Event Date(s)Saturday, September 6 & Sunday, September 7, 2025
Event LocationGreenfield Village in Dearborn
Event DescriptionSee cars from the 1890s through 1932. The streets and grounds of Greenfield Village in Dearborn welcome the sights, sounds and smells of hundreds of authentic vehicles from the 1890s through 1932. This year the Old Car Festival will be highlighting 19th Century motoring.
Event DescriptionOne of the best Classic Car Events in the Nation. Get all the information about all six days of events that make up this year's edition of Back to the Bricks!
Event Date(s)Saturday, August 16, 2025 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Event LocationWoodward Avenue in Oakland County
Event DescriptionThe world's biggest cruise is coming your way! There are no fees to cruise in the event or to watch. Anyone can participate, although those not driving a classic car are asked to stay out of the two right lanes nearest to the curb. For more information on events and the route map, visit the website.
Event TitleAutomotive Showplace: 1952 Packard "Macauley" Pan American
Event Date(s)This Fall
Event LocationDetroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit
Event DescriptionAfter World War II, designer Richard Arbib of the The Henney Motor Company - Packard’s coachbuilder - was tasked with refreshing Packard’s styling. Arbib’s design called for a 1952 Packard convertible to be cut in half horizontally in order to remove a four-inch strip of body to reduce its height in a process known as sectioning. To lengthen the car, Henney drastically extended the rear quarter panels while the windshield was cut and lowered for a sportier look. This vehicle is the first of six Pan Americans that were built for the show circuit - four of which remain - and belonged to Edward Macauley, head of Packard design in the 1950s. Macauley periodically altered the car to meet his taste and current styling. Some of Macauly’s personal updates include the dashboard and “egg crate” grille insert from a 1954 Packard as well as quarter panels and taillights from a 1955 model.
Event LocationHenry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Event DescriptionPresented by General Motors, the first comprehensive exhibition covering various forms of American auto racing, including stock car, sports car, drag racing, Indy car, hill climb and land-speed racing, is now open in Dearborn. The 24,000 square-foot exhibit provides visitors an in-depth look at the people, the experiences, the culture, the spectacle, the risks and the innovations centered in the world of American auto sports.
Event Date(s)Wednesday & Friday, August 13 & 15, 2025
Event LocationM1 Concourse, Pontiac
Event DescriptionHow can you top the Woodward Dream Cruise? That’s impossible, but you can make it the car experience of a lifetime thanks to the Woodward Dream Festival at M1 Concourse. This event makes the perfect complement to Dream Cruise Week. Here’s a chance to experience all the best hot rods, muscle cars, customs and cruisers on the planet — past, present and future. You’ll see many of those iconic machines you’ve been reading about and lusting after your entire lives.
Event Date(s)Thursday, August 14, 2025 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Event LocationAuburn Hills Public Library
Event DescriptionPresenter Russell Dore of MotorCIties Speakers Bureau discusses Henry Ford’s development of the Ford Motor Company, including the Model T, the assembly line and the $5 a day wage. It also covers his wife Clara, son Edsel and grandchildren.
Event TitleAchievement: African Americans' Accomplishments & Contributions in Automotive Exhibit
Event Date(s)On Display Now!
Event LocationAutomotive Hall of Fame, Dearborn, MI
Event DescriptionThe contributions Black Americans have made to the automotive industry have not been celebrated or even fully captured and shared. Very little effort has even been made to conduct the required research to identify the individuals, much less curate an exhibit on their accomplishments. The Automotive Hall of Fame recognizes that these are important stories that need to be told.
Event Date(s)Saturday, September 6, 2025 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Event LocationM1 Concourse, Pontiac, MI
Event DescriptionJoin the M1 Concourse for their monthly Cars and Coffee events on the first Saturday of each month. This month’s featured cars are from General Motors. M1 Cars and Coffee is family-friendly, and admission is $20/car.
Event Date(s)Friday and Saturday, August 8 & 9, 2025 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Event LocationGilmore Car Museum
Event DescriptionThis is one of the premier car shows focused on Lincoln vehicles. The event will celebrate the 103rd anniversary of the Lincoln Motor Company being acquired by the Ford Motor Company. Lincoln is one of the premier luxury marques which was originally founded by Henry Leland in 1920.
Event TitleTraditional Hot Rods, Customs, and Motorcycle Show!
Event Date(s)Saturday, August 16th, 2024 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Event LocationGilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, MI
Event DescriptionCome out to the Gilmore Car Museum for their annual Traditional Hot Rods, Customs, and Motorcycle Show! This annual show which will feature old fashioned hot rods from the 1940s, ‘50s, and early ‘60s will be sure to be exciting. There will be live bands, a pin-up contest, and more throughout the day.
Event DescriptionThis lecture highlights a fascinating history of the world’s highest volume motorized bicycle – built in Pontiac from 1946 to 1966. FREE admission.
Event DescriptionThe Museum's next cruise-in of the season includes hot dogs, chips, and pop plus door prizes! All drivers and passengers receive FREE admission to the Museum, and donations are welcome. These cruise-ins are for all makes, all models, and all years- if it has wheels, you are welcome to bring it! Every cruise-in this year has a different theme, so come on down each third Wednesday of the month through September. August is "Hoods Up" Night!
Event Date(s)Saturday, August 9, 2025 8:30 - 10 a.m.
Event LocationFord Piquette Plant Museum, Detroit, MI
Event DescriptionCome show off your wheels! Detroit’s eclectic community of antique, classic, quirky and always fabulous rides. All are welcome. Free coffee and donuts while supplies last. A/C and restrooms are available on the first floor.
Event TitleRacing: The Heart & Soul of Ford Motor Company
Event Date(s)Saturday, August 9, 2025 10 a.m.
Event LocationFord Piquette Plant Museum, Detroit, MI
Event DescriptionEnjoy a presentation that combines Henry Ford, history, and racing! This talk will cover the racing that Henry Ford was personally involved in his lifetime — from the very first race that led to the beginning of Ford Motor Company, to his beloved Model T setting records on the track. Todd Bryan is the President of the Henry Ford Heritage Association and Chairman of its Speakers Bureau. He is also an engineering supervisor at Ford Motor Company.
Event Title"Detroit Wheels: Early Motor City Stories" Exhibit
Event Date(s)Now through Sunday, August 17, 2025
Event LocationFord Piquette Plant Museum, Detroit, MI
Event DescriptionA special collaboration between the Detroit Historical Society and the Ford Piquette Plant Museum brings together an extraordinary collection of antique automobiles for a temporary exhibit. This first-floor exhibit features ten rare vehicles from the Society’s collections normally stored in archival “bubbles,” plus two other historic vehicles: one on loan from Fair Lane, the Home of Clara and Henry Ford and one from a private collection. These cars represent Detroit’s first heyday of automobile invention including handmade vehicles, one-of-a-kind automobiles, and cars associated with famous Detroit names. Special exhibit tickets are $10 and are available at the link below.
Event LocationSloan Museum of Discovery, Flint, MI
Event DescriptionThe new Distracted Driving interactive game helps drivers see the dangers of driving while distracted and emphasizes the important message of vehicle safety. The new exhibit was supported by a 2024 MotorCities Challenge Grant. Cellphones, text messages music, podcasts and other drivers on the road are introduced to your virtual vehicle while you play. The exhibit actually asks visitors to drive while simultaneously texting messages to friends. The resulting virtual accidents that take place have monetary “costs” assigned based on vehicle damage. Upon completing the course, visitors will see the costs of distracted driving, as well as receive messaging on the dangers of texting while driving. The Distracted Driving Simulator is located in the Museum's Durant Gallery and is free with general admission.
Event Date(s)Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24
Event LocationGilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, MI
Event DescriptionStep back in time and immerse yourself in automotive history at Gilmore's Orphan Car Show! This unique event celebrates the legendary brands that once graced our roads but have since faded into the annals of history. From the opulent elegance of Pierce-Arrow and the innovative spirit of Auburn to the iconic designs of Pontiac and the sporty charm of Austin Healey and MG, this show is a tribute to the marques that have left an indelible mark on car culture. Families and car enthusiasts alike will find themselves captivated by the craftsmanship and stories behind these beloved, defunct brands from 1900-1975. Come experience the nostalgia and passion that drove these iconic vehicles, and connect with others who share your appreciation for automotive history. Whether you're a lifelong car aficionado or simply curious about the past, this event promises a day of discovery and wonder. Don't miss the chance to celebrate these automotive legends and witness firsthand the enduring legacy of brands that continue to inspire and intrigue.
