Flint Monster Society hosts Sinister Swamp Meet for local artists and horror fans

FLINT, Michigan — The Sinister Swamp Meet event makes its annual return to show off local Flint vendors of the spooky variety on May 23rd. Put together by the one-man show that is The Flint Monster Society, run by Chris Ringler, and held at the Flint Local 432, the “strange vending fun” takes place from noon to 5 P.M. 

Ringler was first introduced to Flint’s arts scene about 20 years ago and has been involved in managing all kinds of weird and unusual events since. As a member of the Flint Horror Collective in its beginnings in 2011, he left around the start of COVID, but soon after, “…wanted to be involved again, and started this up [the Flint Monster Society] as a kind of solo endeavor,” around 2022.

Sinister Swamp Meet is free to attend and will feature vendors of all sorts. Vendors include, but are not limited to, a henna artist, all sorts of creepy crafts like bone jewelry making, home decor, and multiple authors. There will also be an acoustic set by 3 musicians, Not A Cult, Dr. Cujo, and Gustine at 3 P.M.

With 13 vendors in total, the perfect unlucky number for a horror-adjacent gathering, Ringler says it’s a great way for new vendors just starting to get some experience in – “It’s a very shallow pool to dip your toes in.” 

Later this year, Ringler will also be hosting another free event, the Flint Short Film Freakout, on Sept. 5th. Short films submitted from all across the globe will be shown, like the winner of one of three categories in last year’s Flint Short Film Freakout from Iran. Ringler described the event as, “…a fun way to support local and regional filmmakers, and really give everybody a taste of what’s happening in international film.” 

Through the different gatherings Ringler organizes via the Flint Monster Society, he is determined to put a spotlight on all the talent and artistry happening in Flint. He heavily encourages Flint inhabitants to support and attend the many local events, whether they are hosted by him or not.

“This is just, gosh, the tiniest part of the iceberg compared to what’s going on,” Ringler emphasized, pridefully articulating the number of talented folks local to the Flint area. “You can go [to local events], and you might find your new favorite author, or your new favorite artist. Who knows?”

Ringler will have his own table at the Sinister Swamp Meet, featuring some of his writings, including his latest book, Things We Found. He also hosts the Spooky Chris Podcast, found on all listening apps, on which multiple best-selling authors have been featured.

Visit the Flint Monster Society Facebook page for other fun, cheap events happening in Flint, or learn more about Chris and his many projects through his website or his personal Instagram.