where to watch woodward dream cruise

Here's your guide to the 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise

Detroit — Auto enthusiasts from around the globe will rev up their engines and descend on Metro Detroit this weekend for the highly-anticipated Woodward Dream Cruise.

Ushering in more than 1 million people and roughly 40,000 classic street machines to the region, spectators will line up along Woodward Avenue for a stretch spanning nine Oakland County communities this weekend.

Here's everything you need to know.

More : Car lovers to unite at Woodward Dream Cruise

How far will the car parade stretch? 📍

The cruise runs along a 16-mile route through Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Royal Oak, Pleasant Ridge and Pontiac in Oakland County.

Here's a map of the route.

Dream Cruise events Friday and Saturday

There are all sorts of events throughout the weekend, starting Friday.

Pontiac Classic Car Show, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. in Pontiac

Cruise in Shoes 5k Run, 8-9:30 a.m., Royal Oak

Performance Classic Car Show, noon-7 p.m., Royal Oak

Ferndale Emergency Vehicle Show, 1-7 p.m.

Official Dream Cruise Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, 5 p.m., Ferndale

CruiseFest Classic Car Parade, 6:30 p.m. in Berkley

Birmingham Cruise, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Performance Classic Car Show, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Royal Oak

Woodward Dream Parade, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Pontiac

Pontiac Classic Car Show, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

Ford Bronco Show, 10-a.m.-6 p.m., Pleasant Ridge, at Woodward Avenue and Oakland Park Boulevard.

But the cost — how much are we talking? 💵

Whether a driver or spectator, participation is free.

So, where should I park? 🚗

City of Birmingham:  All activities are within walking distance of the city’s downtown parking decks.

City of Ferndale:  The municipal parking lots are surrounding downtown Ferndale, near Woodward Avenue and 9 Mile Road

City of Pontiac:  Municipal parking lots and parking structures are located in surrounding downtown Pontiac.

City of Royal Oak:  Guest parking is available at municipal parking lots and walking distance from Woodward Avenue.

•      Royal Oak Golf Center:  Corner of Coolidge Highway and West 13 Mile Road.
•      Gunn Dyer Park:  South of Normandy Road between Coolidge Highway and Woodward Avenue.
•      Upton Park:  South of West 14 Mile Road and Coolidge Highway.

For more event information, visit: www.woodwarddreamcruise.com

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Your guide to the 2023 woodward dream cruise: what you need to know, dream cruise takes place each year on the third saturday in august.

Ken Haddad , Digital Managing Editor

DETROIT – The 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise is Saturday, August 19. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day celebration of classic car culture that attracts over 1 million visitors, and more than 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles.

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The Woodward Dream Cruise takes place each year on the third Saturday in August, and runs between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

What is the Dream Cruise?

In August 1995, Nelson House and a group of volunteers looked to relive and recreate the nostalgic heydays of the 50s and 60s, when youth, music and Motor City steel roamed Woodward Avenue, America’s first highway.

That year, 250,000 people participated—nearly ten times the number expected. The rest, as they say, is history.

Where is the Dream Cruise route?

The Woodward Dream Cruise spans much of the avenue: classic vehicle drivers cruise through nine participating communities (Pontiac, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Royal Oak, Berkley, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge and Ferndale) in Oakland County, Michigan. Spectators and cruisers travel to Metro Detroit, the birthplace of the American automobile, to participate in an event that celebrates all things automotive.

How much does it cost?

There are no fees to cruise in the event or to watch. Anyone can participate although, those not driving a classic car are asked to stay out of the two right lanes nearest to the curb.

Where do folks park?

The Woodward Dream Cruise is a spectacular experience to drive, or, merely watch and marvel from the sidelines. Public parking is available along or near the cruise route.

Public safety info

The Woodward Dream Cruise is an alcohol-free, family-oriented event. As public safety is paramount, cruisers are asked to obey all rules of the road.

Police departments from each community patrol on foot, horseback and vehicles during the Cruise to ensure a safe and family-friendly environment for everyone. A team of amateur radio operators also serve as additional “eyes and ears” of law enforcement officials along the Cruise route.

More info at the official website.

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About the Author

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.

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Watch CBS News

Woodward Dream Cruise returns this weekend. Here's what to know about parking, events and more

By Sara Powers

August 16, 2023 / 11:49 AM EDT / CBS Detroit

(CBS DETROIT) - The Woodward Dream Cruise is here for its 2023 season! Here's everything you need to know about the route, parking, free bus rides, community events and more!

When and where is the Woodward Dream Cruise? 

The event will happen on Saturday, Aug. 19, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

The Woodward Dream Cruise was founded in 1995 and goes through nine Oakland County communities along 16 miles of Woodward Avenue. 

The participating communities include Pontiac, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Royal Oak, Berkley, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge and Ferndale. 

To view the official map for the event, visit here . 

What can visitors expect during the Woodward Dream Cruise?

Every year, the event draws in about 1.5 million people who can expect to see over 400,000 cars, including muscle, street rods, custom builds, collector cars and special edition vehicles participating in the cruise. 

Ford Motor Company is again the event's sponsor for the sixth consecutive year. 

"It's incredibly special to celebrate Ford's 120th Anniversary with Henry Ford's first race car along with our entire portfolio to help power the Woodward Dream Cruise," said Bryan Guldi, Ford U.S. branded activations manager, in a press release. "Collaborating with the Woodward Dream Cruise is very important to Ford Motor Company because we strive to contribute and give back in meaningful ways to the communities where we live, work... and cruise."

The 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise features the new Mustang Dark Horse, which is debuting this summer with an updated look and maintains manual transmission.

Ford will also feature its Bronco Raptor and F-150 Lightning at the event. 

Will there be construction during the Woodward Dream Cruise? 

The construction on Woodward Avenue from Eight Mile Road to Oakridge Street will pause for the event. 

Cars will have access to all four lanes of Woodward Avenue in both directions. 

Where to park during the Woodward Dream Cruise?

Parking is available along the route, and according to the Woodward Dream Cruise's website, here are some areas guests can find parking:

Royal Oak Golf Center: Corner of Coolidge and West 13 Mile Rd. Gunn Dyer Park: South of Normandy between Coolidge and Woodward. Upton Park: South of West 14 mile Rd and Coolidge.

• City of Birmingham: All activities are within walking distance of the city's downtown parking decks.
• City of Ferndale: The municipal parking lots surround downtown Ferndale, near Woodward Avenue & Nine Mile Rd.
• City of Pontiac: Municipal parking lots and structures surround downtown Pontiac.
• City of Royal Oak: Guest parking is available at municipal parking lots and within walking distance from Woodward. Specifically, guests can look for parking at the Royal Oak Golf Center, Gunn Dyer Park and Upton Park. 

In addition, the event website shared a Facebook account where the community shares more information about where visitors can find parking and other events. 

How to get SMART bus rides during the Woodward Dream Cruise?

During the Woodward Dream Cruise, the SMART Shuttle will be free for everyone who wants to ride. People can catch a ride at any of the SMART RED or FAST bus stops from Eight Mile Road to Pontiac. 

Where to buy Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise?

Official merchandise can be found at the following locations: 

• Ferndale City Hall, 300 East Nine Mile Rd., Downtown Ferndale (Mon - Thurs, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
• Nine Mile Road., east of Woodward Ave., Ferndale (Aug. 18 & 19)
• Pleasant Ridge City Hall, 23925 Woodward Ave., west of Woodward, south of I-696 (Aug. 19)
• Corner of West 12 Mile Road @ Woodward Avenue, Berkley (Aug. 18 & 19)
• Westborn Market - 27659 Woodward Ave., Berkley (Aug. 19)
• Zoe's Restaurant - 25994 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak (Aug. 18 & 19)
• Sherwin Williams - 27958 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak (Aug. 18 & 19)
• CVS Pharmacy, 30900 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak (Aug. 18 & 19)
• Gus's World Famous Hot & Spicy Fried Chicken, 31105 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak (Aug. 18 & 19)
• Kinkos - 33100 Woodward Ave., Birmingham (Aug. 19)
• West Maple Road, north corner of Woodward, 35075 Woodward Ave., Birmingham (Aug. 18, 19, & 20)
• Birmingham Cruise, Downtown Birmingham, Old Woodward Avenue - multiple locations (Aug. 19)

Other related events happening this weekend

• The Woodward Dream Cruise Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: This ceremony will start at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18, on East Nine Mile Road at Woodward Avenue.
• Lights & Sirens Cruise: This parade will happen at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, following the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The procession will head north on Woodward to 11 Mile Road and return to Nine Mile Road. 
• Woodward Dream Show: This event is happening Friday and Saturday at the M-1 Concourse in Pontiac. To celebrate Corvette's 70th anniversary, they will have 70 Corvettes, one from each production year. In addition, they will also have a 1983 Corvette, which is the only one in the world! For more information on the Woodward Dream Show, visit here.
• Woodward Avenue
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Sara Powers is a digital producer for CBS Detroit. Sara covers local news, often focusing on crime, politics and entertainment.

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What is the Woodward Dream Cruise?

When is the woodward dream cruise, where is the woodward dream cruise held, is there a cost to attend the event, where should i park, where can i stay, public safety information.

The Woodward Dream Cruise is an alcohol-free, family-oriented event. As public safety is paramount, cruisers are asked to obey all rules of the road.

Police departments from each community patrol on foot, horseback and vehicles during the Cruise to ensure a safe and family-friendly environment for everyone. A team of amateur radio operators also serve as additional “eyes and ears” of law enforcement officials along the Cruise route.

Charitable Contribution

How do i become a sponsor of the woodward dream cruise, how/where can i purchase official woodward dream cruise merchandise.

There are three ways to purchase official merchandise:

• Online by clicking https://eagraphics.com/wdc/shop/home
• At official WDC merchandise locations (locations will be listed closer to the event)
• At official merchandise booths the day of the event (locations will be listed closer to the event)

How/where can I sell Official Woodward Dream Cruise merchandise?

Woodward Dream Cruise 2023 Dream Cruise guide for parking, timing, and events

FERNDALE, Mich. (FOX 2) - Rev up your engines and get ready for the ride of your life. If you're planning on attending the Woodward Dream Cruise, buckle up and read on to discover everything you need to know before attending.

The Woodward Dream Cruise is one of the largest car events in the world, featuring classic cars, muscle cars, and hot rods from all over the United States. 

The event takes place on Woodward Avenue, which spans nine cities and is revered as the "Main Street of America" for car enthusiasts.

READ NEXT: Woodward Dream Cruise will take place without construction barrels present

Rest assured, traffic won't be an issue on Woodward during the Dream Cruise. Despite road construction in the area during the summer, the event will not be affected.

When and where

The Woodward Dream Cruise takes place on Saturday, Aug. 18-19 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Drivers will start cruising in Ferndale and make their way over to Pontiac.

Participation in the event as a driver or spectator is free of charge. However, non-classic car drivers are requested to avoid the two right lanes closest to the curb.

More: Chrome and muscle: Unofficial start to Dream Cruise kicks off on Woodward

Birmingham: All activities are within walking distance of the city’s downtown parking decks.

Ferndale: The municipal parking lots are surrounding downtown Ferndale, near Woodward Avenue & Nine Mile Rd.

Pontiac : Municipal parking lots and parking structures are located in surrounding downtown Pontiac.

Royal Oak : Guest parking is available at municipal parking lots and walking distance from Woodward.

•   Royal Oak Golf Center: Corner of Coolidge and West 13 Mile Rd.
• Gunn Dyer Park: South of Normandy between Coolidge and Woodward.
• Upton Park: South of West 14 mile Rd and Coolidge.

Local events

Many of the communities along the route will also have their own city-specific events for residents to attend. Many take place on Friday when the dream cruise officially kicks off.

• Berkley: CruiseFest Classic Car Parade on Friday, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30
• Ferndale: Emergency Vehicle Show on Friday, 1 p.m. to 7, Ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 p.m., Lights & Sirens Cruise at 5:30 p.m., MMRA's Quarter Midget Racing Cars from 12 p.m. to 8, Rock'n Live Entertainment Stage from 1 p.m. to 9:30, Mustang Alley on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
• Royal Oak: Performance Park Classic Car Show on Friday from 12 p.m. to 7, Cruise in Shoes 5K from 8 a.m. to 9: 30
• Pleasant Ridge: Ford Bronco Show on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Pontiac: Pontiac Classic Car Show on Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., DJ Aaron at Hidden River from 12: 30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Woodward Dream Parade on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30

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Woodward Dream Cruise: where to stay, where to view - Detroit Forum

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In the past, 90% of the time that we have visited the Greater Detroit area, we've stayed in either Dearborn, or Livonia.

For the cruise , is it better to stay in Madison Heights? Also, I heard that most of the action and displays are between 9 Mile and 14 Mile. Does anyone know of a spot that I could be dropped off, in-case the wife and teen decide to take the car and go up to the Great Lakes Crossing mall (which I can see happening...)?

It depends upon your budget.

Thanks. What are your thoughts about the 14 Mile and Stephenson Hwy area? There seems to be a lot of hotel, dining choices in that area.

Thanks again.

14 and Stephenson / I-75 in Madison Heights / Troy would be a good place. You are only a few miles from Woodward where everything takes place which would make for an easy Uber trip. Traffic as you get close to Woodward will be stupid busy, so you may need to get dropped off farther away and walk it. There are several mid-range hotels (Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Courtyard) plus a couple more under construction - not sure if they will be open by August. As you noted there is plenty of dining in the area and Oakland Mall is right there (Macy's, Sears, JC Penny) plus all of the surrounding strip malls with other stores.

On the moderate side, I'm looking into The Hampton Inn on Wilshire.

On the cheaper side (if I can convince my wife, as I'm OK with it....) I'm looking at the Super 8 on Maple.

I think (hope) that either one will be OK-based on what I know about the overall area.

Again, I'm more familiar with the Michigan Ave, Telegraph, Middlebelt, etc. area; So I really appreciate your insight.

But wherever you stay get your reservations soon many places are already filled due to the car clubs coming to town.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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The 2021 Woodward Dream Cruise is back! Check out a map, parking options and more

(WXYZ) — After a year break due the COVID-19 pandemic, the Woodward Dream Cruise is back.

The 2021 Woodward Dream Cruise will roll on this year all day.

• Examining the return of the Woodward Dream Cruise
• Restrictions for trucks & trailers along Woodward go into effect Saturday for Dream Cruise

WXYZ-TV is the official media partner of the Woodward Dream Cruise. We will have live coverage from Woodward both before and during the annual event. The Woodward Dream Cruise special will air from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on WXYZ-TV .

Ford Motor Company is once again serving as the presenting sponsor for the 26th Annual Woodward Dream Cruise, and the original 1966 Ford Bronco is starring as the featured heritage vehicle. Ford recently launched production on an all-new version of the iconic nameplate SUV.

Ford will display both the new and older Broncos, as well as some of their most recently announced vehicles, including the all-new 2021 Mustang Mach-E GT all-electric SUV, the all-electric 2022 Ford F-150 Lighting, and the recently revealed Ford Maverick compact hybrid pickup truck.

Ford Motor Co. & Mustang Alley will be at 9 Mile in Ferndale. The Ford Bronco Car Show will be at 10 Mile Road near Memorial Park in Pleasant Ridge, and the Ford Heritage Display is slated to be at 11 Mile Road near Western Market.

You can also check out events prior to the 21, such as the CruiseFest Classic Car Parade, which will be held on Friday, August 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on west 12 Mile between Coolidge and Greenfield.

For a full list of cities and events on Dream Cruise weekend click here.

If you're looking for places to park during the cruise, the Woodward Dream Cruise encourages visitors to download the ParkStash app. The app will connect you to nearby parking spaces provided by churches, hotels, restaurants, homeowners and municipal parking lots to plan ahead of time. You can also check out municipal parking locations here.

Here's the Woodward Dream Cruise map below to help you plan your visit:

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