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is Beauty Is More an Skin Deep
Magni cent on the outside . . . You must see inside!
e 1895 Moody Mansion is lovingly restored, revealing to explore, and open daily for tours.
Historic Galveston’s Legendary Lodging
The Tremont House has long been the lodging of choice for Galveston visitors. Located in the historic Strand district, it is within walking distance of a wide array of shops, restaurants, museums and galleries. The hotel is a romantic retreat and home of The Rooftop Bar, Galveston’s only open-air rooftop lounge.
Create new memories and make your reservation online or by phone today!
JULY 4 TH PARADE & FIREWORKS
DATE: July 4
WHERE: Seawall Boulevard from 59th to 22nd streets
ADMISSION: Free
From fireworks over the beach to a traditional hometown parade, Galveston knows how to do Independence Day. The Island will celebrate with its annual July 4th parade featuring a procession of floats, decorated military vehicles and performers.
Special Events April 2023 - October 2023
GALVESTON STEAMPUNK FESTIVAL
DATE: April 1-2
TIME: Varies
WHERE: Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Place
ADMISSION: Day passes for children are $15 and $35 for adults
Visitors can experience machines, performances, music, costumes, lectures and more. Held at the Galveston Railroad Museum, the event will hearken back to a time inspired by 19th century industrial steam-powered machinery.
MEMORIAL HERMANN IRONMAN 70 . 3
DATE: April 2
TIME: Varies
WHERE: Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd.
ADMISSION: Free for spectators
The race will begin with a 1.2-mile saltwater swim in Offats Bayou followed by a 56-mile bike course along the Gulf Coast and a 13.1-mile run that will lead athletes to the finish line at Moody Gardens’ Discovery Pyramid.
TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE
DATE: April 13-16
TIME: Varies
WHERE: Galveston Harborside
ADMISSION: Adult tickets start at $15
The festival will feature five visiting ships along with Galveston’s own 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, the Official Tall Ship of Texas, with an exciting Parade of Sail in the Gulf along Seawall Boulevard on the afternoon of April 13.
The Grand Kids Festival
DATE: April 29
TIME: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WHERE: Postoffice Street from 20th to 23rd streets
ADMISSION: Free
Hosted by The Grand 1894 Opera House, the Grand Kids Festival introduces children and families to the arts. This year’s festival marks its 27th anniversary and features three blocks of activities, entertainment areas and vendor booths.
Galveston Island Rail Fest
DATE: April 29-30
TIME: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WHERE: Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Place
ADMISSION: Adults $20, students 16 and under $15, 4 and under free, strollers welcome, Harborside Express Train Rides $8 per person
FEATHERFEST & NATURE PHOTO
FESTIVAL
DATE: April 20-23
TIME: Varies
WHERE: Locations vary
ADMISSION: Prices vary
As one of the nation’s top locations for birding, Galveston Island will host the 21st annual FeatherFest, one of the largest birding festivals in Texas. FeatherFest is held during the spring bird migration—the best time to visit world-renowned birding hot spots of Bolivar Flats and High Island.
Plan to be at the Galveston Railroad Museum as model train collectors and enthusiasts display their train sets. Larger than you can imagine, these spectacular displays come with all the bells and whistles.
49 Th Annual Historic Homes Tour
DATE: May 6-7 & 13-14
TIME: Varies
WHERE: Locations vary
ADMISSION: $35-$40
Rich in history and standing as a testament to survival, the Galveston Historic Homes Tour features numerous historical and architecturally significant homes located throughout the Island’s vibrant historic neighborhoods.
YAGA’ S WILD GAME & BBQ COOK - OFF
DATE: May 12-13
TIME: Varies
WHERE: Pier 21
ADMISSION: Free
Calling all backyard chefs, sportsmen and women, and outdoor enthusiasts: Come show off your culinary skills.
Benefiting the Yaga’s Children’s Fund, the event will feature a wild game cookoff, live entertainment, silent auction, “Run Wild 5K” and children’s activities.
WORLD OCEAN DAY
DATE: June 10
TIME: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: East Beach Park
ADMISSION: Free
World Ocean Day has been celebrated internationally since 2002. Here in Galveston, enjoy kayaking, interpretive beach tours and interactive exhibits hosted by eco-friendly businesses including Moody Gardens, Turtle Island Restoration Network and the Galveston Arts Center.
Juneteenth Celebrations
DATE: June 15-19
TIME: Varies
ADMISSION: Prices vary
Juneteenth originated in Galveston. This year’s festivities will include picnics, African American heritage exhibits, re-enactments and concerts. The annual reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in front of the official Juneteenth monument will take place June 19 to commemorate June 19, 1865—the date the last slaves were freed in the South.
HOTTER THAN HELL BIRDING COMPETITION
DATE: June 25-26
TIME: Noon Sunday to noon Monday
WHERE: Locations vary
ADMISSION: $100 per team
This semi-competitive race is to see which team can identify the most bird species in Galveston County in 24 hours. Teams consist of three to five members and participants help build citizen science data during one of the least birded times of the year.
MOODY GARDENS AIR, CAR AND BOAT SHOW
DATE: Aug. 11-13
TIME: Varies
WHERE: Moody Gardens marina, convention center and expo hall
ADMISSION: Prices vary
Daytime and evening performances will loop, roll and scream through the air with this unique air show that will range from the glory of the P-63 King Cobra and DH-115 Vampire to the Ghostwriter pyrotechnics show planes with daredevil pilots sending off fireworks trails to light up the night sky.
Where Elegance Meets Historic
The Adams League Mansion o ers eight distinct bedroom suites that have been renovated and adorned with sophisticated Victorian elegance. Whether you want to host a party, wedding, family reunion, or other event, the Adams League Mansion can provide you with the accommodations you need.
Aia Sandcastle Competition
DATE: August 12-13
TIME: Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday all day
WHERE: East Beach
ADMISSION: Free
For the 36th year, members of the Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects will hit the sand and build for five intense hours as they fight to maintain the structural integrity of their sculptures. The competition is considered one of the world’s largest amateur sandcastle competitions and draws thousands of spectators to watch teams vie for the coveted Golden Bucket Award.
Galveston Esports Summit
DATE: August 25-27
TIME: Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WHERE: Convention Center at the San Luis Resort, 5600 Seawall Boulevard
ADMISSION: Prices vary
Attendees have the opportunity to look, learn and participate in the fastestgrowing entertainment industry in the world. Visitors can participate in panel presentations and experience hands-on opportunities including virtual reality, new games and technology.
ISLAND RIDE OUT AND BIKE EXPO
DATE: Aug. 25-27
TIME: Varies
WHERE: Moody Gardens
ADMISSION: Prices vary
This 18-mile ride is the main event, featuring the latest gear and presentations by pros. Cyclists can choose from several of the Explore on Your Own tours, check out the Bike Pub Crawl, Reserved Back Alley Bicycler Zone and a Saturday Night Palm Beach Party with fireworks for Rideout participants and hotel guests.
GALVESTON ISLAND WILD TEXAS
SHRIMP FESTIVAL
DATE: Sept. 23-24
TIME: Varies
WHERE: Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand Street
ADMISSION: Prices vary
Entertainment Inc. will bring foodies a little taste of heaven by featuring some of the best shrimp gumbo the Gulf Coast has to offer. This year’s festival features seafood cook-off, gumbo tasting, L’il Shrimps Parade, live music, a children’s area and a Strand merchant walkabout.
GALVESTON GREEK FESTIVAL
DATE: October 7-8
Time: Saturday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday 12-5 p.m.
WHERE: Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 714 19th Street ADMISSION: Free
Two full days of Opa! and YaSou!, the event features authentic food prepared on site, Greek wines, Greek beer, bouzouki, Greek DJ, dancing, vendors, gifts and tours of the Church. Souvenirs and merchandise from Greece are hand selected for the Galveston Greek Festival.
ARTOBERFEST
DATE: Oct. 21-22
TIME: Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WHERE: Postoffice Street
ADMISSION: $5
The 26th annual ARToberFEST in downtown Galveston is a juried fine art festival that will feature various artists, food and live music on Postoffice Street amid Galveston’s Victorian architecture, art galleries and shops.
BIKE AROUND THE BAY
DATE: October 21-22
TIME: Sunrise
WHERE: Baytown
ADMISSION: Varies
Riders are given the option to participate in the full Bike Around the Bay two-day route from Baytown to Galveston and back or can select to ride one day. There is also a separate oneday ride on Galveston Island that starts at Moody Gardens.
HARVEST MOON REGATTA
DATE: October 26
TIME: Boats line up at noon, race starts at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Spectators can line up along the seawall from the Pleasure Pier westward
ADMISSION: Free
This annual sailboat race from Galveston to Port Aransas will be celebrating its 36th year. Spectators can watch the start of the race as it sails past the iconic Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.
Island Oktoberfest
DATE: Oct. 27-28
TIME: Varies
WHERE: First Lutheran Church, 2415 Winnie Street, Galveston
ADMISSION: Free
Island Oktoberfest will “oompah” back to Galveston for its 41st year, celebrating German heritage with a full weekend of food, drinks, live performances, games and special activities. Attendees are encouraged to dress in traditional German costumes.
“ GHOSTLY GALVESTON ” FESTIVITIES
DATE: October 2023
TIME: Varies
WHERE: Locations vary
ADMISSION: Prices vary
The place of the deadliest storm in U.S. history, Galveston Island is a popular destination for “haunted” exploration. From a 112-year-old “haunted” hotel to Galveston’s storied harbor, cemeteries and Victorian mansions, there are numerous ghost tours to be explored throughout October.
There’s always action on the Island. Go to visitgalveston.com / events for a full list of happenings, dates, prices and times, as well as new events and cancellations.
