Event Dates
From: Saturday, August 16, 2025
To: Saturday, August 16, 2025
The Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit is the world’s largest one-day automotive event, drawing 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars
The Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit is the world’s largest one-day automotive event, drawing 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars each year from around the globe.
- Stay Downtown close to the city’s top attractions and take a rideshare to Ferndale. The Detroit Foundation Hotel is rated “Superb” by guests, full of charm and character with spacious rooms, a gym and perfect location.
The Cruise
- Next Edition: Saturday 16th August, 2025 – North American cruisers from California, Georgia, Canada and all points in between caravan to Metro Detroit to participate in what has become, for many, an annual rite of summer. It takes place every year on the third Saturday of August in Detroit.
Woodward Dream Cruise Route
- The massive cruise goes along the famous Woodward Avenue, built during the industrial boom at the start of the 20th century. The cars go from Pontiac suburbs, past Ferndale, Oakland County, to the State Fairgrounds not far from 8 Mile Road.
- The cruise also showcases old-time drive-ins and restaurants along Woodward Avenue that keep Americana spirit alive.
- Ferndale is a great place to visit during the cruise. It has an entire street festival based around the cruise, along with some excellent restaurant options.
- Pontiac is also becoming a more popular spot to hang out and watch; it is the northern turnaround area and will be less crowded than other places along the route. Downtown Royal Oak, about a mile east of Woodward, is a good location to eat and relax if you want to stay close but be away from the crowds.
The Schedule
- An official ribbon cutting will take place on Friday at 5pm in Ferndale.
- The cruise starts Saturday at 9am.
- Woodward leads straight into the heart of the Motor City.
- Downtown Detroit is awesome, and Highland Park is home to the old Model T plant.
- The cruise ends promptly at 9 p.m. just south of 9 Mile Road.
Where to stay in Detroit?
- Many of the bars are on or around main streets to the north of downtown, on McNichols, 7 Mile, 8 Mile or 9 Mile Roads, and along Woodward Avenue. Stay at The Element Hotel, just a short taxi drive to the bars and clubs.
- Ferndale is a little further from downtown and is a gay-friendly neighborhood with several gay shops, cafes, and nightclubs. Royal Oak at the end of Woodward is also worth a visit and has stores, cafes, and theaters.
Recommended Hotels in Detroit
The following Detroit hotels are located in the Downtown district. Ferndale is a 17 minute drive from Downtown.
MGM Grand Detroit, Aloft Detroit, DoubleTree Suites, Atheneum Suite Hotel
There stunning hotels in Detroit
Book now and Pay on arrival
Aloft Detroit is our editors
choice when we are in Detroit
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Woodward Dream Cruise Website
1777 3rd Street, Detroit, Michigan 48226
Featuring an on-site casino, Topgolf lounge, luxury spa and indoor infinity-edge pool, this MGM Grand offers on-site dining and live entertainment in Detroit, Michigan.
Every room at MGM Grand Detroit provides a 50-inch flat-screen HDTV with premium cable channels and complimentary bottled water. Private bathrooms offer spa-inspired showers with rainfall shower heads.
1 Park Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48226
Located in the David Whitney building in downtown Detroit, this hotel features a bar and lounge for guests to relax, a fitness centre and free high speed WiFi. Less than 500 km from The Fillmore.
A 42 inch flat-screen TV and beds with pillowtop mattresses are included in every room at the Aloft Detroit at David Whitney. Amenities like a coffee maker, refrigerator and desk are provided for guests’ convenience.
525 West Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan 48226
This downtown Detroit hotel offers on-site dining and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Just a 7-minute walk from MGM Grand Detroit Casino, the hotel provides free WiFi
A 32-inch flat-screen cable TV with HBO and video games is featured in the contemporary rooms at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Detroit Downtown – Fort Shelby. There is also a coffee maker, desk and safe.
1000 Brush Street, Detroit, Michigan 48226
This Detroit hotel is located in the Greektown District, next to the Greektown Casino. The all-suite hotel offers free WiFi, free area shuttle service
42-inch flat-screen TV and MP3 docking station in every spacious suite. Separate sitting areas and room service during select hours are also available. A refrigerated mini-bar and in-room safe are available in all rooms.
276 Riopelle St, Detroit, Michigan 48207
The apartment is a 12-minute walk from Saint Andrews Hall. This apartment will provide guests with 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. The accommodation is equipped with a kitchen. There is an indoor swimming pool for guests. Free private parking is possible on site
305 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48226
Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath or shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A dishwasher, a microwave and oven are also featured, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine.
139 Cadillac Square, Detroit, Michigan 48226
Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath or shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A dishwasher, a microwave and fridge are also offered, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine.
415 Clifford Street, Detroit, Michigan 48226
Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath or shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A dishwasher, a microwave and fridge are also provided, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine. A gym and laundry facilities are available
2906 Cass Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201
This gay dive bar has been around for more than 25 years and offers a welcoming atmosphere. good price drinks, karaoke and dancing
19404 Sherwood Street, Detroit, Michigan 48234
This gay bar gets busy after 3am, this is the place that everyone heads to that want to keep partying
205 West 9 Mile Road, Ferndale, Michigan 48220
Open since 2004, Soho continues to be the area's most premier gay bar, catering to the LGBT community.
It features a diverse and easy-going environment where all are welcome!
Soho Ferndale has a great weekly line-up of trivia, karaoke, dance parties, and sweet drink specials.
18931 West Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48228
Friendly staff, good Dj and regular shows are on offer in this fun gay bar
16920 West Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48228
If you are looking for a bar with friendly staff, great drinks and awesome entertainment then Gigis Gay Bar is the place for you.
Offering Drag Shows, Hot Dancers and good DJs
744 East Savannah Street, Highland Park, Michigan 48203
Friendly gay bar with a Dj popular with 18 to 20+ crowd
8070 Greenfield Road, Detroit, Michigan 48228
This is a great gay bar where you will always feel welcomed.
Offering a dance floor, pool table, Drink Specials, Happy Hour, regular Drag shows and events
An outdoor patio for summertime
928 West Mcnichols Road, Highland Park, Michigan 48203
An Awesome Bar and Entertainment Complex.
Great Staff, Fun Events, Drinks At A Reasonable Price, Pool Table, Sunday Tea Dance, Dance Floor and Stage,
A little something for everyone!! Special Events on the Weekends
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We have chosen hotels in Detroit that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Why the Woodward Dream Cruise is a MUST for Car Lovers