Parade Day Schedule - Date to be Announced

7-9 am -  Community Bike Rides to the Parade

9-11 am -  Check-in & Parade Line-Up

10 am-3 pm -  Houston Art Bike Parade Party in the Park at Sam Houston Park

11 am-1 pm -  The Inaugural Houston Art Bike Parade

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For workshops, events, and other Art Bike-related events visit the Orange Show or Houston Parks Board.

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What is the Art Bike Parade?

The Art Bike Parade, presented jointly by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, Houston Parks Board, and Noble Energy, is Houston’s first celebration of parks, art, and cycling, featuring thousands of unique Art Bikes created by Houstonians.

 

What is an Art Bike?

An Art Bike is a bicycle that has been artistically modified. The Art Bike Parade may also include unicycles or other wheeled, non-motorized, pedal-powered vehicles. Art Bikes can be decorated externally, transformed through attached materials, or even altered mechanically. See the parameters HERE.

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When and where is the Art Bike Parade?

The Houston Art Bike Parade was scheduled for May 9, 2020, but due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, it has been cancelled. The new date and location will be announced in the coming months.

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Is there a cost to enter the parade?

Participation in the parade is ticketed - $20 for an adult and $10 for a child under 16. Family Four-Packs for two adults and two children are $50. You may register HERE. Parade participants design and create their Art Bike and ride in the Parade itself on May 9. Picture thousands of riders rolling along downtown streets together on creations as diverse as Houston itself! We hope you’ll consider riding in the Parade – it’ll be a blast.

 

Just want to watch? That’s cool too. There’s no cost to be a spectator, and we welcome everyone to enjoy the Party in the Park in Sam Houston Park. Only parade participants need a ticket.

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Who is in the Parade?

Everyday people like YOU! Parade registration is open to all. We encourage families and individuals to create Art Bikes of their own. Organizations and students may also enter, and groups will be encouraged to ride together in the Parade. We strongly encourage you to evaluate your child's ability to ride their Art Bike for long distances, within crowds, and potentially in warm weather conditions. You are responsible for your children. Make sure you come prepared with loose clothing, ample water, and open minds! See the parameters HERE.

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What if I don’t want to ride in the parade?

Are you sure you don’t want to ride with hundreds of new friends on your very own Art Bike? Okay, we understand. Anyone and everyone is welcome to watch the parade – it’s free. Spectators are encouraged to join the Party in the Park in Sam Houston Park where there will be food, drinks, restrooms, and activities while you wait to cheer on the parade! 

 

How do I get to the Art Car Parade?

From the North (travelling I-45): Take I-45 south, exit 48A to Milam St., then continue on Milam Street. Parking can be found between Pease and Walker Streets.

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From the South (travelling I-45): Take I-45 north, exit Houston/Memorial. Take a right onto Memorial, which will turn into Rusk St. Follow Rusk to Smith St.

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Where is the best place to park?

Parking in downtown Houston can be tricky. Our best recommendation is finding legal street parking either in downtown or midtown and cycling/walking to the parade route. There will also be parking lots scattered around charging fees for parking, should you wish to pay. Or better yet, why not ride your bike!

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If you're coming to view the parade on Allen Parkway, then there are many access points from Waugh Drive to downtown for you to park and walk to the route.

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How long does the Parade last?

The parade will last about 2 hours, from 11am-1pm. We’ll also have the Party in the Park open from 10am-3pm with food and entertainment.

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Can anyone make an Art Bike?

Yes, please! If you can find a bike (or any wheeled-contraption really as long as it is pedal-powered), all it takes is a little imagination, artistic inspiration, sweat, and some supplies. We encourage you to create your bike and encourage your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and all to participate with you. But please, we ask that your bike does not promote any business or political party/candidate.

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Can I decorate my motorcycle or electric bike?

No. Art Bike Parade celebrates human-powered cycling! If you have a motor on your bike, it should not be pedal-assist and only there to move decorative bits on the bike. Actually, you’re welcome to create any number of wheeled creations like unicycles, wheelchairs, or multi-rider bikes!

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What is the Party in the Park?

As the parade comes to a close, Sam Houston Park will come alive with music, professionally-created Art Bikes, food, and family activities, creating a fun, shared experience for all. Entrance is free, and we encourage all parade participants to head here after the parade to relax and have fun! Party in the Park will open at 10am, so spectators are welcome to check it out and watch the parade from here.

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Is the festival accessible to people with disabilities?

Absolutely! The parade route is along a main road leading out of downtown, and the sidewalks are wide, with ramps at each intersection. ADA accessible restrooms will also be available throughout the parade route.

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Are there ATMs available if I run low on cash?

No, but all of our beverage booths and gift shops, and a majority of the food trucks along the route also take credit cards.

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What types of food and drink will be available?

Delicious types of food, of course! There will be an assortment of local food trucks stationed throughout the parade route. We really suggest you check them out and support local! We’ll also be serving beer and soft drinks, so bring your ID!

 

What about my kids, is there stuff for them to do?

ABSOLUTELY! The Art Bike Parade is 100% family-friendly. We’ve got crafts, entertainment, food, and more importantly thousands of bikes to wave at! Better yet, decorate your bikes and enter the parade with your little ones. Riders under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 

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Do you give out awards for the best Art Bikes?

Nope, we’re doing it for the good of creativity and the experience! Emcees in Sam Houston Park will be remarking on the best-of-the-best bikes as they cycle past, so who knows? You may get a shoutout.

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Can we register as a group?

To ensure that everyone knows what’s going on and understand what it takes to be a participant, we require parade entries to be purchased separately. If you are registering as a group, we encourage you to pick a meet-up point along your staging area and communicate it ahead of time, so you can find and ride with your crew! 

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How can my company get involved?

The Art Bike Parade wouldn’t happen without our generous sponsors. If your company would like to be a parade sponsor, email partner@houstonparksboard.org for a sponsor packet.

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Can I bring my pet?

Unfortunately, the City of Houston does not allow animals of any kind along the parade route. Please leave your furry friends at home on May 9th.

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Can I bring my cooler and pack a lunch?

If you want to! You’re welcome to bring a cooler, backpack, and/or blankets along with you to hang out and enjoy lunch and drinks. We’ll also have great local food trucks and local beer/wine for sale along the route to grab while you’re waiting for the parade to kick-off and in the Party in the Park during and after the parade. Houston gets hot in May – be sure to drink plenty of water. We do not allow pop-up tents along the route except for sponsor or partner use.