How to make the most of the 2024 Woodward Dream Cruise: Where to park, what to do

On Saturday, about 1 million car enthusiasts will converge upon metro Detroit with the same goal: appreciating sweet rides.

But the festivities don't start Saturday — the Dream Cruise is a weeklong celebration that began in 1995. Car collectors slowly cruise along Woodward Avenue from Ferndale to Pontiac, with plenty of special events along the way. For many, the annual event is a hallmark of the last days of summer, taking place on the third Saturday of every August.

As the annual celebration of automotive history approaches, here is everything you need to know to make the most of it.

Where to park for Dream Cruise

For an event targeted at car enthusiasts, it can be hard to get a car to the area. The 16-mile cruise makes Woodward Avenue partially inaccessible. Attendees should expect to get their steps in while walking from a parking lot to the heart of the car show.

According to the Woodward Dream Cruise's official website, each city along the route will offer public parking.

In Birmingham, cruise-related activities will be within walking distance of the parking decks located downtown, which are free for the first two hours of parking.

In Ferndale, the genesis of the cruise, several public parking lots surround downtown.

In Pontiac, public lots and parking garages dot the map around the downtown area, where the cruise will come to a close amid a slew of other activities.

In Royal Oak, public parking lots within walking distance from Woodward will be available, though in high demand. Additional parking will be available at the Royal Oak Golf Center, Gunn Dyer Park and Upton Park near Coolidge Highway.

To find a specific parking solution for the weekend, visit the Woodward Dream Cruise parking information Facebook page, where you can find the right place to reserve a spot.

Dream Cruise 2024 map

Ditch the car, take the bus

On Saturday, SMART buses will provide a free shuttle service for people hoping to attend the cruise without the stress of finding a parking spot.

To catch a ride, just hop on at any red SMART or FAST stop along Woodward from Ferndale to Pontiac. The free shuttles, which are wheelchair accessible and equipped with bike racks, will be available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What to do in Ferndale during Dream Cruise

Ferndale is where the cruise begins, and it is also the home of many free-to-attend Dream Cruise-related events on Friday and Saturday. On both days, there will be live music, along with food and merchandise vendors.

Friday:

• Ferndale Emergency Vehicle Show: From 1-7 p.m., the emergency vehicle show will showcase all the coolest cars with sirens at the corner of 9 Mile Road and Woodward. At 5:30, the Lights and Sirens cruise parade will begin. The route will coast along 9 Mile then head north to 11 Mile and swing back to 9 Mile.
• Official Woodward Dream Cruise Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: At 5 p.m., see the official kick-off of the Dream Cruise, where community leaders will cut the ribbon on Woodward, immediately followed by the Lights and Sirens parade.

Saturday:

• Mustang Alley: From 10 a.m.-6 p.m., one of the largest car shows of the cruise will feature more than 650 Mustangs in downtown Ferndale. The ponies will stretch from Planavon to Hilton Road along 9 Mile. Mustang owners interested in showcasing their Motown classic can register their vehicle the day of at 10 a.m. until there are no more spaces left.

What to do in Pleasant Ridge during Dream Cruise

Saturday:

• The Ford Bronco Corral: Collectors and enthusiasts of the Ford Bronco will be meeting for the "corral," an annual showcase of the recently remastered Ford classic. The Broncos will meet from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday at Woodward and Oakland Park Boulevard.

What to do in Berkeley during Dream Cruise

Friday:

• Berkley CruiseFest Parade: On Friday, beginning at 6:30 p.m., nearly 400 cars are registered to drive along in Berkley's annual Dream Cruise parade. The parade will travel west down 12 Mile Road from Woodward to Greenfield. Following the parade, there will be live music and movie screenings in downtown Berkeley.

What to do in Royal Oak during Dream Cruise

Friday:

• Performance Park Classic Car Show: From noon-7 p.m., this classic car show will feature vehicles from way back, showcasing automotive history. It will be held at East 13 Mile Road and Woodward.

Saturday:

• Cruise In Shoes 5k Run: At Shrine High School in Royal Oak (3500 West 13 Mile Road) the annual Cruise In Shoes 5K will take place from 8-9:30 a.m.
• Performance Park Classic Car Show: From 8 a.m. -8 p.m., the classic car show will continue in Royal Oak at East 13 Mile Road and Woodward.
• Mustang Unleashed: At the Belle Tire on 13 Mile and Woodward, Ford will showcase its hallmark vehicle, the Mustang, for fans. The event will take place from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Ford Performance Lineup Display: At Duggan’s Irish Pub at 31501 Woodward, Ford will showcase performance vehicles from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Ford Model e Lineup Display: Ford's electric vehicle lineup will be on display at the Vitamin Shoppe at 31753 Woodward from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

What to do in Birmingham during Dream Cruise

Saturday:

• Birmingham Cruise: From 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Birmingham will host its own car parade featuring classic cars. The route will follow along South Old Woodward Avenue from Maple to Lincoln, followed by a stationary car show for attendees to get a closer look.
• Cars, Cigars and Big Ash: Hosted by Wild Bill's Tobacco, the event celebrates classic cars and premium tobacco. The ticketed event will be held at the Birmingham Village Players Lot on 34660 Woodward Ave. It will take place from 5-10 p.m. Friday and will continue from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. There will be live entertainment, a full-service bar and an outdoor lounge where attendees can watch the cruise roll by. To purchase tickets, visit the Wild Bill's website here.

What to do in Pontiac during Dream Cruise

Wednesday:

• Corvettes on Woodward: On Wednesday, from noon-7:30 p.m., Michigan's largest Corvette gathering will meet at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac for an annual charity event. As is tradition for the enthusiasts, they will assemble an American flag of red, white and blue Corvettes. This event requires tickets, and nearby parking will be included with a ticket purchase.

Friday and Saturday:

• Woodward Dream Show: On Friday and Saturday, Pontiac's M1 concourse will go back in time to 1964 in celebration of the hometown classic Pontiac GTO's 60th "birthday." The event, hosted from noon-10:30 p.m. on Friday and again from 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. on Saturday, aims to immerse attendees in the culture of 1964, with Beatles, Beach Boys and Motown cover bands and throwback fashion. The City of Pontiac officially declared Friday, Aug. 16, as Pontiac GTO Day to celebrate the classic muscle car. The first 500 kids through the gate at the concourse will receive a free Hot Wheels GTO, and the space will be equipped with food trucks and activities. Tickets are available here.

News reporter Liam Rappleye can be reached at LRappleye@freepress.com