Crazy Cars, a Comic Legend and a New Permanent Route: Houston’s Wildest Parade Celebrates 30 Years in Style

One of Houston’s signature events hits a milestone this year: The Houston Art Car Parade, presented by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, turns the big 3-0.

To celebrate, the Orange Show has wrangled actor, comedian, director, and prolific Chicano art collector Cheech Marin as grand marshal. Leading the parade is Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul marching band. Because of an unprecedented turnout last year, the “temporary” relocation of the parade route is now permanent, running along Smith from Pease to Walker, around Hermann Square and City Hall, passing by Sam Houston Park, and ending at Sabine.

The four-day-bash, chaired by Tracy and Glen Larner, runs Thursday through Sunday, April 6 through 9. The pace is set on Thursday with the Main Street Drag and sneak-peek evening at Discovery Green. Friday marks the Legendary Art Car Ball. Everything culminates Saturday with the main attraction: the 30th annual Houston Art Car Parade, featuring 250 mobile masterworks and more than $10,000 in prize money, which will be presented Sunday at the Houston Art Car Parade Award Ceremony.

As always, the best vantage point comes when you purchase the VIPit Experience, which includes tented bleacher seating, parade commentary, a commemorative program, and complimentary food and drinks — even adult beverages.

VIPit Experience tickets are $150 adults, $25 children, at thehoustonartcarparade.com.