woodward dream cruise 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:

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Featured gallery woodward 2023: classics and hot rods.

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

(WXYZ) — It's the day car enthusiasts have been waiting for all summer, the 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise!

Today, the cruise takes over metro Detroit's most famous road as people flock to see classics, oddities and more.

FULL GALLERY: 2023 WOODWARD DREAM CRUISE

The Dream Cruise is one of the largest outdoor automotive events in the world, drawing more than 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars from around the world. It links together nine cities on America’s oldest highway.

Don't forget to catch our 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise special airing tonight on WXYZ-TV and across all of your favorite streaming devices from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Come along with us today and check out what we're seeing here on Woodward:

Jay Leno out on Woodward!

Meet Rob Blevins and his 95-year-old grandfather. They come out to cruise Woodward every year for the Dream Cruise with this '46 Chevy truck. We love to see all the great family moments happening along the avenue today.

Here's a quick highlight reel of some of the fun on Woodward:

Take a stroll down Mustang Alley with us in Ferndale:

Brad Galli catches up with Captain America on Woodward for the Cruise:

10 a.m. Saturday

We're cruising up and down Woodward Ave. with Ken Lingenfelter of The Lingenfelter Collection.

8 a.m. Saturday

Car enthusiasts hit the avenue early to soak up the sun and cruise Woodward:

7:30 a.m. Saturday

The Cruise in Shoes 5K kicked off the festivities this morning:

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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. A Detroit native, Sara has been covering local topics such as breaking news, politics and entertainment for CBS Detroit since 2021.

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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