Metro Detroit has been the Motor City for more than a century, but this summer and fall that moniker will be more appropriate than ever, as several events are taking place from downtown Detroit to Pontiac starting in July through the beginning of October.
The green flag drops on the 2021 classic car season with the Hagerty/Concours d’Elegance of America, July 23-25 at the Inn at St. John in Plymouth Township. The event, acquired by specialty vehicle insurance provider Hagerty in March, will feature more than 250 significant classic and historically relevant vehicles, a Motoring Tour, a seminar on women in the auto industry, and more.
A plethora of car-related activities include:
Aug. 5-8 — Motor City Car Crawl. A citywide charity event produced by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association and the Downtown Detroit Partnership, the Motor City Car Crawl will showcase new vehicles at six downtown parks including Beacon Park, Cadillac Square, Campus Martius, Capitol Park, Grand Circus Park, and Spirit Plaza.
Aug. 19-21 — Woodward Dream Show at M1 Concourse in Pontiac. The inaugural event that runs for three days will see some of the most iconic cars ever created being driven on the venue’s track or on display. “We’re going to try to stand out,” says Tim McGrane, CEO of M1 Concourse, which will be hosting several events this summer and fall. “We’re a unique facility in that (we have) a driving track. And as an open-air venue, it gives us an opportunity as we transition back to whatever the new normal is going to be.”
Aug. 21 — THE Woodward Dream Cruise returns to metro Detroit’s main drag after a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Woodward Dream Cruise is moving forward with plans for the 26th annual event,” says Michael Lary, president of the Woodward Dream Cruise. Most of the “traditional activities” during the all-day vehicle extravaganza will be in place, while private and public gatherings are in full gear.
Sept. 19 — EyesOn Design returns to the Ford House: Edsel & Eleanor in Grosse Pointe Shores with the theme “Marques of Extinction: Significant Designs of Bygone Brands.” An added benefit is a new visitor’s center.
Sept. 21-26 — Motor Bella at M1 Concourse. A place-keeper for the North American International Auto Show, Motor Bella will offer a tour through the ever-evolving world of mobility and experiences, from off-road SUVs through autonomous electric vehicles and high-powered sports cars.
Sept. 27 and 29 — THE Motorsports Hall of Fame of America offers two induction ceremonies — 2020 (Sept. 27) and 2021 (Sept. 29). The presentations will take place at M1 Concourse’s new Event Center.
Sept. 30-Oct. 3 — THE American Festival of Speed also takes place at M1 Concourse. The event showcases more than 60 race cars representing almost every form of motorsports, along with numerous other activities.
