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)Saturday, October 17th, 2026 1 - 4 p.m.
Event LocationStahl's Motors & Music Experience, New Baltimore, MI
Event DescriptionBring the whole family for a fun-filled afternoon of candy, costumes, and spooky surprises, all indoors! The events feature Trick-or-Treat fun for kids of all ages and Halloween-themed displays and music. All activities will be held inside, rain or shine! Costumes encouraged. Smiles guaranteed.
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)Thursday, October 15th, 2026 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Event LocationStahl's Motors & Music Experience, New Baltimore, MI
Event DescriptionSee 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.
Event Date(s)Saturday, October 10th, 2026 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 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. There is Free Parking in the Museum lot and drivers of antique/classic cars will receive one free admission to the museum($20 value).
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 LocationPackard Proving Grounds, Shelby Twp., MI
Event DescriptionThis free community event celebrates the site's 99th birthday with a Cruise-In Car Show, Packard taxi rides, live music, food trucks, a bake sale, and more. The Open House is one of our most cherished traditions, bringing together families, car enthusiasts, and community members while supporting the ongoing preservation of this historic landmark.
Event Date(s)Thursday, October 8th, 2026 4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Event LocationStahls Motors & Music Experience, New Baltimore, MI
Event DescriptionEach 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.
Event LocationFord Piquette Avenue Plant, Detroit, MI
Event DescriptionRay Swetman, longtime docent at the Mack Avenue Ford Plant at Greenfield Village, has spent years researching the life of James Couzens. As Henry Ford’s Vice President and General Manager, Couzens indelibly shaped American industry. As Mayor of Detroit and then U.S. Senator from Michigan, he made his mark on the policies of a nation. Learn more about this towering figure in Michigan history.
Event TitlePackard Proving Grounds Historical Speaker Series
Event Date(s)Sunday, October 25th, 2026 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Event LocationPackard Proving Grounds, Shelby Township, MI
Event DescriptionPat Connell will hold a talk highlighting some of the stories from the largest collection of Packard photographs and archival documents. The Packard Motor Car Foundation’s archives house these and Mr. Connell is one of the driving forces behind the ongoing archival efforts and author of the Packard Pulse’s “Gems from the Vault” series.
Event TitleA River of Knowledge: 2026 Speaker Series
Event Date(s)Sunday, October 25th, 2026 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Event LocationFair Lane Estate, Dearborn, MI
Event DescriptionKaren Marzonie, the Senior Director of Gardens & Grounds at the Fair Lane Estate, will trace the history, restoration, and ongoing transformation of the estate’s historic landscape. During this presentation, Karen will highlight new efforts to enhance visitor accessibility and amenities, along with sharing a few restoration “growing pains” that will inspire you to stay resilient in your own gardening journeys. Reserve your seat today, as tickets won’t last long for this once-in-a-lifetime presentation.
Event TitleSouthwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide Community Roundtable
Event Date(s)Monday, October 19th, 2026 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Event LocationUniversity of Michigan Detroit Center, Detroit, MI
Event DescriptionCommunity leaders, unionists, university faculty and students as well as neighborhood activists will explore how to develop new content for the MotorCities National Heritage Area's "Auto Heritage Guide". The session will discuss how to generate new material highlighting Southwest Detroit's auto century, focusing on its African America, Arab America, Irish, Italian, Latino/a, Maltese, Native American, Polish, and other Eastern European communities. It will also explore how to create more material on the area's UAW, Teamsters, and Steelworkers locals.
