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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 Back to the Bricks
  • Event Date(s) August 11-15, 2026
  • Event Location Flint, MI
  • Event Description One of the best Classic Car Events in the Nation. Get all the information about all five days of events that make up this year's edition of Back to the Bricks!

Additional Info

  • Event Title 2026 Woodward Dream Cruise
  • Event Date(s) Saturday, August 15, 2026 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Event Location Woodward Avenue in Oakland County
  • Event Description The 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.

Additional Info

  • Event Title Cruisin' Hines
  • Event Date(s) Sunday, August 23, 2026 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Event Location Hines Park
  • Event Description The biggest classic car cruise in the country. Cruisin' Hines features only classic cars.

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 Cars and Coffee Car Show
  • Event Date(s) Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Event Location Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Eastpointe, MI
  • Event Description Bring your classic car to the museum for some coffee, donuts and camaraderie!

Additional Info

  • Event Title Night at the Museum
  • Event Date(s) Thursday, August 20th, 2026 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Event Location Stahl's Motors & Music Experience, New Baltimore, MI
  • Event Description See the museum in a different light! Stroll through the museum by the glow of neon lights! The overhead lights will be turned down for this special event. The focus will be on signs and lighted gas pumps during this event.

Additional Info

  • Event Title Traditional Hot Rods, Customs, and Motorcycle Show!
  • Event Date(s) Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Event Location Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, MI
  • Event Description Come 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. This year there will also be a separate show lawn for big finned, chromed 1950’s and 1960’s production cars.

Additional Info

  • Event Title Model T Birthday Party
  • Event Date(s) Sunday, September 27th, 2026 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Event Location Ford Piquette Plant Museum, Detroit, MI
  • Event Description The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum celebrates the invention of Model T with a birthday party including free rides, crafts for the kids, food and shopping. Activities in the museum’s first-floor event space are free. The line for free T rides will form at the historic front entrance. Birthday cake will be served at Noon while supplies last.

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 Orphan Car Show
  • Event Date(s) Saturday, August 29th, 2026 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Event Location Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, MI
  • Event Description Step 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.

Additional Info

  • Event Title Cruise Night
  • Event Date(s) Thursday, August 13th, 2026 4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • Event Location Stahls Motors & Music Experience, New Baltimore, MI
  • Event Description Each cruise night delivers live music that sets the vibe, a lineup of food trucks serving local favorites, and creative theme nights that keep every event fresh. Show off your ride, check out an incredible variety of vehicles, and take part in prize drawings throughout the evening.

Additional Info

  • Event Title R. E. Olds Transportation Museum Lecture Series
  • Event Date(s) Saturday, August 15th, 2026 at 3 p.m.
  • Event Location R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, Lansing, MI
  • Event Description Join us for our next Lecture Series as MSU Professor Lisa Fine sheds light on the labor and environmental movements that surrounded the Detroit River to ensure working families could both live and play in the communities they work in. A limited quantity of Professor Lisa Fine’s book Downriver Detroit: The Working Class, the Environment, and the Bonds of Place will be available for purchase and signing during the event. Participation in the program is included with general admission to the museum.

Additional Info

  • Event Title Fuel for Thought Lecture Series
  • Event Date(s) Thursday, August 27th, 2026 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Event Location Stahls Motors & Music Experience, New Baltimore, MI
  • Event Description Join us for a special presentation celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, one of the most iconic highways in American history! Often called the “Mother Road,” Route 66 has captured the imagination of travelers for generations. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, this legendary highway is filled with unforgettable roadside attractions, classic diners, vintage motels, quirky landmarks, and stories that helped shape America’s road-trip culture. Whether you’re a lifelong Route 66 enthusiast, a classic car fan, or simply love American history and travel, this presentation offers a unique journey through one of the nation’s most beloved highways. Admission is FREE. RSVP to guarantee a seat and travel back in time as we celebrate 100 years of Route 66! Seats will be first come/first serve to ALL RSVP guests. If you do not RSVP, you are welcome to attend and can find an empty seat at 6pm.

Additional Info

  • Event Title Just Jazz Fundraiser
  • Event Date(s) Thursday, August 27th, 2026 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
  • Event Location Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, MI
  • Event Description The Kalamazoo (MI) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated presents a Chic Outdoor White Party Experience featuring live entertainment by the Hitsville AllStars. Beyond an unforgettable summer event filled with music and fellowship, every ticket purchased directly supports youth initiatives, scholarships, and community service efforts that empower local students and families.