What started as a fundraiser for a soccer field in Ferndale is now a 30-year-long tradition. 

The Woodward Dream Cruise, a 16-mile joy ride that starts in Ferndale and ends in Pontiac, is known for its unique display of unique, vintage cars that travel up and down Woodward Avenue, historic and modern alike — but all cars are welcome to join the drive on Saturday, Aug, 16.

The Dream Cruise has several stops along its route, from car shows to live music, where drivers and spectators can show off their rides and explore different community events from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the Dream Cruise. 

What is the Woodward Dream Cruise? 

The Dream Cruise started in 1995 to raise money for a soccer field in Ferndale. That year, 250,000 people showed up. Now, more than 1 million people come to watch the sea of cars travel down Woodward Avenue. 

Michael Lary says the event is so special because of the powerful stories that each car owner has to tell and the artistry that they get to show off. 

“There’s a lot of imagination that’s out there that you don’t get to see on a regular basis, and during the Dream Cruise, you get to appreciate it,” Lary said. 

When is the Woodward Dream Cruise 2025? 

The 2025 Woodward Dream Cruise is officially Saturday, August 16. But a number of metro Detroit communities will host events throughout the day on both Friday, August 15 and Saturday, August 16. 

Where is the Woodward Dream Cruise? 

The Dream Cruise takes place along Woodward Avenue (M-1), primarily from Pontiac to Ferndale, with events and displays taking place all throughout the route. 

Woodward Dream Cruise parking 

Birmingham 

According to the Dream Cruise website, all events in Birmingham are within walking distance of all downtown parking decks. 

• Peabody parking structure at 222 Peabody St. 

• Chester Parking Structure 180 Chester St. 

• Chester Parking Structure 180 Chester St. 

• Pierce Parking Structure 333 Pierce St. 

• N. Old Woodward Parking Structure 333 N. Old Woodward Ave. 

Ferndale 

According to the Dream Cruise website, all downtown parking lots will be available in Ferndale. Here are some closest to the action. 

• 221 W. Troy St. 

• 141 E. 9 Mile Rd. 

• 141 Vester Ave. 

• 156 Breckenridge St. 

Pontiac 

Downtown Pontiac has plenty of garages and lots. Here are some closest to Woodward Avenue. 

• 10 Water St. 

• 34 W. Lawrence St. 

• 59 N. Saginaw St. 

Royal Oak 

• South Lafayette Parking at 514 S. Lafayette Ave. 

• Sixth St Parking Lot at 150 W. 6^th St. 

• Lafayette Avenue Parking Structure at 290 S Lafayette Ave. 

• Lot 7 at 163 W 6^th St. 

Check out the Woodward Dream Cruise Parking Facebook page for additional parking information. 

A long-lived tradition, cars line the street and drive in the parade at Woodward Dream Cruise 2007. Photo by Stephen K. Donnelly

What to do at the Woodward Dream Cruise

Berkley 

Friday, Aug. 15 

• Cruisefest Classic Car Parade 6:30-7:30 pm

• Concert, Movie, Other activities from 7:30-11 p.m. 
• Merch tent open all day, west 12 Mile Road at Woodward Avenue

More info on activities and parade route 

Birmingham 

Saturday, Aug. 16 

• Birmingham Cruise Event 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at South Old Woodward Avenue from Maple Road to Lincoln Street. These streets will be closed for the event that day. 

• If you’re looking for a place to stay in Birmingham, check out their Hotel Guide. 

Ferndale 

Friday, Aug. 15 

• Ferndale Emergency Vehicle Show from 1-7 p.m. 

• Curry Motorsports Formula 1 and various muscle cars event 1-8 p.m. 

• Official ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate 30 years of the Woodward Dream Cruise happens at 5 p.m. 

• Directly following is the lights and sirens cruise parade at 5:30 p.m. 

• After that, meet R&B and Motown star, Martha Reeves 

• The kids’ play zone will be open all day 

• Get your 30th anniversary Dream Cruise merch at the merch tent — open all day 

Saturday, Aug. 16 

• “Mustang Alley” car show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

• “Bronco Corral” car show from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. 

• Live entertainment, Kid Zone and merchandise tent will be open all day. 

Royal Oak 

Friday, Aug. 15 

• Performance Park Classic Car Show from noon to 7 p.m. 

• Merchandise tent will be open all day 

Saturday, Aug. 16 

• Performance Park Classic Car Show from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

• Merchandise tent will be open all day 

Pleasant Ridge 

Saturday, Aug. 16 

• Merchandise tent available at Woodward and Oakland Park Boulevard 

Pontiac 

Saturday, Aug. 16 

A block party on North Saginaw St. will have live music and entertainment at these locations: 

• Flagstar Strand Theater Marquee at 12 North Saginaw St. from 2-6 p.m. 

• Hidden River Park at 11 North Saginaw St. from 6-10:30 p.m. 

• Kegger Burger at 7 North Saginaw St. suite 1B from 6-11 p.m. 

• Sunsent Island at 7 North Saginaw St. suite 2B from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. 

• El Piqasso Art Cafe and Gallery at 46 North Saginaw St. from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 

• Charlene’s Theater Bar at 18 North Saginaw St. from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 

How to get around via SMART bus 

SMART is offering free rides all around on Saturday, Aug, 16, from Ferndale to Pontiac from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Hop on at the SMART bus at any RED SMART or FAST bus stop along Woodward Avenue. 

How to stream the Dream Cruise 

If you can’t make it in person, but still want to be a part of the fun, turn on WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) to see the live broadcast of the event. The Woodward Dream Cruise Special airs on WXYZ at 7 p.m. 

This story was co-posted with the Detroit Free Press