Art Car Parade filled with 7 days of events
One Saturday each spring, Keep Houston Weird determinedly trumps Keep Austin Weird. This year’s 36th annual Art Car Parade is nearly upon us. Here’s what Houstonians need to know about the sevenday festivities, beginning Friday.
Houston Art Car Parade Kick-Off Party (Friday)
Jump-start your engines and creative juices Friday at the Ion Houston for the annual Art Car Parade Kick-Off Party. Get a first look at dozens of vehicles before they hit the streets on parade. Plus, enjoy live music, bites and beverages during this free event in Midtown at the former Sears building.
Bonus: The kick-off bash is a great place to pick up art car weekend packets, too.
5-8 p.m., Friday
The Ion Houston, 4201 Main
Mid-Main First Thursday (April 6)
Join a special, Art Carthemed rendition of Mid-Main’s block party held on the first Thursday of each month. A $10 wristband grants access to drink specials, live music and more, including pours from Saint Arnold’s Brewing Company, Williams Price Distilling and the Curated Cellar. All proceeds benefit a rotating featured nonprofit; on April 6, it’s the Orange Show for Visionary Arts.
Easter Orange Art Car Hunt (April 8)
This one is one of the most family-friendly events in the lot. Bring kids of all ages to the Easter Orange Art Car Hunt for candy-filled eggs, prizes, oranges and meet the artists behinds some of the famed art cars.
Main Street Drag (April 13)
Now we’re approaching the first official event of Art Car Parade Weekend. Reportedly, it’s also a favorite of the art car artists, too. The roving shindig organized by Houston Art Car Parade volunteer committees provides access to communities that might not otherwise have an opportunity to experience the parade in-person. Check back often for the route, which typically includes schools, nursing homes, developmental centers and hospitals, among other spots.
Legendary Art Car Ball (April 14)
Organizers have dubbed the Orange Show’s Legendary Art Car Ball as Houston’s wildest party of the year. See for yourself April 14 at the Orange Show World Headquarters. This night, 18 and up attendees — and not just their cars — are the art. Come in costume, stay for interactive performances by Boyfriend, Caleb De Casper, Input/ Output, Free Rads Street Band, Ms Yet & the Renegade Carnies and more.
H-E-B Kids Creative Zone (April 15)
This is another opportunity to bring the whole family and celebrate the artist in everyone. There will be hands-on interactive art projects from some of Houston’s most renowned and recognizable creative institutions in addition to kid-friendly entertainment, food and beverages.
The Orange Show’s 36th annual Houston Art Car Parade (April 15)
At 2 p.m. April 15, the main event finally begins. Be sure to reserve grand stand seating well in advance; tickets are $40. Crowds are sure to flood the streets of downtown Houston in anticipation of the big show.
Look for the 2023 honorees, three individuals who’ve made a lasting impact on Houston’s creative communities: Sharon Kopriva, Anna Bass and the Mafrige family.
Art Car Awards Ceremony (April 16)
Last call! Sunday’s Art Car Awards Ceremony on April 16 is your last chance to mix and mingle with the artists behind this year’s official Art Car Parade Weekend. The good news is brunch will be served at the new Orange Show World Headquarters, affectionately dubbed the “Docks.” The even better news is that $15,000 in prize money will be awarded to various participating artists, schools, nonprofits, corporations, teams and more. Be sure to stick around and see who takes home the coveted Ann Harithas Legacy Award.