Major Changes for Houston’s Iconic Art Car Parade: A New Route With Flair — and VIP Pits

After 28 years, the celebrated Houston Art Car Parade is changing its route. The new circuit will run along Smith from Pease to Walker and in a circle around Hermann Square and City Hall, before ending at Bagby and Lamar.

But the best way to see the show remains the same: the VIPit Experience, a ticketed entry around Hermann Square that includes reserved bleacher seating in the shade, bites from top eateries and drinks (including adult beverages), children’s activities, and live entertainment. Curry Glassell, Orange Show Center for Visionary Art lifer, will chair the Art Car Parade Weekend at the Art Car Capital of the World.

Keeping with tradition, the 29th annual parade (Saturday, April 9, 2 pm) is but one highlight in a busy four-day schedule packed with vehicular happenings, including the Main Street Drag Thursday, April 7 (cars will cruise five routes, visiting schools, hospitals and nursing homes); happy hour that same evening at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (to coincide with the museum’s Deco-era “Sculpted in Steel” exhibit); the always raucous Legendary Art Car Ball (this year spilling from the lobbies and courtyards of One and Two Allen Center, sponsored by Arts Brookfield); and finishing with an awards ceremony plus brunch on Sunday, April 10.

The parade resumes its normal run along the banks of Buffalo Bayou in 2017. VIPit Art Car Parade Experience tickets $150 adult, $25 children (12 and under); purchase and info on the full weekend, navigate thehoustonartcarparade.com