A melange of stalwart socialites, neighborhood kids and art car artists (and their groupies) converged for the momentous, outdoor Art Car Ball Friday night. Attendees, hyped up for Sunday's parade on the eve of the American Association of Museums conference, galavanted among choice vehicles upon the consecrated grounds of the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art.

Inside the whimsical art space's amphitheater, a program of avant-garde performances entertained revelers. Among the stars of the set list were Kinks tribute band Picture Book and the inaugural show by the Bobbin Doctrine Puppet Theatre.

For that performance, students — conducting in lilliputian costumes — told the tale of Jeff McKissack, the beloved founder of The Orange Show. "It's very accurate. They did it to the T," testified The Orange Show's Elaine Dillard of the McKissack tribute. Ciarán Finlayson directed the puppet spectacular.

"This is the next generation of freaks," said Dillard. "I hope they take it to a whole new level." Coincidentally, Bobbindoctrin Puppet Theater is the subject of a new documentary by Cressandra Thibodeaux of 14 Pews. "It's all about connecting the dots," said Dillard.

The Orange Show shined with costumed splendor. Guest (and art car contributor) Donna Fowler donned an Alice in Wonderland-infused get-up. "Johnny Depp is one of my favorite actors," she said, "so when he played that role, I was like, 'Ack! I need that costume.'" In keeping with the center's preferred hue, she sported an orange wig. Look for that bright fluff at Sunday's affair as Fowler drives down Allen Parkway in her hippo-themed vehicle. (That's entry No. 12 — track it with the nifty CultureMap mobile guide to the parade).

Art Car ballers navigated the future grounds of Smither Park as they noshed on tortilla creations from the Fusion Taco truck and a tempting spread from Pico's Mex-Mex. No doubt, the ball was a triumphant launch to the parade as it drives hood-first into its 24th year.

Tonight, preview the art cars while enjoying live entertainment at Discovery Green. This event allows guests an up-close and personal peek at the new art cars for 2011. The cars will be on display from 6 - 10 p.m. The Art Car Parade will be held on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. along Allen Parkway between Waugh and Bagby.