Arts & Culture • Food & Drink • Historic Market Square • Things to Do

Your Guide to Houston Art Car Weekend in Downtown

For one weekend in April, Downtown Houston transforms into a rolling gallery of wildly imaginative autos—and bicycles, unicycles, lawnmowers and more—regularly drawing over 200,000 spectators for one of Houston's signature traditions.

The 38th Annual Houston Art Car Parade—the largest celebration of its kind in the world—is set to welcome over 250 art cars from across dozens of states, Canada and Mexico for an unabashed showcase of the inner artist in each of us. 

From first glimpses at Discovery Green to the grand parade and a lively after-party, here's everything you need to know to make the most of Art Car Weekend in Downtown Houston.

---

Art Car Weekend Festivities in Downtown Houston

Thursday, April 10 | Art Car Sneak Peek at Discovery Green
6pm to 10pm
Free

Start the weekend-long celebration with an up-close look at 100+ art cars before they hit the parade route. 

Stroll through Discovery Green and Avenida Houston to meet the artists behind these mobile masterpieces, and enjoy kids craft activities, music and more. 

Learn More

---

Saturday, April 12 | Pre-Parade Festivities

The Lineup Party along Allen Parkway
11am to 2pm
Free

See all 250+ art cars in one place before they roll out for the afternoon parade. Head to Allen Parkway from Taft to Bagby and mingle with the artists, enjoy live music, grab a bite and a drink, and soak in the excitement as the Art Car Parade kicks into gear. 

HEB Kids' Creative Zone at Sam Houston Park
11am to 2pm
Free

Swing through this family zone that offers hands-on creative experiences for all ages and interactive performances from local artists and community partners.

The VIPit Party & Benefit at Hermann Square
Noon to 4pm
Tickets Required

For a front-row parade experience, grab a seat at the VIPit Party, the biggest fundraiser for the Orange Show's Art Car Parade. 

Enjoy bites from a dozen of Houston's top local chefs, sip on complimentary drinks, and enjoy live parade commentary and other VIP perks. 

---

The 38th Annual Art Car Parade in Downtown Houston
2pm
Free

The centerpiece of a weekend of creative revelry, the Art Car Parade begins rolling through Downtown at 2pm, with legendary Olympian Carl Lewis serving as this year's Grand Marshal.

Expect everything from tricked-out lowriders and SLABs to surreal, hand-sculpted masterpieces and incredible contraptions—each a unique expression of creativity. 

The parade route will loop around six blocks near City Hall before heading outbound on Allen Parkway to the finish line near Waugh Drive.

Learn More

---

The Official Art Car After Party at Market Square Park
5pm to 9pm
Free

The fun doesn't stop when the last car crosses the finish line!

Head to Market Square Park for a post-parade celebration featuring 75 art cars lined up along Congress and Preston, plus live music, food trucks, photo ops, lawn games and more. 

Stop by the Downtown Houston+ tent and grab an Art Car Weekend wristband to score exclusive offerings from Downtown businesses.

Learn More

---

Join the Celebration

With events spread across Downtown Houston and along Allen Parkway, the Art Car Parade is a must-see spectacle that blends community, creativity and Houston's signature flair for over-the-top, road-ready art.

Mark your calendar, bring your crew and experience one of the most unique art events in the world!

More Details & Grandstand Tickets

---

Mentioned in this Post