Annual Events

Get in on Galveston's annual celebrations.

Throughout the year, our creative and festive community comes together in celebration - and it can really draw a crowd! Here are some of our favorite annual events in Galveston that you're sure to love.

Upcoming Events

Pictured: Galveston Island Wine Festival

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Spring Events

FeatherFest Birding and Nature Photography Festival

FeatherFest is an annual birding and nature photography festival held during spring migration in Galveston. This birding and nature photography festival is the perfect time for birders and people who just enjoy being outside to visit Galveston. Join us for a full week of birding, workshops, field trips and social events.

The Grand Kids Festival

Presented by The Grand 1894 Opera House, The Grand Kids Festival is an avenue to introduce children and their families to the performing, visual and folk arts. Visitors can look forward to exciting entertainment, a variety of fun, family-friendly activities and live performances.

RailFest: Model Train Rally

Don’t miss this one of a kind annual model train rally where collectors and enthusiasts show their model train sets. Larger than you can imagine these spectacular displays come with all the bells and whistles.

May 2—4 & 9—11

Historic Homes Tour

Come explore the beautiful nineteenth-century mansions and homes that have preserved Galveston’s architectural legacy. The 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.

Yaga’s Wild Game & BBQ Cook-Off

The Annual World Wild Game Championship and BBQ Cook-off, benefiting the Yagas Childrens Fund Inc. is an excellent way for backyard chefs, sportsmen and women, and outdoor enthusiasts to show off their culinary skills and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun, fellowship and food.

Summer Events

Galveston Island Revue Weekend

The Galveston Island Revue Weekend features classic cars, vintage vendors, live music, and the crowd-favorite Bathing Beauties contest.

Juneteenth Celebrations

June 19th, otherwise known as Juneteenth, has a deep, historic connection to Galveston Island. Officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, this day has been recognized and celebrated on the island for decades with dedications, walks, festivals and more.

July 4th Festivities

Nothing says "summer on Galveston Island" better than the 4th of July! Join us for our annual Independence Day celebrations that feature parades, shows and more.

Galveston Island Wine Festival

Chardonnay, Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir. If your taste buds respond to these names, you’re in the right place — the Galveston Wine Festival. This special festival showcases an amazing array of wines and live music around the island.

Fall Events

September 13—14

Galveston Sandcastle Festival

The Galveston Sandcastle Festival is a family-friendly event on East Beach, TX, centered around the AIA Houston Sandcastle Competition. Enjoy local music, food, art, and an amazing sandcastle competition showcasing small businesses from Galveston and Houston.

September 26—27

Galveston Island Shrimp Festival

The Galveston Island Shrimp Festival is a celebration of Galveston's great wild seafood and island lifestyle. The event features shrimp gumbo tasting, gumbo cookoff, an official 5K and more!

Artful, interesting and activity-oriented — that’s Galveston’s ARToberFEST. It’s the island's premier juried art festival, showcasing the works of over 120 U.S. artists and presented by The Grand 1894 Opera House.

October 24—25

Island Oktoberfest

Island Oktoberfest features live entertainment, shopping, a live auction, and assorted children’s activities. Come dressed in your finest German attire, witness the historic tapping of the keg, and delight in some authentic German food and drink!

Lone Star Motorcycle Rally

Bikers and enthusiasts alike converged on Galveston every November for the famous Lone Star Rally, which offers four days of fun in the sun by the Gulf's sparkling waters. The event brings together some 400,000 people and an estimated 150,000 motorcycles each year, making it North America's largest four-day bike rally.

Winter Events

November TBD — January TBD

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. Attractions feature the Festival of Lights, 4D & 3D Holiday Films, an Arctic Slide and more!

December 5—7, 2025

Dickens on The Strand

Dickens on The Strand is Galveston’s annual holiday street festival bursting with live entertainment on multiple streets, including strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers, and a crowd of entertainers and costumed revelers.

Holiday With the Cranes

Holiday with the Cranes is presented by the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council, a nonprofit volunteer organization that helps connect people with nature experiences and outdoor adventures, and promotes the value of natural habitats and resources in the Galveston Island area.

January TBD — February TBD

Galveston Restaurant Week(s)

Participating in Galveston Restaurant Week is easy! No tickets or passes are required! Food lovers may simply dine out at as many participating restaurants as they like during Galveston Restaurant Week. Two and/or 3-course dinners will be priced between $20-$45; and 2-course lunches, breakfasts, & brunches will cost between $10-$20.

January 16—17, 2026

Yaga’s Chili Quest and Beer Fest

Chili Quest consists of the ever-so-popular Chili & Beer tasting with a ton of added perks. Get ready for Chili Sampling, live music, a 5K Fun Run/Walk, a washer pitching tournament, a jackpot margarita contest, vendors and a historical strand merchant walk-about.

January 19—25, 2026

Art Week Galveston

Join us for an unforgettable week celebrating creativity in Galveston's Cultural Arts District! From captivating gallery exhibitions to engaging workshops and live performances, Art Week offers a variety of activities for everyone. Don’t miss out on this vibrant celebration of the arts! For a full schedule of activities, visit Art Week Galveston.

January 23—25, 2026

Galveston Museum Weekend

Museum Weekend participants will have the opportunity to learn about Galveston’s place as one of the wealthiest cities in the United States during the late 1800s, the powerful families who helped build the city, Galveston’s significance to immigration in the region, and the importance of the industries that keep Galveston thriving.

Mardi Gras! Galveston: Feb 6 — 17, 2026

The colors. The parades. The beads. The incredible food, music, and more fun for all ages.

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