MotorCities National Heritage Area logo
Vintage_Car_Side_Mirror-cropped.jpg

Events

MotorCities Events 1170

Tell us when you plan to visit the MotorCites National Heritage Area and we will find some possible events for you. We hope to see you soon!

 

Additional Info

  • Event Title Driven to Win: Racing in America
  • Event Date(s) Now Open
  • Event Location Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
  • Event Description Presented 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.

Additional Info

  • Event Title Achievement: African Americans' Accomplishments & Contributions in Automotive Exhibit
  • Event Date(s) On Display Now!
  • Event Location Automotive Hall of Fame, Dearborn, MI
  • Event Description The 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.

Additional Info

  • Event Title Distracted Driving Simulator
  • Event Date(s) Now Open!
  • Event Location Sloan Museum of Discovery, Flint, MI
  • Event Description The 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.

Additional Info

  • Event Title Great Gatsby Fundraiser and Gala at the Packard Proving Grounds
  • Event Date(s) Saturday, April 25th, 2026 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
  • Event Location Packard Proving Grounds, Shelby Township, MI
  • Event Description Packard Proving Grounds will host its annual Great Gatsby Gala Fundraiser this April! Come and step back into the glamour of the Roaring Twenties for an unforgettable night. The immersive Gatsby Experience transforms one of Michigan’s most iconic historic landmarks into a Prohibition-era setting. Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest 1920s-inspired attire, the evening will be emceed by Roop Raj of Fox 2 News. The night will include dinner, crafted cocktails, dancing, and celebrating. Proceeds from the Great Gatsby Gala support the preservation and restoration of the historic Packard Proving Grounds.

Additional Info

  • Event Title Historical Speaker Series Lecture
  • Event Date(s) Sunday, April 26, 2026 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Event Location Packard Proving Grounds, Shelby Township, MI
  • Event Description The Packard Proving Grounds continues its Historical Speaker Series with a lecture titled, “Chasing Fortune: Local '49ers and the California Gold Rush.” This presentation by Debbie Remer will explore how local residents became a part of the ‘49ers movement and tracing their journeys across the country. Packard Proving Grounds Lectures are free for members and $5 for not yet members.

Additional Info

  • Event Title Exhibit Opening
  • Event Date(s) Saturday, April 25th, 2026 11 A.M.
  • Event Location R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, Lansing, MI
  • Event Description The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum will be opening its new special exhibit, “Michigan Racing Heritage,” on April 25th. This exhibit will focus on Lansing’s impact on auto racing through the REO Motor Car Company and Oldsmobile. There will be an iconic NASCAR Pacecar to sit inside of! The special exhibit will run through October 2026.

Additional Info

  • Event Title Early Season Car Show
  • Event Date(s) Saturday, April 25th, 2026 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Event Location Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, MI
  • Event Description Rev up your engines and kick off the car show season in style! Donald's Dust-Off is a celebration of automotive diversity, welcoming show cars of all makes, models, and years. Whether you're cruising in a classic beauty or showcasing the latest supercar, this event is the perfect platform to display your automotive pride. It's time to dust off those garage treasures and let them shine. Join fellow car lovers as we come together to appreciate the craftsmanship, innovation, and sheer passion that fuel the automotive world.