Want another sign that things are slowly getting back to normal? The Art Car Parade is finally back on the road.
The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art's signature event happens April 7-10 after a two-year COVID-19 shutdown. The event is dedicated to the late Ann Harithas, a Houston artist, curator, art collector and patron who is credited with organizing one of the first local Art Car exhibitions. The parade's grand prize will be permanently named the Ann Harithas Legacy Award.
The parade will spotlight Houston's slab cars and feature more than 100 new cars from around the country. The complete lineup of cars will be available on theparade site.
The schedule of events includes:
The Main Street Drag
9 a.m. April 7
Art Cars and their artists will take part in a series of mini-parades that visit schools, hospitals, nursing homes, developmental facilities and other locations where attendees may not be able to participate in weekend events on their own.
Sneak Peek at Discovery Green
6-10 p.m. April 7 at Disvoery Green, 1501 McKinney
Almost 100 art cars will line the streets for those who want an early look. It will be held in conjunction with Discovery Green's UHD Thursday Night Concert Series featuring Houston native and "American Idol" hopeful Ren Patrick. Free.
The Legendary Art Car Ball
6-11 p.m. April 8 at the Orange Show, 2401 Munger
A night of live performances, art installations, costumes and art cars. It will feature jazz ensemble Golden Dawn Arkestra and Kam Franklin's Bayou City Comeback Chorus. Tickets start at $35 and are available atthehoustonartcarparade.com.
The Starting Line Party
11 a.m. April 9 at Allen Parkway at Heiner
Live music, food, drinks and more. Free.
The 35th Annual Houston Art Car Parade
2 p.m. April 9 at Allen Parkway and downtown Houston
The parade's official start is at Dallas and Bagby and will continue along Allen Parkway. Free.