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Saturday, August 17, 2024

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Official WDC Schedule of Events & Road Map

The official woodward dream cruise takes place annually in august, on the third saturday, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm., to open, please click on any blue bar to view event details of selected community and sponsoring partners., notice: the calendar of events are subject to change without notice., city of berkley.

Friday, August 16, 2024:

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

Saturday, August 17, 2024:

• ALL DAY: Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise, West 12 Mile Rd at Woodward Avenue

www.berkleymich.org/cruisefest

City of Birmingham

• 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Birmingham Cruise
• S. Old Woodward and Maple to Lincoln
• Classic Car Show, Interactive Sponsor Displays, Retail and Food Vendors
• ALL DAY: Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise

www.AllinBirmingham.com/CruiseEvent

City of Ferndale

Friday, August 16, 2024 – Nine Mile Rd and 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 and Woodward Ave. north to 11 Mile Rd and back).
• 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Kids Car Club & Play 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 17, 2024 @ Nine Mile Rd and Woodward

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

www.FerndaleDreamCruise.com

City of Royal Oak

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

City of Pleasant Ridge

• ALL DAY: Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise, Woodward and Oakland Park Blvd.
• 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Ford Bronco Show , Woodward and Oakland Park Blvd.

City Of Pontiac

August 16, 2024:

August 17, 2024:

• For more info, please send us an email: [email protected]/

WXYZ-TV Channel 7

• www.wxyz.com/dreamcruise
• 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise TV Special
• 2022 Woodward Dream Cruise TV Special

104.3 WOMC Detroit’s Greatest Hits

• www.audacy.com/womc/

Cruisn’ Media

• www.cruisnmedia.com

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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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.

Things To Do | Woodward Dream Cruise revs up with activities…

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Things To Do

Things to do | woodward dream cruise revs up with activities in oakland county.

WXYZ-TV and Audacy’s WOMC 104.3 FM will be broadcasting live along Woodward Avenue throughout the day, Aug. 19.

SMART-WDC buses will operate along Woodward Avenue from Ferndale to downtown Pontiac from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 19, free to all riders. Passengers can board at any RED SMART or FAST bus stop along Woodward Avenue. Buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped with bike racks, www.smartbus.org/About/News/the-smart-way-to-the-woodward-dream-cruise .

• Berkley Cruisefest is Friday, Aug. 18, downtown Berkley. Classic Car Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on 12 Mile Road and travels west from Woodward Avenue to Greenfield Road, followed by children’s activities, and live music by Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations at 12 Mile Road and Robina Avenue. Outdoor movie “Ghostbusters” is at 7:30 p.m. in front of the Neighbor’s Shoppe, 2833 12 Mile Road. Official CruiseFest T-shirts at Woodward Avenue and 12 Mile Road, BerkleyChamber.com .

• Birmingham Shopping District’s Birmingham Cruise Event is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at South Old Woodward Avenue and Maple to Lincoln. The event includes classic cars on display, and interactive exhibits, live broadcasts from WOMC 104.3 FM, Official Woodward Dream Cruise and Detroit-made merchandise, food vendors, www.AllinBirmingham.com/CruiseEvent , parking at the five City of Birmingham municipal parking structures, where the first two hours are always free, www.ALLINBirmingham.com/park .

Bloomfield Hills

• The Danny’s Miracle Angel Network Foundation (D-MAN) nonprofit seeks community help for its annual Dreams Come True on Woodward event. D-Man has a goal of providing 100 Dream Rides for cruisers with disabilities. The Dreams Come True on Woodward event includes a party, 1 to 4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 18, in the back lot of the Dawda Mann building, 39533 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, with live music, food, beverages, mydman.org/dreamcruise or call 248-459-1340.

• Ferndale is hosting a number of activities, Aug. 18-19. Activities happening Aug. 18, on Nine Mile Road, east of Woodward include: Ferndale Emergency Vehicle Show is from 1-7 p.m.; Official Woodward Dream Cruise Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is 5 p.m.; Lights & Sirens Cruise is 5:30 p.m. (begins at the corner of E. Nine Mile Road and Woodward Ave. north to 11 Mile Road and back). Kids Car Club and Play Zone, food and merchant vendors and official WDC Merchandise Tent are happening all day, Aug. 18-19.

• On Nine Mile Road, west of Woodward, events include Quarter Midgets Racing, noon-8 p.m. Aug. 18, and Rock’n Live Entertainment takes place 1-9 p.m., Aug. 18-19, www.FerndaleDreamCruise.com .

• Mustang Alley Show is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 19, on Nine Mile Road, Woodward Avenue to Hilton Road, enter at Hilton Road at East 9 Mile Road. Mustang owners not pre-registered may enter starting at 10 a.m., parking is $20, www.ferndaledreamcruise.com/mustang-alley.html .

• City of Pontiac Woodward Dream Cruise Downtown Classic Car Show, food, entertainment, art show, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 18, and 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 19, downtown Pontiac, on Saginaw and Lawrence Streets with competition and awards, www.pontiac.mi.us/news_detail_T12_R35.php . Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels to be on stage at 9:10 p.m. Aug. 18, downtown Pontiac at Saginaw and Water Street. Ronnie McNeir and Company at 8:15 p.m. Aug. 19, and The Voices of Classic Soul (former lead singers of Temptations, Platters, Drifters, and 4 Tops), at 9:15 p.m. Aug. 19, downtown Pontiac, free concerts.

• Annual Woodward Dream Show is Aug. 18-19, at M1 Concourse, off of Woodward Ave., Pontiac. On Friday, activities are 11 a.m.-5 p.m., with live music from 5:30-7:30 p.m. On Saturday, activities are 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, with live entertainment from 1-6 p.m. The event features more than 600 vehicles on display, children’s activities, official Woodward Dream Cruise merchandise, vendors and a food court. Ticket prices vary, m1concourse.com . Woodward Dream Parade starts at 10 a.m., Aug. 19 at Rapid Street, to downtown Pontiac, www.facebook.com/M1Concourse.

• “Cruising with Grace Centers of Hope” is 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 19, in the parking lot of Grace Gospel Fellowship, 65 East Huron St. Pontiac. The free event features family activities, food trucks, collectible cars display, and parking to watch the cruise. Grace Centers of Hope is hosting a Charity Classic Car Raffle for a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible, with the drawing to be held Aug. 19. Raffle tickets are available at gracecentersofhope.org/cruisingwithgch .

• Performance Park Classic Car Show is noon-7 p.m. Aug. 18. and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 19, at Memorial Park, 31050 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak. Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise, Vendors and food court.

• Cruise In Shoes 5K Fun Run/Walk is 7:30 a.m. Aug. 19, on Yorba Linda Blvd, register at www.woodwarddreamcruise.com/about/cruise-in-shoes , or sign-up before the event at Royal Oak Shrine High School, 3500 W 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, $40+.

For more information, visit the Dream Cruise website at www.woodwarddreamcruise.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WoodwardDreamCruise .

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Dream Cruise weekend underway in Metro Detroit

‘when you find the guy who sanded and painted his car in his driveway, and it looks as good as the cars at pebble beach car, you go, boy, that’s a craftsman’.

Mara MacDonald , Reporter

Brandon Carr , Digital Content Producer

PONTIAC, Mich. – Woodward Avenue was packed Friday night as Dream Cruise weekend kicked off.

The event always draws massive crowds along Woodward Avenue, and you might be surprised by who you run into while checking things out.

Stay on Woodward Avenue long enough, and you’ll see everything from the vintage collection to the new cars, the supercharged, and everything in between.

“Everything that my father is right there,” said Russ Rhue. “This is what he loved and what I love.”

A 1967 Pontiac GTO seen in the video player above has been a passion project for Rhue’s family.

“When you put your blood, sweat, and tears into it and it’s related to your family, it’s like having a dog, and it’s part of the family,” Rhue said.

A familiar face was out and about looking at the Vintage Dara at the M1 Concourse Friday (Aug. 19) and echoed the same sentiment, as he was causing quite a few to do double and triple takes.

“When you find the guy who sanded and painted his car in his driveway, and it looks as good as the cars at Pebble Beach car, you go, ‘boy, that’s a craftsman,” said Jay Leno .

Leno is in the Motor City working on a new season of Jay Leno’s Garage and car care products rolling out at Wal-Mart.

The Dream Cruise is his second time coming to cruise on Woodward Avenue, and he says he has a soft spot for Detroit .

When he was 16 years old, he was the lot boy at a Ford dealership in Massachusetts. That meant he took the hubcaps off every night and put them on again the next day.

“So one day, I was carrying a bunch of hubcaps (in my arms) filled, and the used car manager turns around the corner and bangs into me, and they all fall,” Leno said. “He (the used car manager) goes and says, ‘you’re fired,’ and I go, ‘but you banged into me.’”

The manager fired Leno on the spot.

Leno said he was too embarrassed to tell his parents, so he wrote letters to Henry Ford II and the board members asking for his job back.

“About two weeks go by, and the general manager says, ‘I don’t know who you know in Detroit, but you can have your job back,’ so I always thanked Henry Ford II for getting me my job back,” Leno said. “Hank the deuce.”

The moral of the story is that it never hurts to write to the CEO and that you never know who will show up to the cruise.

Copyright 2022 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

About the Authors

Mara macdonald, brandon carr.

Brandon Carr is a digital content producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with WDIV Local 4 since November 2021. Brandon is the 2015 Solomon Kinloch Humanitarian award recipient for Community Service.

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

August 19, 2023.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OFFICIAL WOODWARD DREAM CRUISE ROAD MAP

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

Woodward Cruise Streaming Live Broadcast Scheldule

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

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

Cruise in Shoes

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

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

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

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

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

FULL SCHEDULE of EVENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read About Detoit’s Woodward Cruise on Face Book…

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

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

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

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

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

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

When and where

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local events

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

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

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Woodward Dream Cruise

It's the motor city's favorite car event every year..

Woodward Dream Cruise Woodward Avenue from Ferndale to Pontiac Royal Oak, Michigan 48070

Distance In Miles

• Detroit Metro Airport: 30
• Downtown Detroit: 15

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

By Sherry Trautman

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

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

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

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

See the World's Biggest Cruise!

When is the 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise?

August 19, 2023!

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

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

Woodward Dream Cruise Frequently Asked Questions 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is This Your First Time at the Woodward Dream Cruise?

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

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

We recommend bringing:

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

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

• Bloomfield Hills
• Pleasant Ridge

Bloomfield Township

• Huntington Woods

History of the Woodward Dream Cruise

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

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

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

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

Woodward Dream Cruise Map

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

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

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

The official parking App for Woodward Dream Cruise is ParkStash

M1 Concourse Events During the Woodward Dream Cruise

Friday, August 18, 2023: 

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

Saturday, August 19, 2023

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

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

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

Get your tickets for the MI Concourse events . 

City of Pontiac

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

Friday, August 18, 2023:

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

Saturday, August 19, 2023:

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

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

No scheduled events

City of Birmingham

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

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

Get your Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise all day.

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

WXYZ-TV Live Broadcast

WOMC 104.3 FM Live Broadcast

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City of Berkley

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

Saturday, August 19, 2023 :

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

City of Royal Oak

Friday, August 18, 2023 :

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

City of Pleasant Ridge

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

City of Ferndale

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do Nearby the Woodward Dream Cruise

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

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

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

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

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

Are There Bathrooms at the Woodward Dream Cruise?

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

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

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

We enjoy eating at Brown Iron Brewhouse in Royal Oak .

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

Um, can you say BACON CANDY?  Drool. 

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Sun sets on Dream Cruise as thousands return to Woodward

Birmingham — The Woodward Dream Cruise came roaring back Saturday, a rolling reminder that if you love cars, the third Saturday in August is your Super Bowl.

If you love the Super Bowl, conversely, don't bother bringing it up with Steven Ross.

"I'm a car guy," he said, standing alongside his Montana red 1960 Chevrolet Impala along Old Woodward, and he was in good company — an expected 1 million to 2 million spectators, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, as the Cruise came back from a pandemic-related cancellation last year.

“Let's put it this way," said Ross, 64, of Bloomfield Hills. "Some guys can talk sports. I don't know a thing about sports. You want to talk classic cars, I could talk all day.”

A few yards away, the world's coolest traffic jam proceeded as expected on a steamy day that topped out close to 90 degrees. A surprisingly rare Dream Cruise fender-bender and a stalled 1957 pickup each delayed traffic briefly, but if COVID-19 could only stop the Cruise in theory, a wreck involving two non-classics was just a speed bump.

Ross was among thousands of drivers and spectators who came out anyway in 2020 after the Woodward Dream Cruise committee scrubbed the event. Woodward is a public road, after all, so the only measurable impact was smaller crowds and no portable toilets.

Ross took advantage of the smaller turnout to switch cars and drive more, bringing out his 1969 Pontiac Firebird and 1931 Ford Rat Rod. With the Impala at the 26th Dream Cruise Saturday, he wore a T-shirt that said, "No, I'm not the original owner."

Joseph Waterman, 80, of Livonia also drove a '60 Impala — and he is the original owner.

Waterman's is white, with whitewall tires and 145,000 miles on the odometer. The red-and-white houndstooth interior is original.

As for his reddish-brown mop of hair, not so much. "Hair Club for Men," he said.

The Impala has always been a weekend car, he said, and it's sturdy enough that he drives it to Indiana every year for a car show, though the carburetor failed at last year's unofficial Dream Cruise and he needed to be towed home.

This year's turn for a tow fell to Ron Pannecouk of Algonac, whose pristine 1957 Ford F-100 pickup stalled between 11 Mile and Catalpa in Royal Oak.

“It just quit. I think it’s a fuel issue,” said Pannecouk, 81. Spectators quickly pushed the white-on-yellow truck off the road, and Bradley and Donovan Brennan of Troy Auto Care hauled it away on a flatbed.

"We come out once or twice each Cruise," Bradley said.

Pannecouk's AAA membership includes long-range towing, so he rode home with the Brennans. His long-term flame, Linda Bekes of Sterling Heights, caught a ride with a friend.

"We love it," she said of the F-100. Said Pannecouk, good-naturedly, “I don’t love it so much right now.”

Getting juiced

Tow trucks aside, there was something for everyone along Woodward, even if it was just juice boxes. Two pre-kindergartners sat with their dad under a blue awning, alongside a deep blue Pontiac Bonneville convertible, happily sipping as they faced away from traffic.

Their dad turned them around in time to catch a silver Corvette convertible rolling by with a full-sized Bart Simpson riding shotgun.

A yellow Chevrolet Monza with chunks of upholstery missing and a swath of primer on the driver's door was parked facing traffic, as though the owner was giving it a goal to shoot for. A white suicide-door '64 Continental convertible that made you say "Wow!" eased past a souped-up red Geo Tracker than made you say, "Why?"

North of 12 Mile in Royal Oak, a few yards past an IHOP, a heavily tattooed man with no shirt stood at a grill between the sidewalk and the asphalt, turning brats with a pair of tongs. Spectators pulled kids in wagons or were yanked along by dogs straining against leashes.

Early birds

The Cruise has always been multi-generational, and now people who never knew the American Graffiti days of popping into Woodward Avenue drive-ins were bringing their kids.

Edgar Houlguin, 40, and his 16-year-old son Andres of Novi arrived in Birmingham at 7 a.m. to get the perfect spot to set up lawn chairs and festive red umbrellas.

Houlguin was looking out for the “oldies” driving by — specifically Fords, his favorite. Andres, camera in hand, was hoping to spot an exotic Bugatti. 

It was their first Cruise, and “it’s been great,” Houlguin said.

For Vivian Jugan, 67, and husband Gary Jugan, 69, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, it was Cruise No. 2.

They picked a spot right at Woodward and East Brown Street so they could get extra-long views of vehicles stopped at the light. It’s especially enjoyable, they said, to see a grandpa driving an old car with his grandson in the passenger seat. 

They were also keeping a weather eye on a steamy day for historic Ford Falcons and Chevy Novas, the cars they had when they were first married. 

Angel and Klaus Raddatz of Milford were berthed in Mustang Alley with a two-door GT her dad brought home new in May 1965.

Joe Errante passed it down a few years before his death in 2019 — the year of the last official Cruise before Saturday.

"He gave it to my wife because she had such a love for the car, he knew she would take care of it," said Klaus Raddatz.

Errante paid $2,900 for the Mustang and ultimately retired it except for rallies and cruises. It’s kept under cover and out of rain and snow, helping to preserve the original paint, vinyl top and interior.

Klaus Raddatz said he has already taught their children to work on parts of the car. Some families’ heirlooms are loveseats; for others, it’s bucket seats.

Going with the flow

There was a rhythm to the 16-mile drive from Ferndale to Pontiac: hundreds of iconic Fords at Mustang Alley along 9 Mile, then a solid flow into Royal Oak, known for places to park and gaze along the avenue.

In Birmingham, there was eye candy everywhere: souped-up Bugs, a jacked-up Bronco, an old Model T, a classic Pontiac Le Mans, mid-engine Corvettes that looked like they are doing 150 mph standing still.

People and cars thinned north of Long Lake for the long, leafy stretch past Cranbrook School. In Square Lake, the lawn chairs reappeared and the traffic started to pick up again at M1 Concourse, the new northern terminus where the Woodward Dream Show debuted this year. 

M1 described the Dream Show as "the best of the best," a heady claim even for an invitation-only display. While the Cruise is free and official T-shirts were a modest $20, Dream Show admission was $100 and included food, drink and relative quiet.

Dream Show cars, organizers said, are too valuable to risk taking onto the actual M-1, Woodward Avenue. Among the showstoppers was a 1950 Cadillac convertible owned by John Druar of New York. Druar, 81, was 10 years old when Cadillac introduced the iconic tail fins that help make his drop-top so distinctive.

Many merchants along the route close for the day. No one is going to brave Woodward to buy art supplies in Royal Oak.

Others adapt, selling their parking lots or reading the crowd.

The Royal Oak outpost of Chicken Shack does mostly carryout. Saturday, it erected two tents over eight long plastic tables with folding chairs.

At the Old Woodward Shop, selling cigars, beer, wine and soft drinks north of 11 Mile, owner Amar Kiryakoza said the Dream Cruise is his best day of the year.

"It's like Christmas," he said, with people stopping for snacks and beverages. "It's a mistake to close. You can't think like that."

As a bonus, he set up a small awning out front for his uncles to smoke cigars and enjoy a few beers. Across  Woodward, southbound, he watched two yellow Mustangs zip past — and then another and another.

David Sarandis, 56, of Alton, Illinois, was also in the parade. He said that as the group gathered in the parking lot of its Troy motel Friday night, it honored the missing Canadians by drinking Labatt.

Further west at the park, 37 members of the Woodward Tri Five Cruisers had parked in long columns.

A Tri Five is a Chevrolet from three golden years, 1955-7, marked by the introduction of a V-8 engine. Retired GM engineer Steve Sherrick, 77, had arrived from Waterford at 4:45 a.m. to help direct the other members toward their spaces.

He was driving his red 1955 Bel Air sedan, having left four other Chevrolets at home. The '55 has been dealing with alternator issues, but Sherrick is no amateur. He had a second battery and jumper cables in the trunk.

Small city, small SUV

Pleasant Ridge, the smallest city on the Cruise route, hosted a small display of Ford Broncos that included one so so tiny it was more of a foal.

Jeff Trapp of South Lyon, who has never missed a Dream Cruise, was there with a '66 Bronco whose previous owner had lopped off its hard top and tailgate and turned it into a camper.

“This is one of the only ones in America,” he said, complete with a mini fridge, sink and cabinets.

Nearby, Scott Townsend of Indiana had something even more unusual: a powder blue 1976 Bronco and a matching mini-Bronco he built out of a golf cart.

Pleasant Ridge police chief Kevin Nowak was so impressed with the smaller version that he pulled over and took a test-sit.

“This is one of the coolest things I’ve even seen,” he said, and he passed his phone to Townsend for a commemorative photo — a fitting souvenir from the return of the biggest one-day auto event on wheels.

Henry Payne and Amelia Benavides-Colon contributed.