You absolutely cannot miss the 26th Annual Houston Art Car Parade as it travels through Downtown Houston on Saturday, May 11, 2013.
Join in the spectacle as more than 300 stunning cars, bikes, skaters, and motorized critters amaze more than 300,000 spectators. It’s the biggest such parade in the world and it’s pure Houston. The Houston Art Car Parade itself lasts from 1pm to 3pm, but there’s a full blown party leading up to its start.
The Starting Line Party gets going at 9am, where the public can mingle with parade participants and art car creators. Expect informal music, nutty costumes and friendly spirits. At 11am, the live music starts with the Disco Daddies and Bang Bangz taking to the Houston Free Press Stage. There’s a designated Kids Zone at Sam Houston Park, where families with little ones can watch the parade and start their own art projects.
The Houston Art Car Parade 2013 runs along Allen Parkway, starting at Taft and heading towards Downtown. It then makes a left at Heritage Park and then returns back down the other side of Allen Parkway. Click here to see a map of the Houston Art Car Parade route. As usual with Downtown Houston parades, people of every stripe are welcome, but their dogs will need to stay home.
Food and drink vendors will be situated along the route. Be sure to bring sunscreen, bottled water, hats, and – if you plan to buy any drinks – your I.D.
Click here for more information on the Houston Art Car Parade 2013, including parking, access for people with disabilities, allowable items and other goodies.
Click here for a cool two-minute time lapse video of the 2012 Houston Art Car Parade.
And leading up to the parade, don’t forget to check out the Legendary Art Car Ball 2013 on Friday, May 10 or the Art Car Sneak Peek at Discovery Green on Thursday, May 9.
Houston Art Car Parade 2013
- Date and Time: Saturday, May 11, 2013; 9am-3pm (parade starts at 1pm)
- Location: Taft & Allen Parkway, Houston, TX
- Admission: Free
Green Monster Photo Credit: cortneymartin82
Pink Car and Skaters Photo Credit: Ed Schipul