Things To Do: December 5-11

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2nd Friday Artwalk, Flint, Michigan


Information and dates are subject to change without notice. Please call ahead to confirm.

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Holiday Happenings

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Santa and Friends at Genesee Valley Center, 3341 S. Linden Road, Flint * (810) 732-4000 * geneseemall.com

  • (Open during center hours) Visit with Santa and friends, in center court, and walk through the Woodland display, based on the children’s book “Stranger in the Woods.” Visits with Santa are free and photos are available for a small fee.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Santa Visits at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, 4000 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills * (248) 454-5000 * greatlakescrossingoutlets.com

  • (Open during outlet hours) Get your picture taken with Santa and meet his Elves. Santa photo packages available.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: “Cosmic Christmas – A Christmas Laser Light Show” at Longway Planetarium, 1310 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 237-3400 or (810) 237-3409 * sloanlongway.org

  • (Show begins Monday-Thursday 3:30 p.m., Friday 3:30 p.m. & 7 p.m., Saturday 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. and Sunday 4:30 p.m.) Enjoy this made at Longway Christmas light show featuring a combination of 16 songs including several holiday classics, a few new hits and a couple of fun Christmas songs you might not have heard before. All this set to stunning 4k visuals in a festival of Christmas splendor. Show is subject to change without notice. Please call ahead to confirm.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: “Winter Wonderland Display” at Sloan Museum, 1221 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 237-3450 * sloanlongway.org

  • (Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.) See a Dickens Village like you have never seen before, complete with more than 200 buildings, characters and countless lights all set to holly-jolly music. Let speeding miniature locomotives guide your eyes and ears through this wee world.

Tuesday, December 6: “Annual Holiday Walk” at the Flint Cultural Center Campus, Kearsley Street off I-475 at Longway Blvd., Flint * (810) 237-7333 * FlintCulturalCenter.org

  • (Event runs 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.) Enjoy this free community event on this beautifully decorated 33 acre campus complete with holiday light displays, festive music, holiday theatre performances, seasonal craft demonstrations, holiday planetarium samplers, refreshments, Santa visits/photos and more. The annual tree lighting ceremony begins at 5:15 p.m. Food trucks will also be selling food and beverages. While this is a free event, donations of non-perishable food or personal care items will be accepted for the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

Wednesday-Sunday, December 7-11: Clio Cast & Crew presents “The Treasure of Shiver River – A Christmas Jamboree” to Theatre 57, 2220 W. Vienna Road, Clio * (810) 687-2588 * cliocastandcrew.com

  • (Performances begin Wednesday-Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 2:30 p.m.) All the traditional plot elements are here during this laugh out loud comedy. From the nasty scoundrel Rod Enreel, who will soon take over the Shiver River Ranch and find the hidden treasure if Colonel Sanders can’t sell his cattle to come up with the mortgage money, to heroic Marshal Marshall Law, who would love to propose to Heide Claire, the colonel’s daughter, yet he can’t – and more.

Friday-Sunday, December 9-11: Christmas at Crossroads “Holiday Magic,” 6140 Bray Road, Flint * (800) 648-PARK * geneseecountyparks.org

  • (Open 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.) Visit Crossroads when thousands of lights sparkle like tiny stars throughout the village with live entertainment, model trains, holiday music, costumed villagers making vintage crafts, shops full of great holiday gifts and Santa himself bringing smiles to faces of all ages. Ride the Huckleberry Railroad for a festive night-time ride.

Saturday, December 10: “Elf Workshop” at Sloan Museum, 1221 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 237-3450 * sloanlongway.org

  • (Event runs 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) Enjoy a morning of crafts and fun and make an ornament with Flint Handmade. Then, explore Sloan Museum including their new Holiday exhibit Winter Wonderland. Cookies and hot cocoa will be served. Recommended for ages 2 to 11.

Saturday, December 10: “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” at The Whiting, 1241 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 237-7333 * thewhiting.com

  • (Performance begins 8 p.m.) Enjoy this one amazing evening-length production by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, DJ and violinist.

Saturday & Sunday, December 10 & 11: Holly Dickens Festival, Village of Holly’s Entertainment District/Battle Alley * (248) 634-7040 * hollydickensfestival.org

  • (Festival runs Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Step back in time and partake in this family-fun event as the Dickens Festival celebrates its 43rd year, the longest running Dickens themed event in the U.S. Stroll the streets of downtown Holly while enjoying the sweet sounds of carolers as they sing our favorite Christmas songs, visit Holly’s unique shops, listen to the story of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol”, grab a bite to eat, take a holiday carriage ride and more.

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Events

Friday, December 9: “Treehouse Story Time: Trees, Trees, Trees!” at For-Mar Nature Preserve, 2142 N. Genesee Road, Burton * (810) 789-8567 * geneseecountyparks.org

  • (Event runs 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.) Sprout the love of reading and nature during this Treehouse Story Time – share books, sing songs and make a craft.

Friday, December 9: University of Michigan-Flint Men’s Hockey at Crystal Fieldhouse Ice Arena, 5371 Daly Farms Drive, Burton * (810) 744-0800 * crystalfh.com

  • (Game begins 8 p.m.) Come out for a night of exciting hockey when the University of Michigan-Flint Men’s Hockey team plays against Saginaw Valley State University.

Saturday, December 10: “Circuits & Gadgets” at the Flint Public Library/Main Branch, 1026 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 232-7111 * fpl.info

  • (Event runs 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.) Learn the fun of working and playing with Science, Technology and Math. Call to register, but walk-ins are welcome. Recommended for elementary school ages.

Saturday, December 10: “Indoor Ice Racing” at Dort Event Center, 3501 Lapeer Road, Flint * (810) 744-0580 * dorteventcenter.com

  • (Event runs 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) The Flint Motorcycle Club is hosting this 57th annual indoor ice racing competition with proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters.

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Attractions

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Sloan Museum, 1221 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 237-3450 * sloanlongway.org

  • (Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.) Enjoy regional history, historic automobiles and hands-on science activities where children and adults can explore principles of chemistry and physics through exhibits and staff presentations.
    • “In The Dark” – The dark is a place of mystery! Sometimes scary, but always intriguing, darkness beckons exploration and represents the unknown. But, it’s also a natural evolutionary selective pressure that has caused plants and animals to adapt to ecosystems like caves, the deep sea, the forest at night and underneath the ground. This exhibit features three immersive zones, enabling visitors to see and experience some of these dark and largely unseen worlds, including the ways people have reacted to darkness throughout history. Each diorama uses mechanical displays, life-size animal models and informational panels to surround visitors with the sights, sounds, smells and sensations of several dark ecosystems.
    • “Collecting Flint from A to Z” – The Sloan Museum has a variety of artifacts, nearly 400,000 of them! You name it, they probably have one. A large, eclectic collection is required to accurately record the last 200 years of life in Flint & Genesee. This exhibit highlights 26 groups from Sloan’s vast and varied collection, normally hidden away in storage. Each alphabetized set reveals something about Flint’s shared history. View historic automobiles, firearms, radios, wedding dresses, beer, blueprints and everything in-between.
    • “20th Century Gallery” – Flint’s dramatic history as the birthplace of General Motors comes to life. The exhibit takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Flint in the 20th century – from the birth of the auto industry to the present. Encounter the ups and downs of General Motors, the birth of the UAW, Flint’s role as the “Arsenal of Democracy” and what life was like during the 50s, 60s and 70s. The gallery displays over 600 artifacts and photographs, including rare antique automobiles, colorful neon signs, period clothing, household furnishings and commercial goods.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, 4316 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills * (866) 622-0605 * visitsealife.com/michigan

  • (Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – last entry is 1 hour prior to closing time) Located at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, get transported into an amazing underwater world. Come nose-to-nose with sharks and prepare for astonishingly close views of everything from humble seahorses to graceful rays. Walk through an underwater Ocean Tunnel, encounter more than 5,000 sea creatures, hold a crab and touch a sea star. Meet Benson, a young Green Sea turtle rescued after being struck by a boat in Florida. Benson now has permanent damage to his shell and spine and can’t dive for food, so he will never be able to be released back into the wild. Also, participate in daily fun talks and feed shows. Check the website above for special hours and closures.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan, 4240 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills * (866) 622-0605 * legolanddiscoverycenter.com/michigan

  • (Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Center remains open 2 hours after last admission; please allow a minimum of 2 to 3 hours for a visit) Located at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, this indoor family attraction features two LEGO rides, a 4D cinema, a large children’s play area, a creative workshop where guests learn about LEGO building from experts and more. Also, visit Miniland and view some of Metro Detroit’s iconic buildings and attractions made from LEGO bricks. All tickets are pre-booked online, meaning that guests must select a visit date and time and arrive at that appointed time to guarantee entry. During peak periods, and because guests can stay as long as they want once inside, there may be entry delays. Please be advised that adults must be accompanied by a child in order to gain entry into the attraction. Check the website above for special hours and closures. Recommended for children ages 3 to 10.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Longway Planetarium, 1310 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 237-3409 or (810) 237-3400 * sloanlongway.org

  • Due to the dark planetarium environment, shows listed below are recommended for children 4 years and older. No late seating and no re-entry after show begins. Tickets go on sale ½ hour before showtime. Shows are subject to change without notice. Please call ahead to confirm.
    • “Asteroid: Mission Extreme” (Show starts Monday-Friday 2:30 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 12:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.) Mission Extreme takes audiences on an epic journey to discover how asteroids are both a danger and an opportunity. The danger lies in the possibility of a cataclysmic collision with Earth; the opportunity is the fascinating idea that asteroids could be stepping stones to other worlds – veritable way stations in space – enabling us to cross the Solar System.
    • “The Accidental Astronauts” (Show starts Saturday & Sunday 1:30 p.m.) Follow the adventures of Cy and Annie and their dog, Armstrong, as they embark on an unexpected journey into space. Explore the Earth, Sun and Moon with a wise-cracking starship computer.
    • “Skies Over Michigan” (Show starts Saturday & Sunday 3:30 p.m.) Learn about the rotation of the Earth, find the North Star and the way around the night sky, what a constellation is and which are visible in the current night sky. Also, learn about Moon phases, the daily and monthly motion of the Moon through the sky, visible planets and their movement among the stars.

Tuesday-Sunday, December 6-11: Flint Children’s Museum, 1602 W. University Avenue, Flint * (810) 767-5437 * thefcm.org

  • (Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.) Come explore and awaken your imagination, where the power of play inspires lifelong learning through over 40 hands-on educational and fun exhibits. Recommended for children ages 2 to 10.
    • “Busy Builders” – This traveling exhibit brings the inner engineer out of all kids! With stations for drafting blueprints, building giant skyscrapers, constructing a log house and more, kids will discover and show how innovative they actually can be.
    • “Harmonica Harmonies” – (Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Investigation Station) Do you know what a harmonica is? Visit the Museum this week to not only learn what this unique musical instrument is, but also make your own to take home!
    • “Free Sunday” – (Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) The Museum is having a fun, free day thanks to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Friday-Sunday, December 9-11: Buick Automotive Gallery & Research Center, 303 Walnut Street, Flint * (810) 237-3440 or (810)  237-3450 * sloanlongway.org

  • (Open Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. – call 24 hours in advance for all other appointments) The Gallery displays over 25 classical and concept locally built automobiles featuring five one-of-a-kind cars – a 1954 Wildcat II, Centurion, Arrow, Phantom and an XP.
    • “Proof of Concept” – View conceptual vehicles that allowed automakers to flex their creative muscles featuring four legendary Dream Cars and the production models they inspired. Some, like the 1953 Buick Skylark, sprang near-fully formed from their four-wheeled ancestor, while others carry their heritage in more subtle ways, with only a slight nod to an understated styling cue to tie them to their conceptual forbearers.

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Art & Culture

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Flint Institute of Arts (FIA), 1120 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 234-1695 * flintarts.org

  • (Monday-Friday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.) Visit FIA and browse their outstanding collections of American, European, Native American, African and Asian art including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and decorative arts featuring a complete set of 17th century French tapestries that tell a story.
    • “Art of Jade” – Throughout history, jade has had profound cultural implications in different regions of the world. A wide variety of items, including tools, figurines and jewelry reflected the strong cosmological and symbolic associations the culture had with this luminous, hard stone. This exhibit includes objects from China that range from the Neolithic period (8,000-2,000 BCE) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) and from Mesoamerican cultures dating back as early as 1800 BCE. The exhibit explores the history of these “jade cultures” as well as the functional, stylistic and technical developments of jade as an artist medium throughout time.
    • “Pressed for Time: History of Printmaking” – Organized by the FIA and the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, enjoy this historical survey of the four major processes of printmaking in the Western world. Selected prints highlight the remarkable diversity and ingenuity of this medium. The four methods of relief (woodcut), intaglio (etching & engraving), planographic (lithography) and stencil (screenprinting) are represented, along with a brief look at the new medium of digital printing.
    • “Work on Paper” – In recognition of the 80th anniversary of the 44-day sit-down strike at the General Motors Fisher Body Plant that began on December 30, 1936, the FIA presents prints and drawings that relate to labor, workers’ rights and protests. Spanning the late 19th to the mid-20th century, the artists in this exhibition depict men and women at work, mostly in factory settings. Many works are from the decade of the 1930s, the era of the Great Depression, which saw many changes to labor, from the picket line to the unemployment line.
    • “Mad Ladders” – In Mad Ladders, the prophetic ramblings of an unseen narrator recount fantastical dreams of the coming Rapture, as crystalline imagery of rolling clouds gives way to heavily-processed video of moving stage sets from The American Music Awards telecasts of the 1980s and early 1990s. Blooming and pulsing in and out of geometric abstraction, this swirling storm of rising curtains, spinning set pieces and unveiled pop idols forms a surreal spectacle, driven by its impassioned narrator. Like a half-remembered dream of mythology, television and religion, the film strikes a hypnotic balance between storytelling and free-falling.

Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, December 6, 8 & 10: Art at the Market Gallery at the Flint Farmers’ Market, 300 E. First Street, Flint * (810) 238-9202 * artatthemarket.com

  • (Open Tuesday & Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Located in the Flint Farmers’ Market, enjoy browsing, and purchasing, at this unique art gallery showcasing original artwork from over 30 local artists. Art at the Market is a non-profit organization and operated by its artists.

Thursday-Saturday, December 8-10: Mott-Warsh Collection Gallery, 815 S. Saginaw Street, Flint (Gallery entrance is on E. Court Street) * (810) 835-4900 * m-wc.org

  • (Open Thursday & Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the 2nd Friday of each month 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) Established in 2001 by Maryanne Mott and her late husband, Herman Warsh, this thought-provoking art gallery features the work of artists of the African diaspora and those who reflect on it. It comprises over 600 works by more than 185 artists working in varied media and stylistic approaches. Artists represented in the post-World War II collection include Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Samella Lewis and Charles White as well as contemporary innovators such as Carrie Mae Weems, Wangechi Mutu, Kehinde Wiley and Hank Willis Thomas.

Thursday-Saturday, December 8-10: Buckham Gallery, 134 ½ W. Second Street, Flint * (810) 239-6233 * buckhamgallery.org

  • (Open 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.) Founded in 1984, Buckham Gallery is an artist-run, not-for-profit exhibition and performance space that features artists from as many diverse locations as possible. It is the philosophy of the gallery to create an open atmosphere, which allows both emerging and established artists to take charge of their own creative pursuits.

Friday, December 9: “2nd Friday Artwalk” at Flint’s Downtown Entertainment District, Saginaw Street, Flint * (810) 238-ARTS * geneseefun.com

  • (Event runs 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.) Partake in delicious foods, tasty beverages, live music and the works of various artists on display throughout downtown Flint art galleries and businesses including the Greater Flint Arts Council and The Local Grocer, which hosts an evening of social crafting, with Flint Handmade, along with a display of framed prints and handmade goods from local artists.

Friday, December 9: Greater Flint Arts Council (GFAC), 816 S. Saginaw Street, Flint * (810) 238-ARTS * greaterflintartscouncil.org

  • (Open 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.) The GFAC programs and services are designed to engage the community in creative processes and support the work of Michigan artists. This is accomplished by showcasing a new exhibit each month in their downtown gallery. Join GFAC on Friday, during 2nd Friday Artwalk, as they celebrate the opening of their new exhibit “Glass Artists of Michigan” along with live music by the Norton Male Chorus, food and beverages. Free admission.

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Theater

Thursday-Saturday, December 8-10: The New McCree Theatre presents “The Wiz,” 2040 W. Carpenter Road, Flint * (810) 787-2200 * thenewmccreetheatre.com

  • (Performances begin Thursday & Friday 7 p.m. and Saturday 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.) Based on the fabled Wizard of Oz, this soulful musical revisits Dorothy’s journey from Kansas to the Emerald City and all of the colorful characters – the Scarecrow, the Tinman and the Cowardly Lion – she meets in between. Recommended for all ages.

Friday-Sunday, December 9-11: Flint Youth Theatre presents “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka” to Bower Theatre, 1220 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 237-1530 * thefyt.org

  • (Performances begin Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m.) Based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, join Charlie Bucket and Grandpa Joe, Veruca Salt and Augustus Gloop, Oompa-Loompas and the mysterious Wonka on a madcap discovery of the importance of selflessness. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Friday-Sunday, December 9-11: “Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You” at the Flint Institute of Arts’ Film Theater, 1120 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 234-1695 * flintarts.org

  • (Film begins Friday & Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m.) The makers of the documentaries Detropia and Jesus Camp look at the life, work and political activism of the legendary TV producer best known for such sitcoms as All in the Family, The Jefferson’s and Maude. This film is not rated.

Friday-Sunday, December 9-11: The Flint Community Players presents “Topdog/Underdog” to Tom & Bea Nobles Performance Hall, 2462 S. Ballenger Highway, Flint * Box Office (810) 441-9302/ Main (810) 235-6963 * flintcommunityplayers.com

  • (Performances begin Friday & Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 2:30 p.m.) Relive the story of Lincoln and Booth, two brothers whose names foretell a lifetime of sibling rivalry and resentment. Haunted by the past, the brothers are forced to confront the shattering reality of their future.

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Entertainment

Monday-Saturday, December 5-10: Public Ice Skating at Flint Iceland Arena, 1160 S. Elms Road, Flint * (810) 635-8487 * flinticeland.com

  • (Open Monday through Saturday – check website above for hours of operation and events) Enjoy the sport of ice skating with friends and family. Public skating sessions are a great way to get out on the ice, get some exercise and have fun while doing it. Public skating schedule is subject to change without notice. Please call ahead to confirm times.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Ice Skating at Crystal Fieldhouse Ice Arena, 5371 Daly Farms Drive, Burton * (810) 744-0800 * crystalfh.com

  • (Open Monday through Sunday – check website above for hours of operation and “calendar of events” page for a listing of all events) Enjoy public skating, drop-in hockey, stick-n-puck, broomball, U-of-M Flint Hockey games for both men and women, Powers Catholic High School home games, GFHA Youth Hockey leagues, Try Hockey for free days, learn to play hockey, Elite Skating Academy learn to skate, learn to figure skate, hockey skating skills, private lessons, adult learn to skate classes, adult hockey leagues, tournaments, camps and clinics and STRIDA summer hockey training program. Book birthday parties and/or school and church field trips. Event times are subject to change. Double check website calendar before going to Crystal Fieldhouse for any event.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Mt. Holly Ski & Snowboard Area, 13536 Dixie Highway, Holly * (248) 634-8269 * skimtholly.com

  • (Morning Session runs approximately 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Afternoon Session 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.) Nestled in Groveland Township just south of Flint & Genesee, Mt. Holly offers 19 trails ranging from beginner to advance along with 5 rope tows, 2 SunKid Wonder Carpets and 7 chairlifts, including Southeastern Michigan’s only High-Speed detachable quad. Skiers and spectators can warm up by an outdoor fireplace or head inside the Bavarian Lodge, which features 2 cafeterias, a fireplace room, a lounge with 2 additional fireplaces and a full service ski shop. Due to weather, operating times are subject to change without notice. Please call ahead to confirm.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Michigan Escape Games, 9023 Davison Road, Davison * (810) 652-6165 * michiganescapegames.com

  • (For game times and availability call the phone number above or visit the website) If you’re a gamer and think you’ve got what it takes to test your clue-cracking skills in the real world, then this is for you. Designed for small groups of 2-12 people and team events up to 50 people, challenge your wits, skills and teamwork to find clues and solve ciphers to escape from a locked room in under 60 minutes. The Escape Game provides sophisticated, high-level games that will challenge even the most hardcore gamers. Each themed room transports all into an adventure and one that will never be forgotten!

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: IMAX Trillium Theatre Grand Blanc/NCG Cinemas, 8220 Trillium Circle Avenue, Grand Blanc * Show Times (810) 695-5000 / Main (810) 953-0650 * ncgmovies.com/grand-blanc/

  • “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: An IMAX Experience” – The adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards 70 years before Harry Potter reads his book in school. Rated PG-13. Shows are subject to change without notice. Please call ahead to confirm.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Chuck E. Cheese’s, 3489 Miller Road, Flint * (810) 733-7404 * chuckecheese.com

  • (Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) Chuck E. Cheese’s is the ultimate place “Where a Kid Can Be a Kid” and parents can enjoy every moment. That’s why Chuck E. himself takes pride in providing a safe, family-friendly environment offering video games, high-tech simulator rides, skytubes, kiddie rides for the little ones, live stage shows and more. Admission is free and games are always just one token.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Bowl Flint – B’s Bowling Center * 750 S. Center Road, Flint * (810) 743-7570; Richfield Bowl * 5340 Richfield Road, Flint * (810) 736-4880; bowlflint.com

  • (Open Monday through Sunday – check website above for hours of operation and events) Richfield Bowl and B’s Bowling are dedicated to providing one of the best entertainment venues in Flint & Genesee. These modern bowling centers offer kid-friendly bumper bowling lanes with lightweight bowling balls and small shoes. Also, experience Cosmic Bowling, on the weekends, with glow in the dark lanes along with laser, disco, black and runway lights, fog and music.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Rollhaven Skate & Fun Center * rollhaven.com

  • Flint/Grand Blanc * 5315 S. Saginaw Road, Grand Blanc Twp * (810) 694-4533, (Open Monday through Sunday – check website above for hours of operation and events) This family-fun center offers open skate sessions, adult skate, friends & family skate, kid specials, a Friday Nite Live skate, Junior Roller Derby, laser tag, a giant soft play area and more.
  • Flushing * 3464 Ann Drive, Flushing * (810) 659-7260, (Open Monday through Sunday – check website above for hours of operation and events) Rollhaven Skate & Fun Center in Flushing has fun for everyone with open skate sessions, Friday Nite Live skate, Sunday FunDay, CannonBlaster and a huge soft playground area.

Tuesday-Sunday, December 6-11: Card Table Republic – A Board Game Lounge “where board games and friends unite,” 8427 Davison Road, Davison * (810) 652-6363 * cardtablerepublic.com

  • (Open Tuesday-Thursday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.) Card Table Republic is a place where, for a small fee, people of all ages can relax and challenge themselves playing over 500 board, card and dice games with friends and family. Old classic games such as Monopoly, Life, Battleship and Trouble are available to play as well as the newer style games such as Ticket To Ride, Catan, Carcassonne and Cards Against Humanity. A party room, that seats up to 30, is also available and the snack bar features made in Michigan products like Faygo and Better Made chips.

Tuesday-Sunday, December 6-11: CRU Paintball, 4403 Clio Road, Flint * (810) 785-2278 * crupaintball.com

  • (Open Tuesday-Thursday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) CRU Paintball is an unforgettable, adrenaline rush experience for paintball enthusiast and newcomers alike. With the largest indoor field in Michigan along with multiple indoor and outdoor fields, players are never kept waiting and can spend as much time on the fields as they desire. To ensure a fair match and make sure everyone has fun, teams are balanced so that a group of new players don’t have to face a team of experienced paint ballers by themselves – new players are given a fair shot and experienced players will never have it too easy.

Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, December 7 & 9-11: Open Skate at University Pavilion Ice Rink, 303 S. Saginaw Street, Flint * umflint.edu/sil/sil-events

  • (Open Wednesday 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.)  Enjoy some family-fun, outdoor ice skating at Flint’s Downtown University Pavilion. The ice rink actually opened in 1985 as part of Water Street Pavilion and closed just prior to the University of Michigan Flint’s purchase of the property in 1990. The rink is in walking distance to a variety of downtown Flint restaurants and entertainment. Bring your own skates or rent skates for $3.00 provided by Crystal Fieldhouse Ice Arena. No hockey sticks/pucks or any other equipment or play items allowed during open skate. Free admission.

Friday & Saturday, December 9 & 10: “Cosmic Red Pin Bowling” at Grand Blanc Lanes, 5301 S. Saginaw Road, Flint * (810) 771-4273 * grandblanclanes.com

  • (Bowling runs 9:15 p.m. to 1 a.m.) Come rock, dance and bowl a strike when a red headpin appears, and win a prize! Grand Blanc Lanes also offers a snack bar, lounge, bumper bowling, automatic scorers and a pro shop.

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Shopping

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Genesee Valley Center, 3341 S. Linden Road, Flint * (810) 732-4000 * geneseemall.com

  • “Shop until you drop” at Flint’s 1.3 million square feet of shopping space with over 130 retailers and anchored by Macy’s, JC Penney, Sears and Burlington Coat Factory. Find those unique buys at the Center’s one-of-a-kind shops and markets such as Buckle, Best Buy Mobile and Forever 21. The Outdoor Village offers 65,000 square feet of boulevard-style shopping and national tenants including Barnes & Noble, Bar Louie, Chico’s and more. Visit the website above for extended holiday hours and coupon savings.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Courtland Center Mall, 4190 E. Court Street, Burton * (810) 744-0742 *  courtlandcenter.com

  • Conveniently located off I-69, Courtland Center offers 472,000 square feet of enclosed shopping featuring national retail anchors including JC Penney, Staples, Jo-Ann Superstore and Dunham’s Sports. Visit more than 50 retailers and eateries while enjoying this friendly shopping experience with convenient parking. Visit the website above for extended holiday hours and special store offers.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Birch Run Premium Outlets, 12240 S. Beyer Road, Birch Run * (989) 624-6226 * premiumoutlets.com

  • Find incredible values on all the new season fashions with up to a 65% discount on every day savings. Shop at over 145 well-known brand name stores such as the Pottery Barn Outlet, COACH Factory and the Nike Factory Store. Visit the website above for extended holiday hours and a list of additional in-store promotions.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, 4000 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills * (248) 454-5000 * greatlakescrossingoutlets.com

  • Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is the market’s dominant retail outlet and entertainment destination, attracting customers throughout the Midwest and Canada. With 185 manufacturer’s outlets and traditional retail stores, Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is Michigan’s only enclosed value-regional mall. Visit the website above for extended holiday hours and special coupon savings.

Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, December 6, 8 & 10: Flint Farmers’ Market, 300 E. First Street, Flint * (810) 232-1399 * flintfarmersmarket.com

  • (Open Tuesday & Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Open year-round, shop Flint’s 32,000 square feet city market featuring over 50 inside vendors selling produce, including fresh, locally grown foods, a meat market, poultry, breads and baked goods, cheese, a wine shop, art gallery, flowers, gourmet coffees, crafts, fine arts and more. Also, enjoy breakfast and lunch at “Steady Eddy’s”, a unique market café where a majority of their menu is selected from market vendors (open limited hours on off market days as well).

Tuesday-Saturday, December 6-10: Carriage Town Antique Center, 503 Garland Street, Flint * (810) 238-1444 * carriagetownantiquecenter.com

  • (Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Housed in a restored Art Deco warehouse, Carriage Town Antique Center has a fantastic mix of quality antiques, vintage collectibles and exquisite art. Browse two levels for antique furniture, glass, pottery, silver, vintage clothing, primitive pieces, period lighting and vintage Christmas all year round.

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Dining with Evening Entertainment

Monday-Saturday, December 5-10: Cranberries Café, 10250 Hegel Road, Goodrich * (810) 636-3409 * cranberriescafe.com

  • (Open for lunch Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and for dinner Tuesday-Thursday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.) Enjoy great food and drinks, including Michigan beers on tap, while relaxing in this 1917 building featuring its original tin ceiling and flooring, an antique cherry bar and an original floral icebox, from northern Michigan, now converted into a wine cooler. Every Tuesday is Beer Night with half priced bottles and $2 off drafts with dinner. Dine at Cranberries on Wednesday and receive a bottle of wine half off with dinner or visit on Thursday for live entertainment, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with Riley McLincha performing holiday favorites this week.

Monday-Saturday, December 5-10: Johnny’s Pour House, 240 W. Main Street, Flushing * (810) 487-1020

  • (Open Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 11p.m. and Friday & Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.) Enjoy one of Flushing’s most comfortable dining experiences for breakfast, lunch and dinner, in a casual atmosphere where friends and family can meet and enjoy the highest quality food, friendly service and affordable prices. Each dish is created with the finest ingredients and soups are prepared from scratch. Live music runs every Friday and Saturday starting at 9 p.m.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Beale Street Smokehouse BBQ, 2461 North Road, Fenton * (810) 750-0507 * bealestreetsmokehouse.com

  • (Call for hours of operation) Using the highest quality meats, enjoy tasty pulled pork and chicken, brisket, St. Louis and baby-back ribs, Michigan craft beers on tap, and in bottles, and more. Beale Street offers that “Juke Joint” atmosphere with live weekend music, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with Out of the Blue performing Friday night and the Sanctuary Blues Band on Saturday.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Brickstreet of Grand Blanc, 1223 E. Grand Blanc Road, Grand Blanc * (810) 603-2114 * brickstreetbarandgrill.com

  • (Open at 11a.m. Monday – Friday and at 12 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday) Famous for fresh seafood, house-cut steaks and signature entrees, enjoy lunch, dinner and drinks in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Relax and sing along with live pub entertainment with Craig John every Monday and Wednesday, Darrin Brown performing Tuesday and Thursday and Bob Adado taking the stage Friday and Saturday. Brickstreet also offers a Sunday Brunch and Bloody Mary Bar from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (reservations suggested).

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: The Corner Bar & Grill, 4015 Owen Road, Fenton * (810) 354-8803 * cbgfenton.com

  • (Open Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) Enjoy this rock ‘n’ roll gastro pub offering a unique mix of fun and elegance with quality food from gourmet burgers to excellent codfish tacos along with craft beer and handcrafted drinks. In addition to great food, the Corner Bar & Grill hosts live rock ‘n’ roll music every Saturday night.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: The Fenton Hotel Tavern & Grille, 302 N. Leroy Street, Fenton * (810) 750-9463 * fentonhotel.com

  • (Open Monday-Thursday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.) The Fenton Hotel Tavern & Grille stands solid and hospitable, greeting hungry patrons as it did when it first opened in 1856 when the railroads came to Fenton. A daily menu is available with a variety of delicious choices including fresh fish, savory steaks, comfort food and more. Live piano bar entertainment begins every Tuesday and Thursday, at 7 p.m., and at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: The Rough Draught Coffee & Barroom, 134 N. Leroy Street, Fenton * (810) 714-3005 * roughdraughtbarroom.com

  • (Open Monday 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday & Wednesday 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday & Friday 5 a.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.) Come experience this unique reminiscent of an old bar in an industrial building with reclaimed brick, lighting and other structural elements offering a unique selection of craft beers and cocktails and exceptional wines. Baristas are on staff to brew up the perfect latte, cappuccino or gourmet coffee. A light menu is also available offering breakfast and lunch sandwiches, burgers, salads and more all specially prepared with house made ingredients. Enjoy live acoustic tunes by local artists every Saturday.

Monday-Sunday, December 5-11: Sherman’s Lounge, 4211 Fenton Road, Flint * (810) 233-7057 * shermanslounge.com

  • (Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.) Home to Flint’s Finest Entertainment for nearly 50 years, enjoy the best of live, local bands during “Wicked Wednesdays” and Friday and Saturday nights with Voodoo Honey (rock favorites) performing Friday and Still Rain (top 40 to rock favorites) taking the stage Saturday. Live music begins at 9:30 p.m. both nights. Sherman’s also features a fully stocked bar, multiple flat-screen TVs, three pool tables, video games, keno and more. Their menu offers pizza, subs, signature sandwiches and a variety of other tasty dishes.

Tuesday-Sunday, December 6-11: Fenton Winery & Brewery (FWB), 1370 N. Long Lake Road, Fenton * (810) 373-4194 * fentonwinery.com

  • (Open Tuesday-Thursday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.) Founded in 2007, FWB began as a typical winery featuring 15 wines and a tasting bar. They now offer a variety of beers on tap and over 20 wine choices (some on tap) with a steady rotation of seasonal wines and specialties. FWB also offers a retail store “Taproom” to purchase those favorites, a delicious menu, wine & beer samplings and live entertainment most weekends starting at 8 p.m.

Friday, December 9: The Jewel of Grand Blanc, 5270 Perry Road, Grand Blanc * (810) 694-5960 * jewelgolf.com

  • (Open 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. or later) Located inside Grand Blanc Golf Club, The Jewel of Grand Blanc offers Friday night country entertainment with DJ “Dan Richards” and line dancing from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Adjacent to the Jewel is Grand Blanc’s superior Irish Pub, Paddy McGee’s, serving an all-day full breakfast and lunch and dinner menu along with drink specials (open Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday & Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.). Paddy McGee’s is also offering a Sunday Breakfast Buffet, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a Mimosa and Bloody Mary Bar.

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Nightlife

Tuesday & Friday, December 6 & 9: The Machine Shop Concert Lounge, 3539 S. Dort Highway, Flint * (810) 715-2650 * themachineshop.info

  • (Doors open at 7 p.m. for all shows unless otherwise noted) The Machine Shop hosts live rock-n-roll, metal and outlaw country events weekly. Tuesday, Drowning Pool performs with special guests Gemini Syndrome, 9Electric and Red Tide Rising. On Friday, Saving Abel takes the stage with special guests Tripp N Dixie and Spiral Crush. Shows are subject to change without notice. Please call ahead to confirm.

Friday & Saturday, December 9 & 10: Sequoia Wine Bar and Martini Lounge, 5304 Gateway Centre Drive, Flint * (810) 233-8000 * theredwoodlodge.com

  • (Live music begins at 9 p.m.) Located inside the Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery, the Sequoia Lounge presents live music every weekend featuring Elizabeth Reed Friday and the group Westfall on Saturday.

Friday & Saturday, December 9 & 10: Historic Holly Hotel Comedy Club, 110 Battle Alley, Holly * (248) 634-5208 * hollyhotel.com

  • (Shows begin 8:30 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.) Enjoy professional stand-up comedy featuring a variety of local and national entertainers with Sal DeMillio in the house this weekend with special guest Kate Brindle.

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For more things to do and see, visit the Events Calendar and like us on Facebook at Explore Flint & Genesee.

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