On the third Saturday in August, Detroit's famous Woodward Avenue transforms from just a normal road full of commuters to a sea of cars that are flanked by people. The fabled Dream Cruise consumes Detroit suburbs and spreads classic and enthusiast cars across parking lots, side streets, and, of course, the thoroughfare that extends northwest from downtown Detroit.
Unlike the luxurious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance that often overlaps Michigan's beloved cruise, there isn't an invitation process, there is no judging and you don't need an exceedingly rare or semi-priceless car to be a full participant: It's for everyone who loves cars. While Pebble Beach is unquestionably a fantastic event, it's interesting to see the juxtaposition of one of the most exclusive automotive events in the world sharing a weekend with one of the most inclusive events 2500 miles away.
If you're ever driving through Michigan during the third weekend in August (or the days leading up to it), it's worth rolling through the historic Woodward Avenue and checking out the Dream Cruise. But don't expect to go fast, especially on Dream Cruise Saturday. A lot of the locals leave town to avoid the traffic-they don't understand why more than a million people would come to town to ogle some 40,000 classic cars.
Have a favorite Dream Cruise moment? Tell us below.