Autopalooza Returns to Metro Detroit

Story by Heidi Tiano | Photos by Bill Bowen

Autopalooza is revving up for its new season. From the first blooms of spring to the last of the falling leaves, Detroit car events are a rite of passage for anyone visiting the Motor City and a staple of any Michigander’s calendar.

Here’s a look at the lineup of Autopalooza car cruises, races and shows this season by month.

April and June 2017 Autopalooza Events

  • Make the Future Detroit - Shell Eco-marathon (April 37-30)

    Students from North and South America will drive their low-slung, futuristic vehicles on the city streets of Detroit near Huntington Place to achieve one goal: to drive the farthest distance, using the least amount of energy.

  • Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear (June 2-4)

    Cars from the Verizon IndyCar Series, WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and trucks of SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks bring some excitement to the Raceway on the island.

  • Eastpointe Gratiot Cruise (June 17)

    North of Detroit, Cruisin’ Gratiot’s week-long celebration of automotive history culminates in one day of fun celebrating the tradition of “cruising Gratiot” — one of Michigan’s most celebrated roadways.

  • Motor Muster (June 17-18)

    Nowhere is more appropriate for a vintage auto enthusiast event than Greenfield Village — the home of Henry Ford. Motor Muster celebrates cars from the 1930s-’70s.

  • EyesOn Design Automotive Exhibition (June 18)

    At the Ford House (Edsel and Eleanor Ford House), 200-300 vehicles attract members of the transportation design community, collectors and enthusiasts with a focus on automotive design.

  • Cruisin’ Downriver (June 24)

    Communities downriver — Lincoln Park, Southgate, Wyandotte and Riverview — team up to welcome more than 300,000 car buffs on Fort Street.

  • Sloan Museum Auto Fair (June 24-25)

    This two-day show features music, exhibits, crafts and entertainment for the whole family.

July 2017 Autopalooza Events

  • All American Cruise (July 15)

    Join the fun in Westland as cars cruise from Joy Road to Glenwood Avenue.

  • Car Capitol Auto Show (July 29)

    Spectacular autos from all over America come to Lansing to compete in mid-Michigan's finest auto show.

  • Concours D’Elegance of America (July 28-30)

    Long considered one of the finest automotive events in the world, a selection committee invites a unique collection of vehicles to be displayed in what’s become a lifestyle event.

August 2017 Autopalooza Events

  • Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise (Aug. 6)

    The stretch of Gratiot Avenue between 14 Mile Road to north of Metropolitan Parkway comes to life with family-friendly fun and, of course, plenty of cars.

  • Back to the Bricks Cruise Weekend (Aug. 15-19)

    The five-day event offers strolls down brick streets, a Motown-themed dance party and begins with a celebration at a drive-in theater.

  • Woodward Dream Cruise (Aug. 19)

    The grand-daddy of all Detroit car cruises, it spans several communities and has become the world’s largest one-day automotive event, drawing 1.5 million people from around the globe.

  • Cruisin’ Hines (Aug. 27)

    Hines Drive — the seven miles stretch of Ann Arbor Trail in Westland — closes down for this cruise in southeast Michigan.

September 2017 Autopalooza Events

  • The Old Car Festival (Sept. 9-10)

    America’s longest-running antique car show takes place at Greenfield Village with vehicles from the 1890s through 1932.

  • Orphan Car Show (Sept. 17)

    Hundreds of now defunct cars and trucks from across the country are displayed at Riverside Park in Ypsilanti.

You May Also Like