The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau and the MotorCities National Heritage Area revealed the Autopalooza lineup, which will look a little different this year, as beloved, familiar events are joined by new ones.
Autopalooza 2016 will kick off with the return of the Shell Eco-marathon Americas on Aprill 22-24 at Cobo Center. There, students from North and South Americas, including 10 Michigan schools, will compete. The goal of this event is to drive the farthest distance using the least amount of energy.
Another exciting event in the Auopalooza lineup is the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, which will return to the 2.3 mile raceway June 3-5. “The Grand Prix is proud to once again be part of the Autopalooza celebration in Detroit,” said Bud Denker, Chairman of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. “Where else but the Motor City can you find such a unique collection of automotive events and we’re excited to help the region start its summer at the Grand Prix.”
The new events in the lineup include the All American Cruise in Westland on July 9 and the Car Capitol Celebration in Lansing on July 30.
“This year we have three new and exciting events that honor our cultural heritage so deeply rooted in the automotive industry,” said Shawn Pomaville, executive director of the MCNHA. “Southeast Michigan is known throughout the world for its rich automotive legacy, and our summer series of Autopalooza events celebrates that heritage.”
The last new addition is a scavenger hunt hosted by Shell and the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau. It will take place in downtown Detroit on April 16.
Other events in the Autopalooza lineup include:
- Firekeepers Casino 400 NASCAR Weekend, June 10-12 in Brooklyn
- Eastpointe Gratiot Cruise, June 18 in Macomb County
- Motor Muster, June 18-19 in Dearborn
- EyesOn Design, June 19 in Grosse Pointe Shores
- Cruisin’ Downriver, June 25 in southern Wayne County
- Sloan Museum Auto Fair, June 25-26 in Flint
- Concours d’Elegance of America, July 29-31 in Plymouth
- Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise, Aug. 7 in Macomb County
- Back to the Bricks Weekend, Aug. 16-20 in Flint
- Woodward Dream Cruise, Aug. 20 in Oakland County
- Pure Michigan 400 NASCAR Weekend, Aug. 26-28 in Brooklyn
- Cruisin’ Hines, Aug. 28 in Westland
- Old Car Festival, Sept. 10-11 in Dearborn
- Orphan Car Show, Sept. 18 in Ypsilanti
Not only does Autopalooza celebrate the automotive heritage of the region, but it also has a significant economic impact. The DMCVB calculated that the annual revenue generated from the Grand Prix, Concours d’Elegance, and the Woodward Dream Cruise alone may exceed $110 million.