2026 Houston Art Car Parade Entry Application

2026 Entry Form for Participation

Deadline for Submission is February 20, 2026
Welcome to the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art's 2026 Houston Art Car Parade & Festival Entry Form for Participation! We're thrilled that you are interested in showcasing your mobile masterpiece in our 39th annual parade, as well as participating in the various events surrounding it.

Over nearly four decades, we have grown the Houston Art Car Parade to be the city's largest free public event - drawing over 300,000 spectators out just this past year to witness more than 200 incredible rolling works of art. It is because of the hard work, dedication, and creativity of artists like yourself that we are able to hold this remarkable celebration, so we want to say THANK YOU! If you're interested in learning more about the history of the Houston Art Car Parade and to see winning entries from previous years, CLICK HERE.

Please read the information below very carefully prior to filling out the form. Keep in mind that at the end of the form you will be required to submit payment via credit card. For those choosing to pay by cash or check, please make sure to check your email after you have clicked SUBMIT for instructions.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All individual/team artists, school/youth groups, and Non-Profit 501(c)3 entries must fill out the form below and submit their responses in order to be considered for The Orange Show's 39th Annual Houston Art Car Parade & Festival, presented by Team Gillman, April 9-12, 2026.

IF YOU ARE A CORPORATE ENTITY AND WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT AN ENTRY THAT WILL BE ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS, PLEASE DO NOT FILL OUT THIS FORM NOW. You will need to contact sponsorship@orangeshow.org for information regarding your entry.

Complete 2026 Schedule (subject to change - more events to be added)

Thursday, April 9 - Sneak Peek at Discovery Green
Friday, April 10 - The Legendary Art Car Ball at The Orange Show
Saturday, April 11 - The 39th Annual Orange Show Art Car Parade along Allen Parkway and downtown Houston
Sunday, April 12 - Awards Ceremony & Brunch at The Orange Show

In addition to filling out the responses below, you will also need to upload 2-5 images of your entry - keeping in mind that these images need to very accurately capture your entry as they will be published in our annual Houston Art Car Parade Program and on our website.

Entry fees are as follows:
- Individual Artist / Team of Artists: $50
- School or Youth Group: FREE, courtesy of Team Gillman
- Non-Profit 501(c)3 Organization: Varies based on Annual Budget
  - $0-$499,999: $500
  - $500,000-$999,999: $1,000
  - $1,000,000+: $1,500
If you have any questions about submitting this form or participating in the Houston Art Car Parade please contact our Artist Liaison at artcarentry@orangeshow.org.

Confirmations of acceptance into the 2026 Houston Art Car Parade & Festival will take place on a rolling basis, generally within 10 days business days of your submission. In the event that you are ineligable to participate or if we need more information in order to make a decision, you will be contacted directly. Each entry is evaluated thoroughly to ensure it complies with our rules and regulations, listed below.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FEBRUARY 20, 2026
RULES AND REGULATIONS
BEFORE ENTERING YOUR INFORMATION BELOW, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING 2026 HOUSTON ART CAR PARADE & FESTIVAL GUIDELINES CAREFULLY:
- The Orange Show's Houston Art Car Parade Committee reserves the right to refuse any entry, including up until the start of the event.
- All entries must be suitable for family viewing.
- All entries must be decorated, embellished, augmented, or otherwise decked out!
- All motorized vehicles must have a fire exhinguisher in the vehicle (at least 10BC)
- EVERY PERSON in the parade, whether walking, riding, or rolling will need to sign a waiver prior to any Houston Art Car Parade & Festival activities.
- All entries must work. Please be sure your entry is in good working condition, has enough gas, fluids, etc.
- All events are rain or shine, please plan accordingly.
- Entries cannot be taller than 13' or wider than 12'
- If your entry is not street legal, you can tow it / bring it on a trailer and there will be a place at the parade to leave support cars and trailers.
- If there is fire/pyrotechnics involved, you must get prior approval from the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art to use them at any time before, during, or after the parade or any Houston Art Car Parade Week sanctioned events.
- Your vehicle needs to be able to sit in the sun and idle for a few hours as the parade is slow moving and relatively long.
- If you are a commercial entry (promoting a business) there is a different fee structure. Please contact sponsorship@orangeshow.org.
- All wheels must have rubber. No metal shall make contact with the street.
- It is illegal to throw or launch ANYTHING from your entry (that includes beads, t-shirts, etc).
- Proper vehicle registration and insurance is the responsibility of the owner.
- Only licensed drivers are allowed to operate motorized vehicles during judging, staging, and parade.
- IT IS ILLEGAL TO DRINK AND DRIVE. Open container laws remain in effect during the parade, and officers have the right to detain you should they see or suspect you or anyone inside your vehicle is consuming alcohol.
- Any individual standing on top of a vehicle during judging, staging, and/or parade must be secured with safety harness or support bar.
- Please make sure you thoroughly read our Waiver & Indemnification Information, and check the box at the end of this form.
- Please go and like or follow us on Instagram and Facebook, share it with your friends, and keep in touch with us!
JUDGING & AWARDS
A panel of judges awards cash prizes and trophies in recognition of the efforts and expense artists assume in creating their art cars. The panel is comprised of art and automotive experts and cultural icons from various disciplines. Each judge is tasked with making their decisions based on theme, craftsmanship, design, and originality.

The official judging takes place the morning of the parade from 10am - 1pm, with final judging occuring during and after the parade - but judges are present at events throughout the days of the festival and they will remember you! So make sure you're on your A-Game!

Judging categories and awards are as follows (subject to change):
- Ann Harithas Legacy Award
- Best All-Around Art Cars
- Best Painted Cars
- Best Youth Group (Grades K - 5)
- Best Youth Group (Grades 6 - 12)
- Best Daily Driver
- Best Lowrider - PAINT
- Best Lowrider - PERFORMANCE
- Best SLAB
- Best Temporary Art Car
- Best Contraption
- Best Cycle
- Best Music
- Best Performance
- Best Political Statement
- Best Commerical Entry
PLEASE NOTE: If you have won a First Place award in a previous Houston Art Car Parade and your entry has not been modified or altered since, you will be ineligible to win again.

One of our fantastic traditions is that every entry receiving an award - both cash and non-cash, also receives an incredible hand-made trophy designed by local artists.

CLICK HERE for the complete list of 2024 Houston Art Car Parade Award Winners
2026 HOUSTON ART CAR PARADE & FESTIVAL ENTRY FORM

Fields with a * are required to be filled out
ENTRY CATEGORY
Type of Entry (If you are a School or Youth Group, please select School/Youth Group category)*

Art Car - A four- or more-wheeled vehicle that has been constructed or modified, but sits on a standard automobile chassis (This category is the default category for your entry if you do not feel it falls into any of the other categories listed below)Painted Car - An Art Car whose primary modification is having been painted or air-brushedContraptions - An Art Car whose chassis in not a standard automobile. Includes chariots, wheeled sculptures, wagons, lawnmowers, etc.Lowrider - A customized classic car with a lowered body, hydraulics, and cherry paint jobSLAB - A Houston tradition - easily recognized by their candy paint, lush interiors, booming sound systems, and must-have Texan Wire Wheels '83s or '84s Elbow "wire wheels" known as swangasMusic - A performing ensemble on decorated vehicleSkater - Decorated group or individual on skatesArt Bike - Group or individual on decorated bicyclesSchool / Youth Group - Created by four of more people under age 18Performance - Displays a unique performance element not necessarily musicalPolitical Statement - Displays political overtonesNon-Profit Organization (must provide valid 501(c)3 certificate)
CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact Name*

First NameLast Name
Artist / Team Name*
How you would like to be listed in the program
What is the name of your organization, school, or youth group?
Name of Your Entry*
Primary E-mail*

Confirmation EmailPlease note: We will be sending very important information to you via email on a regular basis, so please make sure you provide an email that you check regularly.
Alternate E-Mail #1
In case there are additional people who should be receiving information related to Houston Art Car Parade Activities.
Cell Phone*
Alternate Cell
Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip CodeCountry
ABOUT YOUR ENTRY
Campaign ID
Opportunity Name
Opportunity Record Type ID
Opportunity Sub Type Name
Lead Source
Have you or your team/school/non-profit participated in the Orange Show's Houston Art Car Parade before?*

YesNo
List previous years
Has this specific entry participated in the Orange Show's Houston Art Car Parade before?*

YesNo
List previous years
Is your entry considered a daily driver? (Is your entry your main form of transportation?)*

YesNo
Non-Profit organizations are encouraged to participate and promote their organization's mission within The Houston Art Car Parade. Non-profit entries are allowed the opportunity to place logos or text on your entry, have the name of your organization listed within the commemorative program, and have the opportunity to participate in all events during Houston Art Car Parade weekend.

Please answer these few additional questions below regarding your organization.
What is your annual budget?

$0-$499,999$500,000-$999,999$1,000,000+
What is the organization's tax ID number?
Please upload a copy of your 501(c)3 Tax ID certificate

Browse Files

Cancelof
Give us 3-5 bullet points describing your car (inspiration, materials used, concept, etc)*
VERY IMPORTANT: This description will be used in the program, announcers' scripts and on the website listing of participants, so PLEASE be as descriptive as possible!
We would love to know more about YOU. Tell us your story! What inspires you? Why did you decide to make an art car? What are you most excited about for Art Car Week? *
Please list the year, make and model of the base vehicle your entry is created on.
Year*
Make*
Model*
Is your entry a normal-sized vehicle? (ie. is it a standard car or truck size, or do you require more space? We ask this question in order to plan out the lineup) Please keep in mind vehicles may NOT be taller than 13' or wider than 12'.*

YesNo
Length of Entry
Width of Entry
Height of Entry
Will you need to bring your entry on a trailer, in a truck, or some other support vehicle?*

YesNo
There will be special parking for support vehicles including trailers, trucks, and additional cars located near check-in. You will receive information about this special parking area closer to the parade date.
Is your entry a "foldie" or "unfoldie"? A foldie is an art car that needs additional time before going through judging or needs additional time at the end of the parade before joining traffic? (ie. components of the art car must be dismantled; individuals will be walking alongside that need to get in)*

YesNo
Please describe how your car is considered a "foldie" or "unfoldie"
Will you have walkers alongside the entry as it travels through the parade? Please limit your walkers to 10 as it can cause gaps and slowness in parade for the audience.*

YesNo
Is sound an integral part of your entry during the parade?*

YesNo
Does your entry have an illumination component making it stand out at night?*

YesNo
Does your entry breathe fire or have any kind of pyrotechnic components?*

YesNo
You must have prior approval from the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art to use any and all fire or pyrotechnic elements at official Orange Show Art Car Parade Week events. If you have any questions, please email artcarentry@orangeshow.org.
Do you wish to have your entry judged and eligible to win a prize? Please note: You do not need to be present at the Art Car Awards Ceremony on Sunday April 12th to win*

YesNo
Will you be needing accommodations while in Houston? (We are unable to provide a stipend for hotel accommodations, but the Houston Art Car Klub may be able to set you up with a local art car artist who has space in their home. There may also be special rates at local hotels for artists. If you already have housing set up, or have plans to stay with your usual hosts, please do not fill this out. This is only for if you do not have arrangements and need help finding a host.)

YesNo
What date will you arrive in Houston?

MonthDayYear
Date
What date will you leave Houston?

MonthDayYear
Date
How many will be in your group that will need accommodations?
Do you have any special needs for accommodations or parking?

PetsSpecial Mobility NeedsTrailer ParkingLarge Vehicle ParkingOther
If possible, are there any entries / individuals that you would like to be placed next to in the parade lineup? (Please be specific - we will try our best to accommodate but make no promises)
Upload a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5 photos of your entry.*

Upload a File
Remember that these photos need to clearly and accurately represent your entry. Sketches are allowed, but please make them easy to view. Also please try to upload an image that is the highest resolution possible, keeping in mind this will be printed in the commemorative program. Max of 10MB per photo. Cancelof
HOUSTON ART CAR PARADE FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES
Do you wish to participate in the Main Street Drag on Thursday, April 9, 2026? The Main Street Drag takes place from 9am to 1pm, and visits schools, elder care facilities, developmental centers and other places where people may not be able to see the parade on Saturday. It's a fun and rewarding opportunity to put smiles on faces and any entry is welcome to participate!*

YesNo
Do you wish to participate in the Sneak Peek at Discovery Green in Downtown Houston on Thursday, April 9, 2026? The Sneak Peek is from 6 to 10pm and brings out a few thousand families and individuals to get the first look at the cars in the parade. Live music, drinks, and lots of fun are to be had! Note: you must be available to load-in at 4pm.*

YesNo
Do you wish to participate in the Spring Branch Shimmy on Friday, April 10, 2026? The Spring Branch Shimmy takes place from 9am to 1pm, and visits schools in the Spring Branch Independent School District on Houston's west side.*

YesNo
Do you wish to have your Art Car staged on the Orange Show campus for The Legendary Art Car Ball on Friday, April 10, 2026? Each Art Car participating in the parade automatically receives TWO tickets to The Legendary Art Car Ball - but if you're interested in having your car featured that night please click yes below. PLEASE NOTE: You must load in your vehicle on Friday April 10th from 1-4pm, and load-out after 11pm. You may also choose to leave your vehicle on site that night and pick it up in the morning (there will be overnight security)*

YesNo
Will your art car be available to make appearances at events and/or media publicity opportunities during February, March and April prior to Orange Show Art Car Parade Weekend?*

YesNo
Do you have room in your art car to carry either a lucky prize winner or friend of The Orange Show in the parade? Rides in art cars promote the event and also serve as excellent thank yous to patrons of The Orange Show*

YesNo
NOTE: You will receive detailed information about each of the above events as we get closer to the 2026 Orange Show Art Car Parade Week so you can plan accordingly.
FEES & DEADLINES
INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS / ARTIST GROUPS

The fee for all individual/group art car entries is $50. This includes ONE COMPLIMENTARY official 2026 Houston Art Car Parade T-Shirt and TWO COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS to The Legendary Art Car Ball on April 10.

SCHOOL GROUPS / YOUTH GROUPS

Thanks to the generous support of our presenting sponsor Team Gillman, ALL School/Youth Group Entries receive a FREE entry into the 2026 Houston Art Car Parade. School/Youth Group entries also receive ONE COMPLIMENTARY 2026 Houston Art Car Parade T-Shirts.

NON-PROFIT ENTRIES

Fees for Non-Profit 501(c)3 entries vary depending on the organization's annual budget and are as follows:

$0-$499,999: $500
$500,000-$999,999: $1,000
$1,000,000+: $1,500.

Each Non-Profit entry receives ONE COMPLIMENTARY official 2026 Houston Art Car Parade T-Shirts and a TWO COMPLIMENTARY to The Legendary Art Car Ball on April 10.

REMINDER: IF YOU ARE A BUSINESS OR CORPORATION INTERESTED IN ENTERING AN ART CAR INTO THE PARADE AS A WAY TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS, THIS IS NOT THE APPLICATION TO FILL OUT. PLEASE EMAIL SPONSORSHIP@ORANGESHOW.ORG FOR INFORMATION ABOUT A CORPORATE ART CAR ENTRY
PAYMENT & SUBMIT
Art Car Entry Fee

Individuals/Team Artists: $50Schools/Youth Groups: FREENon-Profits with $0-$499,999 Annual Budgets: $500Non-Profits with $500,000-$999,999 Annual Budges: $1,000Non-Profits with $1,000,000+ Annual Budget: $1,500
What size T-Shirt would you like?
How many additional Legendary Art Car Ball tickets would you like to purchase? For $25 dollar per ticket. Limit 4 per entry.
Would you like to purchase additional 2026 Orange Show Art Car Parade t-shirts? For $20 per shirt.

YesNo
Small
Medium
Large
X-Large
XXL
3XL
4XL
Would you like to add a donation to the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art to help us continue producing community events such as this?

YesNo
Donation Amount
Total Amount Due
How will you be paying?*

Cash, Check or Money OrderCredit Card

Once you click "submit" on the form below, please send a check or money order made out to Orange Show Center for Visionary Art.

All checks can be mailed to:

Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
PO Box 230309
Houston, TX 77223

Please submit your payment NO LATER than March 1, 2026. Failure to submit payment by March 1 will result in the cancellation of your entry.
Error: Credit Card Payment Amount Must Equal Total Amount Due

Please correct the Total Amount to be paid by credit card.
Art Car Entry Fee (calculated field)
Art Car Ball Tickets (calculated field)
Additional T-shirts (calculated field)
Art Car Entry Fee (for Salesforce mapping)
Entry Fee GAU Id
Art Car Ball Tickets (for Salesforce mapping)
Art Car Ball GAU Id
Additional T-shirts (for Salesforce mapping)
T-Shirt GAU Id
Donation (for Salesforce mapping)
Donation GAU Id
Total Amount of Payment if paying by Credit Card
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2026 Entry Form for Participation

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

RULES AND REGULATIONS

JUDGING & AWARDS

2026 HOUSTON ART CAR PARADE & FESTIVAL ENTRY FORM

ENTRY CATEGORY

Payment Methods

Error: Credit Card Payment Amount Must Equal Total Amount Due