Art Cars Are Back
Houston's Art Car Festival & Parade revs up for 2024 with bigger and bolder masterpieces
Let's roll, Houston.
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.
