Cruising Into Fall

As the leaves begin to turn and the summer crowds thin, Michigan’s roads come alive with the rumble of engines and the shine of polished chrome. Fall in the Mitten means one thing for auto enthusiasts: car show season.

From classic muscle cars to custom trucks and everything in between, these events are a celebration of the state’s deep automotive roots—and they draw fans from across the Midwest.

Start with a bang in August at the iconic Woodward Dream Cruise, the world’s largest one-day automotive event. Stretching from Ferndale to Pontiac along historic Woodward Avenue, the Dream Cruise draws over a million spectators and tens of thousands of classic cars, muscle cars, and custom builds. It’s a living museum of American automotive history.

In late August, head to Wyoming, Michigan, for the 28th Street Metro Cruise, where a 15-mile stretch of road becomes the route for a rolling showcase of classic and custom cars. This two-day celebration features a central car show, live music, and family-friendly activities spread across several neighborhoods in the city.

In September, Frankenmuth Auto Fest combines small-town charm with muscle car might. Set in the heart of Michigan’s “Little Bavaria,” this three-day weekend showcases more than 2,000 classic and custom cars in Heritage Park, along with cruising nights, live music, and that famous Frankenmuth hospitality.

Up north, the St. Ignace Annual Truck Show Weekend turns Mackinac’s gateway town into a showcase of semis and big rigs. Held each September, it features a truck parade through downtown and a lighted convoy across the Mackinac Bridge—a rare and breathtaking sight.

Finally, don’t miss Back to the Bricks in Flint. Held each August with events spilling into fall, this five-day festival celebrates the city’s deep automotive roots. It features rolling cruises, drive-in movie nights, concerts, and a massive car show that brings classic cars and collectors from all over the Midwest.

From hot rods to haulers to jaw-dropping paint jobs, Michigan’s fall car shows deliver thrills for gearheads and casual fans alike

PHOTO: Woodward Dream Cruise (ID 43668643 © STEVE LAGRECA | DREAMSTIME.COM)