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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.
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Sara Powers is a digital producer for CBS Detroit. Sara covers local news, often focusing on crime, politics and entertainment.

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Local News | Photos from the Woodward Dream Cruise in Pontiac

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The 2022 Woodward Dream Cruise came to downtown Pontiac Saturday, Aug. 20. (Photos by Peg McNichol and A’Sante Lucas)

The 2022 Woodward Dream Cruise came to downtown Pontiac Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022. (Peg McNichol / MediaNews Group)

The 2022 Woodward Dream Cruise came to downtown Pontiac Saturday, Aug. 20. (A'Sante Lucas / for MediaNews Group)

The 28th annual Woodward Dream Cruise is set for Saturday, Aug. 19. (Photo by A'Sante Lucas — For MediaNews Group)

The Woodward Dream Cruise, held annually in August in several Oakland County communities, draws thousands of vintage cars. But the noise on Woodward starts months before the event. (A'Sante Lucas / for MediaNews Group)

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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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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 returns, drawing thousands of classic car fans

The sweltering, sweat-inducing heat didn't stop throngs of classic car fans from descending on Woodward Avenue on Saturday for the 26th annual Dream Cruise.

Families and friends and people of all ages gathered along the road and on traffic medians as far as the eye could see, seeking refuge from the sun under tents and umbrellas. Most came prepared with lawn chairs, snacks, water and beer.

Billed as America's largest one-day automotive gathering, the Woodward Dream Cruise stretches from Pontiac to Ferndale and features tens of thousands of vintage cars. The event sponsored by Ford typically draws more than a million onlookers and runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Detroiter Lyndon Joyce joined the fun in Ferndale, arriving at 11 a.m. He's a self-proclaimed car enthusiast — but he mostly loves being around people. 

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"This is an outstanding thing that happens every year," Joyce said. "It's a good way for the pandemic to get over. ... This is letting people know, Detroit is a mecca for everything."

Of course, last year during the height of the pandemic, the cruise didn't happen. And it seems car fans were ready to get back to the business of cruising on Saturday.

Angie and Rex Jones drove in from Hell, Michigan, to attend the cruise for the fifth time. The Joneses set up their chairs near Mustang Alley in Ferndale and were thrilled to see some '60s Mustangs cruise by.  

"It's nice, it's relaxed," Angie Jones said. "Everybody seems like they're having a good time, but it doesn't seem as crowded this year."

Although some event-goers said the crowd was smaller than usual, businesses along Woodward said they were grateful for the spike in customers, especially after struggling during the pandemic. 

Joyce said an event like the Dream Cruise could only happen in the Motor City, and it's indicative of how metro Detroiters can come together. He said everyone's been very friendly and sharing supplies, like water, to help each other out. 

"Look at this," Joyce said. "I have never seen any problems, and I've been coming to this just about since it started. I'm a car enthusiast myself ... but the best thing is seeing people come together."

Contact Emma Stein: [email protected].

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

Car lovers to unite at Woodward Dream Cruise

Behind every car is a driver with a story. And at the Woodward Dream Cruise, those drivers share a love for all things automotive.

Drawing in a crowd of more than 1.5 million visitors from around the world, the Woodward Dream Cruise, set for Friday-Saturday along Woodward Avenue in nine Oakland County communities, brings in more than 40,000 street machines. From classic American cars to late-model vehicles, you can expect to find rides of all shapes and sizes at one of the world's largest vintage car events.

The Woodward Dream Cruise, which begins in Ferndale and ends in Pontiac, is a favorite event every year for many car lovers, including Adam Bernard, 59, of Royal Oak. Since 2011, he has served as the president of Detroit's chapter of Lambda Car Club, an auto enthusiast group for LGBTQ+ members.

"I've been interested in cars since I was 3 years old when my dad would bring home Matchbox cars and Hot Wheels," said Bernard. "Later in life, I came out of the closet while I worked for General Motors. I was actually sent to represent GM at a Lambda Car Club event, so I just kind of tumbled into it at the right time."

Nationally, the Lambda Car Club has more than 2,000 members and around 120 in the Detroit chapter. This year, the group will be hanging out in Pleasant Ridge along Woodward where Bernard will bring his 1972 Mini Cooper.

"The Mini is a very innovative car, because it essentially set the stage for every modern front-drive vehicle on the market," said Bernard. "It also happens to be very fun to drive. Kids love it so much because it's just their size, so I usually offer to let them sit inside during the event."

For John Cowall, 47, of Southgate, his love for cars started at a very young age when his dad competed in autocross races, a controlled sport where drivers can explore the limits of their ride across a laid-out course.

"I loved the thrill of listening to the sounds of engines revving," said Cowall. "I've grown up around cars going to the auto crosses with my dad, so that's kind of how I got started with cars."

The first car he was ever introduced to was a 1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega, the same ride that brought him back home from the hospital as a newborn. Over the years, Cowall and his dad restored around 20 Cosworth Vegas, becoming the car he dedicated most of his time to.

"I just grew up in and around that car, said Cowall. "The Chevrolet Vega was a standard run-of-the-mill production car that GM made. But the Cosworth engine in this car was a unique project between General Motors and Cosworth that makes it a very special collaboration with only 3,508 made."

Now, John Cowall is the president of CVOA, following in the path of his father, who was a regional director for the club in previous years. The CVOA is a national club of more than 280 members who share the same passion for Cosworth Vegas. This year, they will be bringing down one of the only known professionally road-raced Cosworth Vegas in existence.

Like Cowall, Mike Rey, 52, of Dearborn grew up around unique cars. Rey now serves as president of the Mustang Owners Club of Southeastern Michigan (MOCSEM) and the International Council of Mustangs Clubs.

"I think I was about 6 or so when my dad started taking me to car shows," said Rey. " It was a first-generation Mustang that I fell in love with and since then I've always wanted to own a Mustang. I've had nine Mustangs and the first one I got was a 1985 Mustang GT convertible."

With almost 2,000 cars on its roster to choose from, his club is now used by Ford to source cars needed for its promo shoots. On Sunday after the cruise, Rey and his team will be hosting Mustang Memories at the Ford World Headquarters, an all-Ford Car Show with more than 800 different cars.

This year, WDET will also be taking part in Woodward's car-lover antics. The public radio station acquired a 1964 Dodge 880 custom convertible that was donated by Mary Wilson, the widow of Detroit businessman Ralph C. Wilson Jr.

"Ralph got it for me back in '94," said Mrs. Wilson. "When I saw that car at DuMouchelles Auction House right on the first floor, I fell in love with it. We enjoyed driving it down Lakeshore Road or down Woodward. I've just had so many fun moments with it."

The Wilsons named the car "Horace" in acknowledgment of the first person who bought the car, Horace Dodge Jr. It has less than 22,000 miles and is one of the first of this model to roll off the line. Now, the car will be joining Lambda Car Club for the Woodward cruise on display in Pleasant Ridge's Memorial Park beginning at 2 p.m.

Since its conception in 1995, the Woodward Dream Cruise has brought people of all backgrounds together to celebrate one thing and one thing only: cars. No matter what corner of the cruise you end up in, you can almost guarantee to stumble upon an avid car enthusiast with a long history of loving cars and a sick ride.

"The thing about the Dream Cruise is that everyone's excited about everyone's cars," said Emiliana Sandoval, 53, of Detroit. "You might get a thumbs up or people will honk and say nice things about each other's cars. It's always fun. I think part of why people enjoy taking their cars out is to see the reactions and see people smile."

Woodward Dream Cruise

Friday-Saturday

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

Main events

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 and Oakland Park Blvd.

For directions and parking information, visit www.woodwarddreamcruise.com .

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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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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michigan Travel+Food Adventure (@travelingmichigan)

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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About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by.

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

"Sherry & Chris"

We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry. In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

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Your Guide to the Disney Dream: Everything You’ll Find Onboard This Cruise Ship

Learn about the Disney Dream, including what it’s like to take a cruise on this Disney Cruise Line ship, where you can travel, and what you’ll find onboard.

For over a decade now, the Disney Dream has been sailing guests throughout the Bahamas and Western Caribbean, visiting destinations from Grand Cayman to Cozumel to Disney’s own Castaway Cay. A staple in the Disney Cruise Line fleet since its very first sailing back in 2011, it’s a ship many cruise enthusiasts have come to love.

What’s in store when you board the Disney Dream for a Disney Cruise Line vacation? We’ve got your guide to the ship’s theming, stateroom options, dining venues, entertainment, and more so you can plan the perfect cruise.

• About the Disney Dream
• Disney Dream Theming
• Disney Dream Staterooms
• Disney Dream Dining
• Disney Dream Entertainment
• How to Book a Cruise on the Disney Dream

About the Disney Dream Cruise Ship

The Disney Dream joined the Disney Cruise Line as the third ship in the fleet. It followed the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, and it was the very first of its kind and class. Back in 2007, Disney Cruise Line revealed two new ships were coming, which would be part of the new-at-the-time Dream class.

Construction got underway for the first Dream class ship – the Disney Dream – back in 2009. The ship’s maiden voyage took place on January 26, 2011, marking a grand milestone for Disney Cruise Line. The following year, the Dream’s sister ship, the Disney Fantasy, also set sail.

For its first years out at sea, the Disney Dream sailed to Nassau and Castaway Cay. 40 percent larger than the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the Dream weighs 129,690 gross tons, stretches 1,114.7 feet long, and has room for 2,500 passengers across 1,250 staterooms (though it can technically fit up to 4,000 passengers!). For some time, the Dream and its sister ship, the Fantasy, were the largest in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.

Where Does the Disney Dream Sail?

Since its very first sailing back in 2011, the Disney Dream has stuck with its route throughout the Atlantic Ocean. It sails three- and four-night itineraries to Castaway Cay and Nassau in the Bahamas. 

However, in 2023, the Disney Dream embarked on new routes: Itineraries debuted for European destinations for the very first time. These summer sailings took the Dream to destinations like the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Greece, and Italy.

Since those European sailings wrapped, the Dream has moved back to the Bahamas. In November 2023, the ship moved into a new home port at Port Everglades in Florida, where it’ll continue offering sailings to Castaway Cay and Nassau. 

Theming on the Disney Dream

Photo by Jimmy Taylor

The Disney Dream, like every Disney Cruise Line ship, has its own unique theming, with specific stern characters, a special atrium design with character statue and chandelier, and Disney characters and stories that are represented on board. 

When you step onto the ship for your sailing, you’ll be welcomed into the atrium – where you’ll spot the bronze sculpture of Admiral Donald Duck. Overhead, an Art Deco inspired chandelier hangs, embellished with countless glittering crystals (or, to get specific, 88,680 Swarovski crystal beads!). 

Throughout the interior of the Dream, you’ll find Art Deco design cues and touches of magic alongside state-of-the-art technology. For example, the interior cabins feature Magical Portholes, which offer a virtual look “outside” with appearances from animated Disney characters.

Want to find out where everything is located? Check out a deck-by-deck map so you know exactly what’s on board! 

Staterooms Aboard the Disney Dream

The staterooms you can book on the Disney Dream cover a wide range of different options. You can choose from 10 different stateroom types:

• Standard Inside Staterooms , which measure 169 sq. ft. and fit two to four guests
• Deluxe Inside Staterooms , which measure 204 sq. ft. and sleep three to four guests
• Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms , which measure 204 sq. ft. and offer room for two to four guests
• Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms , which measure 241 sq. ft. with room for up to five guests
• Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Navigator’s Verandah , which measure 246 sq. ft. and offer room for up to four guests
• Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah , which measure 299 sq. ft. (with verandah) and sleep up to five guests
• Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah , which measure 246 sq. ft. (with verandah) and fit up to four guests
• Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah , which measure 306 sq. ft. and sleep up to five guests
• Concierge 1-Bedroom Suites with Verandah , which measure 622 sq. ft. and offer different room layouts for guest parties of different sizes
• Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah , which measures 1,781 sq. ft. and sleeps five guests (but offers an impressive amount of space inside!)

Every type of stateroom was designed to meet the needs of families of various sizes. While the layouts and square footage may differ, the theming is actually pretty consistent – most staterooms feature touches inspired by Peter Pan , a classic Disney animated film that captures the magic of dreaming. 

Dining on the Disney Dream

Photo by Julie de La Fe

Like the other Disney Cruise Line ships, the Dream features rotational dining – which means you’ll get a chance to dine at a different table service restaurant each night. On this ship, your rotational dining experience includes:

• Enchanted Garden
• Royal Palace
• Animator’s Palate

Additionally, you’ll also find a number of casual dining options on board – like Cabanas, the buffet-style restaurant – as well as lounges, bars, and adults-only sit-down restaurants like Palo and Remy .

For a complete look at all of the dining options you’ll find onboard, check out our restaurant guide here .

Entertainment on the Disney Dream

Photo by Bill Ryan

Lastly, you won’t want to skip all of the entertainment found onboard the Disney Dream. While your cruise will undoubtedly offer the opportunity to join excursions at your various ports of call, you’ll also find plenty to do and explore on board. 

For example, one of the highlights in entertainment is found inside the Walt Disney Theatre: a musical production of Beauty and the Beast on stage. You can also watch Disney’s Believe, the heartwarming family story about the power of Disney magic, or check out “The Golden Mickeys,” a Hollywood-style award show with dazzling performances.

For adults, Senses Spa & Salon and Rejuvenation Spa both offer relaxing experiences and services that’ll make your sailing a total treat. Plus, there are adults-only bars and lounges to check out (complete with dancing, drinks, and live sports). 

There’s also plenty of entertainment themed for kids of all ages. The Oceaneer Club features themed play spaces (like Andy’s Room from Toy Story , Pixie Hollow, Star Wars : Millennium Falcon, and the Disney Infinity Game Room). Plus, there are Disney character experiences on board that’ll bring beloved stories to life via Disney’s Once Upon a Time, Puzzle Playtime with Mickey and Friends, and Jedi Training: Experience the Force.

Of course traditional character meet and greets are also offered on board! Depending on your sailing, you may be able to catch Mickey Mouse and friends, Disney Princesses, or other characters onboard meeting with guests regularly throughout the day.

If the whole family is looking for some fun, Goofy’s Sports Deck offers mini golf and basketball.

Lastly, no guest will want to miss the pool deck on the Disney Dream! There are two family-friendly pools, plus a small Mickey waterslide, a Finding Nemo splash pad for little kids, and the AquaDuck, an incredible water coaster at sea (the first of its kind!) that takes guests over 765 feet of distance and a four-deck-tall drop.