Summer festival season expected to bring nearly $23M economic boost to Flint area

Lylah McBride, 7 years old, makes a snow cone at the Gus Macker basketball 3-on-3 tournament in Flint on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The event featured 18 individual age based brackets and countless teams.

FLINT, MI - Popular Flint-area events, such as Back to the Bricks Main Event and the Crim Festival of Races, are expected to make a big impact on the local economy this summer.

A series of annual events returning to Flint and Genesee County is projected to generate an estimated $22.9 million in economic impact for the region, according to officials with Explore Flint & Genesee, the county’s destination marketing organization.

The organization, contracted by the Genesee County Board of Commissioners, works to retain and support events that draw visitors to the area, including assisting with booking hotel rooms, organizing volunteers, and promoting local festivals.

“It’s festival season in Flint & Genesee, and we are so happy to help welcome back our longstanding mainstays in our community,” Amari Steward, executive director of Explore Flint & Genesee, said in a statement.

“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.”

This summer’s lineup includes well-known events such as the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, which happened last weekend, the Back to the Bricks Main Event, the Crim Festival of Races, and the Ally Challenge presented by McLaren golf tournament.

Players form in several lines to register for the Gus Macker basketball 3-on-3 tournament in Flint on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The event featured 18 individual age based brackets and countless teams.

These events attract both local residents and visitors from states across the country, including Texas, Georgia, and Minnesota, as well as international attendees.

Key events and their estimated impacts include:

• Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament (July 24–27): Brought approximately 5,200 participants and spectators with an estimated economic impact of $211,478.
• Mott Lake Regatta (Aug. 9–10): Returning by popular demand, this event is expected to draw 2,500 visitors and contribute around $98,045.
• AGJA Randy Wise Junior Open (Aug. 10–14): This long-standing junior golf tournament typically attracts 2,000 visitors and contributes roughly $158,935.
• Back to the Bricks Main Event (Aug. 11–16): A 21-year tradition in downtown Flint, expected to draw 35,000 attendees and bring $428,333 in economic activity.
• HAP CareSource Crim Festival of Races (Aug. 22–23): One of Flint’s most recognized events, attracting around 30,000 runners and spectators, with an estimated impact of nearly $2 million.
• Ally Challenge presented by McLaren (Aug. 18–24): A week-long PGA Champions golf event in Grand Blanc anticipated to bring approximately 24,000 visitors and generate over $20 million.

Players take turns dunking on an unused hoop at the Gus Macker basketball 3-on-3 tournament in Flint on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The event featured 18 individual age based brackets and countless teams.

The estimated economic impacts provided by Flint & Genesee were calculated using data from Placer.AI, the Tourism Economics Economic Impact Calculator, and direct reports from event organizers.

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Players, coaches, and referees put their hand on a basketball before a game starts on the dreams court at the Gus Macker basketball 3-on-3 tournament in Flint on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The event featured 18 individual age based brackets and countless teams.

Players face off against one another at the Gus Macker basketball 3-on-3 tournament in Flint on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The event featured 18 individual age based brackets and countless teams.

Trophies for top teams are placed on a table at the registration booth at the Gus Macker basketball 3-on-3 tournament in Flint on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The event featured 18 individual age based brackets and countless teams.

A child plays basketball with Officer Bennet at the Gus Macker basketball 3-on-3 tournament in Flint on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The event featured 18 individual age based brackets and countless teams.

Children line up for a free throw contest at the Gus Macker basketball 3-on-3 tournament in Flint on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The event featured 18 individual age based brackets and countless teams.

A player from Flight Classic drives to the hoop at the Gus Macker basketball 3-on-3 tournament in Flint on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The event featured 18 individual age based brackets and countless teams.

Gus Macker gear is put on display at the Gus Macker basketball 3-on-3 tournament in Flint on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The event featured 18 individual age based brackets and countless teams.