2009 Houston Art Car Weekend Schedule

Mark Bradford, Art Car Artist from W. Ross Wells on Vimeo.

2009 Houston Art Car Weekend Schedule

Friday, May 8

· Main Street Drag, 7 a.m. at the Houston Zoo, 1513 N MacGregor Dr.

Join us for the official start of Art Car Weekend as caravans of Art Cars visit more than 20,000 people who otherwise may not be able to experience the Saturday Parade. The caravans stop at children’s hospitals, schools and community centers to spread smiles and the creative spirit with more than 80 Art Cars participating. The Main Street Drag begins and ends at the Houston Zoo.


· Sneak Peek at Discovery Green sponsored by Opportunity Houston

7 -10 p.m. at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney Street

Sneak Peek will feature live music and entertainment throughout the park. On the main stage, noted Art Car filmmaker Harrod Blank will screen his latest work. Graffiti artists will use car hoods as canvas in a colorful demonstration. As the sun goes down, the park will become filled with illuminated Art Cars outfitted with special night lighting. Houston’s own Sideshow Tramps will take the stage for a free concert guaranteed to get the crowd moving.

Saturday, May 9

· The VIPit Party, 11 a.m. at the Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby

The official party of the Houston Art Car Parade offers the absolute best views and features a deluxe picnic lunch from some of Houston’s best restaurants, shaded bleacher seating, gift bags and fun family activities. In addition, there will be a kid’s art workshop sponsored by City Art Works, live DJs and Parade Commentary. The party is destined to sell out so advance purchase is encouraged.

· Tickets can be purchased by calling 713-926-6368.

Complimentary parking is located at 401 W. Dallas. The VIPit Party is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Proceeds go to the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art to defray Art Car Weekend expenses, guaranteeing that the parade stays a FREE gift to the City of Houston.

· 22nd Annual Houston Art Car Parade, Starts at 1 p.m. along Allen Parkway

Watch as more than 250 rolling works of art turn concrete into a colorful canvas to celebrate the artist in everyone! The mobile masterpieces will motor down Allen Parkway in the world’s oldest and largest Art Car Parade, the Houston Art Car Parade. The Parade begins at Allen Parkway and Taft and ends at Montrose after looping around the Heritage Society. Plenty of viewing space is available along Allen Parkway between Taft and Bagby.

New features are added to the Parade every year. Here are some exciting additions for 2009:

· The Starting Line located at Taft Street and Allen Parkway, is where the party revs up as the Art Cars get in gear. Live music, DJs and parade commentary add to the festive atmosphere. Parade goers can grab a drink at the Bud Light Beer Garden and grab a seat for prime parade viewing on bleachers provided by sponsors.

· Capital One Bank Kid Zone (Allen Parkway at Sabine Street) is a place where families can watch the Parade, participate in activities such as making miniature Art Cars and have a chance for kids to paint on an actual Art Car or pet animals brought to the parade by the Houston Zoo! The Kid Zone also will feature family friendly entertainment as well as bleacher seating for parade viewing. Vending and restrooms will be located nearby.

(Guests wishing to attend the Kid Zone are encouraged to park downtown in the Theater District parking lots and walk west along Allen Parkway from Bagby Street).

· South Padre Island Sand Box where kids and adults alike can participate in a giant sandcastle extravaganza. Located in Eleanor Tinsley Park.

Sunday, May 10

Art Car Awards Ceremony & Brunch

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at The Orange Show – 2402 Munger Street

The last blast of the weekend takes place at The Orange Show monument (2402 Munger Street) on Sunday, May 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Art Car Awards Ceremony and Brunch will feature live music and entertainment, food and drink, and artists selling their creations. This year’s winners will be announced at the awards ceremony with more than $10,000 in cash and prizes going to the best Art Car creations in 14 categories. This free event is open to the public.