The fall season brings what many consider the best weather of the year on Galveston Island, and many outdoor events and festivals come as an added perk.
From September to November, the island’s calendar will be filled with festivals and events that are sure to entertain!
pictured: Lone Star Rally
Date(s): Oct 25-26, 2024
It's not October without an Oktoberfest! Island Oktoberfest will “oompah” back in Galveston, celebrating German heritage with a full weekend of food, and drinks – expect to see a lot of beer steins -- live performances, games and special activities. The festival will take place at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Galveston and will feature an expanded entertainment lineup. Admission to Oktoberfest is free and attendees are encouraged to dress in traditional German costumes.
Date(s): Oct 26, 2024
She's come a long way in her 147 years! The Official Tall Ship of Texas, the 1877 ELISSA annual birthday party, returns to our Galveston Historic Seaport. Your ticket includes complimentary craft beer courtesy of Saint Arnold Brewing, food, custom birthday cake, live music from Houston's Buxton, and a shipload more from us at #GalvestonHistory. To sweeten the celebration, one lucky attendee will win a spot to sail onboard ELISSA in April 2025!
Date(s): October 31 - November 3, 2024
With juried bike shows, truck, jeep & classic car shows and free concerts on two stages, this year’s Lone Star Rally will be jam-packed with entertainment for all ages, day and night, all weekend long.
This year’s rally will once again present more than 40 free musical performances in genres from classic rock and adult contemporary to rockin’ country on two sound stages – the main stage at Saengerfest Park downtown, and a second at Beach Central Park in front of the Hotel Galvez. Houston area day-trippers are encouraged to come out and enjoy all the free, non-stop entertainment.
Date(s): Oct 26, 2024
Get ready for a spook-tacular Halloween experience like no other on Galveston Island! On October 26th, Galveston Island will transform into a haven of spooky fun for all ages with the Island Boo Fest. From trick-or-treating to a mystical parade, this free event is packed with activities that promise to entertain the entire family. Whether you're a fan of costumed parades, food and drink pairings, or unique market finds, Boo Fest has something for everyone!
Date(s): Oct 26, 2024
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council #151 will be hosting a Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Fall Fiesta on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM near the Old County Courthouse at 722 21st Street. This family-friendly event is a celebration of life and death and will feature traditional dishes, the creation of altars to remember the dead.
Date: October 27, 2024
Halloween Spooktacular will have decorated candy stations for trick-or-treating around the Museum grounds. In addition, there will be a scavenger hunt, spooky stories in the gazebo, fall crafts, outdoor games, ghost hunt in the garden, a walking costume parade, and special photo spaces.
Date: Every Saturday, September 14th – October 26th
This fall, Spooky Galveston and the Galveston Naval Museum are teaming up to bring an unforgettable and spine-chilling experience to Galveston with the Haunted Tales Tour. Every Saturday from September 14th through October 26th, visitors will embark on a thrilling journey through the haunted corridors of two historic naval vessels, blending maritime history with eerie tales of ghostly encounters.
Discover the spooky side of Galveston with guided ghost tours that explore the island's haunted history. From eerie mansions to chilling cemeteries, you'll hear spine-tingling tales of paranormal activity and learn about the island's rich past filled with mysteries and legends. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, these tours offer a thrilling experience you won’t forget!
Date(s): September 21-22, 2024
Galveston Sandcastle Festival is a music, food and family festival hosted on East Beach in Galveston, TX, centered around the AIA Houston Sandcastle Competition.
Expect a fun, family friendly atmosphere and an amazing Sandcastle competition showcasing local music, food, art and small businesses from Galveston and the Houston area.
The AIA Sandcastle competition takes place on Saturday, Sept 21st, and the fest goes through Sunday, Sept 22nd with a Sunday Brunch, live music, and activities for the whole fam.
Date(s): September 21, 2024
Join us in celebrating Texian Navy Day 2024 with a spectacular boat parade at Pier 21! The event honors Texas' proud maritime history and the role of the Texian Navy in defending our coast from 1835 to the present day. The boat parade will feature a contest for the best-decorated boat, making this a fun and exciting event for both participants and spectators alike.
Date(s): September 28, 2024
The Galveston Island Shrimp Festival is one of the top events to kick off the Galveston Island festival season. Held downtown at Saengerfest Park, the event is a seafood lover’s paradise. Yaga’s Entertainment Inc. puts on this festival that will bring foodies a little taste of heaven.
Featuring some of the best shrimp gumbo the Gulf Coast has to offer, this festival also features a seafood cook-off, gumbo tasting, L’il Shrimps Parade, live music, a children’s area and a Strand merchant walkabout.
Where the Texas Coast begins.
Author
Visit Galveston
Visit Galveston is the official destination marketing organization for Galveston Island, Texas.
