FLINT, Michigan — Beats x Beers’ annual Beats x BBQ Memorial Day weekend begins this Friday, May 24, and plans to be a 3-day weekend full of music, food, and fun. Usually held in downtown Flint, the venues for this year's festivities are spread around the city, keeping things fresh and exciting, especially for loyal Beats x BBQ attendees.
“People can expect a few changes but the same great vibes. Every year, we work to bring something new to the table to provide a different experience,” said Brandon Corder, founder of the lifestyle brand
Beats x Beers.
“This year, every location we're using are locations that we have never used in the past. We added in a Community Field Day on Saturday in collaboration with The Flint Center and Soul Goode Food Truck. Saturday will be more family-focused fun with games, music, and free food. We wanted to make this year much more community-inclusive.”
Headlining this year’s event is DJ Envy, co-host of the popular morning radio show The Breakfast Club. According to Corder, the idea of adding Envy to the event has been on his agenda since last year.
“DJ Envy was a person we had in mind last year but it didn't work out so I always knew I wanted to do something else with him and this became the perfect opportunity,” said Corder.
The festivities begin on Friday, May 24 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., with the Cocktail Social at 168 Crab & Karaoke (2113 S Linden Rd). Attendees will be able to mingle, eat, and sing their hearts out on the mic. Music will be provided by DJ Hype and DJ Handelz.
On Saturday, May 25 from 2-6 p.m., the Community Field Day at Ballenger Park (1151 Dupont St) will be live in effect. The outdoor event will feature food by
Soul Goode Food Truck, music by DJ E Nyce, and a live performance by
For The Love of Dance Studio.
The main event, Beats x BBQ, takes place on Sunday, May 26 from 2-8 p.m., at Kearsley Park (Kearsley Park Blvd) and will feature food, vendors, games, and music from a lineup of DJs, with DJ Envy as the headliner. The official after-party happens right after the main event at Scratch BBQ (2373 Austins Pkwy).
Among the weekend's activities, Corder is most excited about the new locations this year that are different than previous Beats x BBQ events.
“I'm looking forward to the new locations,” he said. “Usually, we are downtown-centered but this year, we're at Kearsley Park which is on the east side. On Saturday, we're at Ballenger Park which is on the north side. And Friday, we're at 168 Crab & Karaoke which is Flint Township. Looking forward to activating multiple parts of the city and not just downtown.”
Corder's motivation to continuously produce events in his hometown stems from his ability to bring people together for a great time and even greater connections.
“The results are what motivates me the most,” said Corder. “Seeing people come together and just creating great vibes keeps me going. There have been people that have created all types of relationships from these events, from business relationships to people actually meeting their spouse and getting married, lol.”
For tickets and more information on the 5th annual Beats x Beers Memorial Day Weekend, visit: beatsxbeers.com/memorialday
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