It’s Art Car weekend in Houston — my favorite time of year! The parade definitely celebrates the quirkiness of our town. And to think it started back in 1988 with 40 cars. Now it’s dubbed the world’s largest art car parade and Houston’s largest free public event with 300,000 spectators and 300+ cars, bikes, skaters and more. These are some of the creative entries I’ve enjoyed in the past…
Saturday is the big day for the 29th annual Art Car Parade, 2 pm, with nearly 300 entries.
NEW! The parade has a new route this year due to construction along Allen Parkway. The parade kicks off at 2 pm at Smith Street and Pease Street to Walker, Bagby and ending at Lamar. Find the map here. The parade will return to its usual route in 2017!
The Starting Line Party opens at 11 am at Smith and Pease to get up close to the entries. Parking is suggested in area garages and meters downtown near the route. Get more parking scoop online. Parade Central is near Polk and Smith with live parade announcing, food trucks, and drinks.
True art car fans indulge in the VIPit Party, which is noon to 4 pm. This special ticket offers shaded bleacher seating, free VIP parking, plenty of gourmet food and drinks from local restaurants, and family activities. I have done this, and it is amazing! Price is $150 for adults and $25 for kids. Online registration has closed, but watch for it in advance next year.
The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art sponsors the annual Art Car Parade. It also manages the Beer Can House and Orange Show Monument.
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