dream cruise woodward

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.

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
Metro Detroit
Woodward Dream Cruise
Oakland County

Sara Powers is a digital producer for CBS Detroit. Sara covers local news, often focusing on crime, politics and entertainment.

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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.

Dream Cruise 2023: Classic cars and their fans take over Woodward

Under clear blue skies, classic car lovers lived the dream Saturday on Woodward, with the 28th annual Dream Cruise in full swing from Ferndale to Pontiac from early morning past sunset.

Here are some of the sights (and sounds) from Metro Detroit's yearly celebration of car culture, Motown muscle and the region's rich automotive heritage.

Baby's first Cruise

It was 13-month-old Walt Cragun's first Woodward Dream Cruise, along with his parents Hannah and Chase. The family just moved to Farmington Hills from Las Vegas.

"I have a good friend who's from Clinton and when I said, 'what should we be looking out for when we move to Michigan? Where should we go?' He said, 'you can't miss the Woodward Dream Cruise,'" Hannah Cragun, 28, said.

The family was particularly taken with Charlie Liles' emerald green 1948 Ford F1 pickup truck, displayed in Royal Oak's Memorial Park.

"I actually saw one of these 10 years ago in a mining town," Cragun said. "(This one) was definitely more restored and beautiful."

Liles, 66, has lived in Royal Oak his whole life and attended all 28 Dream Cruises.

"I've been cruising Woodward for 50 years," he said.

Liles bought and restored the truck with his wife seven years ago.

"We drive it all over, it's just a hobby, a fun truck," he said.

Long live the 300

The Chrysler 300 ends production this year, but it will live on at the Cruise in the hands of enthusiasts like Mason Vetor.

The 22-year-old brought his wicked-looking, white, heavily modified 2018 300S to the Cruise this year. How wicked? He turned up the wick on the already robust Chrysler Hemi-V8’s 324 horsepower to 600 horses with mods like new headers and intake manifold to feed the beast under the hood. Well, if it had a hood.

“The intake manifold is so big I had to take the hood off,” said the Shelby Township resident. “It’s a pain to keep the engine clean, but it looks good.”

The mods don’t end at the engine. The Chrysler is lowered on custom gold Gray Star wheels, and the exhaust exits at the rear axles for added volume. Inside, Vetor added a blue “harness bar” for added chassis stiffening and deleted the rear seats. “Rear seats and passengers just add weight to the car.”

Better to blow the doors (and hood) off anything out of a Woodward stoplight.

A legacy on wheels

For some, like Len Palmeri, vintage cars serve as reminders of loved ones. Palmeri, 74, built his hot rod by hand with his father in 1969. The one-of-a-kind car is modeled after a 1929 Mercedes.

"The best gift my father could've ever given me was to help me build this car," Palmeri said.

"I learned a lot from him and you carry those skills with you the rest of your life and carry the memories because he's no longer with me."

The car is priceless to Palmeri and contains custom details like the names and initials of his parents, Tony and Jean.

Catering to car lovers

Pasteiner’s has been a Cruise tradition since before the annual Woodward Dream Cruise became an official event nearly 30 years ago.

Opened in 1987 by Steve Pasteiner, the Birmingham hobby shop has been a favorite of motorheads ever since, and it is a regular stop on the cars ‘n’ coffee circuit every Saturday morning throughout the summer. For the Dream Cruise, the store steps it up a notch with an official Cruise T-shirt and catered hot dogs and other eats for the passing crowd. Its parking lot, of course, is packed on this Dream Cruise Saturday with toys from Dodge Vipers to old Model A Fords to Pastenier’s own creations like the Nomad and Helldorado.

“The Cruise has really evolved over the decades as it’s become more famous,” said Pasteiner, who is also president of Advanced Automotive Technologies and a regular judge of auto concours. “Now it’s much more international in terms of the variety of cars — and the people. I had a couple of customers come in here wearing cowboy hats and jeans — and they were French! Didn’t speak a word of English. The Cruise now attracts people from everywhere.”

Celebrities, too.

Comedian and talk show host Jay Leno popped into Pastenier’s Saturday morning to look around, as has Detroit native and comedian Tim Allen in the past. “But it’s the auto executives who are the true celebrities in my mind,” said Pasteiner. “Like Mark Reuss, Jim Farley, Bob Lutz — they come in and we just talk cars.”

Celebrity aside, Pastenier said the Cruise is special because you can talk with anyone about cars on Woodward, bond with them, and the next thing you know you’re best friends.

“It’s different than, say, a Pebble Beach concours (that took place this week in California),” he said. “People work on their own cars and bring them to the Cruise — at Pebble, the owners have someone else do that for them.”

Chevy meets half-Chevy

Ronald Page, 75, of Oak Park, Illinois, drove his 1960 Chevrolet Impala, a gleaming white convertible with warm red accents, to Metro Detroit for the Cruise.

The ride takes more than five hours, but it’s worth it to Page, who was waiting patiently to get a picture of an upside down van riding down Woodward.

He’s made the trek every year the cruise has been on since 2015. He does it for the people, the car camaraderie and the festivities.

“I mean, I meet so many different people from different walks of life,” he said.

This year, one of those people was Ted Zulkowski, 52, of Roseville, who parked his “Forvette” in front of Page’s classic.

The “Forvette” is half of a 2001 Chevrolet Corvette topped with a 1931 Ford Model A truck. Zulkowski and his father-in-law built the truck/car over a two-year period, even giving it air conditioning while also ensuring it had the horn and front pheasant ornament like the Model A.

The two had the Corvette and then found the truck in a field “and wanted to … bring it back to life,” Zulkowski said. “So we grabbed the tractor and pulled it out of the field and there's where we started.”

Classics present and past

Tom Psilles owns a pristine 2005 Chevy Corvette C5, is a past president of the American Corvette Club, and has been coming to the club’s Dream Cruise paddock in the Walgreen’s parking lot in Birmingham for 22 years.

But his wife, Joan, 78, had the couple’s first classic.

She bought one of the first, 1964½ Ford Mustang coupes when it hit dealer lots nearly six decades ago. “It cost me $2,100 and I remember wondering if I’d be able to make the payments on it,” she smiled while watching cruisers stream by in front of the pharmacy.

She sold it a few years later (“It was just daily transportation then”), but when she and Psilles decided to buy a 1960s collector car 25 years ago, they started looking for Mustangs. Instead, a 1961 Corvette caught their eye. They restored it down to the floorboards, cruised the wheels off it, then turned it around for a handsome sum.

Still enamored of ‘Vettes, they drive the C5 now. “I love the styling,” said Tom. “And it’s comfortable. We go to Tucson every winter and we’ve taken the Corvette on the trip there and back.”

A Demonic possession

For a second straight year, car collector Leno took part in the Dream Cruise. At the 2022 event, he unveiled a special version of Ford Motor Co.'s all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup with a custom paint job designed in tribute to a 1970s F-150 once owned by Walmart founder Sam Walton.

This year's visit was all about gas-fueled, V-8-powered muscle, as the former longtime "Tonight Show" host became the first buyer to take possession of a "Last Call" Dodge Challenger SRT 170 Demon. It's one of 3,000 1,025-horsepower beasts being unleashed as Dodge ends production of its internal combustion engine muscle cars.

Leno took the wheel of his Octane Red model at Vinsetta Garage in Berkley and pulled out onto Woodward Saturday morning, followed in a black Demon by Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis.

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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 Best Oddball Cars We Saw at the 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise

Along with flashy sports cars and pristine classic muscle cars, the Woodward Dream Cruise welcomes plenty of unusual custom creations and obscure models.

Car shows aren't just about getting a glimpse at the latest 1000-hp supercars or poring over every detail on a well-maintained classic. They're also meant to show off the breadth of human ingenuity and creativity, something the Woodward Dream Cruise does to perfection. The show is open to anyone and anything, and just about every sort of vehicle you can imagine makes an appearance, and even some you never could've dreamed up. Read on to see some of the most bizarre and peculiar vehicles we saw at the 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise.

This "Rat Royce," as is painted on the door, looks like the offspring of a Formula 1 car and the evil big rig from Steven Spielberg's Duel . Instead of a V-6 hybrid powertrain like modern F1 cars, however, this custom job features a Caterpillar inline-six diesel aft of the front wheels. The wide stance, dual rear wheels, semi-truck cab with a visor, and roof-mounted horns makes this one imposing truck.

Ohio-based startup Lordstown Motors finally began producing its electric Endurance pickup last fall. The Endurance's four hub-mounted motors emit 440 horsepower and eke out roughly 200 miles of range from the 109.0-kWh battery. But things quickly went south for the nascent automaker, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June . Only a handful of trucks were built and many were recalled earlier this year, so it was a surprise to see this Endurance driving down Woodward without manufacturer license plates.

The Woodward Dream Cruise draws herds of Polaris Slingshots , begging for attention with gaudy paint jobs and music blaring from their tinny speakers. But this enthusiast brought a different sort of three-wheeled contraption, a tuk-tuk. Also known as an auto rickshaw, this colorful tricycle had "Thailand" emblazoned on the back, where these vehicles are a popular alternative to taxis.

We couldn't look away after seeing this unique creation lumbering down Woodward. The truck takes the term "woody" to new heights—instead of wood paneling along the vehicle's flanks, the entire body is constructed from timber. But all of the essentials are still present, with headlights, side-view mirrors, and even a Ford badge. That makes this a Ford Fir-150, we wood have to guess.

Fiat announced last fall that the latest 500—now offered exclusively as an EV—will come to the United States for 2024. The U.S.-spec version will be revealed this year's Los Angeles auto show, but we got a sneak preview with this Europe-market example we found at Woodward. Despite a switch to electric power, the 500e looks as charming as ever.

Not much information exists about this bizarre-looking hot rod, but we were able to dig up a photo online that identifies "Suspended Animation" as the hand-built 1974 concoction of one Ron Morgan of Dearborn, Michigan. We bet at least a few recreational substances were involved in the dreaming up of the buglike "Suspended Animation."

Along with the cornucopia of American muscle cars, Woodward brings out vehicles from around the world, with this VAZ 21011 the only Russian vehicle we spotted. This heavily altered, licensed version of the Fiat 124 was assembled throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with the meager 1.3-liter four-cylinder sending less than 70 hp through a four-speed manual transmission. A sign in the window said this garage find from Moscow underwent a full restoration after being imported to the U.S. in 2020.

Shotgunning a Labatt Blue is one thing; calling shotgun in a Labatt Blue is another. Although not as well known as Oscar Mayer's Weinermobile, this mobile beer can evoked plenty of smiles from the spectators. We're not even sure if this droptop pop-top is an official marketing effort from Labatt Brewing Company—based just across the river in Toronto, Canada—but this alcohol-fueled hop-rod certainly went down well with the Woodward crowd.

This adorable van isn't just a Subaru Sambar, it's the Dias Classic, a retro-themed version of the kei van sold in Japan throughout the 1990s. With less than 60 horsepower from the rear-mounted four-cylinder engine, the Sambar certainly wasn't the quickest vehicle at Woodward. But a five-speed manual and rear-wheel drive could make this cutesy hauler more thrilling than you might expect .

It may not have 1578 horsepower like the Bugatti Bolide , contain a shrieking V-12 engine like the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro , or generate 1400 pounds of downforce like a Ferrari FXX K Evo , but we bet the owner of this Ford Festiva race car has just as much, if not more, fun as the owners of those exclusive track-only hypercars.

We saw several faithful re-creations of iconic movie vehicles at Woodward, but this Jurassic Park–themed Jeep Wrangler was one of the most accurate. Everything is as it should be, from the red livery to the auxiliary roof lights, and it even packed dinosaur-catching equipment on a trailer hitch platform. The only dinos we saw at the Dream Cruise, however, were Ford Raptors and Ram T. Rexes .

On last year's oddball list , we included a lifted Chevy Camaro IROC-Z. This year the monster truck treatment has been applied to a mid-1960s Ford Galaxie 500. The boxy coupe towered above traffic and even wore bull bars and a pair of Hella lights for the full off-roader look. The Galaxie even required a step to reach the driver's seat thanks to the chunky tires.

Great Scott! It's a a twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 from a Ford F-150 Raptor stuffed into the back of a DeLorean! The enterprising owner mated the 450-hp powertrain—a notable upgrade over the stock Renault V-6's measly 130 ponies—to a Porsche six-speed manual and fitted his creation with four-piston Brembo brakes and KW coil-over suspension. He told us visual upgrades are in the works, and he plans to offer the conversion to other DeLorean owners next year.

Vehicles of all shapes and sizes are present at Woodward, including this minuscule go-kart doohickey. We're surprised this contraption even needs to wear plates, given that its driver probably weighs more than all of its parts combined.

This Chevrolet HHR is what happens to a Jurassic Park Jeep Wrangler when it drops out of high school and hangs out with the wrong crowd. We never thought we'd see one of Chevy's retro-styled vans converted into an off-roader, but if the "Gamble" vanity plate is any indication, this HHR was built to race in the Gambler 500 , an off-road rally for cheap, self-made all-terrain vehicles.

Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.

preview for HDM All sections playlist - Car & Driver US:

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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

Classic red car, modified red car, vendors selling hats at the Woodward Dream Cruise

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?

Two people riding in the back of a modified red car

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!

Sherry taking a photo of an old car on Woodward Avenue

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 Avenue lined with sports and muscle cars

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

Tents lining the street in Pontiac Michigan

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

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

Red and blue classic cars in front of a vendor selling elephant ears and funnel cakes

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.

People sitting in chairs, on the ground and under tents along Woodward Avenue

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

Motown Bistro and food trucks lining Woodward Ave in Detroit

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!

Brown Iron Brewhouse interior packed with people enjoying a meal

Um, can you say BACON CANDY? Drool.

Brown Iron Brewhouse sandwich with fries

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

Diners Drive Ins with photo of statue and Detroit skyline

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.”

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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.

Sherry & Chris are at the Inn at Bay Harbor and looking out at the lake.

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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?

Live In The D
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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.

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.

More info at the official website.

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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M1 Concourse Celebrates 60th Anniversary of World’s First Muscle Car

The Pontiac GTO, the first American muscle car, will take over the Woodward Dream Show (not to be confused with the Woodward Dream Cruise ) in August to celebrate its 60th anniversary with car enthusiasts and the public alike. The anniversary celebration will bring together an exhibition of 64 GTOs and more than 650 hot rods, custom cars, cruisers, and muscle cars.

The Pontiac GTO is known for its unmistakable rumble of a V-8 engine, fire-spitting double exhausts, and ability to go from zero to 60 mph in under six seconds. The GTO, nicknamed the “Goat,” the “Tiger,” and “The Great One,” is said to have led to a generation built on performance and speed, setting Detroit’s muscle car culture in motion.

According to Motor Trend , the GTO was created after Pontiac experienced great success in the NASCAR Grand National Series in 1961 and 1962, just as baby boomers were reaching the driving age and needed wheels. Pontiac’s division head, John DeLorean, saw the need and over 32,000 GTOs passed through dealerships in its first year.

The 60th anniversary celebration of this Detroit innovation will kick off the Woodward Dream Show and Parade on the third weekend in August.

“We’re going to have 64 Pontiac GTOs from across the country come together on the plaza at our event center,” said M1 Concourse CEO Tim McGrane in a press release. “It will be among the largest gatherings of GTOs in the United States and a must-see way to start Dream Cruise weekend at our Woodward Dream Show.”

Tickets to the GTO anniversary celebration include access to rare and unique cars, People’s Choice Awards voting, parking, local food and drinks, live music, entertainment, and more. General admission tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children. Kids six and under are free. VIP tickets, which include on-site parking, catered food and drink, and second-level views, are $160 each.

Eat from local food trucks like Green Lantern , Union 212 , Chick-A-Dee , Batter Up , and Sucree . There will also be ‘60s-themed live music and a family-friendly zone for the kids. Tickets also include access to the Insiders’ Garage Symposium, a panel of local and regional leaders discussing cars, car builds, and more.

The Woodward Dream Cruise, on Aug. 17, is metro Detroit’s biggest automotive event. The parade celebrates car culture, bringing thousands of custom collector and special interest vehicles to Woodward Avenue. The cruise spans nine communities from Ferndale to Pontiac, many of which are also hosting their own community events throughout the weekend.

M1 Concourse is a premiere automotive and entertainment venue. The 87-acre property holds a 28,000-square-foot event complex, a 1.5-mile closed track, 255 private garages, and a full schedule of events. The M1 Concourse also hosts the American Speed Festival, Cars and Coffee, Cars Under the Stars, and other automotive festivals.

“We invite everyone to join us for this unique opportunity to take part in a historic event that honors the region’s automotive legacy,” McGrane said in a press release. “It’s a day of cars, community, and culture and it all starts at M1.”

For tickets and more information, visit m1concourse.com , and visit hourdetroit.com for more community events.

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Reckless early cruiser flees Royal Oak police at high speeds; 2 flat tires finally end chase

A pr. 23—Two days after a Chesterfield Township teen led police on a high-octane chase along Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak residents complained to the City Commission on Monday about the noise, aggravation and potential dangers that early cruisers bring to the community.

None of the residents, however, mentioned the incident involving the suspect arrested Saturday evening. Police put out a statement on the chase Monday evening.

The epicenter for early cruisers, and the Woodward Dream Cruise in August, is 13 Mile and Woodward.

At 7:35 p.m. Saturday, a Royal Oak officer monitoring early cruisers spotted the suspect, 17, driving recklessly on Woodward in that area, police said.

The suspect was driving a white Chrysler 300 with a female passenger, 19.

"The officer activated his lights and attempted to stop the vehicle," Royal Oak police Lt. Richard Millard said in a statement, "but the driver disregarded the signal to pull over and fled away from the officer at a high rate of speed."

The teen changed directions several times on Woodward as police chased him and headed north of 14 Mile Road into Birmingham.

Birmingham police successfully deployed a tire deflation device near Lincoln Street in their city that flattened the two passenger side tires on the souped-up Chrysler.

Still, the suspect drove more than another mile on the flat tires, weaving through a residential neighborhood before heading south on Woodward, police said.

Police said they arrested him when he finally stopped near Woodward and Normandy Road. The passenger was released and no one was injured.

Police said the suspect is being held at Children's Village, a county detention center for juvenile offenders.

He faces a charge of third-degree fleeing and eluding, a five-year felony, and his case is being handled in juvenile court.

"We have officers patrolling Woodward," Millard said Tuesday. "Anytime the weather cooperates in the spring we have more people cruising Woodward."

Early cruisers typically congregate in business parking lots along the highway when they take a break from the road. Police for over a decade have tried to control them and in the past have issued trespassing tickets to those who crowd in parking lots in cooperation with business owners who object to cruisers being in their lots.

Mayor Michael Fournier said that because of Woodward is a highway state law prohibits police from writing civil infraction tickets for early cruisers gathering unless police have an agreement with business owners who own the lots. A local noise ordinance was used to issue noise violations, but the city got sued over the issue and lost in court, he said.

Ticketing can only be done "within what the state statute allows us to do," Fournier said.

Several Royal Oak residents who live within hearing distance of Woodward complained to the City Commission on Monday.

"It's decreasing the quality of my life," said Becky Valenti who lives a few blocks from Woodward. "I can't sit or work in my backyard without being frustrated because of the noise on Woodward ... We're going to have to move because it's so loud."

Fournier said city officials have been petitioning the city's representatives in Lansing to change state law so Royal Oak, and other nearby cities, can have a legal means of controlling early cruisers.

"I don't want you to think we're just twiddling our thumbs," Fournier said. "We're pushing the boundaries of what we can do."

Lisa Carnegie is another resident weary of the noise of loud engines. She said she realized the city and police were doing everything they can to limit the noise nuisance.

"But we need to do more," Carnegie said. "I don't know what it's going to take. A catastrophe where someone is killed?"

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72 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Moscow

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Sure, Moscow is the Russian political capital and the nation’s most populous city, but describing it as such couldn’t be any further from the truth. More accurately, Moscow is a city of contrasts.

It exudes history — its Kremlin dates back centuries, nodding to royalty and leadership old and now, while the famed Red Square, the poster child of the city, blends striking color with ancient tradition and religion.

On the other hand, it’s a city of modern pop culture and towering skyscrapers; a place where you’ll come across new-age museums, arts centers, manmade parks, and an efficient transportation system that’s one of the most beautiful in Europe.

It’s a city of longstanding culture — the Bolshoi Theater is an international symbol for excellence in classical dance, while Russia’s National Ballet Company remains renowned worldwide — as well as upbeat nightlife, with some of the world’s most celebrated rooftop bars and nightclubs.

While it’s a city filled with opposites, there remains no shortage of things to do in Moscow for all types of travelers — from those who want cultural immersion to those looking for an epic night out, you’ll be spoiled for choice. And if you’re not sure where to start, here’s a list of suggestions!

The Moscow Kremlin

If there’s any particular district begging to be the first place you visit on your trip, it’s the Kremlin.

Built in the 16th century by Ivan the Terrible, the UNESCO-listed area has since become the heart of Russia’s capital city, where you’ll find several churches, palaces, and other noteworthy buildings.

We’ll dive into each of its main attractions in a second, but regardless of what you visit, try to make it to the Kremlin in time for sunset — because seeing its golden domes glinting in the late-afternoon light makes for one spectacular tourist photo!

Click here to learn about Kremlin tickets prices .

1 – Admire the abundance of Kremlin towers | the Kremlin

As your eyes dart down the towering red-brick Kremlin wall, the first thing you’ll notice is its large towers of all different styles and sizes.

With a whopping 20 separate minarets towering above the historic area, each with its own name, colors, features and history, a guided tour to learn each of their fascinating stories is a must.

To give you a little taste, the Konstantin-Yeleninskaya Tower once housed a torture chamber. Saviour’s Tower at the main entrance boasts a famous chiming clock, the Secret Tower houses a secret escape tunnel, and the Trinity Tower is the tallest of them all.

Moscow Kremlin tours

2 – Visit the enormous Grand Kremlin Palace | the Kremlin

A remarkable attraction in terms of both beauty and history, the Grand Kremlin Palace is an ornate rococo-style building that was commissioned during the reign of Nicholas I, and today acts as the official residence of none other than the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.

Perched atop Borovitsky Hill, its 125-meter-long facade is unmissable, making for impressive photos.

Take note: guided tours are few and far between, so you’ll have to book a few weeks in advance if you want to check out the decorated inner sanctum.

Directions in Google Maps

3 – People-watch in Cathedral Square | the Kremlin

One of the most popular areas in all of Moscow (sometimes called Sobornaya Square), with multiple massive churches at its heart, Cathedral Square is flanked by several historic buildings and is never shy of a tourist crowd.

The three main churches — each spectacular works of architecture in their own right — are the Cathedral of the Assumption (the oldest and the biggest of all Kremlin churches), the 16th-century Cathedral of the Archangel Michael (known for its beautiful Corinthian gables and turrets), and the golden-domed Cathedral of the Annunciation (which connects to the Grand Kremlin Palace’s main building).

Throw in the 60-meter-high Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the lesser-known Church of the Twelve Apostles , the Church of the Deposition of the Virgin’s Robe (underrated yet famous for its marvelous stained-glass windows), and the medieval residence-turned-museum that is The Patriarch’s Palace, and you can see why this square is regularly number one on any visitor’s list of things to do in Moscow.

4 – See a show at the State Kremlin Palace | the Kremlin

Just like the Grand Kremlin Palace , this theater and prestigious concert hall — with its grandiose facade and multiple sculptures — is another ornate building that’s worth admiring.

A popular place to hold conferences, the State Kremlin Palace was originally built as part of a larger complex for Communist Party meetings, but today hosts some of the biggest events in Moscow — we’re talkin’ sold-old ballet performances, world-famous concerts, opera shows, and festivals.

Check the website to see what’s on the calendar for your visit!

5 – See centuries worth of national treasures at the Armoury Chamber | the Kremlin

For anyone with an interest in historical weaponry and armor, this museum — which dates back to the early 1500s when it was created as the royal armory — is a must-see.

The Armoury Chamber (as well as the Diamond Fund Exhibition) is home to some of the most valuable objects that were originally owned by Russian monarchs — from jeweled heirlooms and intricate boxes to ornately decorated pistols and swords — many of which are centuries old.

Within the armoury chamber, you’ll also find the Russian historical regalia, a collection of artifacts that belonged to Russian tsars and emperors between the 13th and 20th centuries, highlighted by the Ivory Throne and the Monomakh’s Cap.

Armoury Chamber tours

6 – Step inside the Palace of the Facets | the Kremlin

The Palace of the Facets is one of the most underrated buildings in all of Moscow, largely because it’s not as widely promoted or photographed even though its exterior adorns some postcards.

From the outside, it blends in with the crowd. But step inside and you’ll discover a world of beauty and wonder — its frescoes, golden columns and enormous rooms are a sight to behold

The Palace of the Facets is not only a piece of art (literally, with painted walls), dating back over 500 years, but also acted as the dining hall for the Tsars.

7 – Feel small next to the Tsar Bell | the Kremlin

Making Philadelphia’s famous Liberty Bell look diminutive in size, this monument , which never actually functioned as a bell due to its immense size (at 205 tons and standing 20.1 feet high!), has found fame in recent years for being the heaviest attraction inside The Kremlin.

With the bronze landmark’s claim to fame of being the biggest bell in the world, it presents as a great, quick photo op when roaming through the Kremlin.

8 – Check out the Senate Palace | the Kremlin

Another architectural masterpiece that’s tucked away within the Kremlin, this palace is famous for being one of Moscow’s most beautiful buildings — its yellow façade curves around to face inward and truly engulf anyone who stands near it.

Built back in the late 1700s, today it houses the Russian presidential administration and, unfortunately for us, is off limits to the general public.

Still, admiring it from outside, with the nearby Tsar Cannon, is certainly good enough.

9 – Grab a photo in front of the Tsar Cannon | the Kremlin

One of Moscow’s most iconic symbols, Tsar Cannon (or Royal Cannon) is a cannon that was manufactured in 1586 and resides — yep, you guessed it — within The Kremlin.

Following the theme of the enormous Tsar Bell, it weighs a whopping 39 tons — making it one of the world’s largest cannons even though it has never been shot.

And while its size may be impressive on its own, what makes this cannon so special is that it’s adorned with intricate carvings, ornaments, inscriptions, and a figure of a horse-riding Tsar Feodor the Bellringer.

walking tours in Moscow

10 – Join a tour of the Terem Palace | the Kremlin

A stunning, fairytale-like palace that’s steeped in history and detail, the five-story Terem Palace is one of the most underrated attractions within The Kremlin. However, as part of the official residence of the Russian President, much of it is off-limits to snap-happy tourists.

That said, there’s still plenty to be seen in the accessible areas by joining a group tour: a beautiful white-stone carved staircase; curved, decorated, and painted ceilings; and an enchanting low-vaulted Antechamber with lancet windows.

The Red Square

As we move away from the Kremlin, our next stop is the most photographed, picturesque public area in the country.

Flanked by gorgeous, colorful towers and buildings, the Red Square is the most famous square in all of Russia — and one that’s steeped in history, patriotism, and communist symbolism.

Home to some of Moscow’s greatest landmarks including St Basil’s Cathedral (featuring its iconic onion domes), Lenin Mausoleum, GUM department store (an architectural masterpiece that is the most famous shopping mall in Russia), The State History Museum, and more, it’s not just a sight to see in Moscow but also one that has been seen by hundreds of millions from around the world.

11 – Make your way inside St. Basil’s Cathedral | Red Square

Built back in the early 1500s, this quirky-looking, 65-meter-tall Orthodox church is so unique and detailed that it’s earned its place as one of 16 UNESCO cultural sites in Russia — and, thanks to many Hollywood productions like Bond: Skyfall (2012), has only continued to increase in fame.

Its exterior boasts multi-colored domes crowned with golden onion top spires. Meanwhile, inside, you’ll find nine small, separate chapels, and plenty of decorated walls and windows — all best viewed as part of a walking tour of Red Square.

Red Square tours in Moscow

12 – Visit the State Historical Museum | Red Square

One of seven museums that can be found around the expansive Red Square, the State Historical Museum is one of Moscow’s most revered.

Housed in a neoclassical building (the same as GUM), it features more than 4 million items relating to Russian history — making it so vast and incredible that you’ll need at least two hours inside to see just a fraction.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Marshal Georgy Zhukov Monument, a towering horse-riding statue of arguably the most famous and heroic Soviet military commander of WWII, which can be found in front of the museum.

13 – Shop till you drop at GUM | Red Square

The official state department store of Russia, having opened in 1893 and become one of Moscow’s most iconic attractions for shopaholics over the years, is known for its gorgeous architecture that looks more like a palace than anything else.

Entering through its massive golden doors, you’ll be surprised to find an extensive shopping center with more than 100 luxury and world-renowned brands of clothing and accessories for men, women, and youngsters.

Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, stop into the Gastronom №1 for a bite to eat or take a stroll through its corridors to appreciate the building’s history and beauty.

14 – Visit Lenin’s Mausoleum | Red Square

Another iconic Red Square attraction is Lenin’s Mausoleum, a small yet foreboding building that houses the embalmed corpse of Communist leader Vladimir Lenin (who led Russia through the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917).

Opened in 1930 after his death and standing at more than 12 meters tall, it presents as both a unique and macabre site — and, considering the life-like nature of the body, certainly isn’t for the faint of heart.

Note: Entrance is free of charge, but expect to be searched by security before being allowed in.

15 – Ride the Moscow Metro, enjoying the beautiful stations along the way

As we leave the Red Square, the next cab off the rank is Moscow’s unbelievable artistic Metro network (rivaled only in beauty by that of Stockholm). Constructed between the 1930s and 1950s, its stations were built by hand with a wide range of artistic themes — from socialist realist to Slavic pagan.

Tips: The best way to experience them is as part of a Moscow Metro tour, which can be booked online. However, if you prefer exploring solo, then make sure to visit the Mayakovskaya Metro Station which is known for its seemingly endless archways.

You may also check out Dostoyevskaya, named after a famous writer with murals depicting his stories. The Ploshchad Revolutsii Metro Station is another option where a handful of Socialist statues provide a wonderful contrast to the red marble arches.

metro tours in Moscow

16 – Spend the afternoon exploring the State Tretyakov Gallery

Boasting the reputation of being one of the world’s leading art museums, the State Tretyakov Gallery is home to a stunning collection that features well over 100,000 works from Russia and around the globe.

Featuring everything from ancient Russian icons to Soviet-era artifacts and contemporary pieces, the museum also houses a charming green garden perfect for recharging.

Visitors are advised to allocate at least three hours inside to properly appreciate everything on show — or consider booking a private VIP tour to skip the lines and focus on the best sections.

Tretyakov Gallery tickets

Click here to find out the best Moscow tours .

17 – Get out of town to the Tsaritsyno Museum & Nature Reserve

Tsaritsyno Museum & Nature Reserve, Moscow

Located a short drive from the hustle and bustle of the Red Square, this incredible attraction is both a palatial museum and cultural center, with an enchanting open-air garden to boot — spread across 405 hectares altogether.

Boasting beautiful 18th-century baroque architecture, it was originally built as a country retreat for Catherine the Great. However, it has since been transformed into an outdoor museum with several museums inside — including exhibits dedicated to Russian history and culture.

18 – Tick off the main haunts with a hop-on hop-off bus ride

Short on time or just can’t be bothered walking around anymore? Then make sure to check out the double-decker Hop-on-Hop-off Bus, a convenient and cheap way of seeing all the main attractions in one go.

With unlimited-ride tickets lasting between 24 and 72 hours, there’s plenty of flexibility to soak in must-see areas like Red Square, the Kremlin, Arbatskaya Square, Theatre Square, and the Red October neighborhood — and with a free audio tour (in English) throughout the ride, you’re sure to learn a thing or two as well.

Busses usually run every 15 minutes, with the full city loop taking roughly an hour — of course, you can disembark and reboard to your heart’s content.

bus tours in Moscow

19 – Learn about military history on Poklonnaya Hill

For an up-close and personal experience with the past, make sure to check out Poklonnaya Hill — a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 20 minutes out from the city center that’s home to several relics from Russia’s pre-revolutionary era.

It has everything from Great Patriotic War memorials dedicated to fallen soldiers of the Russian military forces, to the Eternal Flame and the Museum of Great Patriotic War. This is an unmissable opportunity for history buffs.

Hot tip: While you’re in the area, be sure to stop into the Victory Museum (the nation’s biggest military history museum) and check out the gold-tipped Church of St. George the Victorious .

20 – Get artsy at the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts

Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow

Home to one of the finest and most significant art collections in Russia, the highly-regarded Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts showcases everything from medieval icons and paintings. With over 500,000 pieces of works by renowned artists like Rembrandt, Renoir, Picasso, Matisse, Karl Bryullov and Rubens, the museum is undeniably one of the best things to do in Moscow for art lovers.

The museum also houses impressive exhibits dedicated to ancient Greece, archaeological collections, decorative arts and a 200,000-item Numismatic library.

21 – Take a charming stroll down Arbat Street

Boasting everything from galleries and craft stores to souvenir shops, cafes, and some of Russia’s finest restaurants and hotels — as well as top-notch street performers (like jugglers and caricaturists) — Arbat Street is one of Moscow’s most famous pedestrian hubs for good reason.

The entire walkway, flanked by colorful buildings, stretches about a kilometer through the historic district, making it the perfect start to any day of inner-city exploring.

22 – Lounge around at the Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure, Moscow

One of Moscow’s biggest and most beloved green spaces, Gorky Central Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to soak in some fresh air.

The park boasts 45 hectares of picturesque grassland, forests, Golitsinsky Ponds (home to squirrels and ducks), walking trails, fountains and the Neskuchny Garden. This place is also home to the wooden Olivkovy beach, a hot spot for photographers looking to appreciate the Moskva river.

Plenty of cafes line the well-manicured park, likewise public art projects and picnic spots and an open-air cinema in the summertime!

While a relaxing day in the gardens is never a bad idea, if you’re looking for something a little more interactive, there’s the 18-meter-tall Observation Platform and a handful of museums on site. The Gorky Park Museum , Muzeon Park of Arts , Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and New Tretyakov Gallery are all noteworthy stops within walking distance.

23 – Stare at the ceiling of the Christ the Savior Cathedral

On an easy stroll from the southwest side of the Kremlin, you’ll find a majestic memorial cathedral doused in history: the 5-golden-domed Christ the Savior Cathedral .

With a beautiful color-contrasting exterior that still falls short of the intricately painted inner walls and ceiling, this underrated (due to not being in Red Square with the other main cathedrals) attraction is a must for the bucket list.

24 – Zoom around town in a Soviet van

If a hop-on-hop-off bus screams of cliche tourism, why not get a little more cultured by skirting around the city’s main haunts in a real, war-era soviet van?

Undeniably one of Russia’s most emblematic vehicles as both a symbol of a Soviet past and a comical cultural nod to its boring exterior (dubbed the “loaf of bread”), the UAZ-452 vans are iconic.

So whether you opt for a pub crawl, landmark sightseeing tour, or day of adventure with wintertime off-roading, be sure to ride shotgun in one of the loaves of bread at some stage!

soviet tours

25 – See sharks up close at the Moskvarium

The mightiest aquarium in Europe (by size), the Moskvarium is an impressive modern space dedicated to the beauty and diversity of aquatic life.

Located right on the outskirts of Moscow’s city center (about 20 minutes drive from Red Square), this huge complex encompasses over 70 interactive exhibits. These include live shows, and the chance to go swimming with dolphins — that are sure to impress the whole family.

26 – Go underground at the Bunker 42 Cold War Museum

In the depths of Moscow’s shadow-strewn streets, hidden 65 meters beneath the tourist crowds are a Cold War-era bunker and former secret communications center.

Bunker 42 was built in 1955 as a nuclear-proof hideaway, but today you can book tours that reveal its secrets and stories — a must for the common history buff.

Bunker 42 tickets

27 – Immserve yourself in the soviet culture at the VDNKh theme park and exhibition space

Sprawling across the Ostankinsky District, VDNKh is a massive open-air museum and theme park paying homage to Russian industry and Soviet values.

The enormous complex is decked out with several gold-clad statues and palatial pavilions, each uniquely designed to represent different Soviet interests and endeavors, such as geology and the space race.

Hot tip: For a wonderful view of the Moscow skyline, be sure to jump on the Ferris wheel after riding the small roller coasters and merry-go-round.

28 – Take a trip to the Kolomenskoye Palace

Overlooking the sparkling Moskva River about 20 kiometers south of central Moscow, the postcard-worthy Kolomenskoye Palace is a former royal estate. It’s now open to the public as an extensive park with carefully-kept gardens, including one of Russia’s oldest white stone churches (the tent-looking UNESCO-listed Ascension Church ).

It has walking trails through peaceful wooded areas and gorgeous views out over the region from its high hilltop location. The park has long been considered one of the hidden gems when it comes to things to do in Moscow.

29 – Enjoy the view from the Ostankino TV Tower

With the coveted claim to fame of being the tallest free-standing structure in Europe (and 11th tallest in the world) — standing above the Empire State Building, for reference — the 540.1-meter-tall Ostankino Tower is picturesquely located next to Park Dubovaya Roshcha, not too far from VDNH, the Moskvarium, and the widespread Park Ostankind.

So long as you’re not left lighthearted by heights, the 337-meter-high observation deck is the go-to spot for panoramic views.

30 – Blast off at the Museum of Cosmonautics

One for the space nerds and future astronauts, the Museum of Cosmonautics is dedicated to the history, present-day relevance, and future possibilities of space exploration. It provides a spectacular insight into the Soviet perspective of the 1960s space race.

Located on a lovely green site in one corner of VDNKh, the museum features an outdoor planetarium, interactive displays for children, as well as inside exhibits that showcase original spacecraft parts.

For the best experience, consider a pre-arranged tour that includes access to both the Museum and VDNKh.

31 – Complete your Moscow culinary experience with a food tour

Foodies, listen up! Moscow has gained a reputation for being one of the finest cities in Europe for foodies, with an excellent range of restaurants and bars.

For those looking for a complete Moscow culinary experience that includes some of the best hidden gems and experiences, food tours are an ideal way to go.

Depending on your tour of choice, expect to sample a few Pelmeni (dumplings), Blini (wafer-thin pancakes), and world-famous Ponchiki doughnuts. Then wash it all down with some locally-distilled vodka or Nalivka (a sweet berry-infused liquor).

food tours in Moscow

32 – Smell the flowers at the Main Botanical Garden — the largest botanical garden in Europe

Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow

Constructed in 1945, the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences is a 340-hectare space of plant collections and lakeside walkways to explore.

It’s one of those places that gets better as you make your way around it on foot (or even rollerblades). There are many well-kept gardens, beautiful ponds filled with turtles and waterfowl, a charming Japanese Garden and some very rare trees.

33 – Wander around the Novodevichy Monastery

The Novodevichy Convent and surrounding Kremlin-style walls combine to be one of Moscow’s most picturesque sites — a UNESCO-listed complex that was founded in the 1500s and includes an interweaving of churches, cathedrals, bell towers and a cemetery.

After admiring the buildings, check out the monastery which is surrounded by green spaces perfect for a stroll and a snack.

To learn all about its architecture and history, opt for a guided tour as recommended by most travelers.

34 – Ride the coasters at Family Park SKAZKA

If you’re traveling with youngsters who seem to never be able to burn off their energy then make a beeline for the Krylatskoye District neighborhood, home to the popular SKAZKA adventure park.

Kids can enjoy everything from bumper cars to the petting zoo, while parents might want to pop into one of the cafes or restaurants.

Even if you don’t have kids in tow, the adrenaline-pumping roller coasters invite thrill-seekers of all ages.

35 – Understand the deeper meanings of “Soviet Jew” at the Jewish Museum & Centre of Tolerance

Jewish Museum & Centre of Tolerance, Moscow

Opened in 2012, the Jewish Museum and Centre of Tolerance is a fascinating institution dedicated to exploring and honoring the diverse complex Russian-Jewish history and culture.

Explore every facet of the role of Russian Jewry throughout the centuries — including food, artifacts, religious beliefs and cultural traditions. Visitors can also see an array of exhibits made from testimonial footage, as well as a large collection of works of Jewish artists.

For history buffs, the museum dives into the intriguing role that Jewish soldiers played during World War II.

36 – Cruise down the Moscow River!

For those looking for a unique perspective on the city, there are stacks of tours (romantic, sightseeing, luxury-themed or party-vibed) that explore Moscow from its riverfront.

Take in some of the most iconic landmarks around the Kremlin and Gorky Park on a boat. Cruises can also take you underneath bridges, entertain you with live music and offer insights into the landmarks that pass by with live audio narration.

boat tours in Moscow

37 – Grab a table at Café Pushkin

A favorite of many Muscovites, Cafe Pushkin on Tverskoy Boulevard is an intimate spot to enjoy some authentic Russian dishes.

It’s hand-picked by locals for its traditional décor resembling a nobleman’s house and charming atmosphere (thanks largely to the rustic bookshelves). You’ll find that the menu consists mainly of classic European cuisine mixed with a few local favorites. It’s complemented by a wooden bar with a fine collection of vintage wines and regular live music.

38 – Spend the day at the Karibiya Aquapark

After a hard day exploring the city, why not spend some time out to relax and unwind at one of Moscow’s largest water parks?

Karibiya has a handful of pools (including a heated salt-water spa) and fun but not too wild slides, plus a bowling alley for the kids, a fitness center and bar for the adults. There’s something to keep everyone entertained.

39 – Take a day trip to Sergiev Posad

A photographer’s dream with blue-and-gold cupolas contrasted by snow-white walls, the ancient town of Sergiev Posad (just over an hour’s drive from Moscow) is a quaint tourist favorite. It’s famous for being home to one of Russia’s most important and sacred monasteries — the free-to-visit Trinity Lavra St. Sergius monastery complex.

Founded in 1340 AD by Saint Sergius, today it serves as an active monastery where visitors are free to attend daily services. Admire its truly remarkable artworks and historic museum collections.

Sergiev Posad day trip

40 – Spot starfish (and monkeys?) at the Crocus City Oceanarium

One of the latest attractions in Moscow, Crocus City Mall’s iceberg-shaped Oceanarium is a vast three-floor aquarium. It has more than 5,000 species swimming gracefully under one roof — not to mention the reptiles, birds, and monkeys that also call this place home.

Since the mall also boasts shopping centers, a pair of concert halls and a skating rink, there’s no shortage of activities on offer to whisk away a rainy day.

41 – Button-mash at the Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines

Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines, Moscow

Where are the gamers at?

For anyone curious about the video games and technology of Russia’s yesteryear, there’s no better place to visit than this retro museum (complete with Soviet-era soda).

Filled with an impressive collection of more than 100 vintage arcade machines dating back as far as the late 1970s (like ”Pull the Turnip”), it’s sure to take you on a trip down memory lane.

42 – Take a walk through the Alexander Garden

While the majority of Moscow’s other top attractions require a ticket or entry fee, there is at least one gem that doesn’t. It happens to be right on your doorstep if you’re staying anywhere near the Kremlin.

Alexander Garden (also known as Alexandrovsky Sad) is an expansive park that stretches the entire western wall of the Kremlin (nearly 1km in length). It’s filled to the brim with colorful flower beds, winding walkways and calming fountains.

Don’t miss the tomb of the Unknown Soldier while you’re there.

43 – Sign up for a dog sledding adventure!

Cliche? Sure, maybe a little. Seriously fun? You better believe it!

Winter is coming, and that means it’s time to get out there and experience Russia the way only locals can — by dog sledding.

Typically lasting seven or eight hours, these outdoor adventures (which include hotel pick up and drop off) are a wonderful way to experience nature and immerse yourself in ancient Russian traditions — and hang out with a handful of adorable huskies, of course!

Seriously though, this is one of those things you’re going to want photos (and videos) for when you get back home because, really, words just wouldn’t do it justice.

44 – Walk beneath the Iberian Gate and Chapel

Facing away from the Red Square and linking Manezhnaya Square, the Iberian Gate and Chapel (sometimes called the Resurrection Gate) is overflowing with history. It acts as the spiritual entrance to the Red Square and the home of the wooden chapel that houses icons of the Iberian Virgin.

Many believe it is customary to kiss the Iberian icon before entering the gate and for boys to take off their hats. For an insight into the local culture, join a walking tour and learn more about the gate’s significance to religion and history.

To add to the importance, the gate is also the location of ‘Kilometer Zero’ — the official central point of Moscow.

45 – Play all day at the Dream Island theme park

After opening its gates early in 2020, Dream Island earned itself the coveted title of being the largest indoor theme park in Europe (yep, that means it’s even open in the harsh winter).

It’s a delight for kids and adults alike. Throughout the park you’ll find an array of rides themed around classic cartoons like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Pinocchio, the Smurfs, Hotel Transylvania and Hello Kitty. It also has charming and well-arranged streets that transport you to bustling cities like London and Barcelona!

Throw in live performances, plenty of eateries, a cinema and a hotel, and you can see why it’s become all the rage recently.

46 – Race against the clock in an escape room

An unmissable and quick activity for any budding Sherlock Holmes out there, escape rooms challenge your mind and require wit, teamwork, and logic. Figure out the puzzles and escape from each room before time runs up.

Moscow’s escape room games usually last around 60 minutes and cover a range of themes (like a USSR Nuclear Bunker or even an outdoor, app-led scavenger game) — perfect for the whole family.

47 – Chill out by the Patriarch’s Ponds

Surrounded by residential buildings in the fancy downtown Presnensky District, the enormous (9,900 square meters, to be exact) the Patriarshiye Prudy is a beautiful oasis. It’s frequented by dog walkers, picnickers, artists and musicians alike.

In summertime, you’ll find people picnicking on the grassy banks or sunbathing by the ponds. In the winter, it transforms into a magical wonderland of snow and ice, morphing into a popular public skating rink.

Directions on Google Maps

48 – Go behind the scenes at Luzhniki Stadium

Moscow’s Lujniki Stadium is one of Europe’s biggest soccer complexes, capable of hosting some 80,000 fans with an electric-like atmosphere — as we saw during its phase as the main stadium of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Besides being the current home ground of Russia’s National Football Team, it also hosts concerts by some of the biggest international acts and was also the focal point of the 1980 Olympic Games.

If your trip doesn’t line up with any sellout matches, you can still join a backstage stadium tour that explores the dressing rooms, press conference room and the field.

49 – Head to Suzdal and Vladimir for a day

Suzdal and Vladimir day trips from Moscow

A fantastic option for anyone who wants to get out of the chaos of Moscow for a minute, these two towns are parts of the Golden Ring of ancient Russian cities. They present as perfect day trips, thanks to their rich history, diverse culture and white-drenched architecture.

In Suzdal , the Kremlin fortress is the main event, with the Cathedral of the Nativity (and its 13th-century Golden Doors) captivating visitors year after year. In Vladimir , the awe-inspiring Assumption Cathedral (Dormition Cathedral) teaks center stage, with its five golden domes making for a wonderful photo backdrop

Don’t feel like hiring a car? Take the hassle out of your getaway and book a pre-arranged tour that visits both ancient towns on the same day.

50 – Escape the crowds at the Botanic Gardens of Moscow State University

Botanic Gardens of Moscow State University, Moscow

Wielding the title of Russia’s oldest botanic garden, the Botanic Gardens of Moscow State University (founded in 1706) is a fantastic place to escape the city and learn about Russia’s rich flora.

The beautifully arranged garden boasts more than 6,000 plant species that span various climates across the world, allowing visitors to see everything from roses and tulips to cacti and bamboo trees!

51 – Climb inside a tank at the Kubinka Tank Museum

A must-see for any military history buff, the Kubinka Tank Museum showcases dozens of tanks and armored vehicles from across the globe, with a particularly heavy focus on Soviet Union models (to be expected, right?).

The collection includes everything from Polish TKS tankettes to the only remaining Panzer VIII Maus, a captured WWI British Mark V and the Object 172 — as well as plenty of cannons, weapons and missiles.

Serving traditional Russian military meals and national staples, even the cafe-restaurant is military-themed!

52 – Sit front row at the Moscow International House of Music

A world-renowned performance complex on the picturesque Kosmodamianskaya Embankment, this state-of-the-art venue is best known for hosting Vladimir Spivakov’s Virtuosi of Moscow Chamber Orchestra. It showcases everything from classical concerts to jazz, folk music and more!

The venue’s three magnificent concert halls welcome an array of local and international performers. Check the website to see who’s taking center stage during your visit!

53 – Drift through fresh powder on a snowmobile!

While it’s not always winter (though if you want to make the most of your snowy trip, come between December and March), as soon as that first snowfall hits, it’s time for snowmobile tours. Make for a fantastic way to explore the out-of-the-way locations and magical forests beyond Moscow’s city limits.

Even if you’ve never ridden a ski-doo or snowmobile before, the friendly expert instructors will be with you every step of the way, with safety and enjoyment always priorities.

54 – Crank your head skywards in Moscow City

Moscow International Business Center, Moscow

A stark contrast to the ancient and colorful onion domes in the Red Square, Moscow City’s skyscape (aka the Moscow International Business Center ) is full of towering, modern glass-heavy (even twisting) skyscrapers. Many of which are vying at the top of the list of Europe’s tallest buildings.

At 374 meters tall and with 95 floors — and a wonderful restaurant on its 60th floor — the Moscow Federation Tower is a popular choice for tourists. Meanwhile, the 85th and 86th floor of the OKO Towers play host to a Russian restaurant and skating rink respectively.

Be sure to walk through the modern Bagration Bridge and, for the shopaholics, check out the stores and IMAX theater inside AFIMALL City.

55 – Check out Zaryadye Park

Within arm’s reach of the famed Red Square, the peaceful slice of greenery that is Zaryadye Park is a breath of beautiful and natural air amidst the concrete jungle. It’s the first new city park to be opened in Moscow for more than half a century.

At various points around the 10-hectare park, you’ll find a few restaurant pavilions, a media center, a museum and a botanical collection housing over a million plants. It also houses the two-stage Zaryadye Concert Hall where thousands of passersby take a seat on the steps every day.

While you’re there, don’t miss the Chambers of the Romanov Boyars, an unusual museum above the northern side of the park.

56 – Stroll around the cozy Hermitage Garden

Small yet incredibly charming and found conveniently smack-bang in the middle of the city, the Hermitage Garden is a perfect spot to relax and unwind after a day of learning about Russia’s vast history.

Surrounded by the Sfera Theatre and The Kolobov Novaya Opera Theatre of Moscow , this lovely, leafy garden can be both a relaxing oasis or the prelude to an entertaining evening out.

57 – Treat yourself to a ballet show at the Bolshoi Theatre

With a reputation that precedes it, the impressive and world-famous Bolshoi Theatre is a must for any theater lover. Its rich history is making it one of the most iconic theaters in Europe.

While there are several performances to choose from throughout the year — from ballet to opera, classic dramas and even acrobatic shows — you can also get your own private backstage tour.

58 – Get artsy, then party at ArtPlay

This old tea factory turned cultural hub of Moscow’s creative arts is heaven on earth for rotating exhibitions by local artists.

Depending on what piques your interest, you can join in on everything from live music to dance classes, art studio workshops, flea markets and film screenings here. However, after the sun goes down, its alter-ego comes out to play.

So, if you’re feeling peckish, stop into the Domozhilov restaurant nearby for a shashlik. Then wash it down at the English pub with a beer before partying it up at Rodnya, a pumping techno club.

59 – Head to the PANORAMA360 Observation Deck

A surefire hit for the social media feed, the observation deck at the top of Moscow’s Federation Tower skyscraper — PANORAMA360 — is a must-see selfie stop for its killer views and … ice cream factory.

From the 89th floor, you can soak in the wonder of Moscow old and new from above. It has floor-to-ceiling windows providing 360-degree vistas, a rotating restaurant and mini-cinema to boot.

60 – Throw down a picnic blanket in Sokolniki Park

One of the largest green spaces in Moscow, Sokolniki Park is a very popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

Spread across the northeastern Sokolniki District, it’s the perfect distance from the city’s main haunts where the crowds remain small but the accessibility stays high.

With its many activities — from sports to live music to festivals — not much beats this park when it comes to outdoor fun!

61 – Catch a traditional Russian dance show

To get a true sense of the rich and diverse culture in Moscow, you can’t go past one of its many folk dance shows.

While there are several to choose from, “Kostroma” and “The Golden Ring” are two crowd favorite choices. Each is thoroughly unique with traditional music and costumes sure to make for a once-in-a-lifetime night of entertainment.

Of course, due to high popularity, be sure to book in advance.

62 – Book a table at the White Rabbit restaurant bar

Perched above the historical center of Moscow on the 16th floor of the Smolensky Passage building, this lavish restaurant is a must-visit for any foodie-obsessed traveler. Why? Because it continually ranks as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world.

The drool-worthy menu made by fifth-generation chef Vladimir Mukhin consists of creative, beautiful plated meals. The coveted eaterie also boasts 360-degree panoramic views of the city and a fine collection of wines and cocktails.

63 – Have dinner inside the Vysoko-Petrovskiy Monastery

Whether you’re an architecture or history buff, while visiting Moscow, it would be a shame to miss out on the rare chance to eat in an actual monastery.

This one is particularly special as it dates back some 700 years. Not only will you get to dig into an authentic Russian menu, but learn about the history of the building and (depending on your booking package) get a guided tour too.

64 – Pass by the ‘Children Are the Victims of Adult Vices’ sculpture

Children Are the Victims of Adult Vices sculpture, Moscow

This free public art installation in Bolotnaya square was created by Mihail Chemaikin in 2001. A somewhat controversial landmark, it depicts how children are influenced by vices — alcohol, theft, ignorance, violence, addiction, poverty and war, to name a few.

The sculpture’s uniqueness and thought-provoking nature makes it an essential stop on any day of wandering around.

65 – Get wild on a pub crawl!

You’re on vacation, so it’s time to let your hair down, mingle with some fellow thirsty travelers and party it up Moscow-style!

High-energy pub crawls are a great way to get acquainted with new friends while seeing Moscow’s unique nightlife scene first-hand. Let the locals lead you to hidden gems, tourist hot spots and quirky dive bars.

If you don’t feel like walking, why not join a Soviet minivan crawl instead (where you can drink Soviet champagne onboard!)?

66 – Roll up for the Nikulin Circus!

If you haven’t had the chance to see a live circus before — and especially if you’re traveling with kids — why not head over to the Nikulin Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard?

It blends traditional Russian acrobatics with modern-day technology, animals, and the classic circular circus stage. This beloved local entertainment is also considered one of the most enjoyable things to do in Moscow!

67 – Get romantic on a Moskva River dinner cruise

What better way to take in the city’s skyline than from a luxury yacht as you enjoy entertainment, fine dining, and (strong) specialty drinks?

Whether you’re looking for something large that can accommodate groups of friends or something smaller with a bit more VIP style, there are several dinner cruises available to suit any taste and budget.

68 – Explore the wonderful Izmailovo District

One of the city’s best-kept secrets, Izmailovo ‘s focal point is its Kremlin, a colorful wooden complex. Built in 2007, it has had unique museums and flea markets pop up nearby in the years since.

Throughout the area, you’ll uncover museums dedicated to vodka, break and Russian folk art. The district’s charming open-air flea market has all kinds of crafts and souvenirs are haggled on the daily.

Don’t miss Izmailovo Park , which is an enormous 300-hectare space that plays host to souvenir vendors, forest walking paths and even an ice rink in winter.

With so much to see in the district, savvy travelers typically opt for a guided tour.

Izmailovo tours

69 – Sip on a cocktail at the award-winning City Space Bar and Lounge

Self-dubbed as one of the world’s top 10 bars, with accolades like Luxury Travel Guide’s Bar of the Year 2018, this iconic and luxurious watering hole doesn’t need much of an introduction.

Perched sky-high on the 34th floor of Swissotel Krasnye Holmy, the circular lounge bar slings signature cocktails and dishes up truly stunning views of the city.

Hot tip: While there’s never a poor time to visit, aim to arrive an hour or so before sunset, that’s when the city will truly sparkle below.

70 – Pamper yourself at the Sanduny Baths

If you’re looking for something to ease that throbbing headache after a night of pub crawling, why not try the famous Sanduny Baths , a quintessentially Russian experience?

Famed as one of the world’s most beautiful public bathhouses, Sanduny’s steam rooms and pools are said to be some of the best in Moscow. But for something totally unique, you can’t go past the birch twigs massage (read: beating).

71 – Spruce up your social media feed at some Insta-worthy restaurants

While a good meal is always part of the restaurant experience, getting a good pic for Instagram is half the fun!

Luckily, there are tons of excellent eateries that combine great food with gorgeous aesthetics.

Big Wine Freaks has a fantastic drink selection (naturally), and its dark, classy rooms full of elegant light fixtures and plush furniture bring to mind a spy’s hideout.

Meanwhile, Sempre adopts more of a naturalistic approach, surrounding diners with ferns and greenery.

And at Black Market Moscow , you can choose between indoor and outdoor spaces, each featuring their own unique designs and dining experiences.

Take a bite and snap some pics!

72 – Unleash your inner party animal at the Night clubs

When the sun goes down, you’ll get to see a whole new side of Moscow: its amazing nightlife!

Head to Propaganda for a bite or a beverage, then dance to some quality club tunes.

Or get a little wild at Chesterfield , where you can pay a flat fee and drink as much as you want – the perfect recipe for fun!

And at Rock’N’ Roll , there’s a new form of excitement every day, from DJ sets to live bands, all playing a lively mix of rock music from across the decades.

With all this excitement, you won’t want to book anything early the next day!

How to get to Moscow?

Unless you’re feeling up to the challenge of a long train journey, you’ll most likely be flying into Moscow.

Luckily, it has three international airports to choose from: Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, and Domodedovo.

Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be able to easily reach the city via the Aeroexpress train.

Where to stay in Moscow?

Golden Ring Hotel will make you feel like you’re on top of the world, whether you’re getting pampered at the beauty salon or enjoying a meal in the rooftop restaurants.

Or check in to Radisson Slavyanskaya Hotel & Business Center , which boasts everything from riverside views and a gym to nearby shopping areas and relaxing Turkish baths.

At AZIMUT Hotel Olympic Moscow , the massages, international cuisine, sauna, and swimming pool will keep you happily occupied in between excursions.

And at sister property AZIMUT Hotel Smolenskaya Moscow , you can savor a nice meal or admire the scenery from the lounge, or stroll over to Gorky Park or roam along Stary Arbat Street.

Meanwhile, Oblaka Hotel blends simple charm and a convenient location, with charming red brick exteriors and easy access to historic sites and a metro station.

best hotels in Moscow

Visiting Moscow on a budget?

There’s nothing like seeing a city on foot… especially on a free walking tour !

These excursions aren’t just a way to save money while still learning a lot; they also offer a wonderful opportunity to gain local perspectives, courtesy of your guides.

But despite the name, they do accept tips for a job well done, so bring a bit of money with you!

Where to go next?

If you’re short on time but still want to see the best of Moscow, try some multi-day tours ; they’ll provide all of the coolest sights and experiences in an efficient format.

After that, it’s time to start exploring further afield!

Though it’s a bit of a trek, St. Petersburg is well worth the journey!

With its famously decadent buildings to its lively arts scene, this is the perfect place to soak up some culture; but there are also some more offbeat options, like folk shows, vodka tastings, and even an amusement park!

And from the jaw-dropping designs of the metro stations (yes, you read that correctly) to the glimmer of Faberge eggs, it showcases beauty at every turn.

Ready to go beyond Russia?

Dive into the best places to visit in Europe , a smorgasbord of art and history, nature and architecture, showcasing some of the most beloved cities and countries in the world.

Final thoughts

While Russia’s capital may seem imposing, its dynamic culture, live-wire entertainment scene, and remarkable history make it an unbeatable destination, with unique adventures that will linger in your memory long after you’ve returned home.

You may feel a little overwhelmed by all of the incredible things to do in Moscow… but that’s all the more reason to come back!

If you have any other must-see suggestions, noteworthy day trips or quintessential tours worth booking, feel free to write in the comments!

As always, happy travels!

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The Woodward Dream Cruise is North America's largest celebration of automotive culture, attracting nearly one-million visitors and thousands of classic and specialty vehicles to Metro Detroit.
Woodward Dream Cruise
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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 ...
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