FIA’s Patio Nights offer music, food, and fun each Friday through July and August

FLINT, Michigan — Nothing makes for a better Friday summer night than an evening spent enjoying live music on a patio. In partnership with FIM’s Music Around Town series, the Flint Institute of Arts Museum + Art School presents Patio Nights now through August. 

Each Friday evening, live music, food, drinks, and good vibes return to the Palette Cafe Patio. This event series starts at 5 p.m. and features free admission, with food and drinks available for purchase. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs or blankets, and seating is also available first-come, first-served on the patio. 

Phillip Krapohl, FIA marketing communications lead, says the Patio Night series is an al Fresco night of laid-back vibes, offering a space to relax and wind down from the week. “You can bring the kids, the dog, get some fresh air, enjoy the atmosphere, check out the museum galleries, and we hope to kick off your weekend the right way,” he says. 

Live music starts at 6 p.m. and goes to 7:30 p.m., with different genres of musical performers each week.

“This summer, we have a tremendous lineup featuring some outstanding Mid-Michigan talent, great food and drink specials each night, and of course, a seriously cool and hyper-local FIA exhibition, MI Ink: The Art of Tattoos, is on view for guests to check out all summer long,” he added.

Courtesy photoThe Patio Nights series features free live music, and guests can purchase food and drinks on the FIA patio and lawn. 
The FIA Museum Shop and museum galleries will also be open until 8 p.m., as part of the FIA’s Late Night Friday programming. 

“We find it’s a great way to allow people extra time to explore the galleries, to welcome new audiences through our doors, and to further our mission of connecting with guests through fun, creative, and inspiring visual art experiences,” Krapohl says. 

Kraphol says the event typically brings anywhere from 100 to 300 people to the museum, so it’s recommended to get there early to grab a spot on the patio or lawn. In case of rain, the event moves indoors to the FIA Isabel Hall. 

The event series’ first week didn’t let a little rain get in the way as the event just pivoted indoors. “Julie Hugunin & Thistle Grove Collective just kept the house packed and entertained, 250-strong, singing along and even dancing right up to closing time,” says Krapohl. 

The Patio Night musical lineup is as follows:

• Bleau Otis (blues) on July 25,
• Rumprollers (jazz) On Aug. 1, 
• Greg Nagy Band (blues and pop) on Aug. 8, 
• The Outfit (bluegrass) on Aug. 15, 
• Rodeo Drive (rock and country) on Aug. 22

The Flint Institute of Arts is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free for FIA members and Genesee County residents, $10 for adults, free for children 12 and under, $8 for students with ID, and seniors. Admission is free for everyone on Saturday, courtesy of Huntington Bank.