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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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Woodward Dream Cruise 2022: Everything you need to know

Big-finned Caddys, classic Corvettes, souped-up dragsters, and even the venerable 1997 Honda Civic Type R, which turns 25 this year, will be lined up bumper-to-bumper Saturday for the 27th annual Woodward Dream Cruise.

Auto enthusiasts from all over the world, including New Zealand, Japan and Australia, flock to the cruise annually for a taste of car history in Michigan.

The cruise started in 1995 and is always held on the third Saturday in August.

It began as an effort by Nelson House plus a group of volunteers seeking to raise money for a soccer field in Ferndale. They also wanted to re-create the nostalgic era of the 1950s and '60s, with music and cars roaming down Woodward. The first year brought in 250,000 people and has grown each year since then.

Nine Oakland County cities participate along a 16-mile radius of Woodward.

Starting as early as Thursday, car enthusiasts will crowd Woodward and surrounding communities to showcase their wheels.

Woodward Dream Cruise schedule

The cruise starts in Pontiac and stretches down Woodward toward Ferndale. 

Friday: CruiseFest Classic Car Parade 

The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and travels west down 12 Mile from Woodward to Greenfield. There will be food, entertainment and places for families to watch the parade. About 7:30 p.m., Detroit blues group Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations will perform on Robina Avenue, north of 12 Mile Road. 

On Friday and Saturday at West 12 Mile, official Woodward Dream Cruise merchandise will be available for purchase all day. 

Saturday: Birmingham Cruise Classic Car Show 

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., this car show will take place in the Walgreens lot at 34300 Woodward Ave.  and surrounding streets like Haynes to Adams Road, Worth Street to Woodward and Webster Street to Adams Road. Birmingham shops will be open, and there will be sponsor exhibits for spectators to enjoy. 

Parking for this event can be found in one of six Birmingham parking structures; metered parking will also be  available. 

The Peabody Street structure is located right off Woodward at 222 Peabody. The first two hours are free. 

Other parking structures include the following:

• Chester Street structure: 180 S. Chester St. 
• North Old Woodward structure: 333 N. Old Woodward
• Park Street structure: 333 Park St. 
• Pierce Street structure: 333 Pierce St. 
• Public Parking Lot 6: 660 N. Old Woodward

WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) and WOMC-FM  (104.3) will be broadcasting live from Birmingham. 

Friday: Ferndale Dream Cruise Events

Ferndale Emergency Vehicle Show & Ford Motor Co. is scheduled from 1-7 p.m. with the official Woodward Dream Cruise Ribbon Cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. near east  Nine Mile Road at Woodward. The lights and siren cruise starts at 5:30 p.m. The Kids Car Club will also be in attendance, for kids to enjoy electric mini-car rides, games and bounce houses. 

West of Woodward, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., "A Storyland of Floats" from the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade will be on exhibit.

From 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., musical guests will perform on the Rock' n Live  Entertainment Stage near West  Nine Mile Road in downtown Ferndale. 

Lineup of performances

• 1 p.m.: M-1 Jazz Collective 
• 3 p.m.: American Ages Band
• 5 p.m.: The Favorites 
• 7:30 p.m.: Billy Mack and the Juke Joint Johnnies 
• 11 a.m.: Bad Mojo Band 
• 1 p.m.: Surf Zip 
• 3 p.m.: Look'in Back, A Bob Seger Tribute Band 
• 5 p.m.: City Beat, A Motown Sound 
• 7:30 p.m.: Infinity & Beyond, A Journey Tribute Band

Saturday: Ferndale Dream Cruise Events

Mustang Alley will take place with Ford Motor Co. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the entrance starting at Hilton Road at  East Nine Mile Road. It costs $20 to enter, only cash is accepted. Pre-registration is closed but vehicles not pre-registered can enter at about 10 a.m. 

The Kids Car Club and Kids Play Zone will also be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. More performances will follow as well from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Rock' n Live Entertainment Stage. 

Visitors will be able to purchase food, and official Woodward Dream Cruise merchandise all day.

Friday: Performance Park Classic Car Show

Car enthusiasts can enjoy some classic cars before the main event from noon to 7 p.m . at Memorial Park at 31050 Woodward .

Saturday: Royal Oak Dream Cruise Events

Cruise in Shoes 5k Run & Walk will kick off at 8 and lasts until 9:30 a.m., on Yorba Linda Boulevard. Participants will be able to run along Woodward  and several Royal Oak neighborhood streets before ending  at Shrine Catholic High School. 

Pre-registering is available online or on the day of, sign-up will be available at  Shrine Catholic High School. Registration is $40 until Wednesday  and will be $45 the day of the race. 

The Performance Park Classic Car Show will continue from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Vendors will also be selling food and official Dream Cruise merchandise. 

Pleasant Ridge

Saturday: Ford Bronco Show

Ford Bronco and the Bronco Corral will be in attendance from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Woodward and Oakland Park Boulevard. 

Official cruise merchandise will be available for purchase there as well. 

Friday: Woodward Dream Show

From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at M1 Concourse, over 600 cars in 13 classes including  hot rods, race cars, muscle cars and cruisers will be on display and compete in exhibition competitions. This year, kids will get in free, live music is expected and there will be shaded seating for 1,000 guests. In addition, there will be a live reveal about noon of Mobsteel's Lincoln Coupe. Mobsteel is a design company that focuses on manufacturing automotive aftermarket products. 

The show will feature over 50 Fords dating to 1932,  nearly 30 Lincolns and Firebirds, over 100 Corvettes, and more than 50 American classic hot rods. 

Judges will give awards for best in that class, plus awards for Best in Show and People's Choice Awards. Guests will be able to vote through a QR code. Winners will be announced at 5 p.m. 

Ticket prices

• 18 and older: $50 
• 13 to 17 : $25
• 12 and younger : Free

Purchasing a ticket includes no charge on parking and shuttle, and a better view to see the cars up-close. 

Ticket holder activities

• Metro Detroit rock band Vavoom will perform from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. 
• Ride with a professional along the North Loop.
• M1 Concourse Paddock Pavilion allows guests access to craft beers, wine and spirits and other beverages,  and the live music. 
• Pit Stop Alley allows for attendees to get their grub on with a range of food trucks. It also includes seating for guests to get comfortable and enjoy the featured cars.
• R/C Off-Road Course lets guests race one of 20 R/C remote-controlled EV race cars. 
• Events happen rain or shine.
• Minors need to be accompanied by an adult.
• Tickets are nonrefundable.
• No outside food or drinks.

M1 Concourse is located at 1 Motorsports Drive, Pontiac. 

Also on Friday, Pontiac will host a classic car show on Saginaw Street from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday: Woodward Dream Parade 

Car club members and invited guests will meet again at M1 Concourse for the parade starting at 8 a.m. From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.,  about 200 vehicles will cruise down Woodward and through downtown Pontiac. The event will open to the public around 11 a.m. in the Woodward Paddock and arena area with food trucks. In the M1 Kid Zone there will be R/C cars, pedal cars and slot cars. 

From noon to 7 p.m., live music will be performed in the arena next to the biergarten. These events end at 8 p.m. 

Food and drinks will be available for purchase on-site; no outside food and drink will be allowed.

Parking for Woodward Dream Show events

• Shuttles will be provided for round-trip pickups and drop-offs between Williams International parking lot and the M1 Concourse. 
• Off-site parking is located at 2000 S. Opdyke Road, Pontiac.

Hotels nearby

• Hotel Royal Oak: 811 E. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak
• Doubletree by Hilton: 39475 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Detroit Troy, Auburn Hills:  850 Tower Drive , Troy
• Cambria Hotel Detroit-Shelby Township : 50741 Corporate Drive, Shelby Township
• Daxton Hotel: 298 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham 

Restaurants nearby 

• Detroit Taco Co.:  2199 Crooks Road, Troy 
• Crispelli's Bakery & Pizzeria: 28939 Woodward Ave., Berkley
• Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken: 31105 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak 
• Como's: 22812 Woodward Ave., Ferndale
• Churchill's: 116 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham

SMART bus options and bypasses 

Attendees can hop on a free SMART dream cruise shuttle from 8 Mile to Pontiac. The shuttles will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday. Passengers can board at any RED SMART or FAST bus stops along Woodward. Masks are encouraged but are not required. 

A Snapchat filter presented by Ford will also be available for usage.

Bus bypasses

Routes: 450, 460, FAST routes 461 and 462 will start at 8 a.m. and go until 11 p.m. and will end and start at their regular locations. 

If passengers are traveling between State Fair Transit Center and Troy P&R, they can board or de-board at any SMART or FAST stop as long as they flag the driver down. 

There will be no pickups or drop-offs between Troy P&R and Pontiac. 

Bypass transfer points are:

• State Fair Transit Center
• Royal Oak Transit Center 
• 13 Mile & Coolidge
• Somerset Collection- South
• Downtown Pontiac
• Auburn Hills Meijer

The following bus routes will operate regularly: 415/420 Greenfield/Southfield, 730 10 Mile, 740 12 Mile, 760 13 Mile, 14 Mile and 780 15 Mile. 

SMART bus encourages passengers to plan ahead before their trips due to possible delays leading up to the cruise and the day of the event.

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All About Michigan

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.

Recommended Videos

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.

Copyright 2023 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

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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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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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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Woodward Dream Cruise

WXYZ Editorial: Keep Detroit's positive momentum rolling in 2024

Community Comment: Dream Cruise, Schools, and Mackinac Island

Local man showcases restored 1972 Pontiac Firebird at the Woodward Dream Cruise

A wedge of cheese on wheels? Check out this 1977 Sebring-Vanguard CitiCar EV

Pontiac Transportation Museum shines spotlight on city's auto industry impact

BLOG: Out on Woodward! The sights and sounds of the 2023 Dream Cruise

GALLERY: Start your engines! It's time for the 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise

2023 woodward dream cruise set for august 19.

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

Cruising down memory lane, owners share family connections with classic cars

Watch WXYZ-TV's Woodward Dream Cruise special

What Ford is showing off at the 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise

WXYZ Editorial: Why the Woodward Dream Cruise is so important to Detroit

'Corvettes on Woodward' event helps raise money for Royal Oak food pantry

Cruise Woodward: Car expert Ken Lingenfelter rolls down Woodward Avenue

Share your photos in the Ford Classic Car Garage for the Woodward Dream Cruise

Kick-off party celebrates start of 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise season!

Spotlight on the News

Spotlight on the News: Getting everyone ready for the 28th Woodward Dream Cruise

A rare look inside the city of Detroit's classic car collection

Ride Along: Check out the electrified Ford F-100 Eluminator

WATCH: WXYZ-TV's 2022 Woodward Dream Cruise Special

2022 Dream Cruise: Meet the cruisers of Woodward!

1965 Mustang Fastback restored to help families of wounded, fallen veterans

Jay Leno unveils vehicle inspired by Sam Walton at the Woodward Dream Cruise

Out on Woodward! The sights and sounds of the 2022 Dream Cruise

Dream Cruise participants show off labor of love with vintage cars on Woodward

Danny’s Miracle Angel Network gives 100 free Dream Cruise rides

Meet the owner of this Dream Cruise staple, the 'I Love Lucy' Scotty trailer

Electric vehicles spark interest ahead of the 2022 Woodward Dream Cruise

Early cruisers line up on Woodward, share their car stories

The 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise takes over metro Detroit's most famous road on Saturday, August 19, 2023! 

WXYZ is once again proud to be your home for everything Dream Cruise.

We're revving our engines, getting ready for the cruise. In addition to the photo galleries, videos, and news you'll find here, watch for live coverage Dream Cruise week on 7 Action News.

On August 19, our two-hour Woodward Dream Cruise special airs on WXYZ-TV and streaming on WXYZ.com from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Learn more about the Woodward Dream Cruise at the official event website.

Watch CBS News

Guide To The Woodward Dream Cruise

August 16, 2012 / 5:47 AM EDT / CBS Detroit

Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18 The cruise place along a 16 mile stretch of the legendary Woodward avenue through eight host communities including Berkely, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Pontiac and Royal Oak, in Southeast Michigan. The Woodward Dream Cruise enters its 18 th year in 2012 is powered by presenting sponsor Chevrolet. The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world's largest one-day celebrations of classic car culture that attracts over 1 million visitors, and 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector, and special interest vehicles. Every city has its own roster of events, with the fun kicking off Friday night in Berkley, Ferndale and Bloomfield Township, and continuing early Saturday with the first Dream Cruise 5K fun run, with on-site registration beginning at 6 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at 12 Mile and Woodward in Royal Oak. Get a complete schedule of events here.

The Woodward Dream Cruise is a spectacular event to drive-in or witness, public parking is available at or near the Cruise Route. This is complicated as the cruise runs through many communities can be both ample and scarce, depending on where you're at.

Berkely- There are no public parking areas near Woodward, parking is allowed on the side streets adjoining Woodward but it might be wise to try and get there early as those spots will likely be filled and difficult to find open ones. Overnight parking is not allowed on city streets. Click here  for more information.

Birmingham- All Dream Cruise activities are within walking distance of the city's five parking decks, where the first two hours of parking are free. Click here  for more information.

Bloomfield Township- Spectator parking near the car show is at 36700 Woodward for $5.

Ferndale - In Ferndale, the following metered lots are public: West Nine Mile at Planavon; Woodward at West Troy; Woodward at Withington (West), Woodward at East Breckenridge.  Click here  more information.

Huntington Woods - Parking areas on Woodward have been leased by car clubs and reserved for city resident's activities. Spectator parking is the same as for Berkley and Pleasant Ridge.

Pontiac - Public Parking is in the Phoenix Plaza Structure in the downtown. City surface lots will be open in the downtown. Click here  for more information.

Royal Oak- Parking is available at public lots and three parking decks in the downtown but you must walk one-half mile to Woodward. For details, see www.ci.royal-oak.mi.us .

For cruise in shoes, parking will start at 6 A.M., Memorial Park 13 mile and Coolidge $5, Shrine Elementary shuttle from 12 mile and Woodward $5, Upton Park (west of Coolidge on Massoit) Free shuttle starting at 6 A.M., starting at 7 AM parking at Memorial Park is $10. Gunn Dyer Park Hampton and Hunter just south of Normandy $10, the free shuttle from Upton will run from 6 AM till 10 PM.

Requirements

There are no fees to drive in the Woodward Dream Cruise or to watch the cruise. Anyone can participate although those not driving a classic car are asked to stay out of the two right or curb lanes. The usual rules of the road apply and open consumption of alcohol is not allowed in public areas. In your own house? Fine. In a fenced restaurant patio along the route? Sure. In a lawn chair alongside the road? No.

Merchandise

Everything from dash plaques to wall calendars, die cast classic cars, hats, lapel pins, hats, tank tops and T-shirts are available for purchase at the official Woodward Dream Cruise online store HERE.  That means you can buy things ranging in price from $5 to $25. Best yet? All proceeds from merchandise sales go to local charities.

If you're looking for an easy way to avoid taking a cab home or just want to enjoy every possible second of the cruise without a commute time, there are 13 hotels visitors can stay at in metro Detroit that are listed as official hotels of the Woodward Dream Cruise. If you stay at any one of these hotels you receive a discount and help donate to the greater southeast Michigan area. Courtyard by Marriot Farmington Hills 31525 West 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; 248-553-0000 Fairfield Inn Detroit/Troy Marriott 32800 Stephenson Hwy Madison Heights; 248-588-3388       Marvin's Garden Inn 27650 Northwestern Highway Southfield; 248-353-6777 Fairfield Inn By Marriott Detroit/Warren/Sterling Heights 7454 Convention Blvd. Warren; 586-939-1700 Comfort Inn at Greenfield Village 20061 Michigan Avenue Dearborn; 313-436-9600 Embassy Suites Detroit–Livonia/Novi 19525 Victor Pkwy Livonia; 734-462-6000; Marriott Detroit-Troy 200 W.Big Beaver Rd .Troy; 248-680-9797 ComfortSuites–Southfield 24977 Northwestern Highway Southfield; 248-357-9990 Embassy Suites Detroit–Southfield 28100 Franklin Road Southfield;  detroitsouthfield.embassysuites.com Courtyard by Marriott Southfield 27027 Northwestern Highway Southfield; 248-358-1222 Holiday Inn Express & Suites Southfield–Detroit 25100 Northwestern Highway Southfield; Marriot Detroit Southfield  27033 Northwestern Highway Southfield.

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Chrome and muscle: 2023 Dream Cruise kicks off on Woodward

Classic cars hit woodward on eve of the dream cruise.

This weekend is the Woodward Dream Cruise but on Friday, the unofficial start is already underway.

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (FOX 2) - The start of the Woodward Dream Cruise may not officially start until tomorrow, but Friday always serves as the unofficial kickoff every year.

Today is no exception as tailgaters are lined up along the route and everything from muscle cars to old-time classics have hit the street.

The Dream Cruise began in proper, as a fundraiser for a park in 1995 and has grown into a rite of August drawing participants from out of state and even in some cases, out of the country.

Brandon Hudson: "What is it that gets you out of your house in Canada, and say, ‘Hey, let’s take a cruise down Woodward?’"

"It’s called octane brother," said John Jones, hailing from Ontario. "Gas, rubber, fumes, you name it, we love it."

Desmond Liddell of Flat Rock came with friends and family for the spectacle.

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

"This is the perfect time for us to just vibe," he said. 'Even though some of us might work all the time, and we choose this day. Like my uncle, he took off two days to come out here."

Berkley Cruisefest helps kick off Woodward Dream Cruise weekend

On Friday classic cars were cruising on 12 MIle between Woodward and Greenfield in Berkley.

Mike Cocklin from Ohio was there today showing off his 1957 Chevy, while Frank Pavia from Plymouth brought his 1974 Cushman Trucker which was converted from an old meter maid vehicle.

Mary Brandenburg of Warren was with her husband and their 1976 Cadillac Special Edition enjoying quality time.

Classic cars out in force on Woodward for the eve of the Dream Cruise

Even though the Dream Cruise has not officially started, there is no shortage of classic cars to watch.

"Time shared with loved ones is fleeting," she said. "I just want to get our here and enjoy what he wants to, while I still can."

The Woodward Dream Cruise through the years

Cruise History

Saturday, august 17, 2024.

• Directions & Parking
• Smart Shuttle Service
• Restaurants & Hotels
• Online Store
• Become a Sponsor
• Car Club Questionnaire
• Cruise in Shoes
• Cruise Administration
• Cruise Committee
• News & Releases
• Cruise Comments

Grass Roots, Revered Pavement, World Stage

Did you know that the Woodward Dream Cruise actually started as a small fundraiser to raise money for a soccer field in Ferndale, Michigan?

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.

Drivin’ from Drive-In to Drive-In

Today, the Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day automotive event, drawing over 1-million people and 40,000 classic cars each year from around the globe—from as far away as Australia and Japan. Cruisers from all across North America, including Canada and Mexico, caravan to Metro Detroit to participate in what has become, for many, an annual rite of summer.

Ted’s, Totem Pole and The Varsity, Hollywood, Wigwam and Suzie Q’s, and, of course, Big Boy. These old-time drive-ins and restaurants that dotted Woodward Avenue were the places to see and be seen during an era remembered perhaps most famously by Hollywood in American Graffiti and Happy Days. These locations were the turnarounds, stopping points and social hangouts for the cruisers of the era.

Michigan’s first drive-in was located near Square Lake Road in Bloomfield Hills. Ted’s Drive Inn became a hangout and one of the avenue’s most popular destinations. It had begun in 1934 as a lunch wagon/trailer and was known for “the world’s largest hot dog,” priced at 35 cents.The Totem Pole opened in Royal Oak in 1954 and featured a 16-foot totem pole hand carved by Ojibway Chief White Wolf of St. Ignace. The restaurant introduced the “Teletray,” a 2-way speaker through which customers could order the popular Big Chief Burger.

At these locales and others, roller-skating waitresses sporting white bobby socks and serving trays delivered hamburgers and milkshakes to duck-tailed greasers in leather and beauty queens sporting class rings and letter jackets. The real attractions, though, were the cars. Hot rods and muscle cars. Convertibles and hard tops. Oversized tires and custom-painted flames. These marvels of machinery were cool and hot; street machines that cruised Woodward emanating vintage rock and roll from the AM radio coupled with the rumble of a big block V8.

Cruis’n Places from the Past