Events in Galveston

Galveston may be best known for its beaches, but its thriving culture and historic charm will have you coming back for more. Thanks to its fun and family-friendly annual events, Galveston is a hot and happening place to visit regardless of the time of year. It all starts with Texas’ largest Mardi Gras celebration and continues with food and beer festivals, beach parties, sandcastle-building contests, and more. Find out more about the annual events in Galveston below and start planning your next trip to this island getaway.

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January - February

Mardi Gras! Galveston

Experience the largest Mardi Gras celebration in Texas! Dating back to 1867, this annual event features colorful parades, lavish balls, spectacular concerts, and family-friendly entertainment. Enjoy all the excitement of Mardi Gras in Galveston's Historic Downtown Entertainment District.

Historic Downtown Galveston
2300 Strand Street
Galveston, TX 77550

 

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April

Galveston Featherfest and Nature Photofest

Galveston's location along a major migratory bird flyway makes it one of the nation's premier birding destinations. Attend workshops, guided field trips, and educational programs during this annual festival celebrating birds, wildlife, and nature photography.

Various Locations
Galveston, TX 77550

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May

Galveston Food & Wine Festival

Celebrate Galveston's culinary scene with world-class chefs, wine and food tastings, local breweries, and a festive 5K run during this popular annual event.

Various Locations
Galveston, TX 77550

 

Galveston Island Beach Revue

Step back into the Roaring Twenties during this nostalgic beachfront celebration featuring beer tastings, a hot rod and classic car show, the famous Bathing Beauties Contest, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Saengerfest Park
2302 The Strand
Galveston, TX 77550

1859 Ashton Villa
2328 Broadway Avenue J
Galveston, TX 77550

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June

AIA Houston Sandcastle Competition

Watch more than 60 talented teams transform the sand at East Beach into incredible works of art during this nationally recognized sandcastle competition. Arrive early to watch the sculptures take shape before the afternoon awards ceremony.

East Beach
1923 Boddeker Road
Galveston, TX 77550

 

Juneteenth Celebration

Commemorate the historic events of June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger announced the end of slavery in Texas. Galveston's celebration includes parades, concerts, educational exhibits, and reenactments honoring this pivotal moment in American history.

Various Locations
Galveston, TX 77550

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July

Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Show

Celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic parade along Seawall Boulevard followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico.

Seawall Boulevard
Galveston, TX 77550

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September

Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival

Held over Labor Day weekend, BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival features more than 400 craft beers from regional and international breweries, delicious food, educational seminars, and live entertainment.

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center
7 Hope Boulevard
Galveston, TX 77554

 

Galveston Island Texas Shrimp Festival

If shrimpin’ is your game, then the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival is for you. Sample award-winning gumbo from dozens of cook-off teams while enjoying a lively parade, live music, family activities, and one of Galveston's favorite culinary celebrations.

Historic Downtown Galveston
Saengerfest Park
2302 The Strand
Galveston, TX 77550

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October

Island Oktoberfest

Celebrate German heritage during this annual Oktoberfest featuring authentic German food, imported beer, polka music, dancing, and family-friendly entertainment.

First Evangelical Lutheran Church
2415 Winnie Street
Galveston, TX 77550

 

ARToberFEST

Browse paintings, jewelry, pottery, and handcrafted works from more than 100 artists while enjoying live music, wine, food vendors, and a farmers market.

Galveston’s Historic Downtown Cultural Arts District
Postoffice Street, between 21st & 23rd Streets
Galveston Island, Texas

Galveston Island Greek Festival

Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, traditional music and dancing, church tours, and vendors selling imported gifts during this annual cultural celebration.

Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church
714 19th Street
Galveston, TX 77550

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November

Lone Star Rally

One of the nation's largest motorcycle rallies brings thousands of riders to Galveston for four days of motorcycle shows, live music, organized rides, vendors, and entertainment throughout the Historic Strand District.

Historic Downtown Galveston
2300 Strand Street
Galveston, TX 77550

 

Winter Wonder Island

Celebrate the holiday season with more than 50 days of festive events, including Dickens on The Strand, Holiday in the Park, Holiday Splash at Schlitterbahn, and the Santa Hustle race weekend.

Various Locations
Galveston, TX 77550

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December

“Ice Land” at Moody Gardens

Explore an incredible indoor winter wonderland featuring more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, giant ice slides, and the Shivers Ice Bar.

Moody Gardens
1 Hope Boulevard
Galveston, TX 77554

 

Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens

Walk through a spectacular one-mile trail featuring more than one million lights and 100 animated displays. Enjoy live entertainment, ice skating, the Arctic Slide, and visits with Santa throughout the holiday season.

Moody Gardens
1 Hope Boulevard
Galveston, TX 77554

 

Dickens on The Strand

Travel back to Victorian England during this beloved holiday festival featuring costumed performers, parades, strolling musicians, live entertainment, shopping, food vendors, and festive family activities throughout Galveston's Historic Downtown.

Historic Downtown Galveston
2300 Strand Street
Galveston, TX 77550