Can't-Miss Island Events

Mark your calendars for these can’t-miss island events. We’ve outlined a few of our favorites and listed the most popular events among locals and visitors alike. Feel free to call us at the Inn for specific dates, times, and additional information on any one of these exciting annual festivities.

little boy looking in a window while shopping with his parents during christmas

Winter Wonder Island Events

November - January

Winter Wonder Island is jam packed with holiday events this season! From the Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens, to a new featured event, the Polar Express train ride, you will be sure to get in the holiday spirit! 

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a group of dancers during a greek festival doing a traditional greek dance

Greek Festival

October 12 - October 13

Join in on the cultural fun during the 36th annual Greek Festival in Galveston, TX! From October 12th, 11am-8pm and October 13th, 12pm-6pm, you'll be knee deep in baklava and saying "opa!" while you dance to authentic Greek music!

an art festival with a man in his own section showcasing his art to the public outside

ART-oberfest

October 19 - October 20

Th streets will be filled with color and magic during the 22nd annual ART-Oberfest, Fine Arts festival! Walk through the historic downtown postoffice street and enjoy the art, music and entertainment and find yourself getting lost in the magic and captivation of each artists story being told by their art work.

a family smiling and in the street during the Oktoberfest celebration, dressed up in German outfits and drinking beer

The Island Oktoberfest

October 25 - October 27

The 35th annual Oktoberfest on Galveston Island will officially begin on Friday, October 25th! Dress in your best German inspired costume as you drink German beer and cheers to a good time! Enjoy endless bratwurst and music as you celebrate all things German! 

a graveyard during the sunset that looks spooky with fog

Ghost & Historic Tours

Ongoing

Take a ride to the most haunted and historic locations in Galveston TX! Hear the tales of iconic hauntings that took place and visit areas that are enriched in authentic history. Gear up for Galveston paranormal adventure. 

Exterior shot of a red four story building

Art Walks

Ongoing

Taking place every six weeks in the Gallery District, the Galveston ArtWalk supports the local art community by showcasing original exhibits in both art galleries and alternative venues such as nearby boutiques and neighboring cafes. Discover new places to browse, buy, and learn more about art as you explore a historic neighborhood and mingle with other creative types.

Corner view of vintage building

Haunted Galveston

Ongoing

Come nightfall, peek into a more ‘chilling’ side of the island, if you dare! Tour a creaky Victorian mansion with a dark past or a haunted harbour with lingering ghosts. The spooky sights and scary stories are guaranteed to leave you with goosebumps!

Close up of four festive Mardi Gras masks

Mardi Gras

February

If you’re looking for a wild time, grab some beads and hit the beach for Mardi Gras! Galveston, the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, boasting elaborate parades, headliner performances, food, and other family-focused festivities.

Two birds with pink feathers standing in a body of water

FeatherFest

April

Join bird watchers, nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts as thousands of birds take flight from the island each spring during their migration from the Gulf Coast to Central and South America. FeatherFest is the perfect opportunity to see over 2000 species along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail and enjoy 4 days of field trips followed by delightful evening social events and activities.

Four people in dive suits and swimming head gear running on the shore of the ocean

Lone Star Ironman Triathlon

April

The Memorial Hermann IRONMAN 70.3 takes place at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, on Galveston Island, and offers athletes qualifying slots to the IRONMAN World Championship each year. Come cheer on participants as they complete a 1.2-mile saltwater swim in Offats Bayou, a 56-mile bike along the Texas Gulf Coast and a 13.1-mile run through Moody Gardens.

View of front porches of historical homes

Historical Homes Tour

May

Embrace the beauty of the island’s privately owned homes during the annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour. The Galveston Historical Foundation opens its doors to feature homes of all sizes, large and small, where people can dive into Galveston’s architectural history and enjoy lite bites and drinks around town.

a casual band with a series of instruments performing on the beach

Bands on the Sands

June - August

Enjoy this popular summer concert series with fireworks on Friday and Saturday nights. Featuring local and regional bands ranging from R&B, rock, country, and blues, families can rock out as they float in the lazy river or hang out on the Island's only white sand beach.

  • 6-10 P.M.
  • June 7 - August 10
  • Friday and Saturday Nights
  • Admission: $24.95 for Adults, $19.95 for Children 

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Enjoy this popular summer concert series with fireworks on Friday and Saturday nights. Featuring local and regional bands ranging from R&B, rock, country, and blues, families can rock out as they float in the lazy river or hang out on the Island's only white sand beach.

  • 6-10 P.M.
  • June 7 - August 10
  • Friday and Saturday Nights
  • Admission: $24.95 for Adults, $19.95 for Children 

Learn More

Happy family enjoying the sunset and fireworks on the beach

Galveston 4th of July Parade

July 4th

Celebrate Independence Day with your fellow proud American's like it's 1776! Come down to 59th street between ave T1/2 and Maco for a fun filled parade honoring the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

Learn more | Check out what to expect!

Child playing in fall leaves

Exciting Fall Happenings

October

So many fun events take place this fall in Galveston. Check out the city’s thriving arts community during ArtWalk, October 13. The lively Greek Festival, October 13 and 14, brings together tasty Greek food as well as jewelry, artwork and more. ARToberFEST spotlights hundreds of artists. And raise your beer stein during Oktoberfest, October 26 and 27.

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Three kids in halloween costumes

Moody Gardens Halloween

October 28

Moody Gardens turns into Ghostly Gardens October 28. Bring the family for trick-or-treating and other fun activities, including face-painting, a kids’ costume contest and more. Grown-ups, don’t miss the Night of Terror Film Festival, happening on two consecutive Saturdays, October 20 and 27 and featuring some of the scariest horror movies ever made. Boo!

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Large group of motorcycles lined up

Lone Star Motorcycle Rally

November

Lone Star Rally cruises into the island each November for a weekend of jam packed entertainment for all ages. With juried bike, truck, jeep and classic car shows - and free concerts on two stages -there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.

happy family enjoying christmas

Winter Wonder Island

Galveston has over 50 fun-filled events for the holiday season between November and January. It's no wonder it has been dubbed the Winter Wonder Island! 

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Mother and daughter in sweaters at night with sparkler in hand

Holidays at Moody Gardens

November - December

You can’t help but get into the holiday spirit at Moody Gardens, where fun activities and attractions abound, something for the whole family. Take in a holiday 3D film, glide across an ice skating rink, whoosh down an arctic slide, and pose for photos with Santa. Plus enjoy live entertainment, great food and so much more.

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festival of lights

Festival of Lights

November 11 - January 7, opens at 6:00 p.m.

Brighten up the holidays with a tradition for families and groups alike. A mile-long trail with more than one million lights and lighted scenes take you around the Moody Gardens property with spectacular views  Galveston Bay. Enjoy the area’s only outdoor skating rink, concession areas with hot chocolate and festive food, holiday buffets, live entertainment and more.

lantern and lights

Lantern & Lights

November 25 - January 2

No trip to Galveston Island is complete without visiting the Historic Downtown, Strand & Seaport. Once known as the "Wall Street of the Southwest", Galveston's famed avenue, The Strand, anchors the historic downtown. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark for its outstanding collection of 19th century architecture, today The Strand is the heart of a vibrant downtown and waterfront offering shopping, dining, museums, entertainment, accommodations and nightlife. Wear your walking shoes, because the 70+block historic downtown has much more to offer beyond The Strand, and it's all within walking distance!

Group of four people dressed in Victorian-inspired outfits

Dickens on The Strand

December

For over 40 years, Galveston’s world-famous festival has been held at The Strand National Historic Landmark District. Based on 19th-century Victorian London, it features parades, non-stop entertainment on six stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, and a host of costumed vendors peddling wares from street stalls and rolling carts - overflowing with holiday food and drink.

Performing arts theater

Holiday Performances

December

The holidays are full of live entertainment and special performances at The Grand 1894 Opera House. Broadway musicals, iconic stars, stand up comedy and lots of live music help to ring in the season each year.  

Large group of people dressed as Santa Claus

Santa Sightings

December

Throughout the Merry month of December, visitors can spot Santa surfing at Schlitterbahn, taking pictures at The Strand, riding aboard a train at the Railroad Museum and racing along the beachfront with 4,000 others during the Santa Hustle Half Marathon.

Moody Garden Pyramids lit up at night

Moody Gardens Festival of Lights

December

Start a new family tradition of exploring the island each holiday season. With close proximity to Galveston's premier seasonal celebrations, the Inn makes for the perfect winter escape! Enjoy ice sculptures, ice skating, snow tubing, train rides and photos with Santa Claus himself at the Moody Gardens Festival of Lights among other events taking place across the island each December.