This Labor Day Weekend, make the most of the end of the summer season with these adventures, attractions, events, and more!
As we reach the end of summer with school, work, and life resuming, Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 1-4) offers a last gasp to embrace the carefree, long, warm days you can spend at the beach and beyond in Galveston.
Date(s): Sept 1-3, 2023
Location: Moody Gardens
Details: Galveston Island Wine Festival is moving to Moody Gardens in 2023! Chardonnay, Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir. If your taste buds respond to these names, you’re in the right place.
Date: Sept 3, 2023
The Galveston Beach Family Challenge at East Beach consists of 14 Stations that allow family members and friends to compete one-on-one or as a family against another participating family.
Learn how to create spectacular sandcastles with lessons from professional sandcastle builders during Sandcastle Days on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM at East Beach. Registration is not required for the lessons and equipment will be provided on a limited basis. Participants are encouraged to bring their own sand buckets and shovels.
Join the Bucket Brigade in exploring the creatures and features that make Galveston beaches unique. Tours are educational and fun for ocean lovers of all ages. Hands-on activities investigate topics including Galveston’s turbid water, marine debris, seaweed, and more. The beach tours take place at East Beach and are offered on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 2 and 3 and last approximately 45 minutes.
SUP Gulf Coast offers Yoga on the Beach every Saturday at Sunrise with friends from the Yoga Haven. Wake up with the sun surrounded by the sounds of the waves and birds. After Yoga, grab a paddleboard or surfboard and venture out to see the dolphins or enjoy the waves.
Join the jubilant celebrations of Galveston Pride weekend at East Beach and Robert’s Lafitte bar from September 1st to 3rd. Expect a colorful blend of pageantry, parties, and more. The crowning of Mr. and Miss Pride will be among the highlights of the events. For a comprehensive schedule of festivities, check
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, an iconic name in American roots music, will grace the stage of The Grand 1894 Opera House . With a musical journey spanning five decades, the band's eclectic style has left an indelible mark on multiple generations. Experience their legendary tunes and country hits like “Fishin’ in the Dark,” “Mr. Bojangles,” and more. Secure your tickets at
Dive into the oceans of the world to visit one of the largest aquariums in the Southwest. This 1.5-million-gallon aquarium is teeming with creatures from tuxedo-clad penguins, to seals, sharks, an amazing Jellyfish Gallery and thousands of tropical fish and more with new and interactive opportunities all along the way. It's a fun and awe-inspiring experience and is wonderfully complemented with conservation messages that underscore the vital importance of the oceans.
As you enter through a tree-top canopy entrance, you'll visit the rainforests of Asia, Africa and the Americas in a rare, up-close and interactive adventure with over 1,700 exotic plants and endangered animals that range from Giant Amazon River Otters to an ocelot, Komodo dragons and other reptiles. Saki monkeys, Cotton-top tamarins, and sloths roam freely while an array of birds fly between the trees as you walk the trails through the spacious enclosure!
Moody Gardens is wrapping up a summer of fun with one of the last days to enjoy Palm Beach being Monday, September 4th (Labor Day). Until then, guests can still enjoy the white sand beach on weekends from 9AM to 6PM. Hotel guests and Moody Gardens members receive discounted tickets to Palm Beach.
Immerse yourself as this amazing giant-screen 4k 6-primary laser projection system, state-of-the-art surround sound and the largest screens in Texas provide one the best 3D viewing experiences in the world. The possibilities are endless at Moody Gardens!
Climb aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat at Moody Gardens! Enjoy beautiful views of Offats Bayou, plus a Texas BBQ dinner featuring:
The Labor Day Weekend Dinner Cruise boards at 6PM, and disembarks at 7PM.
The heartbeat of the island can be found in its downtown. Home to official designations including the Strand Historic District, the Downtown Cultural Arts District and the Historic Strand Seaport area, here you’ll find historic architecture, family attractions, locally-owned restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, performance venues and more. Be sure to stroll along Postoffice Street home to The Grand 1894 Opera House and a collection of art galleries and antique shops. An active port lies nearby, just across Harborside Drive. Here, fishing boats make their way to sea at dawn to bring their fresh hauls to island restaurants.
When: Sunday, September 3, 2023
Galveston's Own Farmers Market (GOFM) brings locally-grown produce, prepared foods, and edible farm products to residents of Galveston and the surrounding areas to provide a direct connection to vendors creating and growing fresh whole foods.GOFM strives to foster a greater sense of community by supporting local Texas farmers and producers and connecting individuals with their local food economy.
On September 13, 2008. Hurricane Ike covered most of Galveston Island in a tidal surge. The damage uprooted many of the city's trees and ultimately led to the demise of thousands. Where many saw dead trees and waste after the storm, artists saw an opportunity to showcase signs of rejuvenation.
If you haven’t been to Galveston lately, now is the perfect time to experience some of the island's unique attractions – at a price you can't refuse. The Galveston Island Pass is your key to adventure and savings while exploring the numerous attractions that make Galveston so special.
The Galveston Island Pass is sold exclusively here at GalvestonIslandPass.com. Select four or more participating attractions and save 40% off the retail price. Passes are valid 30 days after purchase.
Where the Texas Coast begins.
Author
Visit Galveston
Visit Galveston is the official destination marketing organization for Galveston Island, Texas.
