Event Date(s)Saturday, October 26, 2019 (rain or shine) 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Event LocationHackett Auto Museum, 615 Hupp Ave, Jackson MI 49203
Event DescriptionEnjoy free hard hat tours of the ongoing restoration and retrofitting of the historic Hackett Automobile plant in downtown Jackson. Guests will receive a historical narrated tour of the building, complete with historical photos and information about the people who designed, engineered and manufactured some of America's earliest automobiles. Hot dogs and refreshments will be available for purchase for a nominal fee. No RSVP necessary. Tours are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Event LocationAntique Touring Company, 461 Piquette Avenue, Detroit
Event DescriptionExplore the "coming of age" story of the automobile during the first decades of the 20th Century from the vantage point of Detroit’s Woodward Corridor. Beginning in a forgotten industrial district called Milwaukee Junction, Tinkerers to Titans visits the seminal roots of iconic car companies such as Ford, Studebaker, EMF, Packard, Nash, Brush, Dodge, and Anderson Detroit Electric. From the Junction, the tour travels north to Highland Park where Ford Motor Company built the first automated assembly line. The tour wraps in the upscale neighborhood of Boston Edison where the early auto titans built their first mansions over 100 years ago.
Event Date(s)The following Sundays from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. October 20; November 10; December 15.
Event LocationMeets at 1 Hart Plaza (by electric sign)
Event DescriptionDetroit is called the "Motor City" for good reason. The city is synonymous with cars. Detroit put the world on wheels and totally revolutionized society. In fact, one can’t go very far in any direction without being reminded of this industry's enormous legacy, its continued presence, and the early pioneers who made it all happen. MotorCities Car Culture Tour covers significant and forgotten or little known Downtown and Midtown sites related to Detroit's automotive heritage. From the route Charles Brady King took when he drove the first car on the streets of Detroit to the birthplace of the Model T which changed the world, former Cass Avenue automobile dealerships - many selling cars whose names are unfamiliar today - which once dominated the Midtown area now occupied by trendy condos, restaurants, and retail shops to beautiful public art and architecture commissioned by wealthy industrialists or their heirs and much more. We'll talk about the role labor unions played in giving a voice to autoworkers and elevating the middle class into a powerful socio-economic demographic wielding incredible political and economic clout. Along our tour route, we'll encounter multiple examples of the ancillary new industries, organizations, and products the auto industry gave rise to such as lodging, insurance, travel clubs, car washes, the nation's first coast-to-coast highway organized here in Detroit, stop lights, concrete highways, etc. We'll see examples of massive culture shifts brought on by the auto industry such as a sense of self reliance and freedom once enjoyed primarily by the wealthy but now available to the masses, Sunday drives, affordable cars, one-stop-shopping, suburbanization, and more. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to rediscover Detroit's fascinating automotive heritage. This tour has been made possible in part by a grant from MotorCities National Heritage Area. Tour price includes transit tokens, admission to Ford Piquette Plant, and an early autoworkers favorite lunch - a coney dog and soft drink. Note: This is a walking tour with emphasis on walking although we do travel aboard the Detroit People Mover and QLine. Minimum attendees (4) are required for tour to be a go.Check your email or check back with City Tour Detroit 48 hours prior to tour for confirmation.
Event TitleHauntings at the Hackett: Ghost Tours 2019
Event Date(s)Saturday, October 19th, during various time slots.
Event LocationHackett Auto Museum, 615 Hupp Avenue, Jackson, MI 49203
Event DescriptionThis is your chance to experience how paranormal investigations happen. Purchase of your ticket includes: Complimentary Ghost Hunter T-shirt Family Day Pass (up to 6 people) to the Hackett Auto Museum (valid from May 2020 - May 2021) Experience the rich automotive history of this historic Jackson landmark Take your own pictures with the Ghostbusters car (between 7pm - 9pm) Take your own pictures with the Scooby-Doo Mini-Mystery Machine van (7pm -9pm) Tickets are limited – make sure to purchase now as these sell out quickly! Tickets cost $45 per person. All proceeds benefit the Hackett Auto Museum and Foundation in restoration and preservation of the building. Must be 18 years or older to participate. No wheelchair access at this time while building is currently undergoing historic renovation and is an active construction site. Please dress accordingly, no open toed shoes permitted.
Event TitleAutomotive Showplace: 1934 Chrysler Airflow Sedan
Event Date(s)Now through August 2020
Event LocationDetroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit
Event DescriptionWidely criticized when it debuted for its bold snub-nosed look, the Airflow is now revered by historians as a quintessential representative of an entire movement in automotive styling: but it is not just a great body design. It also possesses a myriad of noteworthy engineering advances under its Art Deco façade. Completely restored by the Chrysler Corporation in 1952, this vehicle was donated to the Detroit Historical Museum in 1959, with 28,443 original miles on it. It recently underwent a cosmetic restoration with support from the MotorCities National Heritage Area.
Event DescriptionThe Ford Piquette Avenue Plant will host a spooky guided tour where you can meet the men and women who helped build Detroit’s earliest cars and hear their fascinating stories. From Edsel Ford to the eccentric Dodge Brothers, Max Wollering, John Wandersee, and more. There will be cider and donuts for all of the goons and goblins that attend! Tours are approximately 1 hour in length. Please arrive 15 minutes before your time slot. Tickets are $25 for Adults, $20 for Members, $5 for Children (5-17), Free for Children (4 and under).
Event LocationGilmore Car Museum, 6865 Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners, MI 49060
Event DescriptionThe Gilmore SPOOKtacular is an event exclusively geared towards kids ages 12 and under and draws thousands of costumed trick-or-treaters throughout the museum galleries. The open-house style event will be held rain or shine. Another much anticipated highlight— along with the candy, costumes and fun— are the free antique truck rides (weather permitting) within the Museum’s 90-acre campus. Several members of community fire departments also bring out many big rigs and enjoy answering questions and taking photos with kids of all ages. You’ll be able to grab free cider, donuts and hot cocoa (while supplies last) in the museum’s 1941 Diner. Admission: Children 12 and under are free; Adults $5 per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The Gilmore Car Museum’s annual Halloween Spooktacular is a FUN and SAFE place to have a GHOULISHLY great time with the entire family!
Event DescriptionAuthor Tom Stanton will discuss the subjects of his New York Times bestselling book, revolving around mid-1930s Detroit. It deals with the true intertwining stories of Detroit's athletic successes - the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, and Joe Louis - and the rise and fall of a murderous secret society. The Black Legion, a terrorist hate group, has largely been forgotten but is estimated to have murdered nearly 50 individuals in southeast Michigan. Stanton, an associate professor at University of Detroit Mercy, will include photos in his presentations.
Event Date(s)Monday, October 28, 2019, Noon - 3:00 p.m.
Event LocationDetroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
Event DescriptionDon’t miss one of our favorite days of the year! On Sunday, October 28, children aged 12 and younger can follow clues to explore the museum while searching out treats and games, enjoy free refreshments and make a Halloween craft to take home. Rosco the Clown will also entertain visitors with balloon twisting and close-up magic. We encourage everyone to come in costume! Also, please bring your own bag, pail or pillow case to collect your goodies. Members will be able to beat the crowd and enjoy reserved entrance between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Event Date(s)Saturday, October 26, 2019, 10 - 3:00 p.m.
Event LocationYankee Air Museum, 47884 D Street, Belleville, MI 48111
Event DescriptionJoin our partners at the Yankee Air Museum for their annual Halloween Spooktacular! There will be fun activities which include spooky games, trick or treating at the museum and even a candy drop from a helicopter. The helicopter candy drop will happen at 1 p.m. during the event, so don't miss it! This event is free to the public so bring the whole family!
Event TitlePackard Proving Grounds presents the Fall Open House with Cruise- in Classic Car Show
Event Date(s)Sunday, October 20, 2019, 1 - 5 p.m.
Event LocationPackard Proving Grounds Historic Site, 49965 Van Dyke, Shelby Township, MI 48317
Event DescriptionThe Fall Open House event will be held at the Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site which will include a Cruise-in Classic Car Show. Come see classic cars, grab a bite from the bake sale, gander at the many flea market vendors, and ride in a Packard during the event! All makes and models of collector vehicles will be welcomed to join the event with no registration fees. The event is free to the public but donations toward the Packard Proving Grounds are encouraged and appreciated. There will be live music with guests such as Johnny Trudell’s Band featuring jazz singer Meri Slaven. Admission to the event is free.
