Start Your Engines for the Woodward Dream Cruise!

By: Toni Cunningham | August 3, 2013
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Start your engines! The Woodward Dream Cruise will take place this Saturday, August 17 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Over 40,000 custom cars and more than a million visitors will line (and drive) Woodward Avenue for twelve fun-filled hours.

Since the Dream Cruise winds through eight different host communities, there surely must be something exciting going on in each, right?

While the Dream Cruise itself takes place on Saturday, several cities are kicking off the festivities a few days prior, with events as early as Thursday. Of the eight cities, Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Ferndale, Pontiac and Royal Oak are hosting extra festivities.

Before you drive on to the Dream Cruise, take a look at our helpful guide so you get the most fun out of the event!

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Thursday, August 15

Since the Cruise begins in Ferndale, it’s only natural that the festivities start there as well. From 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., there will be live entertainment, a food court, activities for children and a merchandise booth at Woodward and Nine Mile.

Friday, August 16 

Head to Berkley from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. for several activities, including Berkley’s Annual Classic Car Parade, live music, a block party, sidewalk sale and more.

The Dream Drive will take place in Bloomfield Township at 6 p.m., and you’ll have the opportunity to cruise in a replica Shelby Cobra, Daytona Coupe or GT40. The Dream Drive costs $20 for a 15-minute ride and includes a photo.

Ferndale’s Friday festivities include an Emergency Vehicle Show (from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.), the Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (at 5 p.m.) and a Lights and Sirens Cruise (at 5:30 p.m.). There will also be live entertainment and food until 9 p.m.

Pontiac’s “Cruise the Loop” will include a parade, live entertainment and the 17th Annual Oakland Press Cruzin’ Car Show.

If you’re in the Royal Oak area, Duggan’s Irish Pub will be celebrating with a Detroit’s Greatest Hits party, courtesy of 104.3 WOMC.

Saturday, August 17 

Today’s the day! Local radio station 104.3 WOMC will be broadcasting from Berkley’s Blarney Stone Irish Pub, and the official Dream Cruise merch booth will be situated at 12 Mile and Woodward.

Birmingham’s festivities kick off at 9 a.m. with an event featuring vehicles of the past, present and future. At night, WXYZ Channel 7 will broadcast live from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., so get ready for your close-up!

Ferndale’s Saturday events begin at 10 a.m. and include the 15th Annual Mustang Alley and the 3rd Annual Michigan Gumball Rally.  The latter is a three-day road trip to the U.P and back!

Pontiac’s Friday events will be repeated today, including the 17th Annual Oakland Press Cruzin’ Car Show, Cruise Parade, live entertainment and more.

Finally, 104.3 WOMC will broadcast from several different Royal Oak locations throughout the day, including Duggan’s Irish Pub, CVS Pharmacy and Normandy Plaza. Pioneer Park will host Kroger’s Family Fun Zone with live entertainment and activities.

The Woodward Dream Cruise is one of Detroit’s most popular events of the summer, so you don’t want to miss out! Later this week, be sure to check back for our complete restaurant guide to the best places along Woodward Avenue. You won’t be going hungry!

 

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