Motor City Car Crawl Coming to Downtown Detroit in August

The Detroit Auto Dealers Association in Troy and Detroit’s Downtown Detroit Partnership will host the inaugural Motor City Car Crawl, a walkable event in downtown Detroit, from Thursday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 8.
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Beacon Park
Motor City Car Crawl, an outdoor event, will take place at the beginning of August at parks in downtown Detroit. Pictured is Beacon Park. // Photo courtesy of the Downtown Detroit Partnership

The Detroit Auto Dealers Association in Troy and Detroit’s Downtown Detroit Partnership will host the inaugural Motor City Car Crawl, a walkable event in downtown Detroit, from Thursday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 8.

“Our goal is to create an event in conjunction with the DDP that focuses on raising funds for local children’s charities, while showing off some of the latest cars and trucks,” says Rod Alberts, executive director of the DADA. “It has been some time since we’ve been able to have an event like this, and we believe that the Motor City Car Crawl will benefit both the local charities and local businesses as well.”

The event will showcase new vehicles from metro Detroit dealers throughout six downtown parks: Beacon Park, Cadillac Square, Campus Martius, Capitol Park, Grand Circus Park, and Spirit Plaza. Attendees will also be able to enjoy downtown establishments in walking distance as well as food trucks, beverage stations, and family friendly entertainment.

The event will kick off at noon on Thursday. On Saturday, a ticketed charity event will take place featuring live entertainment and food and beverage offerings. The event will raise money for eight Detroit children’s charities: Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Boys Hope Girls Hope Detroit, Children’s Center, The Children’s Foundation, Detroit PAL, Judson Center, March of Dimes Metro Detroit, and the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.

“We expect a lot of excitement about Motor City Car Crawl,” says Eric Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “People are looking forward to being able to socialize and attend events again, and this outdoor event will bring people together in a safe outdoor environment that illuminates our beautiful city.”

The vehicle displays and entertainment will be free. Ticket prices and the list of featured entertainment for the Aug. 7 charity event have yet to be announced.

“The DADA and the DDP have long been committed to supporting charities in metro Detroit, and they recognize that community organizations have been hit particularly hard during this pandemic,” says Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “I’m grateful to Rod Alberts and Eric Larson for their leadership in creating this wonderful charity event that will benefit those in our community who need our support.”

The association supports more than 185 auto dealers in the Detroit area through legislative and industry representation, educational programs, and community relations activities. It produces the North American International Auto Show and, beginning this year, Motor Bella. Through its charitable foundation, it has raised more than $121 million for children and youth charities throughout its 42-year history.

The partnership strengthens and supports downtown Detroit through initiatives and programs. It works to convene business, philanthropic, and government partners to create a vibrant and resilient urban core for Detroit and the surrounding community. It plans programs for, manages, and operates six downtown Detroit parks and public spaces.

The North American International Auto Show has been paused for 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, Motor Bella will be held at M1 Concourse in Pontiac in September. The new event will showcase next-generation mobility and debut vehicles.

This year’s Woodward Dream Cruise is scheduled for Aug. 21.

Check out DBusiness’ most recent Auto Dealership Consumer Guide.

Key 2021 Motor Bella Dates
Press Preview, Sept. 21-22
AutoMobili-D, Sept. 21-22
Industry Preview, Sept. 21-22
Public Show, Sept. 23-26
Charity, TBA