Flint, Mich., is famous for the Buicks the city once cranked out, as well as being the birthplace of General Motors. In recent years, the city found a new way to grow its automotive heritage with the annual Back to the Bricks Car Show and Cruise. This successful August event has made the city a mecca for vintage iron wearing every manufacturer nameplate as the area hosts a city-wide car event filled with car shows, bands and cruising. This year’s fourth-annual event is slated for Aug. 13-16.

An estimated 15,000 cars can be seen during the event, and not one car owner or spectator is charged a dime while enjoying the show.

Activities begin Aug. 13-14 when participants join the event’s rolling cruise at 5 p.m. each day and drive from downtown Flint to the Genesee County line on Saginaw Street (US 10). Along the 14-mile cruise route, host sites offering entertainment, discounts and even some free gifts will be set up to greet cruisers.

Starting Aug. 15 at 6 a.m., the University of Michigan-Flint parking lot will welcome car-cruising guests for breakfast with the first 500 participants dining for free. The cruising continues through the day, but at 6 p.m., the cruisers will let their engines cool for a cruise-in at downtown Flint. Cars will line Saginaw Street between Court Street to University Avenue for live entertainment, food and to visit vendor booths.

On Aug. 16, downtown Flint fills with show cars. The city’s side streets have space reserved for registered car clubs, but other parking is on a first-come basis and is free. Vendors and other displays by model car builders, the Flint Fire Department, race car owners and others will greet guests at no cost.

To enjoy a stint in Flint, go to www.backtothebricks.org, or call 810-695-2894.