May in Galveston Offers a Wealth of Special Events
From historic homes to funky golf carts, there’s plenty of fun to be had on the island
Media Contact: Mary Beth Bassett
Senior Public Relations Manager, Visit Galveston
Office: 409-797-5121
Email: mbassett@visitgalveston.com
GALVESTON, Texas (April 28, 2025) – Summer officially starts in June, but that’s not stopping Galveston Island from celebrating warm weather and cool vibes in May. The month offers plenty of special events, many of them free, designed to intrigue history buffs, foodies, music lovers and flamingo fanatics. Here are some highlights:
Annual Historic Homes Tour
Date: May 2-4, 9-11
Time: Varies
Where: Locations vary
Admission: $35-$40
Description: Rich in history and standing as a testament to survival, the Galveston Historic Homes Tour will return the first two weekends in May. The tour features numerous historical and architecturally significant homes located throughout the island’s vibrant historic neighborhoods. Organized by the Galveston Historical Foundation, the event gives the public a chance to private residences that are not open to the public during the year.
La Izquierda Fest
Date: May 2-3
Time: Surf contest 7 a.m. Saturday, live music 2-11 p.m. both days
Where: Beach Central, 21st and Seawall
Admission: General admission tickets start at $25
Description: La Izquierda Fest brings together some of the most exciting artists from across Texas and beyond. The concerts and surf contest bring together a dynamic mix of musical genres that capture the festival’s surfside spirit. This year, VIP cabanas are available for rent. They include concierge service and enhanced views of the surf contest and concerts.
Flamingo Fest Golf Cart Parade & Pub Crawl
Date: May 3
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Postoffice District
Admission: Free to attend, price to participate begins at $15
Description: It’s time to paint the town pink! Join the sixth annual Flamingo Fest Golf Cart Parade & Pub Crawl, hosted by the Galveston Golf Cart Society. This flamboyant celebration of National Pink Flamingo Day brings together golf carts, e-bikes, bicycles, and walkers for a parade through the heart of Galveston’s Postoffice District. Whether you're rolling or strolling, all are welcome to deck out in flamingo flair for a chance to win prizes in categories including Best Decorated Cart, Best Costume and more.
Cinco De Mayo
Date: May 3
Time: 12-9 p.m.
Where: Old Galveston County Courthouse, 722 21stSt.
Admission: Free
Description: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Galveston with cultural performances including live music from regional and local artists, Folklorico dancing, face painting, traditional food from street tacos to churros, plus vendors offering jewelry, textiles and intricate crafts. Proceeds benefit Galveston’s League of United Latin American Citizens scholarship program, supporting the educational aspirations of young Latin Americans within the community.
Michael Feinstein in Because of You: My Tribute to Tony Bennett
Date: May 3
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice Street
Admission: Tickets start at $52.20
Description: Michael Feinstein brings to life big band celebrations and the Tony Bennett legacy. Supported by the Carnegie Hall Ensemble, Feinstein pays a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Bennett, bringing his iconic songs to life in a symphony of sound. The performance will feature hits such as “Because of You,” “Rags to Riches,” “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” “The Best is Yet To Come,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “Stranger in Paradise” and many more. Feinstein’s dynamic interpretations, coupled with the grandeur of the big band, will create an unforgettable night that honors the legacy of Tony Bennett in all its glory.
Movies and Music on the Strand
Date: Movie, May 3 Star Wars; Music, May 31 The Greyhounds
Time: Movies start at dusk, music starts at 7 p.m.
Where: Movies take place at Hendley Green, 2028 Strand; music takes place at Saengerfest Park 2302 Strand
Admission: Free
Description: Head to historic downtown Galveston for the 2025 Strand Summer Series sponsored by the Galveston Historical Foundation. These movie and music nights take place in The Strand’s principal parks and feature free-to-the-public concerts and movies through September.
Yaga’s Wild Game & BBQ Cook-off
Date: May 9-10
Time: Varies
Where: Moody Gardens, One Hope Blvd., Galveston, TX
Admission: Free for spectators
Description: Galveston is calling all backyard chefs, sportsmen and women, and outdoor enthusiasts to show off their culinary skills May 9-10 at the annual Yaga’s Wild Game BBQ Cook-off. The event will feature a wild game cook-off, live entertainment, silent auction, “Run Wild 5K” and children’s activities. This event benefits the Yaga’s Children’s Fund.
ArtWalk and Mini Market
Date: May 10
Time: 4-9 p.m.
Where: Galveston Arts Center, 2127 Strand, and throughout Historic Downtown Galveston
Admission: Free
Description: ArtWalk is a showcase of local artists in Downtown Galveston. Stroll through galleries, shops, and pop-up exhibits while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the island's historic streets. The free community event takes place on the second Saturday of each month. On May 10, ArtWalk sponsor, the Galveston Arts Center, is hosting a mini market. Local vendors and artists will be gathered at the center from 4-9 p.m. with live music starting at 6 p.m.
Galveston Island Hot Sauce Fest
Date: May 10
Time: 12-6 p.m.
Where: 2701 Market St.
Admission: Free
Description: Enjoy award-winning hot sauce vendors, live music, a vendor market, and family-friendly fun at the second annual Galveston Island Hot Sauce Fest. Attendees can test their taste buds in the crowd favorite hot sauce contest or watch the fearless take on the Pepper Eating Championship. Dress up in your spiciest outfit and enter the costume contest to win some hot prizes.
Mother’s Day Brunch
Date: May 11
Time: Varies
Where: Locations vary
Admission: Prices vary
Description: From opulent to casual, many Galveston Island restaurants offer Mother’s Day brunch menus to celebrate mom. Pro tip: Make a reservation in advance after perusing www.visitgalveston.com/food-drink for restaurant options.
Island Vybz Reggae Fest
Date: May 16-17
Time: 5-11 p.m.
Where: Beach Central, 2102 Seawall Blvd.
Admission: General admission begins at $15
Description: Immerse yourself in the lively sounds and electrifying energy of this celebration of Caribbean culture, music, and community spirit. The weekend will be filled with unforgettable live performances and pulsating rhythms, plus mouthwatering Caribbean cuisine
Media Assets: Further information for all events can be found at www.visitgalveston.com/events
Images can be found at www.visitgalveston.mediavalet.com.
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.
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