Embrace Late Summer on Historic Galveston Island

GALVESTON ISLAND, Texas (Aug. 6, 2025)– For some, the school year has already begun. For many, it will start before we know it. Make the most of the remaining summer days with a visit to Galveston Island to hit the beach, hear some music or be a part of history.

On Sept. 6 at 9 a.m., island visitors will have a special opportunity to participate in a Guinness Book of Records statistic when the Galveston Island Seawall is named the longest contiguous sidewalk in the U.S. The event, Rising Together, commemorates the 125th anniversary of the 1900 Storm and the island’s resiliency in the century that followed. Community members and visitors will line the seawall to show unity and pride in this engineering marvel that continues to provide protection from storms. For more information and to register, visit Rising Together | Visit Galveston

During August and September, there’s plenty to do -- with many free events -- on the island. Head to www.visitgalveston.com for details.


Beats on the Beach & Fireworks at Moody Gardens
Date: Aug. 9
Time: Music 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Admission: $15

Description: Beats on the Beach is a family-friendly event that gives guests the opportunity to get up and dance to the sounds of live music. They can also relax at the white-sand beach or lounge in the lazy river. The last blast for the summer season, the event ends with fireworks lighting up the sky over Offats Bayou.

FREE!
Sandcastle Lessons
Dates: Aug. 9, 16, 23, 30
Time: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
Where: East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Dr. (There is a beach parking fee)

Description: Budding architects can learn how to build sandcastles from the pros during free sandcastle lessons taking place at East Beach every Saturday through Labor Day weekend. Some supplies are provided, but participants are encouraged to bring beach buckets and shovels.

FREE!
Artist Boat Bucket Brigade
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day
Time: 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Where: East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Dr. (There is a beach parking fee)

Description: Learn about Galveston’s coastal environment and its creatures and features. Artist Boat’s Bucket Brigade provides hands-on tours at East Beach that are educational and fun for ocean lovers of all ages. The tours investigate topics including Galveston’s water, its ecology, and the importance of keeping the beaches clean.

FREE!
Galveston ArtWalk
Date: August 9 (and the second Saturday of each month)
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Galveston

Description: Organized by the Galveston Arts Center, ArtWalk brings together galleries, artist studios, nonprofits, cafes, and select businesses—many along Strand, Postoffice and Market streets—opening their doors for a free, self-guided art experience. Visitors can stroll between venues, view rotating exhibitions of paintings, sculpture, photography, and mixed media and often meet the creators in person. Music spills out from cafés and galleries, and outdoor installations add to the lively, creative vibe of the evenings.

FREE!
Strand Summer Series - Music Night at Saengerfest Park
Date: Aug. 9 and Sept. 13
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Saengerfest Park, Strand at 23rd St.

Description: As part of its Strand Summer Series, the Galveston Historical Foundation presents free live music in the heart of Historic Downtown Galveston. Reverend Horton Heat is the featured act on Aug. 9. Dem Roots and Paige Lewis will take the stage Sept. 13.

FREE!
Strand Summer Series - Movie Night at Hendley Green
Date: Aug. 15, 16 and Sept. 20
Time: Dusk
Where: Hendley Green, Strand at 21st St.

Description: Catch the movies Jaws on Aug. 15, Back to the Future on Aug. 16 and The Goonies on Sept. 20. The movie nights are part of the Galveston Historical Foundation’s Strand Summer Series.

FREE!
Sunset & Sounds
Date: Aug. 9, 15, 16 and 30
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Rooftop at Hotel Lucine

Description: The Hotel Lucine offers a summer concert series featuring some of the state’s finest musicians.


Galveston Island Wine Festival
Date: Aug. 29-31
Time: Times vary
Where: Moody Gardens Hotel, Seven Hope Blvd.
Admission: Packages start at $163, including hotel stay

Description: Cheers to a wonderful weekend of wine tastings with penguins, food experiences with renowned chefs, live music, fireworks and fun at Moody Gardens. Special activities are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Wine lovers and foodies should plan your itinerary, book your hotel and make it a weekend to remember.


Galveston Sandcastle Festival
Date: Sept. 13-14
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Dr.
Admission: Tickets start at $10 and there is a beach parking fee

Description: Houston area architects, designers, engineers, and contractors will take their tools to Galveston’s East Beach for what is considered one of the world’s largest amateur sandcastle competitions. The Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) sponsors this annual contest in which the public is invited to watch more than 80 teams compete for the best sandcastle design.


Galveston Pirate Festival
Date: Sept. 19-21
Time: Times vary
Where: Sept. 19, Historic Downtown Galveston; Sept. 20, Seawolf Park; Sept. 21 Tours throughout the island
Admission: Tickets start at $25

Description: Galveston Island is set to embark on a new chapter of its rich maritime heritage with the launch of the Galveston Pirate Festival. The inaugural event promises to transform the island into a haven for pirate enthusiasts and families alike. The weekend will feature live entertainment, historical reenactments, treasure hunts, pirate history tours, a costume contest and more.

About Galveston Island

Galveston Island, Texas is a resilient historic beach town located 50 miles south of Houston. The birthplace of Juneteenth and home to the second largest immigration port into the U.S. in the 1880s, today Galveston Island is a major tourism destination for Texas and beyond. Galveston offers miles of beaches, top-tier museums, family attractions, plus special events and festivals. Galveston’s port is the fourth busiest for cruise passengers in North America and the island eagerly welcomes more than eight million visitors each year. To plan your Galveston Island experience, go to www.visitgalveston.com.

Media Contact
Mary Beth Bassett
Sr. Public Relations Manager
Visit Galveston
Office: 409-797-5152
Email: mbassett@visitgalveston.com

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