Festivals & Events

Surfing for Fun? Galveston's Got it!

Even though Galveston’s relaxed island atmosphere is only 50 minutes from Houston, it’s a world away in spirit. Known as the Playground of the South, Galveston offers something enjoyable to do each and every day of the year. Whether you like to tap your toes to live music, marvel at a touring Broadway show, take in an unforgettable kayak adventure, or time travel back to Dickens-era London, Galveston has you covered. And the place to begin creating those memories that’ll last a lifetime is right here.

Year at a Glance

Thinking of getting away for some Island Time? Here’s a quick overview of some of the bigger events this year you’ll wanna add to your itinerary!

Upcoming Events Calendar

Heading south for some Island Time soon? Check out this comprehensive guide to Galveston Island events and let the good times begin!

Galveston Island Bucket List Events

Galveston Restaurant Week

Galveston is home of the finest Gulf Coast seafood and some of Texas’s most delectable restaurants. And visitors to Galveston Restaurant Week, returning January 16-31, 2021, will enjoy these delightful eateries for prix-fixe lunch and/or dinner menus – at attractive price points you’re sure to savor!

Mardi Gras! Galveston

Mardi Gras! Galveston, the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, offers the unique chance to experience sand between your toes and gorgeous beach sunsets while taking in the revelry and lavish parades known to dominate Galveston Island during carnival season. Don’t miss it, February 5-16, 2021!

Galveston FeatherFest

Galveston Nature Tourism Council presents FeatherFest, the Island’s annual birding and nature photography festival held in April during spring migration. Mark your calendar now to attend the largest birding festival on the Upper Texas Coast, and the only one with a dedicated nature photography track.

ARToberFEST

Each October, The Grand 1894 Opera House hosts ARToberFEST, Galveston’s premier juried fine arts festival, featuring over 100 artists, food, and fun in an historic setting.

Island Oktoberfest

Held each October, Island Oktoberfest is a fun, family weekend featuring live entertainment, authentic German food & libations, arts, crafts, children’s activities, and more.

Historic Homes Tour

Galveston Historical Foundation opens the doors to Galveston’s architectural history through public tours of privately owned homes during its annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour held each May.

Lone Star Rally

Gas up the hog and get ready to rumble, cause the Lone Star Rally returns to the Island each autumn with thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts, and four days of entertainment and revelry.

Dickens on The Strand

For almost 50 years, Galveston Historical Foundation’s Dickens on The Strand festival has highlighted downtown Galveston’s Victorian-era architecture while providing a one-of-a-kind holiday destination filled with the sights and sounds of Charles Dickens’s work.

Holiday in the Gardens

As the largest holiday destination in the Southwest, Moody Gardens offers more holiday attractions, activities, festive fun, dining and hotel packages than you can imagine.

Coronavirus Updates

INFORMATION >>

Here on Galveston Island, our top priority is the safety, health, and wellbeing of our community, its residents, and visitors. We understand the concern and uncertainty you may be experiencing surrounding COVID-19 and are committed to being responsive to your needs and those of all our guests as the situation evolves.