Flint was founded as a village by fur trader Jacob Smith in 1819 and grew into a major lumbering area during the nineteenth century. From the late 1800s to the mid-twentieth century, the city was a leading manufacturer of carriages and, later, automobiles, earning it the moniker “Vehicle City.” General Motors (GM) was founded in Flint in 1908, and the city grew into an automobile manufacturing powerhouse for GM’s Buick and Chevrolet divisions.
Since then, Flint & Genesee county have been known for its connection to the automobile industry. Back to the Bricks, a week-long classic car show, is one of our most popular annual events. Around the Flint & Genesee area, you can look forward to the Alley Fest, the Flint Jazz Festival, 80s in the Hole, and Flint Drop Fest for live entertainment and highlight local and national talent. Professional and semi-professional sporting events bring together fans of ice hockey, soccer, and golf. The HAP Crim Festival of Races offers runners a one-of-a-kind opportunity to tour historic Flint neighborhoods and race down Saginaw Street’s bricks. Flint is also home to many art festivals, fairs and local craft shows.
