Published August 11, 2026 at 5:30 PM EDT

What is the Woodward Dream Cruise?

It’s a vintage car parade that encompasses nine suburban communities: Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Royal Oak, Pleasant Ridge, and Pontiac. The event is free, both for viewers and for those looking to drive their vehicles along the designated route.

When is the Woodward Dream Cruise?

It is always held on the third Saturday in August. This year, it falls on August 15 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

How did it start?

It started in 1995 as a fundraiser to build a soccer field in Ferndale. Nelson House, the founder, wanted to recreate the ‘50s and ‘60s, when “youth, rock 'n roll and Motor City steel roamed the historic Woodward Avenue,” according to the Woodward Dream Cruise website.

What are some other fun facts?

• Woodward Avenue was the first long distance concrete-paved highway, not only in Michigan, but in the United States. Formerly, roads would be made of wood, cobblestone, brick, or other materials.
• According to the Woodward Dream Cruise website, the event draws nearly one million people and 40,000 cars annually from around the globe.
• On the official website, all the official artwork from the beginning of the event until now can be seen in an archive. The artwork features many different art styles and colors.
• Expectations were exceeded for the first event, with an audience of 250,000.