Quick Guide

The 2025 Woodward Dream Cruise runs Saturday, August 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET along Woodward Avenue in Metro Detroit. Watch the 7:00–9:00 p.m. ET primetime special on WXYZ‑TV (Channel 7) or stream it live at WXYZ.com. Create your own garage watch party with our playlist, cold brew plan, and downloadable bingo cards.

Sources: Woodward Dream Cruise, WXYZ Dream Cruise hub

Event Overview

Sources: WDC official site, WXYZ programming

Why It Matters

The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one‑day classic car event, attracting more than one million visitors and over 40,000 vehicles each year. What started in 1995 as a fundraiser for a youth soccer field in Ferndale has grown into a rolling celebration of American car culture across 16 miles of Michigan’s most iconic roadway.

Sources: WDC history/FAQ

How to Host Your Own Garage Viewing

1. Stream the action — Tune in via WXYZ‑TV or WXYZ.com. Encore available Sunday.
2. Create the setup — Use a garage TV or projector, arrange seating, and add shade.
3. Build the soundtrack — Classic Motown and muscle‑era hits keep energy high.
4. Stay cool — Prepare a gallon of ready‑to‑drink cold brew plus a quart of concentrate.
5. Get competitive — Print our easy, medium, and hard bingo cards for car spotting.
6. Share the moment — Post your setup with #FuelYourDrive to join the community spotlight.

Download our Woodward Dream BINGO cards:

Cold Brew: Florida’s Garage Companion

In August heat, cold brew is both a refreshment and a ritual. Here’s how we make it:

Ready‑to‑Drink (½ gallon)

• ½ cup coarse coffee grounds
• 4 cups cold filtered water
• Steep 12–14 hours in the fridge
• Strain through mesh, then paper filter
• Serve over ice; best within 2–3 days

Concentrate (1 quart)

• 1 cup coarse coffee grounds
• 4 cups cold filtered water
• Steep 12–14 hours in the fridge
• Strain twice as above
• Dilute 1:1 with water or milk; keeps up to 2 weeks

View our Cold Brew Guide

Pro Tip: Our Stepside Decaf delivers bold flavor without the caffeine—perfect for late‑night watching.

Quick Woodward Facts

• Started in 1995 as a local fundraiser
• Now over 1M visitors annually
• Spans nine Metro Detroit communities along Woodward Avenue

Prep Checklist

• Brew ready‑to‑drink and concentrate batches
• Print bingo cards
• Arrange garage seating and fans
• Charge streaming devices
• Fill cooler with ice and cups
• Coordinate with friends online

FAQs

When does it start?
9:00 a.m. ET, August 16, 2025.
Is there streaming?
Yes, WXYZ‑TV and WXYZ.com, primetime 7:00–9:00 p.m. ET.
Where is the route?
Ferndale to Pontiac along Woodward Avenue.

Final Lap

Even from Florida, you can be part of the Woodward Dream Cruise energy. Stock up on your favorite roast, invite some friends, and turn your garage into the ultimate watch party pit stop.

This step-by-step guide walks you through two proven recipes, ready-to-drink and concentrate, plus smart tips on grind, time, and storage. Best of all, it’s built around our favorite roast for warm-weather sips: Stepside Decaf. Low acid, big flavor, and no caffeine buzz, so you can cruise all day and still get sleep.

TL;DR (Quick Specs)

Ratios (volume-based for home brewing):

• Ready-to-drink: ½ cup coarse grounds + 4 cups cold water
• Concentrate: 1 cup coarse grounds + 4 cups cold water (dilute 1:1 to serve)

Steep Time:

• Fridge: 12–14 hours (smooth, no bitterness) 
• Room temp: ~12–15 hours, then chill 

Filter: Strain, then paper-filter for clarity 

Storage:

• Concentrate: up to 2 weeks refrigerated (best within 1 week)
• Ready-to-drink: 2–3 days

What You’ll Need

• Coarsely ground coffee (we recommend Stepside Decaf)
• Cold, filtered water
• 1–2 qt mason jar or pitcher with lid
• Fine-mesh strainer and paper filter
• Optional: a scale (for weight ratios like 1:8)

Step-by-Step: Ready-to-Drink Cold Brew (Smooth & Simple)

1. Grind Coarse

Think raw sugar or kosher salt. A finer grind leads to over-extraction and unwanted bitterness.

2. Combine

Add ½ cup coarse coffee to 4 cups cold water. Stir to fully saturate. This is about a 1:8 brew ratio.

3. Steep

Let steep in the fridge for 12–14 hours. We prefer the longer end. It yields a smoother, rounder cup that’s still refreshing.

4. Strain Twice

Run through a mesh strainer, then again through a paper coffee filter for a clean, crisp result.

5. Serve

Pour over ice and sip. If it’s too strong, splash in some cold filtered water to lighten it up.

Perfect for: Post-workout cool-downs, early morning drives, or backyard tune-up sessions.

Step-by-Step: Cold Brew Concentrate (Stronger, Built for Mixing)

1. Grind Coarse

Same rule applies—coarse is key for smooth extraction. 

2. Combine

Use 1 cup grounds to 4 cups cold water. Stir to wet thoroughly. (≈1:5–1:6 by weight)

3. Steep

Refrigerate for 12–14 hours or steep at room temp for ~12 hours, then refrigerate. 

4. Strain Twice

Same method: mesh filter first, paper filter second. 

5. Dilute to Serve

Start 1:1 (½ cup concentrate + ½ cup water or milk). Adjust to your taste. 

Perfect for: Road trips, camping coolers, or afternoon caffeine resets (Stepside Decaf won’t keep you up at night).

Why Cold Brew Works So Well in the Heat

Cold brew isn’t just trendy, it’s practical. Without heat, you get fewer bitter acids and a smoother, less acidic flavor. And when it’s 90+ in the garage, there’s no need to fire up the kettle or espresso machine.

You’re also in control: adjust ratio, strength, and dilution to match the moment. Need something mellow while detailing the car? Ready-to-drink. Want something punchier before a long haul? Hit the concentrate.

Grind, Time, and Temperature: What Affects Flavor

• Grind size: Too fine and you get bitter sludge. Go coarse to give your brew room to steep without turning harsh. 
• Time & temperature: Cold brew hits peak extraction by 10–12 hours in the fridge or ~6 hours at room temp. Steeping longer can deepen the flavor, which is why we recommend ~12 hours. 

Straining: Why Double is Better

You could strain once, but you’ll notice the difference with a paper filter. Cleaner taste, longer fridge life, and zero grit at the bottom of your glass.

Storage & Shelf Life

• Cold brew concentrate: up to 2 weeks sealed and refrigerated (tastes best in the first 7–10 days).
• Ready-to-drink: 2–3 days before flavor fades.

Don’t leave it out—always refrigerate.

Can I Use Regular Coffee Beans?

Absolutely. Cold brew doesn’t need special beans. But freshly ground and medium roasts tend to bring out balanced, sweet flavors when cold. We like our Stepside Decaf or Kustom Blend for smooth flavor, zero bitterness, and summer-friendly sipping. 

FAQ

What is the ratio for cold brew coffee?

½ cup grounds + 4 cups water for ready-to-drink.
1 cup grounds + 4 cups water for concentrate.

How to make a cold brew coffee?

Grind coarse. Add to water. Steep 12–14 hours. Double-strain. Serve over ice.

Can I make cold brew from regular coffee?

Yes. Use what you have, but grind fresh and go medium roast for best results.

What not to do when making cold brew?

• Don’t grind too fine – causes bitterness
• Don’t skip the second filter – causes grit
• Don’t store at room temp – refrigerate immediately
• Don’t under-steep – aim for 12–14 hours

Brewed for the Heat: Try It With Stepside Decaf

Crisp, smooth, and low-acid—Stepside Decaf was made for Florida mornings and humid summer days. No caffeine, all flavor, and perfect over ice. Try the concentrate version for an afternoon cold brew latte or pour the ready-to-drink over ice with a twist of orange peel.

• Shop Stepside Decaf
• Shop Kustom Blend

At Suburban Coffee Company, coffee isn’t just caffeine—it’s part of our daily ritual, garage essentials, road trips, and community gatherings, like our monthly Cars & Coffee Dunedin events. This month, we’re going full throttle, celebrating coffee, cars, and community.

Why August Earned the Title “National Coffee Month”

August was officially dubbed National Coffee Month by the coffee industry to encourage people to explore new roasts and brewing methods during summer. It’s distinct from National Coffee Day on September 29, as it provides a full month to appreciate coffee’s cultural and community impact.

According to Harvard Health, moderate coffee consumption has been linked to longer life expectancy, improved cognitive performance, and reduced risk of heart disease (Harvard Health, 2023).

Cars & Coffee: The Perfect Pit-Stop Tradition

Cars & Coffee gatherings blend early mornings, great coffee, and unique cars, making it the ultimate enthusiast experience. At Suburban Coffee Company, we host Dunedin Cars & Coffee every first Saturday of the month at VFW Post 2550 (Event Details).

Pull up your ride, pop your hood, and grab a cup of our bold Canopy Expresso, freshly brewed from our fully restored ’51 Chevy Suburban. The next meet-up is:

• Saturday, August 2 at 7:30 a.m.
• Location: VFW Post 2550, Dunedin, FL

Whether you drive a classic muscle car or a modern daily cruiser, there’s always space for you at our event.

Three Ways Gearheads Can Celebrate National Coffee Month

1. Build a “Low-Idle” Cold Brew for Hot Florida Roads

Keep cool with homemade cold brew using our smooth, mellow Stepside Decaf roast.

Garage Recipe:

• 1 cup coarsely ground Stepside Decaf
• 4 cups cold filtered water
• Steep 12–14 hours in the fridge
• Strain and serve over ice

→ Shop Stepside Decaf

2. Tune Your Morning Espresso Like a Performance Carburetor

Precision matters. Our bold Canopy Expresso roast ensures a rich, smooth espresso every time.

Espresso Recipe:

• Grind: Medium-fine (table salt)
• Dose: 18 grams coffee, 36 grams yield
• Extraction Time: 25–30 seconds

→ Shop Canopy Expresso

3. Enter Our #FuelYourDrive Photo Throw-Down

Celebrate by sharing a photo of your car and SCC mug or coffee bag on Facebook or Instagram using #FuelYourDrive. Participants get featured on our channels, and one lucky winner receives:

• A 2-lb bag of Kustom Blend
• SCC limited-run hoodie
• Veteran shout-out on our site and social media

→ Shop Kustom Blend

Entries close August 31. Winner announced September 1.

Giving Back: Every Bag Helps Veterans Keep Rolling

Suburban Coffee Company was founded by veterans—Chad Fisher (Army) and Chris Wooten (Navy)—committed to supporting fellow veterans. Throughout August, a portion of every sale benefits Club 214, a Florida-based nonprofit aiding transitioning veterans through mentorship, resources, and community engagement.

When you buy SCC coffee, you directly support veterans.

August Event & Deal Calendar (Quick-Glance)

(Subscribe to our email list or join our Facebook Group to stay updated.)

Ready to Cruise Through Coffee Month?

August is your month to celebrate coffee your way—whether brewing in the garage, enjoying a pour-over at dawn, or cruising with friends.

Join our email list for weekly brewing tips, hop into our Facebook community, or grab one of our limited August coffee bundles.

Shop August Bundles →

Medical Disclaimer:

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary guidance.