woodward dream cruise pictures 2023

Woodward Dream Cruise 2023: Mega gallery of classics, off-roaders and more

Come for the classics, stay for the offbeat oddities.

We just spent the entire day in and around the Motor City enjoying the automotive sights and sounds of the Woodward Dream Cruise. According to the event's website , the Dream Cruise attracts over a million people every year to see a collection of "more than 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles." That's a lot of people and a lot of vehicles. And if you couldn't be there this year in person, perhaps our galleries from this year's festivities are the next best thing.

We kicked things off up above with muscle cars, classics and hot rods, since those make up the largest part of the collection. Everything from pre-war American cars to 1960s fire-breathers and custom-built street machines are included in the gallery up top.

Below you'll see galleries of modern performance vehicles, trucks and off-roaders and, finally, the strangest sights we were able to point our camera lenses at. And by strange, we mean upside-down vans, boats on wheels and tiny mobiles with men in hats perched atop. Enjoy!

Woodward 2023: Trucks and off-road vehicles:

Woodward 2023: Modern performance and luxury cars

Woodward 2023: Offbeat oddities:

Featured Gallery Woodward 2023: Classics and hot rods

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Gallery: 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise

Check out some of the stars of the '23 Woodward Dream Cruise.

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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.

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GALLERY: 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise (Oakland County, MI)

August 21, 2023 Gloria Rzucidlo Automotive News , Detroit Sports , Digital Photo Album , ENTERTAINMENT , Fairs and Festivals , Local News , Michigan News , National News , NEWS 0

AmericaJR’s Gloria and Jerome Rzucidlo were LIVE along Woodward Avenue for the 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise. The  Woodward Dream Cruise  event is an automotive enthusiast event held annually on the third Saturday of August in Metropolitan Detroit, Michigan, along Woodward Avenue, a major thoroughfare built in the early 20th century. The WDC Event spans much of the avenue: drivers travel from the suburbs of Pontiac through Ferndale in Oakland County, Michigan, to the State Fair Grounds within the Detroit city limits, just south of 8 Mile Road.

For more info about the Woodward Dream Cruise, visit: www.woodwarddreamcruise.com .

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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.

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

What is the Dream Cruise?

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

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

Where is the Dream Cruise route?

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

How much does it cost?

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

Where do folks park?

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

Public safety info

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

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

More info at the official website.

Copyright 2023 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

About the Author

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

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

By Sherry Trautman

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

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

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

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

See the World's Biggest Cruise!

When is the 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise?

August 19, 2023!

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

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

Woodward Dream Cruise Frequently Asked Questions 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is This Your First Time at the Woodward Dream Cruise?

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

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

We recommend bringing:

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

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

• Bloomfield Hills
• Pleasant Ridge

Bloomfield Township

• Huntington Woods

History of the Woodward Dream Cruise

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

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

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

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

Woodward Dream Cruise Map

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

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

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

The official parking App for Woodward Dream Cruise is ParkStash

M1 Concourse Events During the Woodward Dream Cruise

Friday, August 18, 2023: 

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

Saturday, August 19, 2023

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

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

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

Get your tickets for the MI Concourse events . 

City of Pontiac

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

Friday, August 18, 2023:

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

Saturday, August 19, 2023:

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

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

No scheduled events

City of Birmingham

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

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

Get your Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise all day.

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

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City of Berkley

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

Saturday, August 19, 2023 :

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

City of Royal Oak

Friday, August 18, 2023 :

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

City of Pleasant Ridge

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

City of Ferndale

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do Nearby the Woodward Dream Cruise

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

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

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

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

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

Are There Bathrooms at the Woodward Dream Cruise?

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

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

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

We enjoy eating at Brown Iron Brewhouse in Royal Oak .

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

Um, can you say BACON CANDY?  Drool. 

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

Here's another idea ....

Grab a meal at Detroit's Diners Drive Ins and Dive's ! Guy Fieri style! And here's ALL of Michigan's Diners Drive Ins and Dives!

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

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

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Past, present and future on display at 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise

As a Woodward Dream Cruise virgin until Saturday, I had limited experience with the car event — mostly annoyance at the traffic snarls it creates or an occasional nod at a particularly cool car. 

Saturday, however, I left the air-conditioned comfort of my own car and made my way through the madness. 

People from all over began to line the streets in tents and folding chairs as early as 7 a.m. and by 11, a rainbow of cars edged down Woodward bumper to bumper. On the sidewalk, dog walkers stopped to talk with car owners, strangers traded stories about their own vehicles, and kids of all ages wriggled their way through the crowd and pulled on their parents' fingers to ensure they were paying adamant attention to the parade of traffic. 

The historic event began almost 30 years ago, in 1995. Organizers initially expected to draw around 30,000-40,000 visitors from metro Detroit, but were shocked when over 250,000 came to the inaugural cruise. 

'I'm a big union guy': Jay Leno talks unions, EVs before driving 1K horsepower Dodge Demon in Dream Cruise

It is now the largest single-day classic car event in the world. 

Doug Green started drag racing on Woodward Avenue when he was 15. He officially got a license two years later, but says his privileges were revoked within a year because he had accumulated so many tickets from his hobby. 

"My insurance was crazy for a while, but it didn't stop me," he said with a laugh.

Now 73, Green has made the 3½-hour drive from Mackinaw City to Detroit every year since it began, missing just once because he got sick.

"It just brings me back to good times," he said.

Different car companies stood at their booths, advertising their latest models while owners of previous models polished, cleaned and discussed them.

Not all cruisers appreciate the same things, however, and some take great pride in their vehicle's sparkle and shine, while others, especially those with so-called "rat-rides," boast about their car's original design.

Brad Pepperell, 53, of Ferndale, has been attending the Dream Cruise since he was a child and says he appreciates the variety.

"You see things here you're never going to see anywhere else," he said.

As if on cue, a dark orange van began to pass; it appeared to have been flipped upside-down. Another set of wheels were attached so that the car was driving on its roof. A cacophony of shouts — from "WHOA" to "Did you see that?" — rang through the crowd gathering on the sidewalk. 

In Birmingham, the National Corvette Restorers Society took up about a block of Old Woodward. Since the group was founded in 1974, the members' goal has been to restore the cars to how they were in the dealership.

"These cars were a part of families. It's a way of bringing back memories," says Mike Bailey, 80, as he stands in front of his 1961 Corvette. 

Bailey says that he was thinking of selling his car when his son, Mike Jr., was 3 years old. Upon hearing the news, however, his son began to weep and told him he couldn't possibly. So Bailey kept it.

Decades later, Mike Jr.'s own 2023 Corvette now stands next to Bailey's 1961.

More than just a car show or traffic jam, I realized, the Woodward Dream Cruise is a place where the past, present, and future converge, and where tradition and innovation are celebrated together, as one. 

One man, passing the Baileys' cars while gently holding his young daughter's hand, stopped and bent down to meet her gaze. 

"Look at the history here," he told her. "This is where the Corvette started and there it is now. Isn't that cool?"

Aurora Sousanis is a sophomore at the University of Michigan. Contact her:  [email protected] . Become a subscriber .

Here's your guide to the 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise

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

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

Here's everything you need to know.

More : Car lovers to unite at Woodward Dream Cruise

How far will the car parade stretch? 📍

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

Here's a map of the route.

Dream Cruise events Friday and Saturday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But the cost — how much are we talking? 💵

Whether a driver or spectator, participation is free.

So, where should I park? 🚗

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

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

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

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

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

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

[email protected]

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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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North American International Auto Show

From classic cars to cutting-edge prototypes, the North American International Autoshow in Detroit has it all.

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Rev up your engines and head to the Detroit Grand Prix! Watch top drivers compete in the biggest racing event in the state.

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For over 40 years, the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation has celebrated Detroit’s rich history of jazz music by providing year-round concerts and educational programming, and of course, organizing…

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Michigan's largest pride celebration happens in Detroit

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Celebrate African heritage at the African World Festival in Detroit with live music, dance, delicious food, and unique art.

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Be a part of Detroit's famous Marche du Nain Rouge, where revelers chase away evil spirits and welcome the arrival of spring.

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Watch CBS News

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

By Sara Powers

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

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

When and where is the Woodward Dream Cruise? 

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

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

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

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

What can visitors expect during the Woodward Dream Cruise?

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

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

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

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

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

Will there be construction during the Woodward Dream Cruise? 

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

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

Where to park during the Woodward Dream Cruise?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to buy Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise?

Official merchandise can be found at the following locations: 

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

Other related events happening this weekend

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

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