GENESEE COUNTY, MI — A look at this weekend’s activities in the Flint area includes the Crim Festival of Races, Genesee County Fair, Monarch Festival and tons of live music.
Even with autumn just around the corner, there are still plenty of ways to soak up the last bits of summer with family and friends.
Check out the list below for a variety of events happening throughout Flint and Genesee County from Friday, August 25, to Sunday, August 27.
Genesee County Fair
A weekend of music, carnival rides and more is taking place in Genesee County.
The Genesee County Fair is happening daily now through Sunday, Aug. 27 at the E.A. Cummings Center, 6130 E. Mt. Morris Road in Genesee Township.
Artist Flo Rida is expected to highlight the fair on Friday, Aug. 25, with hit songs like “Low,” “Whistle,” and “My House.”
Related: Rap artist Flo Rida headlines 2023 Genesee County Fair
Other fair attractions include a performance from Hinder with special guest WestFall at 7 p.m. on Saturday and a rodeo on Sunday at 7 p.m.
Fair fun pass tickets are $40 and guarantee entry into all seven grandstand events. Standard admission is as low as $15 and the highest is $65 for those who want to be close to the stage.
Passes can only be purchased on the Genesee County Fair website or at the fair office.
Parking passes are available for the entire week, including unlimited re-entry for $30. Without the pass, parking is free before noon each day and then $10 per car any time after noon.
HAP Crim Festival of Races
The HAP Crim Festival of Races returns to downtown Flint for the 46th year this weekend.
Festivities kick off Friday, Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. with the Lois Craig Invitational. This Special Olympics tradition will take place on Saginaw Street. The Michigan Mile follows the invitational at 7 p.m.
The main race day will take place on Saturday, Aug. 26 with the 10 Mile runs, including Wheelers and Hand Cyclists at 6:45 a.m., the 30 Year Club at 6:50 a.m. and 10 Start Waves from 7-8:30 a.m.
Half Crim 5 Mile takes place 9-9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26 with 5K Waves.
Races wrap up at noon on Saturday with the Teddy Bear Trot, starting outside Flint City Hall on Saginaw Street.
Related: Crim reveals plans for 2023 HAP Festival of Races and beyond
Visit the Crim website to register and view maps of the race routes.
The Fenton Follies: A Magical Evening
Experience a night of live music, acting, dancing and magic this Saturday.
The Fenton Follies are hosting “A Magical Evening” beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26 at The Laundry, 125 W. Shiawassee Ave. in Fenton.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided with a cash bar available at the theatre.
General admission is $50 with all proceeds benefitting Wishing Well Theatre Inc. and its 2024 season. This fundraising event is being held in lieu of the annual Shakespeare in Rackham Park Festival.
Next year the theatre plans to host another Shakespeare Festival. Those who attend The Fenton Follies event will have the ability to cast their vote to help choose which play is produced next year.
Blues on the Library Lawn
Blues lovers in the area can enjoy an evening of live music, outdoor in a few days.
The Greg Ellis Band, Nicky T and the Snake Charmers and ZOOM with Shawn Kellerman are performing from 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26 at the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library, 1026 E. Kearsley St. in Flint.
This concert is sponsored by Bishop Trust Grant.
Annual Monarch Festival
Genesee County locals can celebrate butterflies this weekend.
For-Mar invites all butterfly fans to celebrate Monarch’s before they migrate 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27. The event takes place at For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, 2142 N. Genesee Road in Burton.
Attendees can partake in a day filled with butterfly crafts and games, naturalist led butterfly hikes, monarch tagging and more. Some lucky visitors will also get to take home their own monarch caterpillar or chrysalis while supplies last.
Admission is $3 per visitor.
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