Oh hells yes, Houston. This weekend marks the 21st Annual Art Car Parade and there are some new festivities afoot, too. Houstonist has this handy little recap for you, so you are all "in the know" for the weekend. First, tonight, from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm, you can attend a little sneak peak and symposium at The Orange Show, during which Munger Street will be closed off and there will be a "Talk Shop" Symposium in the amphitheatre and a first look at some of the mobile coolness available on the street. Plus, you, John or Jane Q. Public and your little "public-ettes" can roam about and mingle with the artists, chat them up on their creations or just, you know walk around with a beverage, looking all cool, whichever you prefer.

Next up, Saturday the cars begin lining up early and you can meander around the art cars as they are all queued up for the parade from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., which is an excellent opportunity to see the cars up close and personal and meet the drivers and/or artists. The parade line will form between Taft and Shepherd on Allen Parkway. Now, please be courteous and mindful, as volunteers will be letting you know to clear the street when the parade is about to start. This is not some anti-fun and generally un-cool occurance. The volunteers ask that you clear the parade route for your own safety and the safety of your children and pets and relatives, too. Some of these cars don't have the best of brakes and some moving parts may just wonk you on your head, if you don't get back behind the spectatin' line. Plus, the sooner you cooperate, the sooner the parade starts and the sooner the after-party kicks off. If you feel really special, you can buy the best seat in the house, and attend VIPit (they have drinks and foods, too....) Buy those tickets right HERE, or call 888.695.0888.

Lastly on Saturday, the cat we just released from the bag. The after party, which was missing last year. This year, the parade will head down Allen Parkway, past the Heritage Society and back out Allen Parkway. But, the cars will later invade Discovery Green - which is where more fun, beverages, food and live music commences!!! The 2008 Parade Winners will be announced at 6:00 p.m. from the main stage. Bring the family and be prepared to have a fabulous time!

If you don't plan to make the full weekend, don't miss the parade and the "Party on the Green", it is well worth it. It ROCKS. Here's a link to the full, official scoop.