Start your engines! The Woodward Dream Cruise, Southeast Michigan’s premier classic car celebration, is back for its 22nd year. Automobiles of all ages and types will hit the road on Saturday, August 19 for the annual cruise, stretching from Ferndale to Pontiac. Although the festivities run from Friday, August 18, through Sunday, August 20, classic cars can be seen around Metro Detroit all week when the weather is nice.

Whether you own a souped-up hotrod or simply admire the classics, there’s a place for you at the Dream Cruise. Spectators can stake out spots along the cruising route to set up chairs and tents.* Younger cruise-goers will love special pop-up events, like the Kids’ Inflatable Zone, which will be open from 6 – 9 p.m. on cruise day. Other special attractions, like the Rock’n Live Entertainment Stage in Ferndale and the Tri-Community Coalition Street Dance in Berkley make Friday’s Dream Cruise a can’t miss Oakland County event.

*If you would like to set up a tent, be sure to check local ordinances, as a temporary permit may be required.

Dream Cruise Fast Facts

• The Dream Cruise began in August 1995 as a fundraiser for a soccer field in Ferndale
• The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest single-day automotive event
• 1.5 million people attend the cruise every year
• 40,000 classic cars from across globe participate annually

History of Woodward Avenue

Woodward Avenue is hallowed ground for car enthusiasts. Known as “Detroit’s Main Street,” the avenue spans Metro Detroit: extending from Detroit to Pontiac. Woodward takes its name from judge Augustus Woodward, who planned Detroit’s reconstruction following the Detroit Fire of 1805.

Originally paved with logs and sand, Woodward Avenue received the first mile of concrete paving in the United States in 1909 and was paved entirely in 1916. The availability of a wide, paved thoroughfare coaxed young drivers out of their garages and onto the road. By the late 1950’s Woodward had become a regular site for street racing and cruising.

Woodward’s pedigree has received broad recognition in the years since it became a cruising destination. The Federal Highway Administration recognizes the road as the Automotive Heritage Trail. The National Scenic Byways Program has also named Woodward an All-American Road.

Cruising Dates

While the Woodward Dream Cruise is only a one-day event, classic car festivities extend into the weekend.

Saturday, August 19

• Berkley Dream Cruise Merchandise Sale: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Birmingham Cruise Event: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Bloomfield Township Classic Car Show: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Ferndale’s Mustang Alley: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Pontiac Classic Car Show: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Royal Oak’s “Cruise In Shoes” 5k Run/Walk: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
• Performance Park Classic Car Show: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

For a full list of Dream Cruise, you can view the official list.

If the Woodward Dream Cruise sounds like fun, but you’d like to learn more, be sure to check out their website, like them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter.

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For a full list of cruising events in Oakland County, check our list. Like what you see? Visit the Oakland County website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more news year round. Join the conversation using #OaklandCounty.