Festivals and events to bring over 85,000 visitors to Flint & Genesee

These booked events will bring an estimated $22.9M in impact to Genesee County 

(Flint, Mich., 07/24/2025) – Explore Flint & Genesee, the region’s convention & visitors bureau reports an estimated impact of $22,860,352 on the horizon thanks to annual events returning to Flint & Genesee. A division of the Flint & Genesee Group and contracted by the Genesee County Board of Commissioners as the county’s destination marketing organization, Explore Flint & Genesee works to retain these events and support organizers in booking room nights, organizing volunteers, and promoting events.  

“It’s festival season in Flint & Genesee, and we are so happy to help welcome back our longstanding mainstays in our community,” says Amari Steward, executive director of Explore Flint & Genesee. “Our team is working to support organizers in their efforts to produce top-notch festivals and events that are going to make a huge impact on our region.” 

Visitors to these events come from both in and out of the county, including states like Texas, Georgia, and Minnesota. Events like the Ally Challenge presented by McLaren and the AGJA Randy Wise Junior Open presented by Genesee County see international visitors as well.  

Local events coming to the area include: 

  • Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament – July 24-27 
    • This annual event, a fundraiser for the Salvation Army L.I.F.E. Center, brings an average of 5,200 people to the area and lends an estimated impact of $211,478. 
  • Mott Lake Regatta – Aug. 9-10 
    • A new event to the area compared to others on the list, the Regatta is back by popular demand on Mott Lake. The event brings an estimated 2,500 visitors to Bluebell Beach and makes an estimated impact of $98,045.  
  • The AGJA Randy Wise Junior Open presented by Genesee County – Aug. 10-14 
    • For over 50 years, the American Junior Golf Association has brought this tournament to Genesee County. Recently, the event brings an average of 2,000 visitors to the region and has an estimated impact of $158,935. 
  • Back to the Bricks Main Event – Aug. 11-16 
    • The 21st annual Back to the Bricks returns for the main event in downtown Flint filled with car cruises, concerts, and more. The entire event sees an average of 35,000 attendees and has an estimated impact of $428,333. 
  • HAP CareSource Crim Festival of Races – Aug. 22-23 
    • Near 50 years in Flint, the Crim is a longstanding, well-known event for runners (and walkers) from around the world. The event will bring approximately 30,000 people downtown and will have an estimated economic impact of $1,963,561. 
  • The Ally Challenge presented by McLaren – Aug. 18-24 
    • From pro-ams to PGA Champions players, country concerts to classic rock stars, the Ally Challenge has it all. This week-long event will bring roughly 24,000 to Grand Blanc and have an economic impact of over $20 million.  

Data is calculated using Placer.AI data, Tourism Economics Economic Impact Calculator, and direct reporting from Ally Challenge presented by McLaren and Back to the Bricks.  

For more information on events happening this festival season, visit ExploreFlintandGenesee.org.  

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