The Houston Art Car Parade is returning for its 39th annual year. (Courtesy Houston Art Car Parade)
From April 9-12, Houston residents can expect the city’s streets to be filled with over 250 uniquely designed art cars.
The gist
Presented by The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, the 39th Annual Houston Art Car Parade is one of Houston’s largest free public events, drawing hundreds of thousands annually to the downtown area, according to an April 2 news release from company representatives.
“What makes the Houston Art Car Parade so special is that it never stands still,” said Jack Massing, executive director of The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. “Every year brings a completely new wave of ideas, with artists finding inventive ways to transform everyday materials into something unexpected. It’s a celebration of creativity in its most accessible and joyful form, and one that truly belongs to the city.”
What you need to know
Throughout the week, residents and visitors can expect multiple pop-up events, including mini parades, family-friendly events and the main car parade.
Here is a list of all the free events open to the public:
The Main Street Drag
Over the course of the day, over 100 cars and their artists will make their way to designated spots across Houston, such as schools, hospitals and nursing homes.
April 9, 9 a.m.
The Orange Show World HQ, 2334 Gulf Terminal Drive, Houston
Art Car Sneak Peek
The family-friendly sneak peek event features live music, art activities and the chance to engage with art cars and their artists in the park.
April 9, 6-9:30 p.m.
Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St., Houston
Lineup Party
View all 250-plus art cars as they line up for the parade while enjoying live music, beverage booths, food trucks, games, prizes and a surprise installation by Meow Wolf.
April 11, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Allen Parkway (between Taft Street and Bagby Street)
The Art Car Parade will have various kids activities set up throughout the weekend. (Courtesy Houston Art Car Parade)
Kids Creative Zone
Kids and adults can celebrate the start of the parade with hands-on creative experiences and live performances from community partners.
April 11, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby St., Houston
The 39th Annual Houston Art Car Parade
The parade begins on Allen Parkway at the I-45 overpass and heads into Downtown Houston before circling City Hall and moving outbound. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spots and can view the full route here.
April 11, 2-4 p.m.
Downtown Houston and Allen Parkway
Art Car Awards Ceremony
Art car enthusiasts are invited to attend the public awards ceremony, where more than $16,000 is awarded to artists based on their creativity, artistic techniques and inspiration.
April 12, 11 a.m.
The Orange Show World HQ, 2334 Gulf Terminal Drive, Houston
To see details for paid events, such as the Art Car Ball and VIPit experience, visit here.
