GENESEE
Flint Cultural Center’s Summer of Discovery
Flint has pulled itself up from a post-recession spiral and has made enormous strides. Its summer outreach initiative features a broad-minded approach to community. Highlights include the Summer Auto Fair (Friday June 23- Sunday, June 25 at Cultural Center Campus, 1525 Dakota Ave., Flint; 810-238-7185); Turntablism DJ Jam at the Sloan Museum (Saturday, July 29, 1221 E. Kearsley St., Flint; 810-237-3450). For schedules, see flintculturalcenter.org.
OAKLAND
Hot Air Balloon Festival
Even if the Fifth Dimension did put the pastime of hot air ballooning into its own category of lameness, let’s not forget how exhilarating a float through the sky can be. At Groveland Oaks County Park, 14555 Dixie Hwy., at Grange Hall Road, Holly; 248-634-9811. Friday, Aug. 11, Balloon Glow at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 12: Balloon launches at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., with activities from 2-10 p.m.
WASHTENAW
An Evening with John Waters
The jury’s still out on what to expect from a one-man show featuring John Waters. The filmmaker, you’ll note, started off as a ’70s cinematic rabble-rouser with the hilariously raunchy flicks Pink Flamingos and Female Trouble. Then he slithered from the underground and into the metroplex with 1988’s Hairspray (now a hit Broadway musical) and cream dream fave Cry-Baby. Friday, July 7, at the Power Center, 121 Fletcher St., Ann Arbor; 734-764-2538. Visit annarborsummerfestival.com.
WAYNE
Michigan Cricket Association Tournaments
Sure, it’s not as popular stateside as it is in the other English-speaking countries, but the age-old sport of cricket is a venerable game, one some Americans might grow to love. In this precursor to baseball, players — sans beer gut — don dapper white uniforms, reminiscent of a period when chivalry, dignity and sport were not mutually exclusive. At Belle Isle; visit michca.org for schedules and details.
WAYNE
Tastefest
In terms of musical endowment, this year’s Tastefest is poised to be one of the best to date. To wit: We’ve got Cat Power & the Memphis Rhythm Band, Eric Burdon and the Animals, All-American Rejects, Common, Amp Fiddler, SSM, Robert Lowe with Cody Black, Dave McMurray and J*DaVey … to name but a few. Per usual, delicious grub from area restaurants are a for-sure hit. Friday, June 30-Tuesday, July 4, in the New Center area, Detroit. Visit tastefest.com.
MACOMB
Summer Fun Weekend at Camp Cavell
Thought summer camp was just a way to get rid of the kids? Maybe it’s time to rethink that old-school philosophy and go to camp with Junior. Friday, July 14-Sunday, July 16, YWCA’s Camp Cavell in Lexington will open its cabin doors to families. Cavell is located on the beautiful beaches of Lake St. Clair. Guests will stay in quaint cabins and will eat meals in the main house with other campers (let’s hope there’s bug juice!). There will also be campfires, tree climbing, kayaking, archery, beach fun, arts & crafts, hikes and fishing. At 3335 Lakeshore, Lexington; 810-359-2267.
ST. CLAIR
2nd Annual Anchor Bay Watercross Shootout
Waterbabies and sun lovers should pack a lunch and get to the beach. The Midwest Watercross Tour brings two days of frolic to New Baltimore. Along with the races and Jetboat poker runs, there’s a cardboard boat race. (Contestants get a piece of cardboard, duct tape and three hours to make a vessel for a short race). Saturday, June 17-Sunday, June 18, at Burke Park, Washington and Front Street in downtown New Baltimore; 586-725-2151.
