Art Cars Are Back

Houston's Art Car Festival & Parade revs up for 2024 with bigger and bolder masterpieces

Houston Art Car Parade and Festival 2023

Let's roll, Houston.

Photo by Morris Malakoff/Danitza Ladwig

It's nearly time to rev up (and decorate) those engines, Houston: The Orange Show’s 37th annual Houston Art Car Festival & Parade is promising a bigger and bolder return in 2024. The biggest celebration of art cars in the world is taking over Houston starting Thursday, April 11 through Sunday, April 14, with the big parade being held on Saturday, April 13.

Over 250 mobile masterpieces from across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will roll through the city, including nearly 100 entirely new creations, while engaging the public with a myriad of opportunities to share their artistry.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company founder and brewer Brock Wagner is stepping into the role of grand marshal for the upcoming parade. Wagner holds a deep appreciation for the parade, and Saint Arnold's Art Car IPA is an ode to the annual tradition.

"We’re so grateful to Brock and Saint Arnold for their unwavering support and given the longstanding partnership between The Orange Show and Saint Arnold, it’s only fitting for Brock to assume the distinguished role of grand marshal," The Orange Show for Visionary Art executive director Tommy Ralph Pace said in a statement.

Rolling in on one of his famed art cars during the festival is 2024 Orange Show Artist-in-Residence David Best. The California-based, internationally-acclaimed sculptor is widely known for his salvaged wood temples, which have been featured at high-profile events like Burning Man.

His newest work of art, the "Houston Temple," will be unveiled at the Art Car Ball on Friday, April 12 as one of several installations at the annual bash that's known for its wild costumes and lively atmosphere. A press release says the temple will begin construction in early April, spanning a grand 12x12x24 feet, and will be dedicated to Houston's "creative spirit." After its debut at the Art Car Festival, it will "become a space for individual and collective reflection," and then be burned in a public ceremony in December 2024.

Also launching at the 2024 festival is a new partnership between The Orange Show and Houston-area schools. Ten vehicles will be donated to local schools to build their own Art Cars that will be presented in the parade.

The 2024 recipients are:

Westbury High School
Red Elementary
Ortiz Middle School
Young Women's College Preparatory Academy
Milby High School
Bellaire High School
Tanglewood Middle School
Sam Houston Math, Science & Technology Center High School
Madison High School

More fan favorite events at the festival include the Easter Orange Art Car Hunt (Saturday, March 30), The Main Street Drag (Thursday, April 11), the Art Car Sneak Peek at Discovery Green (Thursday, April 11), and the Art Car Awards Ceremony (Sunday, April 14).

More information and a full schedule for the Art Car Festival & Parade can be found here.

art car festival cars festivals houston parades

bay area rising

$150 million, 12,500-seat entertainment venue coming to Houston in 2027

Sunset Amphitheater Houston at Webster rendering

Sunset Amphitheater Houston at Webster/Facebook

A rendering previews the Sunset Amphitheater.

A massive new entertainment venue is coming to Houston in 2027. The Sunset Amphitheater will be an all-season venue with a 12,500 person capacity and a $150 million price tag.

Located near Great Wolf Lodge in the Flyway Entertainment District, the Sunset Amphitheater is a public-private partnership that unites entertainment venue company VENU with the City of Webster and the Webster Economic Development Corporation. The Colorado-based company operates the Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs, Colorado and has plans to open other Sunset Amphitheaters in McKinney, El Paso, and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“This is an announcement we’ve been thrilled to make, and it represents a major step forward,” said J.W. Roth, founder, chairman, and CEO of VENU. “With Webster’s deep roots in innovation and exploration, Flyway is elevating the region’s entertainment scene to new heights.”

With a canopy roof, wind walls, and a state-of-the-art audio-visual system, Sunset Amphitheater is designed to operate year-round. It is predicted to generate more than $3.7 billion in economic impact and over 400 new jobs in its first 20 years, according to a study commissioned by the venue.

Among Sunset’s amenities will be the Aikman Club, named for NFL Hall-of-Famer and Dallas Cowboys legend Troy Aikman. The members-only, 350-seat space will offer prime views of the stage and a luxurious experience. An additional 217 “Firesuites” will offer seating for groups of 4-10 people along with in-seat service.

“This announcement marks a defining moment for Webster and for Flyway,” Webster Mayor Donna Jasso said. “This amphitheater advances Webster’s super-regional draw and builds on strengths that continue to fuel Flyway’s momentum, further establishing the district as a premier entertainment hub for the Southeast Texas region. It brings long-term economic growth, new jobs, and increased visitor traffic that supports our businesses. We are proud to partner with VENU on a project that reflects the scale, ambition, and energy of our vision for Webster’s future.”

openings sunset amphitheater