Houston Art Car festivities are getting in gear; it will be an exhilarating return this week, featuring more than 250 “mobile masterpieces.”

Presented by the Orange Show, the annual tradition is set to take place April 11-14, with a series of events, including the Art Car ball, sneak peek and parade. 

The Main Street Drag: Organized by the Houston Art Car Parade Volunteer Committee, the Main Street Drag allows art car artists to visit schools, nursing homes, hospitals and similar institutions across Houston, giving people a chance to see the cars up close if they can’t attend the parade. Free; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 11.

Art Car Sneak Peek: Get an early glimpse of nearly 100 art cars, contraptions, lowriders and SLABs featured in this year’s parade, meet artists and enjoy kids’ crafts and music. Free; 6-10 p.m. April 11 at Discovery Green.

The Legendary Art Car Ball: The Orange Show’s annual celebration begins the festivities before the Art Car Parade. Ages 18 and older can enjoy interactive art, food, drinks, costumes, illuminated art cars and live music by Heartbyrne, Henry Invisible, Free Radicals, Hiram and more. Tickets are $50-$200; 6-11 p.m. April 12 at the Orange Show World Headquarters. 

Lineup Party: Get an up-close look at the art cars as they prepare for the parade. The Lineup Party also features live music, food trucks, performers and more. Free; 11 a.m. April 13 on Allen Parkway from Bagby to Taft.

H-E-B Kids Creative Zone: The event offers hands-on interactive art projects and workshops from Houston’s top creative institutions, along with children’s entertainment, food, beverages and more. Free; 11 a.m., April 13 at Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby.

37th annual Houston Art Car Parade: The 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. Brock Wagner, founder of Saint Arnold Brewing Company, will serve as grand marshal. Free, $40 reserved seating; 2 p.m., April 13, Allen Parkway and downtown Houston. 

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 works of art. Free; 11 a.m. April 14, the Orange Show, 2334 Gulf Terminal. 

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The parade will kick off at 2 p.m. at Dallas and Babgy streets on Allen Parkway, heading into downtown before circling City Hall and heading outbound onto Allen Parkway out of downtown, before dispersing at Waugh. The parade lasts about two hours.

Free and paid parking will be available along the parade route. Be aware that many streets in the vicinity of the parade will closed starting at 7 a.m. Downtown streets will be closed at 1 p.m.

Downtown Houston parking locations can be found here. 

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At the VIPit Party and Benefit, attendees can get up-close views as the parade rolls past Hermann Square at City Hall, along with reserved shaded seating, free nearby parking, interactive art activities, complimentary drinks and food from local chefs. Individual tickets start at $45 for children and $250 for adults. Noon-4 p.m. April 13.

Laid-back viewing spots can be found along Allen Parkway between Waugh and Taft on the north side. There’s a bus stop at Montrose and Allen Parkway that will drop you off right in the middle of the route, giving you the option to explore east or west.

You can also experience the art cars firsthand at the Lineup Party preceding the parade. The cars will be lined up between Taft and Bagby, and artists and creators are usually available to answer questions. Free, 11 a.m.

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