One of the city’s favorite celebrations is readying its return for 2025. The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art’s 38th Annual Houston Art Car Parade Weekend rolls into town from Thursday, April 10 to Sunday, April 13, 2025, with creative cars, whimsical wheels, and more.

It’s the biggest celebration of art cars in the world, with more than 250 entries from across the U.S., Canada, and beyond. Of those entries, more than 120 first-timers are joining the returning favorites. In addition, more than 50 schools and youth groups from the Houston Independent School District will take part in this year's parade. The parade’s presenting sponsor, Team Gillman, donated 10 vehicles to Houston-area schools specifically for creating an art car.

Always a highlight of Houston’s spring calendar, Art Car Parade Weekend brings with it high levels of artistic expression, wild creativity, inventive creations, and a host of activities.

Here’s the lineup:

Thursday, April 10
Starting at 9 am, The Main Street Drag rolls through Houston, bringing the parade to the people, before ending at The Orange Show World HQ. More than 100 art cars and their artists will make stops at schools, hospitals, nursing homes, developmental facilities, and other locations. Be sure to wave when you catch an art car out in the wild.

From 6-9:30 pm, catch the Art Car Sneak Peek at Discovery Green. This free, family-friendly event features live music, art activities for the kids, food and drinks, and the opportunity to interact with more than 100 art cars and their artists, who will be parked throughout the park and along Avenida De Las Americas.

Friday, April 11
The Legendary Art Car Ball at The Orange Show World Headquarters is the wildest party of the year. Electrifying displays, interactive installations, wild costumes, and pulsating beats highlight the popular fundraiser. Seattle’s Brittany Davis makes their Houston debut on the main concert stage, joined by local favorite Kam Franklin Band and Free Rads 2nd Line (6-11 pm).

Saturday, April 12
It’s parade day! The Lineup Party kicks off at 11 am on Allen Parkway between Taft and Bagby, giving spectators an up-close view at the parade entries, along with live music, beverage booths, food trucks, games, prizes, and a surprise installation by Meow Wolf. At the same time, the Kids Creative Zone in Sam Houston Park is a chance to take part in hands-on creative experiences and live performances. Both events are free.

At noon, The VIPit Party and Benefit takes place on the grounds of City Hall. Known as the largest fundraiser for The Orange Show’s Houston Art Car Parade, the party offers unobstructed front row views of the parade, complimentary bites from a dozen Houston restaurants, cocktails, pre-parade entertainment, kids’ art activities, live parade commentary, and nearby reserved parking. Individual tickets start at $200 (after March 1, they’re $250) and are available here.

Rev your engines, because The 38th Annual Houston Art Car Parade rolls out at 2 pm. More than 400,000 spectators are expected to cheer on these mobile masterpieces. The parade begins on Allen Parkway at the I-45 overpass, heading into downtown before circling City Hall and heading outbound on Allen Parkway. The parade is free to everyone, and spectators are encouraged to arrive early to grab the best viewing spots. Those who want reserved seating at the Heritage Society can buy tickets for $50 here.

Beginning at 5 pm, the Art Car After Party will feature live music, artist meet-and-greets, and exciting giveaways in Market Square Park. Keep the evening going with specials at area establishments.

Sunday, April 13
The Art Car Awards Ceremony takes place at 11 am at The Orange Show World HQ, where more than $15,000 will be awarded to art car artists and groups in various categories. The judging process rates entries based on their creativity, artistic techniques, and inspiration.

This year’s honorees include artist Jesse Sifuentes, a celebrated muralist and educator whose public works in Houston’s East End tell the stories of the community through vivid paintings and mosaics; Waltrip high school art teacher Julon Pinkston, who has mentored young artists and led student groups to award-winning Art Car Parade entries; and longtime patron and advocate Will Robinson, who has played a pivotal role in preserving and expanding Houston’s art car movement.

"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."

Photo by Morris Malakoff

The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art’s 38th Annual Houston Art Car Parade Weekend is April 10-13.