woodward dream cruise run

You can view the 2023 Event Results HERE !

Huntington is proud to present the Ninth annual Cruise In Shoes™ 5K Run/Walk.  The run/walk will take place the morning of August 19, 2023 , the same day as the 28th  annual Woodward Dream Cruise presented by Ford.

The run/walk will begin at 7:30 am on Yorba Linda Blvd, continue with a rare opportunity to run on historic Woodward Avenue, wind through several Royal Oak neighborhood streets and finish at Shrine High School.

Anyone interested in participating in the Cruise In Shoes™ can register online by going to http://www.CruiseinShoes.com/registration until August 17, 2023. Participants can also sign up at the event the day of the run at Royal Oak Shrine High School.  

RECOMMENDED PARKING OPTIONS:   

Download the map HERE

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Woodward Dream Cruise 2022: Everything you need to know

Over a million spectators are expected along woodward avenue this year. here’s what you need to know before you go..

Carmichael Cruz , Digital Producer

DETROIT – On Saturday, get ready for a Michigan end-of-summer tradition. Tens of thousands of cars will ride down M-1 in a celebration of classic and muscle car culture. Over 1.5 million vintage enthusiasts from around the world attend the annual procession as cars honk and drive down Woodward Ave.

When is the Woodward Dream Cruise?

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The Cruise is on the third Saturday of every August. This year it falls on August 20th and will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Where is the parade route?

The parade runs northbound along the entire course of Woodward Ave. from Ferndale to Pontiac. Those not participating in the parade are asked to avoid the right two lanes near the curbs. You can find the official map here .

How can I watch and how much does it cost?

The Dream Cruise is free for both participants and fans. Spectators can watch anywhere along the parade route but be aware of businesses and private homes.

What should I bring?

While the entire parade runs for 12 hours, guests can come and go on their own time. We recommend bringing law chairs, sunblock, water and snacks. Classic cars can get very loud, so anyone sensitive to extreme noises should also pack ear plugs.

How do I get there?

Parking will be very limited in communities along the parade route, so allow for some extra time and patience. Parking can be found at lots and structures in Ferndale , Royal Oak , Birmingham and Pontiac , space permitting. Street parking is another option but take note of time restrictions and costs to avoid tickets and/or towing.

Free SMART shuttle busses will run on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Woodward Avenue from 8 Mile Road to Downtown Pontiac. To ride, look out for RED SMART and FAST bus stops on Woodward Avenue.

Busses will also run their normal routes, except for those on the parade route which will run on a detour. These busses will still pass by and stop in the communities along the parade route, but will avoid Woodward Avenue. The bus is $2 per person to ride and is good for four hours. More information on bus routes can be found here .

Ride shares like Lyft and Uber are another option for spectators looking to avoid driving and parking. Fans can also hop on a MoGo bike with MoGo stations available throughout Woodward Avenue from Downtown Detroit to Berkley.

What other events are occurring around the Dream Cruise?

Because of the parade’s central route on Woodward, many of the communities that the parade passes through will also be holding their own events in addition to the parade.

• Berkley Cruise Fest
• Birmingham Cruise Classic Car Show
• Ferndale Dream Cruise
• Performance Park Classic Car Show (Royal Oak)
• Woodward Dream Parade (Pontiac)
• Ford Bronco Show (Pleasant Ridge)
• Super Roll (Piquette Plant)

Copyright 2022 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Carmichael cruz.

Carmichael Cruz is a digital producer at WDIV and curates the Go Guide, our weekly weekend events newsletter.

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Woodward Dream Cruise

Experience the ultimate car lover's dream at the Woodward Dream Cruise! Join thousands of spectators as classic cars cruise down the famous avenue.

The Woodward Dream Cruise is a motor city tradition! Cars of all eras and makes cruise down Woodward Ave., revving engines and showing off. With nearly 40,000 cars and over 1 million visitors each year, it's a car lover's paradise! Experience the Motor City's passion for cars and enjoy all the music, food, and fun the cruise has to offer. Don't miss this opportunity to see some of the world's coolest cars in action and to be part of one of Detroit's most celebrated traditions!

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The Woodward Dream Cruise Has Something for Everyone

Michigan’s car-week crescendo might be the most diverse car event on earth.

• The Woodward Dream Cruise celebrates all things automotive and takes over Michigan’s famed Woodward Avenue.
• Leading up to the cruise, events like Roadkill Nights draw builds even more anticipation for the Dream Cruise.
• The Woodward Dream Cruise takes place on the third Saturday in August.

Michigan’s Woodward Dream Cruise is technically a single-day event, but realistically spans weeks. As the third Saturday in August approaches, more cars start showing up on Woodward. Officially kicking off the Dream Cruise festivities, the folks at Dodge help host RoadKill Nights , an event that shuts down Woodward Avenue to host legal street races. Despite the name suggesting it’s a nighttime event, it really runs throughout the day on the Pontiac, Michigan, streets.

From that day forward, the car enthusiasm keeps growing until the Woodward Dream Cruise officially kicks off the following Saturday. Unlike Monterey’s Car Week and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Woodward Dream Cruise is accepting to everything automotive. At any given point there’s something for everyone on Woodward avenue. There are supercars, vintage supercars, kitschy hot rods , traditional hot rods, muscle cars, trucks, and every other subculture in the automotive world has representation.

The 2021 Woodward Dream Cruise Mega Gallery

Even though you’re probably not going to see a Voison C-25 Aerodyne , you will see a ton of cars you wouldn’t normally see cruising the boulevard. Woodward proudly displays badges from Edsel, Nash, and AMC among the other orphaned and active brands throughout automotive manufacturing. Most importantly, it’s not only vintage or high-dollar iron rolling down the street; you can cruise Woodward in anything with a license plate and wheels.

You might have missed this year’s event, but you can surely still see cars cruising Woodward until the temperature starts to dip and Michigan’s winter starts knocking. And you can always plan on checking out next year’s event. Be warned: It might start with just a day trip, but might become a full vacation.

Have you ever experienced the Woodward Dream Cruise ? Tell us about your experience below.

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The 27th Annual Woodward Dream Cruise Revving Up For The Largest Celebration Of Detroit Cars August 19, 2023

August 19, 2023.

(Update: July 17, 2023) — The 27th Annual Woodward Dream Cruise is North America’s largest automotive parade of classic cars.

The woodward cruise is the largest single car cruise in the country attracting over 1.5 million visitors, and over 40 thousand cars.

The Woodward Dream Cruise is a fascinating event with a rich history.

It all started when Pamela S. McCullough, Mayor, and Nelson House, a plumber from Ferndale, came up with the idea for the cruise in 1994 to help raise money for a children’s soccer field in his community.

They envisioned a small gathering of car enthusiasts, but the event quickly grew beyond his wildest dreams.

The inaugural woodward cruise took place in August 1995, and it was an instant hit. The original expectation was for 30,000 to 40,000 spectators, but the actual turnout was a whopping 250,000.

Starting in Pontiac and ending in Ferndale, The Woodward Dream Cruise 2023 will parade over forty thousand vintage Detroit muscle cars up and down Woodward Avenue, attracting over 1.5 million visitors.

Since then, the Woodward Cruise has grown exponentially. Today, it attracts over 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars each year, making it the world’s largest one-day automotive event.

The Woodward Dream Cruise is a celebration of Detroit’s automotive history and a testament to the enduring appeal of classic cars.

The event spans a 16-mile stretch of Woodward Avenue and includes nine communities from Ferndale to Pontiac. It’s not just about the cars, though. The Woodward Dream Cruise is a community event, with live music, street vendors, and family-friendly activities adding to the festive atmosphere.

Started in 1995, the 16-mile car parade cruises directly up and down Woodward Avenue, passing through the cities of Pontiac, Birmingham, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Township, Huntington Woods, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Pleasant Ridge, and Berkley.

The Woodward Dream Cruise is a testament to the power of community and the enduring appeal of classic cars. It’s a celebration of Detroit’s rich automotive history and a chance for car enthusiasts from around the world to come together and share their passion.

VIDEO: “WXYZ-TV’s 2022 Woodward Dream Cruise Special Live Broadcast”

Over 1.5 million people are expected with more than forty thousand ‘50s and ‘60s classic cars for the famous 16-mile Woodward Dream Cruise in the suburbs in NE Detroit. Ford Motors will be the primary sponsor for the cruise for the fifth consecutive year.

Woodward Dream Cruise Board Members & Executive Team For general comments and questions, please email the Woodward Dream Cruise at [email protected] . The following is the official listing of the nine participating community board representatives and the WDC Executive Team. Mailing address: 1200 Kirts, Suite 100, Troy, MI 48084. Phone: (248)546-1573.

2023 Woodward Dream Cruise Date: August 18 & 19, 2023 Location : Woodward Avenue in Oakland County (From Pontiac the Ferndale) Price: FREE Description:   Anyone is welcome to take part, however, those not operating a historic car are urged to avoid the two right lanes that are closest to the curb. Visit the website for further details about the schedule of events and the route.

The 28th Annual Woodward Dream Cruise Revving Up For The Largest Celebration Of Detroit Cars August 19, 2023.

OFFICIAL WOODWARD DREAM CRUISE ROAD MAP

The 16-Mile Woodward Dream Cruise Travels Through The Above (Image) Cities; Pontiac, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Berkley, Ferndale, And Huntington Woods From Sunrise To Sunset On August 20, 2022

Woodward Cruise Streaming Live Broadcast Scheldule

The Woodward Cruise Will Be Broadcast Live Over The WXYZ TV Channel And August 19, 2023. WXYZ-TV Channel 7 www.wxyz.com/dreamcruise WXYZ-TV’s 2022 Woodward Dream Cruise Special

Also, the Woodward Cruise car show will be broadcast live over the internet and radio – www.audacy.com/womc/

Cruise in Shoes

The Woodward Dream Cruise is not just about classic cars; it also includes a unique event known as “Cruise in Shoes.” This event is a 5K run/walk that takes place on the morning of the Dream Cruise. It’s a chance for participants to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Cruise in a different way, on foot rather than from behind the wheel.

“Cruise in Shoes” kicks off at 7:30 AM, and the course takes participants down a stretch of Woodward Avenue, allowing them to experience the excitement of the Dream Cruise before the classic cars take over. It’s a family-friendly event, with participants of all ages and fitness levels welcome.

The event is professionally timed, and medals are awarded to the top finishers in each age group. But it’s not just about competition; it’s also about community. “Cruise in Shoes” is a chance to get out and enjoy the Dream Cruise atmosphere while also getting some exercise.

Whether you’re a serious runner looking for a unique race or a casual walker who wants to enjoy the Dream Cruise in a new way, “Cruise in Shoes” is a fun and exciting part of the Woodward Dream Cruise experience.

To participate in Cruise In Shoes, please pre-register online at www.CruiseinShoes.com/registration or sign-up on the day of the event at Royal Oak Shrine High School.

FULL SCHEDULE of EVENTS

City of Berkley (Starting Line) ► Friday, August 18, 2023: ► 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: CruiseFest Classic Car Parade, On West 12 Mile Rd., between Coolidge & Greenfield Rd. ► 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise, West 12 Mile @ Woodward Avenue ► Saturday, August 19, 2023: ALL DAY: Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise, West 12 Mile Rd @ Woodward Avenue www.berkleymich.org/cruisefest

City of Birmingham (Halfway Point to Pontiac) Saturday, August 19, 2023: ►  9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Birmingham Cruise at S. Old Woodward & Maple to Lincoln ► Birmingham event includes a Classic Car Show, Interactive Sponsor Displays, Retail & Food Vendors ► WHEN: ALL DAY: The City of Birmingham is the place to be if you want to walk the street freely among the classic car collections. Birmingham also offers plenty of places to wine, dine, and shop for you, your friends, and your family. www.AllinBirmingham.com/CruiseEvent

City of Ferndale Friday, August 18, 2023 – Nine Mile Rd & Woodward ► 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Ferndale Emergency Vehicle Show ► 5:00 PM: Official Woodward Dream Cruise Ribbon Cutting Ceremony ► 5:30 PM: Lights & Sirens Cruise (begins at the corner of E. Nine Mile Rd & Woodward Ave. north to 11 Mile Rd and back). ► 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Kids Car Club Zone ► 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Quarter Midget Racing ► 1:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Rock’n Live Entertainment Stage ALL DAY: The City of Ferndale will offer entertainment, good eats, food from vendors, libations, and Dream Cruis Memorabilia.

City of Ferndale Saturday, August 19, 2023 – @ Nine Mile Rd & Woodward ► 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Mustang Alley ► 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM: Kids Car Club Zone ► 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM: Rock’n Live Entertainment Stage ► ALL DAY: The City of Ferndale will offer good eats, food from Vendors, and Dream Cruise Memorabilia. www.FerndaleDreamCruise.com

City of Royal Oak Friday, August 18, 2023: ► 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Performance Park Classic Car Show ► ALL DAY: City of Royal Oak will offer the Official Woodward Dream Cruise Memorabilia and Car Art

Saturday, August 19, 2023: ► 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Cruise In Shoes 5k Run ► 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM: Performance Park Classic Car Show Hours ► ALL DAY: Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise, Vendors & Food Court

City of Royal Oak Friday, August 18, 2023: ► 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Performance Park Classic Car Show ► ALL DAY: Royal Oak Offers A Wide Variety Of Woodward Dream Cruise Memorabilia and will be serving food all day.

Saturday, August 19, 2023: ► 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Cruise In Shoes 5k Run ► 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM: Performance Park Classic Car Show Hours ► ALL DAY: The Official Woodward Dream Cruise Will Offer Merchandise, Collectibles, and Food Vendors

City of Pleasant Ridge Saturday, August 19, 2023: ► ALL DAY: Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise will be available at Woodward & Oakland Park Blvd. ► 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Is The Featured Ford Bronco Show at Woodward & Oakland Park Blvd.

City Of Pontiac (Finishing Line) August 18 & 19, 2023: ► M-1 Classic Car Parade ( M1 Dream Cruise Car Collector Location) ► Pontiac Classic Car Show ► Live entertainment and other fun activities. ► ALL DAY: Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise, vendors & food court. www.pontiac.mi.us

ABOUT THE M1 CAR CLUB The M1 Car Club is set to host an exhilarating event featuring live entertainment and unique driving experiences for car collectors at the Champion Motor Speedway, located within the M1 Concourse Car Club . This year, the club will be celebrating the Woodward Dream Car Show across all three days, showcasing a diverse array of hot rods, custom cruisers, muscle cars, and supercars, amounting to hundreds of significant vehicles.

The show is designed to highlight various car classes and marques, fostering a celebration of automotive enthusiasm right in the heart of the Motor City. This year holds special significance as the M1 Car Club will be commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Corvette, as well as the 65th anniversary of MOPAR and Ramchargers. The event promises to be a vibrant tribute to these iconic brands, reflecting the rich history and passion that defines the world of car enthusiasts.

Read About Detoit’s Woodward Cruise on Face Book…

Upcoming Car Shows, Concours d’Elegances & Car Auctions

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Run/Walk Kicks Off Woodward Dream Cruise

August 18, 2012 / 9:14 AM EDT / CBS Detroit

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - The Woodward Dream Cruise isn't all horsepower -- there's foot power, too.

Speaking live on WWJ Newsradio 950, Dream Cruise executive director Tony Michaels said it took three years, but Saturday morning finally saw the first-ever Cruise In Shoes 5k run/walk through Royal Oak.

"We pulled it off. Woodward wasn't closed for more than 40 minutes just between 13 Mile and down to Normandy. It worked out wonderfully, 700 runners in the first year," he said.

The run/walk began at 7:30 a.m. on Yorba Linda Blvd. and gave participants a rare opportunity to run on historic Woodward Avenue, winding through several Royal Oak neighborhood streets before reaching the finish line at Shrine High School.

Michaels said proceeds from the event are going straight back to the communities.

"The proceeds will go to the various cities which, of course, put on this great Woodward Dream Cruise," he said.

The Woodward Dream Cruise, which officially runs from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday, typically draws between 500,000 and 700,000 onlookers and 40,000 cars, depending on the weather . Forecasts call for sunny skies and a high of about 75 degrees this year, which makes for perfect cruising.

The Dream Cruise takes place along a 16-mile stretch of the legendary Woodward Avenue through eight host communities including Berkley, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Pontiac and Royal Oak.

All Things Woodward Dream Cruise:

• Complete Woodward Dream Cruise Coverage
• Cruising Photos
• 104.3 WOMC Cruisin' Photo Pit Stop
• Things To Do At The Cruise

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Woodward Dream Cruise 2023 in Detroit | Dates, Schedule of Events, Where to Park, Map, M1 Concourse | Where to Eat | Check Out the World's Biggest Cruise!

By Sherry Trautman

Last updated: August 17, 2023 | By Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com

The Detroit Woodward Dream Cruise is the mothership of all car events. It's a celebration of Woodward Ave and car enthusiasm in the heart of the Motor City. I mean seriously, this incredible car cruise draws thousands of classic cars, muscle cars, trucks (and lots of crazy stuff ) to thunder down Woodward Avenue between Pontiac and Ferndale. 

Chris and I can't wait to go this August !

AND...more than 1.5 million car enthusiasts from all over the world are revved up to see some spectacular (and crazy) vehicles!

See the World's Biggest Cruise!

When is the 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise?

August 19, 2023!

BUT ... several communities have fun events and classic car shows on August 18, 2023. See the event schedule below!

The Woodward Dream Cruise is the World's Biggest Cruise?

Woodward Dream Cruise Frequently Asked Questions 

What day is the Woodward Dream Cruise 2023? August 19, 2023

Is the Woodward Dream Cruise free? Yes, the Dream Cruise is free to attend! 

How long does the Woodward Dream Cruise last? The cruise is just one day!

• Anyone not driving a classic/muscle car are asked to stay out of the two right lanes nearest to the curb.

What time is the Woodward Dream Cruise?  9 am to 9 pm.  BUT many people with show cars in the static car shows begin to leave parked shows (as they want to cruise) around 3:30 pm so I recommend hitting up the shows in the morning.

Are Their Bathrooms?   In the more populated areas, especially in Royal Oak, there are porta johns along Woodward Avenue. 

Is it Safe To Attend?   As with any large city, don't leave your items unattended. Make sure your bags/purses are zipped and closed. There is a very large police presence at the show and we felt comfortable.  We recommend going as it is a great family event!

Is This Your First Time at the Woodward Dream Cruise?

If it’s your first time to the show , we recommend finding a spot somewhere between Royal Oak and Birmingham as this stretch gets the most traffic and excitement. 

We recommend arriving early so you can find parking off Woodward Avenue before the side streets and lots are full.

We recommend bringing:

• Ear plugs if you are noise sensitive (especially for young children)
• Folding chairs with umbrellas 
• Water/non-alcoholic drinks
• TP (in case the porta johns are out)

The Dream Cruise Consists of 9 Communities within Oakland County, Michigan

• Bloomfield Hills
• Pleasant Ridge

Bloomfield Township

• Huntington Woods

History of the Woodward Dream Cruise

Woodward Dream Cruise was dreamed up as a small fundraiser to raise money for a soccer field in Ferndale, Michigan. Then, in August 1995, a group of people wished to relive the fun of the 50's and 60's, when music and Motor City steel roared down Woodward Avenue.  Blowing away expectations, the event drew 250,000 people!

​ Now, the Woodward Dream Cruise is the World’s Largest One-Day Automotive Event!

The Cruise brings about 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars to the area each summer.

People travel from all over the world to attend and be in the show.  It's an incredible experience!

Woodward Dream Cruise Map

*** Remember to use the  Woodward Dream Cruise Map link   for LIVE connection  to Google Maps!!

• Click on the plus and minus in the left corner to zoom in or out of the map.
• Click on the icons for more info, addresses and photos of the stops.
• Click on the map to drag and move it to view surrounding areas.
• In the Header, click on the rectangle in the upper left of the map to see a menu of all of our stops. Click on anything that looks interesting to see where it is on the map. To hide the menu, click the rectangle in the header.
• In the Header, click on the "square" icon in the upper right side to expand the map for better viewing.

Detroit Woodward Dream Cruise Schedule of Events (August 18-19, 2023) and Where to Park

The official parking App for Woodward Dream Cruise is ParkStash

M1 Concourse Events During the Woodward Dream Cruise

Friday, August 18, 2023: 

Hot rod, custom, cruiser, and muscle car show displayed around the M1 Circuit.  Featured classes include the 70th anniversary of Corvette, MOPAR, and Ramchargers 65th anniversary. Food trucks, refreshments, and live entertainment.

Saturday, August 19, 2023

The Woodward Dream Parade is an escorted parade of 200 invited cars that will be cruising on Woodward Avenue and in downtown Pontiac.

The M1 Cruise-In (Saturday August 19th) will be an oasis open to anyone looking to park on the M1 Concourse Circuit. We will be there!!

Experience Race Speed Track Experience (RSTEs) where you can can take a lap with a professional driver on the M1 Concourse Circuit. Food trucks, refreshments, and live entertainment.

Get your tickets for the MI Concourse events . 

City of Pontiac

It's definitely a burn out zone along Woodward Avenue in Pontiac!   

Friday, August 18, 2023:

• 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM: Pontiac Classic Car Show
• 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM: DJ Aaron @ Hidden River
• 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM: Hidden River Entertainment Stage, Saginaw & Water St.
• All Day: Food Trucks & Strolling Art Show

Saturday, August 19, 2023:

• 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Woodward Dream Parade
• 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM: Pontiac Classic Car Show
• 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM: Hidden River Entertainment Stage, Saginaw & Water St.

City of Pontiac Parking:  There are several parking lots and parking structures in downtown Pontiac.

No scheduled events

City of Birmingham

The Birmingham Cruise Event will feature classic cars of all makes and models, sponsor exhibits, food and more. The Birmingham Cruise Classic Car Show is within walking distance of Birmingham's five parking structures.  The first two hours are always free so stop by! 

• 9:00 am – 5:00 pm: Birmingham Cruise Classic Car Show in Downtown Birmingham
• Birmingham Cruise

Get your Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise all day.

City of Birmingham Parking:  All Dream Cruise activities are close  walking distance from Birmingham's downtown parking decks.

WXYZ-TV Live Broadcast

WOMC 104.3 FM Live Broadcast

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michigan Travel+Food Adventure (@travelingmichigan)

City of Berkley

• 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: CruiseFest Classic Car Parade, On West 12 Mile Rd., between Coolidge & Greenfield Rd.
• 4:00 PM – 9:00PM: Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise, West 12 Mile at Woodward Avenue

Saturday, August 19, 2023 :

• All Day: Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise, West 12 Mile Rd at Woodward Avenue

City of Royal Oak

Friday, August 18, 2023 :

• 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Performance Park - Classic Car Show
• ALL DAY: Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise, Vendors & Food Court
• 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Cruise In Shoes 5k Run
• 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM: Performance Park Classic Car Show
• All Day: Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise, Vendors & Food Court

City of Pleasant Ridge

• All Day: Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise, Woodward & Oakland Park Blvd.
• 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Ford Bronco Show , Woodward & Oakland Park Blvd.

City of Ferndale

Friday, August 18, 2023 – Nine Mile Rd & Woodward

• 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Ferndale Emergency Vehicle Show
• 5:00 PM: Official Woodward Dream Cruise Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
• 5:30 PM: Lights & Sirens Cruise (begins at the corner of E. Nine Mile Rd & Woodward Ave. north to 11 Mile Rd and back).
• 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Kids Car Club Zone
• 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM: MMRA'S Quarter Midget Racing Cars
• 1:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Rock’n Live Entertainment Stage
• All Day: Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise, food and merchant vendors

Saturday, August 19, 2023 - Nine Mile Rd & Woodward

• 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Mustang Alley
• 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM: Kids Car Club Zone
• 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM: Rock’n Live Entertainment Stage

City of Ferndale Parking : Parking lots surround downtown Ferndale, near Woodward Avenue & Nine Mile Rd.

Things to do Nearby the Woodward Dream Cruise

Cranbrook Art Museum , 39221 Woodward Avenue. Cranbrook has a marvelous music or science center. Their gardens are also excellent and you can tour:

• The Saarinen House
• Behind the scenes collections wing tour
• Frank Lloyd Wright home
• Self-guided outdoors sculpture tours
• Cranbrook Observatory

Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical - Listed as one of the World Almanac’s 100 Most Unusual Museums, this is a place you need to see to believe. Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum,  31005 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills

My friend Marcy highly recommends eating at Sylvan Table which we will try this year. It is a farm-to-table restaurant. The restaurant is in a few hundred year old barn they moved from the east coast and built a farm around it. Cool, huh!

• Other restaurant ideas that come highly recommended from locals include the Latin restaurant Freya and The Apparatus Room.

Are There Bathrooms at the Woodward Dream Cruise?

There are lots of porta johns along Woodward Ave in the more populated areas. Memorial Park in Royal Oak has a large bank of porta johns for the classic car show. 

Are There Food Trucks or Places to Eat at Woodward Dream Cruise?

Absolutely! There are food trucks and vendors lining Woodward avenue in the more populated areas, especially Royal Oak and Ferndale. There are also lots of great restaurants along Woodward Avenue.

We enjoy eating at Brown Iron Brewhouse in Royal Oak .

• Chris was eyeing the Brown Iron Burger with Wagyu Beef, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese and a yummy caramelized onion spread but got the Slow Smoke BBQ Pork sandwich with yummy pickles!
• I got the Cali salmon BLT with avocado crema...be sure to order extra crema, it's yummy!

Um, can you say BACON CANDY?  Drool. 

Grab Lunch or Dinner at Detroit's Diners Drive Ins and Dives While Enjoying the Woodward Dream Cruise!

Here's another idea ....

Grab a meal at Detroit's Diners Drive Ins and Dive's ! Guy Fieri style! And here's ALL of Michigan's Diners Drive Ins and Dives!

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About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by.

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

"Sherry & Chris"

We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry. In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

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Dream Cruise Eve: Woodward Avenue comes alive

Pontiac — Farms have roosters, the Dream Cruise has V-8s.

WAAAUUGGGHHH! A sinister black Pontiac GTO lit up the asphalt at the Woodward and Long Lake stoplight as cruisers woke up with the sun for Dream Cruise Friday. From Pontiac to Bloomfield Hills, cruisers mixed with commuter traffic as clubs set up tents, Corvette celebrated its 70th anniversary at M1 Concourse, and diehards claimed their desired parking spots.

Tom Paletti, 70, of Macomb Township arrived at Woodward and Square Lake at 6 a.m. in his 421-cubic inch, V8-powered 1966 Pontiac Ventura monster to secure his spot in front of Kerby’s Koney Island. He sat in a lawn chair watching the passing parade with his buddy Terry King, 72, of Chesterfield Township and his bright yellow 1973 Camaro Z28.

More: Here's your guide to the 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise

“We used to get up at 4 a.m. to get a spot at the Dodge display at 13 and Woodward, but then Beaumont bought that property and the cops won’t let you park there anymore,” said Paletti, sitting in his lawn chair watching the passing parade of cars. “Kerby’s doesn’t mind. We hang out here all week — we like talking with car people.”

At the corner of Woodward and Whitemore in downtown Pontiac, a lone, bright orange 1955 Chevy 210 sat in the lush lawn like a four-wheel safety cone.

Behind the wheel (and the 350-cube V-8) sat Bruce Larkin, 63. “I took the day off, had breakfast, now I’m just hanging out before I put up my tents,” said the Waterford Township resident and member of the North Oakland Bowtie Club that sets up at this corner each year.

“The Pit Stop food truck over there will open up from 5-8 p.m. for dinner and we’ll get about 20 cars today,” he said. “On Saturday this whole lot will be packed with probably 100 cars.”

Further south in Pontiac, M1 Concourse was alive with activity as the car club’s annual Woodward Dream Show celebrates the 70 th birthday of Corvette this year. The parking lot next to the property’s event center was full of Corvettes staging for a midday photo shoot.

“We have a Corvette from every year that Corvette has been made, from 1953 on,” said M1 CEO Tim McGrane. “We even have a 1983 Corvette — one of the rarest Corvettes in existence.”

That’s because 1983 was the only year in its history that Corvette didn’t go into production. Just 43 ‘Vettes were made before Chevy pulled the plug on production, with General Motors choosing to wait until 1984 to introduce its all-new 4 th generation car. All but one of the 1983 Corvettes was crushed — save for No. 23, which was preserved and now calls the Corvette Museum in Kentucky home.

M1 managed to get it to the Dream Cruise — the first time the rare car has ever left Bowling Green. For $25, the public can come by the Dream Show from noon-8 p.m. Friday and all day Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. The 65 th anniversary of the Ram Charger is also being celebrated.

Werner Meier, 72, worked for GM from 1969-2002 and was instrumental in pulling the Corvette celebration together. “For our photo shoot with all the cars here, we have eight white Corvettes representing each generation of Corvette. They will be in the front of the photo.” One of the eight will be Meier's 1953 Corvette, one of only about 300 made.

The Dream Cruise and charity also go hand in hand. The D-Man Foundation is set up at the corner of Woodward and Long Lake to give hot rides to underprivileged kids and adults.

Mary Anne Pacheco, 67, of Canton Township was out early Friday prepping the parking lot — including the tent under which paraplegics and others with serious diseases are lifted into convertibles and other high-horsepower cruisers brought by volunteers for a thrilling ride down Woodward.

“This is our 11 th year,” said Pacheco in front of a ferocious, 2024, Plum Crazy purple, 807-horsepower, supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Demon Jailbreak. “Saturday just gets too crowded out on Woodward so we are here on Friday from 1-4 p.m. for every Dream Cruise. We run rides like clockwork.”

Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at [email protected] or Twitter @HenryEPayne.

Woodward Dream Cruise 2022: A celebration of tradition and new

With an eye toward the future, droves of classic car enthusiasts of all ages flocked to Woodward Avenue on Saturday for the 27th annual Woodward Dream Cruise, billed as the world's largest single-day auto event. 

Held annually on the third Saturday of August, the multicity festival stretched from Ferndale to Pontiac, attracting hundreds of thousands of people from around the country seeking to relive the iconic cruising culture of the 1950s and '60s.

By 9 a.m., muscle cars and convertibles, along with newer models, filled the avenue lined with tents and lawn chairs. Spectators pointed out their favorite cars while vintage autos on display drew fascinated onlookers.

For some Michiganders, like the Suchers of metro Detroit, automobiles are integral to the family history: Generations of Suchers have run a tire dealership in Detroit for 100 years.

"We're one of the early adherents of the event, and it's always fun getting the family together," said Mark Sucher, 65, of Farmington Hills. "Multiple generations come out." 

The Sucher family of self-proclaimed "gearheads" has attended the Woodward Cruise every year since it first began as a fundraiser for a Ferndale soccer field. For Cole Sucher, 22, of West Bloomfield, the cruise has become a late-summer memory maker for as long as he can remember.

"Being part of the younger generation, we're never going to see anything like this," he said. "We're not going to build works of art, like the cars you see today, so we should enjoy this while we can."

Many cited the welcoming atmosphere as the reason they keep coming back.

"It's the relaxation of seeing everyone in nice rides, and people keep it clean," said Myra Millikan, 66, of Lake Orion. She and her sister, like many other visitors, came prepped for the daylong event  with lunch and snacks.

Some visitors came from across the country to partake in the annual drive down memory lane. Mary Byrnes, 70, and her husband have been driving up from North Carolina for 15 years. Though she described her husband as the auto expert, she says she enjoys getting to see some of the cars that her generation grew up with.

"We love the history and we love seeing what the future will hold," she said. "One of these days it may become an all-electric Dream Cruise."

She and her husband made the switch to electric vehicles, and she's looking forward to seeing what will emerge from the EV revolution.

Particularly for the younger generation, the Dream Cruise is a chance to learn about the automobile culture of decades past.

More:   Dodge electric muscle car concept keeps Charger name, adds EV 'exhaust'

More:   These electric vehicles qualify for $7,500 tax credit under Inflation Reduction Act

Sarah Sukal, of Florida, accompanied her boyfriend's family for her first Dream Cruise. Though she wouldn't mind seeing newer cars on the road, she says, the aesthetic of old, authentic cars makes the cruise special.

"If they could design a line of electric cars that look like these old cars, then why not?" said Sukal, 21.

Though electric cars currently on the road may not have the combustion engine sounds that are a fundamental aspect of the Dream Cruise, some newer models have the potential to combine tradition with innovation, such an  electric vehicle that includes the roar sound as a nod to cruising culture.

"Who could've imagined that we'd get all this from the Model T," Byrnes said. "It's the same way with the electric car."

Huntington is proud to present the 9th annual Cruise In Shoes 5K Run/Walk

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (WXYZ) — Huntington is proud to present the 9th annual Cruise In Shoes 5K Run/Walk.

The annual run/walk took place the morning of August 19, 2023, the same day as the 28th annual Woodward Dream Cruise presented by Ford. The event began at 7:30 am on Yorba Linda Blvd, continue with a rare opportunity to run on historic Woodward Avenue, wind through several Royal Oak neighborhood streets and finish at Shrine High School.

To learn more, visit Cruise In Shoes Presented by Huntington - Home

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