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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 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix
  • Event Date(s) Friday, May 29th through Sunday, May 31st, 2026
  • Event Location Detroit
  • Event Description The 2026 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix is back on the streets of Downtown Detroit again this year, since the race moved back to the heart of the Motor City in 2023 it has become one of the most inclusive and welcoming festivals in Southeast Michigan. This year more than half of the Grand Prix venue will be open and available to the fans for free all weekend long. There will be the second annual Detroit Grand Prix Cruise Night on Friday the 29th presented by the Detroit Auto Show. This night will build upon the success of last year’s inaugural and unique cruisin’ experience with over 100 classic cars, hot rods, and more will take a lap of the Grand Prix track and then will be displayed along the racing circuit.

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 Remembering An Icon: Book Talk
  • Event Date(s) Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Event Location Michigan Flight Museum, Ypsilanti, MI
  • Event Description The Michigan Flight Museum will host photographer Kurt Affholter to introduce his new coffee table book, “Yankee Lady: Remembering an Icon.” This book featuring stunning imagery of the Yankee Lady in unique and memorable settings, Mr. Affholter will discuss the creation of the book and share stories behind many of its most compelling photographs.

Additional Info

  • Event Title Lecture: "Soldiers of Production: Lansing and the Arsenal of Democracy"
  • Event Date(s) Saturday, May 30th, 2026 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
  • Event Location R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, Lansing, MI
  • Event Description Join the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum for their museum chat about their new exhibit, “Lansing and the Arsenal of Democracy.” This talk will explore some of the unique stories that are featured in the new exhibit.

Additional Info

  • Event Title Lecture: Hudson's the Store that Bankrolled an Automaker
  • Event Date(s) Saturday, June 13th, 2026 at 11 a.m.
  • Event Location Ford Piquette Plant Museum, Detroit, MI
  • Event Description The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant will host author Bruce Kopytek for a lecture on his book, “Hudson’s: Detroit’s World-Famous Department Store.” This book will explore the history of Hudson’s from its inception in 1881 through the Piquette era and beyond as well as the memorable and performance-orientated Hudson automobiles that were built by the Hudson Motor Company. This lecture will have coffee and breakfast served and Hudson car owners will receive VIP parking in front of the museum. Tickets are $25 or $15 for Members.