FLINT, MI -- Independence Day celebrations in the city kicked off Friday, July 1, with the 7th annual Flint Water Festival.
Friday evening drew out hundreds to the carnival and ended with Community First Inc. hosting a showing of “Space Jam: A New Legacy” as part of its 9th annual Movies Under the Stars program.
Other activities during the festival include Camp Hydrate on Friday and Saturday, July 2, a student-athlete endorsement preparation and water giveaway.
The carnival continues from noon-10 p.m. Sunday, July 3, and Monday, July 4.
Related: Carnival kicks off holiday weekend of events at Flint Water Fest
From noon until 2 p.m. Monday, a 27-foot water slide will be located on the parade grounds of City Hall, presented by 98.9 The Beat, followed by a brunch hosted by Beats x Beers and the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
The brunch will feature food vendors, music and beverages. Tickets to enter the event are free, but reservations are recommended by registering at beatsxbeers.com.
Starting at 7 p.m. Monday, the Flint Symphony Orchestra is scheduled to perform a concert hosted by Tony, Emmy and Grammy award-nominated vocalist Brandon Victor Dixon.
“Water x Soul” will feature songs from Hamilton, Bruno and Silk Sonic. Dixon is also a co-founder of weare.org, which is co-sponsoring the concert along with the Flint Institute of Music.
Capping off the festival will be a circus at 9 p.m. Monday, featuring water-themed acts in the City Hall dome.
Collaboration on the festival includes the city and RichKids.org, founded by Flint native Kay Smith, who founded the organization during the Flint water crisis in an effort to supply water and other resources for disadvantaged groups in the city.
Scroll below to see highlights from opening day of the festival or click here to see the full gallery.
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