5 things to know about Houston's Art Car Parade, from the event's history to best parking spots

The family-friendly spectacle and largest free public art event, has become part of Houston's annual tradition. The Art Car Parade features more than 250 colorful and creatively decorated wheeled-vehicles from more than 20 states and attracts more than 300,000 spectators each year. The Orange Show Center for Visionary Arts, a non-profit that owns and operates The Orange Show Monument, Smither Park and The Beer Can House, organizes the parade.

MORE ON THE ART CAR PARADE: Meet a couple of this year's participants and their wacky wheels.

Art Car Parade history

It all started with the Fruitmobile! Houston businessman and developer Carl Detering and his wife, donated a 1967 Ford station wagon to be auctioned at The Orange Show Foundation's annual Gala benefit in 1984. With a budget of $800, local artist Jackie Harris painted and decorated the car with plastic fruits. Once auctioned the "Fruitmobile" was donated back to the foundation.

As a result of the Fruitmobile's popularity in Houston, The Orange Show Foundation organized a "Road Show" in 1986 to showcase other decorated automobiles. In 1988 the Houston International Festival asked the Orange Show to organize an art car parade for its annual event, the inaugural parade featured 40 art cars, a handful of marching bands and drew around 2,000 spectators.

More than 250 artful cars created by artists from across the country take part in the annual art car parade, which is now an entire weekend-long event.

Art Car Parade events

Main Street Drag Sneak Peak: Take an up-close and personal walk through 100 of the most eye-catching cars. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. April 13 at Discovery Green.

Lineup Party: Get an up-close look at the 250-plus Art Cars as they prepare for the parade. The event will also feature live music, food trucks, and more. 11 a.m., April 15 on Allen Parkway at Heiner; free.

H-E-B Kids Creative Zone: Featuring activations and performances from the Alley Theatre’s El Zocalo, Art League Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, Houston Botanic Garden, Houston Mariachi Festival, MECA and more. 11 a.m. April 15 at Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby; free.

36th Annual Houston Art Car Parade: The big event begins at Dallas and Babgy streets and winds through downtown before heading to Allen Parkway. 2 p.m., April 15, Allen Parkway and downtown Houston; free, $40 reserved seating.

Art Car Awards Ceremony: There will be more than $16,000 in prize money awarded to the best Art Cars. It's also a final chance to see the Art Cars. 11 a.m. April 16, The Orange Show, 2334 Gulf Terminal; free

Directions and best places to park

There will be events and activities along the parade route, beginning at 11 a.m. from Waugh and Allen Pkwy and going into downtown Houston along Smith from Dallas to Walker. Take advantage of this opportunity to get close to the Art Cars before they roll into the parade.

The parade begins at 2 p.m. at Dallas and Babgy streets and winds through downtown before heading to Allen Parkway. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to get the best view, VIP seating is available. The parade lasts approximately two hours.

Free and paid parking will be available along the parade route. Event organizers recommend parking at the Heritage Clay Parking Garage, located at 1200 Bagby. Downtown Houston parking locations can be found here

This year's grand marshal

Founder and chairperson of the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, and Art Car Parade organizer, Marilyn Oshman is this year's grand marshal.

For more information about the Houston Art Car Parade visit thehoustonartcarparade.com .

ana.khan@houstonchronicle.com