Galveston Island offers a variety of events throught the year for everyone to enjoy.
For a complete list of events and details visit www.galveston.com
Here is a list of the years most popular events.
Mardi Gras! Galveston Date: February 13 – February 24, 2009 For more information: www.mardigrasgalveston.com ; 1-888-GAL-ISLE
Description: For 12 days and 11 nights, Galveston Island is overtaken by spectacular parades, elaborate masked balls, and flamboyant costumes
ArtWalk Date: every six weeks Time: 6p.m.-9p.m. Location: Galveston ’s Historic Downtown District. For more information: http://www.galvestonartscenter.org/ ; 409-763-2403
Description: ArtWalk is Galveston ’s free evening in celebration of the visual arts. Galleries, restaurants and other businesses open their doors to host artists from all over the world and welcome visitors. Most locations are within walking distance in Galveston ’s charming Historic Downtown District, although the popular event has now expanded to other locations on the island.
FeatherFest Date: First weekend in April Location: Old Galveston Square , 2200 Strand. For more information: www.galvestonfeatherfest.com , vollernature@houston.rr.com , or call 409-392-0841.
Description: Three and one half days of seminars, workshops and field trips with a focus on Birding during the Spring bird migration season, led by experts. Plus three social evenings, a keynote dinner, a Birders Bazaar and Birders Café. Highly rated in all prior years. For details keep watching the website which is hosted by www.galveston.com
Grand Kids Festival Date: April Time: 10a.m.-5p.m. Location: The Grand 1894 Opera House Ticket Price: Advance $1.50 Adults; $1.00 Children; Day of event: $3.00 Adults; $2.00 Children For more information: www.thegrand.com ; 800-821-1894
Description: A celebration of folk art and fun. Three blocks of fun in historic downtown Galveston !
Annual Spirit of Flight Air show Date: Last weekend in April Time: 9a.m.-4p.m. Location: The Lone Star Flight Museum ; 2002 Terminal Drive For more information: www.lonestarflight.org ; 888-FLIGHT-8
Description: Experience the power and heart-pounding action of historic war birds, current military jets and top aerobatic performers in action at the Spirit of Flight Air show.
Annual Historic Homes Tour Date: First two weekend in May Time: Saturday: 10a.m.-6p.m.; Sunday: Noon-6:00p.m. Ticket Price: Advance: $20.00/ $15.00 for groups of 20 or more; Day of event: $25.00 For more information: www.galvestonhistory.org ; 409-765-7834
Description: Magnificent architecture, creative home décor and intriguing history stories await you through the doors of Galveston Island ’s oldest homes. Ten houses dating from 1839 to 1912 are on view for special tours.
Annual AIA Sandcastle Competition Date: May 31, 2008 Time: 10a.m.-5p.m. Location: East Beach , 1923 Boddeker Dr . Parking Fee: $10.00 For more information: www.aiasandcastle.com ; 713-520-0155
Description: The Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects hosts this annual competition where over 80 teams that consist of Houston area architects, designers, engineers, and contractors compete with their sand sculpting tools. Ranked in the New York #1 bestseller “1000 Things You Should See Before You Die” by Patricia Shultz, the AIA Sandcastle Competition should not be missed.
Juneteenth Date: June 7-19, 2008 For more information: www.galveston.com ; 409-744-1491
Description: The Galveston Island Juneteenth Coalition coordinates a week long celebration to highlight the history of Juneteenth and Galveston Island . Activities include a Jubilee parade, a picnic, prayer services, musicals, banquets and educational exhibits and demonstrations.
4th of July Parade and Fireworks: Friday July 4th 10a.m. Location: Parade is held in historic downtown Strand distric, parade begins at the Railroad Museum on Strand and continues onto Postoffice. Fireworks are at 37th and Seawall Blvd. at 9:30p.m.
Description: Celebrate Independance Day by being part of the parade. You, your family and friends can join in the parade on your favorite mode of transportation, be it roller skates, bikes, or even golf carts. Free hot dogs and lemonade is given out at the end of the parade when the party begins at the Galveston Railroad Museum. For more information visit www.galveston.com.
Galveston Island Mullet Toss Date: July 26, 2008 Time: 11a.m. – 6p.m. Location: East Beach , 1923 Boddeker Dr . For more information: www.galveston.com ; 1-888-GAL-ISLE
Description: Galveston ’s Mullet Toss is a full day of fun and sun on the beach, with competitors tossing a one pound mullet from a 10 ft. circle for the chance to win great prizes and bragging rights for the year. The party keeps going between tossing rounds with fantastic live entertainment and a homemade bikini contest! Portions of each mullet toss entry fee will be donated to local charities.
ARToberFEST Date: October 25-26, 2008 Time: Saturday: 10a.m.-6p.m.; Sunday: 10a.m. to 5p.m. Location: 21 st and 23 rd and Postoffice Street Admission: $3.00 for Adults; Children 12 and under FREE For more information: www.artoberfest.com
Description: Galveston 's premier art event! The Island 's hospitality and the relaxed atmosphere provide a beautiful setting in which to enjoy the wide variety of original art in all media.
Lone Star Motorcycle Rally Date: October 30 – November 2, 2008 Location: Historic Downtown District For more information: www.lonestarrally.com ; 281-597-8800
Description: Come down to Galveston Island as more than 400,000 motorcyclists descend on Galveston for a weekend of showcasing some of the finest machines known to man. This year’s theme is Pirates and Halloween.
7 th Annual Moody Gardens Festival of Lights Date: November 16, 2008- January 5, 2009 Tickets: $5.95 Location: Moody Gardens , One Hope Blvd. For more information: www.moodygardens.com ; 800-582-4673
Description: Brighten up your holiday season with a lighted tour of Moody Gardens
35 th Annual Dickens on the Strand Date: December 6-7, 2008 Time: Saturday: 10a.m.-9p.m. Sunday: 10a.m.-6p.m. Ticket: $10 in advance and $12 at the gate. Tickets for children 7 to 12 are $4 in advance and $6 at the gate. Children six years and younger and participants dressed in full Victorian costume will be admitted FREE! Location: Historic Downtown District For more information: www.dickensonthestrand.org ; 409-765-7834
Description: A holiday festival, where bobbies, Beefeaters and the Queen herself will be on hand to recreate the Victorian London of Charles Dickens.
