Art House Theater Day Features 50th Anniversary CAR WASH Screening

Houston Joins Seventh Annual Nationwide Celebration on Thursday, July 30, 2026

Event is presented in partnership by MFAH Films, Houston Cinema Arts Society and Black Cinema Club HTX

Houstonians are invited to a retrospective screening of Car Wash on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The seventh annual nationwide celebration of Art House Theater Day is organized by Art House Convergence.

The coalition is made up of independent exhibitors whose aim is to bring audiences together and commemorate what arthouse theaters and independent film contribute to the cultural landscape through films that “provoke, challenge, entertain, and inspire.”

The Houston program underscores the city’s place within a broader national network of arthouse film culture while also showcasing local collaboration among film partners: HCAS, MFAH Film, and Black Cinema Club HTX. Houston writer and film critic Craig Lindsey will introduce the film. 

Released in 1976, Car Wash is a day-in-the-life following the chaotic and often hilarious routine of a close-knit, diverse crew of employees at a Los Angeles car wash. Directed by Michael Schultz and written by Joel Schumacher, this year marks five decades with screenings around the country recognizing the milestone. 

Guests are invited to a pre-screening reception and Vinyl Swap at Mo’ Brunch & Brews near the Museum from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Participating Vinyl Collectors onsite include DJ GOOD GRIEF of @Record Klub, Daniel Jackson of @goodjunkvintage, and The Wizard of @djelevated. 

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Chef Courtney, and guests have the option to leave their cars in the lot during the screening.

The screening begins promptly at 7:00 p.m. in the Law Building on the MFAH main campus.

Tickets and event information are available through MFAH at mfah.org. 

Image courtesy of Art House Theater Day.