Summer Events Flint Michigan
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The BIG Guide to Unique Events in the Greater Flint Area This Summer

Nothing says summer like events and festivals that celebrate all facets of life. Flint, Michigan, and Genesee County is an awesome community full of unique events and festivals to attend, and this list is worthy of your Michigan summer bucket list.

Thanks to Explore Flint & Genesee for being #MIAwesomeList Summer Bucket List partners!

Downtown Flint Michigan
Downtown Flint | photo via Explore Flint & Genesee CVB

Restaurants, Breweries, and Bars With Events

Some of the best places to enjoy Flint and Genesee County events are in the community’s many restaurants, breweries, and bars. From live music to trivia nights, you’ll always find fun things to do at some of our favorite spots.

Tenacity Brewing

At Tenacity Brewing, you can listen to live music and enjoy various events regularly. Every Tuesday is Yoga on Tap, where you’ll get a one-hour yoga class and craft beverage. Or, you can participate in Open Mic Night, which includes up to 15 minutes for artists on stage every Wednesday.

On the other hand, Tenacity Brewing hosts Trivia Night with George Kovacs every Thursday, and while everyone gets to laugh, only the winners get gift cards. Then, every Friday, you can jam at Big Easy Jazz and Brews Night.

Additionally, Tenacity Brewing has teamed up with Flint Handmade to host Family Coloring Parties. These family-friendly events are free, and each event has a themed coloring page

Soggy Bottom Bar

You can expect live music and a rotation of special items on the menu at Soggy Bottom Bar. Every Thursday, Trivia Night starts at 8 p.m. for teams of two to six people. The winners get a $50 gift card!

Soggy Bottom Bar, Flint - Flint #Mittentrip Guide, Winter In Flint
Soggy Bottom Bar | photo via Joanna Dueweke

Flint City Hard Cider Co.

For open mic nights, sporadic euchre tournaments, and karaoke, head to Flint City Hard Cider Co. You can enjoy local sports-watching parties all summer long. The cidery is just down the street from the Flint City Bucks, so you can watch the games while sipping drink specials.

Plus, different bands — such as Dick Hickey, BoneHawk, You Dirty Rat, and Normal — play live music on various days each week.

Barley & Vine

The wine bar hosts open mic nights and live music regularly. Every Monday is Boozy Bingo night with the chance to win great prizes. And, Thursdays are Trivia Nights with the chance to win a $50 gift card. Every third Thursday of the month features a themed Trivia Night.

Barley &Amp; Vine - Flint
Barley & Vine | photo via Barley & Vine

Blackstone’s Smokehouse

At Blackstone’s Smokehouse, you can attend local sports-watching parties and listen to live music by various artists and bands. On June 8, the restaurant is hosting a comedy event — “The Funniest Night of Your Life” with Mark Knope and Trey Eihlers.

The Agitated Grape

In Davison, The Agitated Grape hosts a variety of entertainment and events throughout the summer months. For instance, there are workshops and live music by local performers who play covers of popular songs.

Every Wednesday, the bar and bistro has Trivia with George on the patio with gift card prizes. Then, there’s Karaoke Thursdays, Giant Drink Day on Fridays, and periodic comedy shows. Once a month, it hosts Drag Queen Bingo, which sells out fast, so make sure that you get tickets ahead of time.

The Agitated Grape - Davidson, Michigan
The Agitated Grape | photo via @michamac1980

The Barn

The Barn is one of the best places to experience sports in Fenton, and it hosts Summer Sports events all season — drop-in cornhole on Wednesdays and Sand Volleyball leagues and tournaments.

On top of that, the sports bar is part of the Fenton Bar Hopper tour, which also includes The Fenton Pub, Ponemah Lakeside Lodge, The Fenton FirePlace, and Corner Bar & Grill. You can enjoy drinks and food from each of these places on Fridays and Saturdays with bus transportation provided.

Ponemah Lakeside Lodge

The Fenton Bar Hopper isn’t the only excitement at Ponemah Lakeside Lodge in Fenton. The restaurant has live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. And, it hosts Snake on the Lake every year. This Labor Day weekend concert is pretty big, and you can get a weekend pass ahead of time.

The Ponemah Lakeside Lodge - Fenton
Ponemah Lakeside Lodge | photo via Ponemah Lakeside Lodge

Corner Bar & Grill

During the summer, Corner Bar & Grill in Fenton is hosting live music by A-Side B-Side for two Thursdays in the months of June, July, and August. Although, that’s not the only live music you’ll hear.

Friday nights bring Karaoke & Good Fun with singing and dancing to some of the hottest music. Saturday nights bring live rock ‘n’ roll music from various bands.

Cranberries Cafe

The Cranberries Cafe in Goodrich organizes some unique events and entertainment over the summer. Alongside live music every Thursday, it hosts Martini Night every month and special holiday events. Sometimes it plans Singalong Music Nights, Murder Mystery Dinners, and Euchre Parties too.

Fun Festivals & Events in Flint, Michigan

Outside of the restaurants and bars around Genesee County are even more events. Here are some Flint, Michigan events and festivals that all ages can attend.

Tunes at Noon Festival

For more than 20 years, the Greater Arts Council has organized the Tunes at Noon Festival.

This year, the festivities will be held for five weeks — Monday through Friday from July to August — on the green space outside Xolo in downtown Flint. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to get comfy while listening to a variety of musical talent during lunchtime.

Flint Summer Festival
Tunes at Noon | photo via Explore Flint & Genesee CVB

JAZZWALK & Flint Jazz Festival

The JAZZWALK and Flint Jazz Festival always occur together for a long weekend of musical fun. The JAZZWALK will be held in July at various downtown bars, featuring drinks, food, and jazz music.

The Flint Jazz Festival has been a staple for about 40 years. It will feature local, regional, and international jazz talents in Riverbank Park.

Flint Jazz Festival - Flint, Michigan
Flint Jazz Festival | photo via Flint Jazz Festival

Gus Macker

The original three-on-three basketball tournament — Gus Macker — is returning to Flint. Alongside basketball games, this family event includes a car show, back-to-school rally, and Detroit Pistons Legions Camp.

There are even prizes for contests for free throws, three-pointer shots, and slam dunks. Plus, you can enjoy some great food while participating or spectating.

Flint Drop Fest

All ages will have fun at Flint Drop Fest. This free electronic music and art festival will feature open air stages, live art, food trucks, workshops, and vendors of all kinds.

Flint Drop Fest - Flint, Michigan
Flint Drop Fest | photo via Flint Drop Fest

Back to the Bricks

Back to the Bricks hosts several American classic car events during the summer months. The main event week in August starts with a Car Show at Birch Run Speedway north of Flint on Monday. For the rest of the week, the events happen in Flint.

A family favorite is Bricks Flicks at the US 23 Drive-In Theater on Tuesday. Also, there are Rolling Cruises of thousands of cars from Flint to Grand Blanc, a live concert, and Tonic Events.

Motorcycles On The Bricks In Downtown Flint Michigan
Back to the Bricks | photo via Explore Flint & Genesee CVB

HAP Crim Festival of Races

The HAP Crim Festival of Races events include the 10 Mile, Michigan Mile, Half Crim 5 Miles, “The Bobby” Challenge, 5K, and Teddy Bear Trot. The Crim Festival Lot will have soft drinks and beer, vendor tents, food trucks, and music.

Crim Festival Of Races - Flint, Michigan
Crim Festival of Races | photo via Crim Fitness Foundation

More Events & Festivals in Genesee County

Aside from Flint, Michigan, many cities and towns across Genesee County have exciting events for locals and visitors alike. Check out the traditional and one-of-a-kind experiences that they offer!

Linden Music by the Mill

On Wednesdays from May to August, head to Linden Millpond Park for Linden Music by the Mill. These free concerts star various musical acts and genres — classic rock, blues, soul, Motown, swing jazz, R&B, contemporary, and pop.

Fenton Concerts in the Park

At Fenton Millpond Park, you can listen and dance to Fenton Concerts in the Park on Thursdays from June to September. Like the Linden concerts, the free concerts feature all types of music — including the sounds of the Fenton Community Orchestra, Simply Strings, and Fenton Jazz Orchestra.

Swartz Creek Hometown Days

Offering something for everyone, Swartz Creek Hometown Days features a parade, a car show, balloon artist, fireworks, whispering pines, a 5K race, comedy farm review, carnival, zombie paintball, and so much more.

Opening day is Special Day, for which community members with special needs and their families can enjoy food, games, entertainment, rides, and more at no cost. Simply register beforehand!

Swartz Creek Hometown Days
Swartz Creek Hometown Days | photo via Swartz Creek Hometown Days

Annual Art in the Park

In Flushing, the Annual Art in the Park will be held at Riverview Park. The outdoor event is free and includes 80 art and fine crafts exhibitors showing off jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery, and more.

Festival of Flags

At the Lake Callis Recreation Complex in Davison, everyone can attend the Festival of Flags. The festival will have carnival rides, live music, a grand parade, car cruise, cornhole tournament, Friday night fireworks, and more. In the Grand Pavilion, adults can relax with beer, wine, and music.

FirstTry & FastTry Triathlons

The annual FirstTry Triathlon will be held at Clover Beach in Linden County Park. It’s specifically designed for first-time triathletes ages 12 and older. The events include a 300-yard swim, 11.3-mile bike ride, and 2-mile run.

Alternatively, those who have participated in a triathlon before can take part in the FastTry Triathlon. It’s a competitive version of the same race with age group awards for the top three finishers.

Firsttry &Amp; Fasttry Triathlons - Linden, Michigan
FirstTry & FastTry Triathlons | photo via FirstTry Triathlon

Grand Blanc Chamber Family Fun Fest

Head to Grand Blanc High School for the Grand Blanc Chamber Family Fun Fest. This annual festival has a carnival atmosphere with vendors, games, food, rides, a rock wall, a charity dunk tank, and other entertainment. Plus, Friday night will feature a fireworks display.

Wine in the Woods

Adults looking for a unique evening out may like Wine in the Woods at R. Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center in Davison. 

This event involves venturing into the woods at twilight to listen to creatures and look for signs of wildlife. At the end of the hunt, attendees gather around a campfire while sipping a glass of wine or other beverage that they bring.

Fenton Freedom Festival

To celebrate Independence Day, go to the Fenton Freedom Festival on July 4. A display of fireworks at Silver Lake Park will follow a downtown Fenton parade and craft show at the Fenton Community & Cultural Center.

Fenton Freedom Festival
Fenton Freedom Festival | photo via Fenton Freedom Festival

Montrose Blueberry Festival

With activities of all kinds, the Montrose Blueberry Festival will be held in August. The festival kicks off with a car show in Lion’s Park and ends with the Chamber of Commerce Duck Race in Barber Park. In between, the many things to do and see include:

  • Royal Tea Party
  • Teen Dance
  • Cornhole Tournament
  • Craft Beer & Wine Tasting
  • Anderson Midways Carnival
  • Shriner’s Pig Roast
  • Slo-Pitch Softball Tournaments
  • Kid’s Parade
  • Blueberry Pie-eating Contest
  • Three-on-three Basketball
  • Blueberry Super Parade
  • Kids & Adult Karaoke
  • 5K/8K Walk & Run
  • And More!
Montrose Blueberry Festival
Montrose Blueberry Festival | photo via Montrose Blueberry Festival

Grand Blanc Food Truck Festival

On Grand Blvd in Grand Blanc, get a taste of local flavor during the Grand Blanc Food Truck Festival. Along with delicious food, you can listen to musical performances at Physicians Park each night.

Find More Exciting Things to Do in Flint Michigan & Genesee County

While events and festivals certainly make summer more exciting, you can’t make the season complete without outdoor things to do in Flint Michigan and Genesee County. There are a lot of ways to experience nature in Flint too!

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