Galveston annual events calendar
The island throws a party most weekends. If you're planning an event here, check this first: big weekends mean full hotels, closed streets downtown and parades on the Seawall. Dates shift a little each year, so confirm with the organizer before you book.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
January
Galveston Restaurant Week
FoodIsland restaurants offer prix-fixe menus for two weeks; a good shoulder-season draw for corporate groups.
Galveston Art Week
ArtsGallery openings, studio tours and ArtWalk along Postoffice Street.
Yaga's Chili Quest & Beer Fest
Food & FestivalChili cook-off, craft beer and live music downtown.
February
Mardi Gras! Galveston
Festival & ParadesTwo weekends of parades, balls and street parties; the third-largest Mardi Gras in the U.S. Downtown and the Seawall fill up, so book venues and hotels early.
March
SpringFest / Galveston Art Walk
Arts & CommunitySpring kickoff downtown with art openings and live music.
Movie Nite, Music Nite & Island Market on the Strand
RecurringFirst, second and third Saturdays, March through September, downtown.
April
FeatherFest Birding & Nature Photo Festival
NatureFour days of guided birding and photography during spring migration.
The Grand Kids Festival
FamilyFree downtown festival for kids and families around the Grand 1894 Opera House.
RailFest: Model Train Rally
FamilyModel train rally at the Galveston Railroad Museum.
Galveston Island Food & Wine Festival
FoodTastings and chef events downtown.
May
Galveston Historic Homes Tour
HistoryGalveston Historical Foundation's two-weekend tour of private historic homes.
Yaga's Wild Game & BBQ Cook-Off
Food & FestivalCook-off and street party downtown benefiting Yaga's Children's Fund.
La Izquierda Surf & Music Festival
MusicSurf culture and live music on the beach.
Galveston Island Beach Revue
FestivalVintage bathing-beauty contest, classic cars and live music on the Seawall (some years in June).
June
Juneteenth Celebrations
CommunityGalveston is the birthplace of Juneteenth; parades, programs and events across the island.
Galveston Steampunk Festival
FestivalCostumed festival downtown.
July
Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks
HolidayParade through downtown and fireworks over the Seawall; the island's busiest summer weekend.
August
Galveston Island Wine Festival
FoodWine tastings and live music at Moody Gardens, around Labor Day.
September
Galveston Sandcastle Festival (AIA Sandcastle)
FestivalArchitecture firms build elaborate sandcastles on East Beach.
Galveston Island Shrimp & Gumbo Festival
Food & FestivalTwo days of shrimp, gumbo, music and a 5K downtown, benefiting Yaga's Children's Fund.
Island Girl Triathlon
SportsWomen's triathlon on the Seawall.
October
ARToberFEST
ArtsJuried fine-art festival on Postoffice Street.
Galveston Island Oktoberfest
FestivalGerman food, beer and music at First Lutheran Church.
Pirate Festival
FestivalPirate-themed festival downtown.
October Haunts: Ghost Tours & Haunted Houses
SeasonalGhost tours of the historic district and seasonal haunts.
November
Lone Star Rally
RallyFour-day motorcycle and car rally; one of the largest in the country. Downtown and the Seawall are packed; hotels sell out months ahead.
Galveston Greek Festival
Food & CommunityFood, music and dancing at Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church.
Holiday in the Gardens & Festival of Lights
HolidayMoody Gardens' mile-long lights trail, ICE LAND and holiday shows, mid-November through early January.
Moody Gardens Festival of Lights opening / Winter Wonderland
HolidayHoliday season kicks off across the island the weekend before Thanksgiving.
December
Dickens on The Strand
Festival & ParadesVictorian street festival the first weekend of December: parades, costumes, carolers and Queen Victoria.
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Family & HolidayAt the Galveston Railroad Museum, mid-November through Christmas.
Holiday with the Cranes
NatureWhooping crane season on the bay; guided outings.
Santa on The Strand & Holiday Lights in the Park
HolidayDowntown holiday events through the month.
New Year's Eve on the Island
HolidayResort galas and parties, including the San Luis Resort's New Year's Eve.
Organize an annual event, or know one we're missing? Claim or add it free, or email book@galvestonphotoboothrentals.com.