Houston’s Art Car Parade Celebrates 38 Years of Creativity on April 10-13, 2025

The streets of Houston are set to burst with creativity as The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art announces the return of America’s largest display of rolling art – The 38th Annual Houston Art Car Parade Weekend presented by Team Gillman. This four-day festival of mobile artistry transforms the city from April 10-13, culminating with the signature parade showcasing over 250 extraordinary vehicles on Saturday, April 12th.

This year’s parade promises to push the boundaries of automotive imagination, featuring more than 120 first-time entries alongside returning favorites that have helped make Houston the undisputed Art Car capital of the world.

“The Houston Art Car Parade represents the heart and soul of our city’s creative spirit,” said Jack Massing, Executive Director of The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. “As I step into my first parade as Executive Director, I’m struck by how this event has become more than just a celebration – it’s a vital platform for artistic expression that brings together established artists, students, and dreamers of all ages. With Team Gillman’s expanded partnership and commitment to our youth programs, we’re not just continuing a beloved Houston tradition, we’re investing in the next generation of visionary artists.”

For a comprehensive visual look at the Houston Art Car Parade Weekend, watch this VIDEO.

As part of its commitment to celebrating Houston’s rich cultural landscape, The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art proudly recognizes three individuals whose contributions to the arts continue to shape the city’s creative identity.

This year’s honorees include Jesse Sifuentes (Artist), a celebrated muralist and educator whose public works in Houston’s East End tell the stories of the community through vivid paintings and mosaics; Julon Pinkston (Educator), a dedicated art teacher at Waltrip High School who has mentored young artists and led student groups to award-winning Art Car Parade entries; and Will Robinson (Patron), an entrepreneur, art car enthusiast, and longtime advocate for visionary art who has played a pivotal role in preserving and expanding Houston’s art car movement. Their work embodies the spirit of the Houston Art Car Parade—creativity in motion, driving the city’s artistic future forward.

From its humble beginnings in 1988 with just 40 artists and 2,000 fans, The Houston Art Car Parade has grown to become one of Houston’s largest and most anticipated free public events, drawing hundreds of thousands annually to the downtown area.

Today’s parade showcases the full spectrum of automotive artistry – from dazzling lowriders and jewel-encrusted roadsters to fire-breathing sculptures and Houston’s iconic SLABS. This unique event reinvents itself each year, proving that when it comes to automotive creativity, Houston’s ingenuity knows no bounds.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

THURSDAY, APRIL 10:

The Main Street Drag – 9 am, beginning and ending at The Orange Show World HQ (2334 Gulf Terminal Drive) – Designed to “bring the parade to the people” The Main Street Drag is an opportunity for Art Cars and their artists to visit schools, hospitals, nursing homes, developmental facilities, and other locations where residents may not be able to participate on their own during the Art Car festivities.

Art Car Sneak Peek at Discovery Green – 6-9:30pm (1500 McKinney Street) – A free and family-friendly evening under the stars in Downtown Houston featuring live music, art activities for the kids, food & drinks, and the opportunity to interact with over a 100 art cars and their artists throughout in the park and along Avenida De Las Americas. The annual Art Car Sneak Peek is one of the first public opportunities to see the new entries rolling in this year’s parade.

FRIDAY, APRIL 11th:

The Legendary Art Car Ball – 6–11pm at The Orange Show World Headquarters (2401 Munger Street) – The wildest party of the year returns! Experience a collision of creative vision and automotive brilliance in a night of electrifying displays, interactive installations, wild
costumes, and pulsating beats. Get ready for an electrifying lineup! Seattle’s Brittany Davis makes their Houston debut on the main concert stage, joined by local favorite Kam Franklin Band and lastly the high-energy Free Rads 2nd Line. Plus, enjoy captivating performance art from The Renegade Carnies and Art Jam.

SATURDAY, APRIL 12:

Lineup Party – 11am on Allen Parkway between Taft & Bagby – It’s your chance to have a closeup view and peruse all 250+ Art Cars as they get ready to roll in the parade. Enjoy live music, beverage booths, food trucks, games, prizes, and a surprise installation by our friends at Meow Wolf.

Kids Creative Zone – 11 am at Sam Houston Park (1000 Bagby Street) – Join us at the Kids Creative Zone. It’s the perfect spot to kick off the parade with fun activities for both kids and adults. Best of all, it’s completely FREE! Enjoy hands-on creative experiences and live
performances from our amazing community partners.

Reserved Seating at Heritage Society– At The Heritage Society (300 Dallas Street) – Embark on an upgraded parade adventure this year with a specially reserved area at the Heritage Society. A seamless blend of convenience and charm, this exclusive spot ensures the perfect
vantage point for parade enthusiasts. Enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views of the parade, indulge in a curated selection of food and beverages available for purchase, and benefit from the convenience of dedicated restroom facilities. Located directly across from the Kids Creative Zone, the reserved grandstand seating is the perfect place to bring the whole family. Tickets are $50.

The VIPit Party & Benefit – 12 pm at City Hall’s Hermann Square (901 Bagby Street) – The ultimate viewing party and largest fundraiser for The Orange Show’s Houston Art Car Parade offers unobstructed front row views of the parade as it rolls through Downtown, all set within beautiful Hermann Square at City Hall. The event features complimentary bites from over a dozen local chefs and restaurants, cocktails, pre-parade entertainment, kids’ art activities, live parade commentary from notable Houston personalities, and nearby reserved parking. Individual tickets start at $250, reserved tables start at $2,000, and shared or reserved grandstand sections start at $6,000. Private Luxury Suites grant exclusive access for 40 to a lavish experience within an expansive 1,800 square feet of tented space with unobstructed views of the parade route, complemented by a dedicated bartender at a private full-service bar, customizable layout options, specialty catering with dedicated servers. All are available for purchase at www.thehoustonartcarparade.com.

Photos courtesy of Houston Art Car Parade; Car photos by Morris Malakoff.jpg