In Pictures: Flint comes alive with summer celebrations

FLINT, Michigan — Flint was buzzing with life all summer as significant cultural and community events converged to transform the city into a vibrant celebration of music, art, athletics, and pride.

From the beloved Gus Macker basketball tournament to the soulful Porch Fest, the community-rooted Local Fest III, and the joyful Flint Pride, residents and visitors alike were treated to a whirlwind of activity that showcased Flint’s resilience and creative spirit.

Local Fest III brought a grassroots celebration of Flint talent and culture on July 5. The third installment of this homegrown festival focused on uplifting local entrepreneurs, artists, and musicians. With performances, open mics, and food vendors, the festival created a platform for Flint’s creative class to shine.

Artists like Heat Above, Taylor Tatum, Cris Da Boss, GS Tha Dream, and other regional favorites graced the stage. At the same time, businesses and food trucks lined the walkways, providing goods and nourishment with hometown flair.

The crescendo arrived in Carriage Town with the 6th Annual Porch Fest, a unique neighborhood music festival where local bands performed from porches and stoops.

Organized by the Carriage Town Historic Neighborhood Association, the event kicked off with a Pre-party at People’s Plaza on July 18 featuring Jeff Skigh, chef pop-ups, and curated wine and charcuterie by Queens’ Provisions.

The main event on Friday evening, July 18, transformed the corner of 1st Avenue and Mason Street into a living jukebox. Acts like Jon Connor, BRB, Isaac Ryder, and Madison Olivia filled the air with everything from hip-hop to soul, while neighbors danced in the street and kids chased bubbles across lawns.

Adding to the summer celebrations of spirit of love and unity, Flint Pride brought rainbow flags and vibrant energy to downtown Flint, celebrating LGBTQ+ identities, families, and allies with music, vendors, performances, and joy.

Organized by Wellness Services, Flint Pride has become a vital tradition, offering not only entertainment but also critical resources for queer and trans folks. 

This year’s event reminded everyone that Pride in Flint is about visibility, resilience, and love as Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet, 8th District County Commissioner Dale Weighill, and Genesee County Clerk Dominique Clemons, presented a resolution officially recognizing Pride in Genesee County.

Returning to Downtown Flint on July 27-28, the iconic Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament once again drew hundreds of teams and thousands of spectators. The event, held near the Flat Lot and the UM-Flint campus, featured players of all ages and skill levels, from youth divisions to top-tier “Dream Court” competitors.

Known nationally for its community-first philosophy, Gus Macker’s Flint stop remains one of its most popular and deeply rooted in tradition.

Aside from the courtside competition, spectators enjoyed vendor tents, food trucks, and youth-friendly activities, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that highlighted the city’s unity and sportsmanship.

And the celebrations aren’t over yet as Flint is gearing up for one of its biggest music events of the year: Flint Drop Fest, returning to downtown on Friday, Aug. 9. Known for transforming the city center into a multi-stage sonic playground, Drop Fest brings together dozens of DJs, electronic artists, and live performers from across the region, keeping the summer energy alive.

Check out the photos taken of these events and more by photojournalist Anthony Summers.