The 32nd annual Houston Art Car Parade was held on Saturday, April 13. As a new Houstonian, this was my first time attending the event, so it had special significance for me. I love the idea of free expression and bringing art to the masses, both in creating art and enjoying art. With over 100,000 attendees, this is one of the largest art events in Houston, and with well over 200 entries is the largest art car parade in the world. It features “daily driver” cars, that people use for daily transportation, and quirky vehicles designed specifically to make a statement.
The parade is held in mid April each year, so the weather can range from hot, cool, sunny or rainy. The adventure this year featured all of those weather patterns in one busy afternoon. Although a line of severe storms barreled through about half way through the parade, it did not deter us from staying the course as we huddled under our umbrellas. Luckily the sun came back out to end the event and brought a refreshing cool breeze with the cold front.
The parade travels from downtown Houston, and along Allen Parkway. We camped out in the median area of the parkway, near the Line Up Party Stage, which was sponsored by Saint Arnold Brewery. It was an ideal area to watch the parade as there were food trucks and beer vendors nearby, plenty of space to spread out, and parking nearby for only $5.
So here are a few photos and videos of the 2019 Houston Art Car Parade. I will break it up into a few different posts. Be sure to check out the parade next year. It was awesome and a ton of fun. HOUSTON ROCKS!!!!
