a nice time on the calming river. Ages 10 and up recommended, kayak rentals limited, pre-registration required. Contact Jaime Welch at jwelch@flintriver.org or call 810.767.7140 for info and to register.
WhoaZone!
Heron Beach, Holly Recreation Area
5005 McGinnis Rd.
Monday-Thursday 9:30am-7pm
Friday-Sunday til 8pm (weather permitting)
1-hour $15/Double Session $25
This inflatable, on-water obstacle course includes four different routes based on the challenge level. The course includes a gigantic springboard, a climber/slide, hurdles, balance beam, trampolines, monkey bars and halfpipe. Note: Must be at least 7 years old, 45” tall, and a good swimmer. Provided life jackets are required and participants must sign a waiver to play. For more pricing and specials, visit whoazoneholly.com.
Genesee County Summer Camps
There is an abundance of fun and educational experiences available for kids of all ages!
YMCA Camp Ohiyesa
7300 Hickory Ridge Rd., Holly
Located on the shores of Fish Lake, this beautiful camp is now in its 100th year, offering day and overnight camps for kids ages 4-16 from Southeast Michigan and beyond. The camp is currently registering for all 2018 camp sessions. 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. For info, visit ymcadetroit.org/ohiyesa/
YMCA Camp Copneconic
10407 Fenton Rd., Fenton
Day Camps 8am-5pm daily
Located on 700 acres of beautiful, serene 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 campers with 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
5219 W. Pierson Rd., Flushing
The weekly schedule 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 to register online visit flintymca.com/pierson-road-ymca/camp-boomerang/
Y Safe Places
Offered by the YMCA of Greater Flint at seven Greater Flint sites, this FREE 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 field trips, service learning, and weekly trips to swim at the Y. For more info and to register visit flintymca.com/y-safe-places/
Sea Trek BVI
7092 River Rd., Flushing
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 is not required. Exciting community service opportunities and academic credit options are also available. For info, call 810.487.1616 or visit seatrekbvi.com/
Flint Citadel Summer Day Camp
The Salvation Army Flint Citadel
Youth Department
211 W. Kearsley St.
July-August 17
Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:30pm
Latchkey: 7:30-9:30am, 3:30-5:30pm
Programs include youth activities and field trips.
Longway Planetarium & Sloan Museum
E. Kearsley St., Flint
In July and August, these facilities offer a variety of summer day camps and activities in different age groups presented by Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium educators. Age level groups are 3-4-year olds, grades 1-3 and 4-8. Hurry! They sell out fast! View the brochure at sloanlongway.org/summer/
Salvation Army Camps
Picnics in The Park
Memorial Park, W. 5th St., Flint
Monday-Friday, July-August 17 Noon-2:30pm (Closed July 4)
Free lunch at noon for ages 17 and under, followed by fun activities.
Kettering University
1700 University Ave., Flint
In July and August, Kettering University offers a variety of day and week-long camps. For more info and to register, visit /goo.gl/Q8XCo2 or goo.gl/sE6Dra
