Spring in Galveston to Bring Outdoor Festivals Galore

GALVESTON ISLAND, TEXAS (Dec. 13, 2024) – This spring, pleasant weather on Galveston Island will usher in a plethora of outdoor festivals. History buffs, nature enthusiasts and families will find their niche at one of the many events taking place in April and May. Here’s what’s in store for spring:

Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3
Date: April 6
Time: 5 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Moody Gardens, One Hope Blvd., Galveston, TX
Admission: Free for spectators. Race registration varies
Info: www.ironman.com

Description: Galveston will host some of the nation’s finest athletes April 6 as they compete in the annual Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas triathlon. The race will begin with a 1.2-mile saltwater swim in Offats Bayou followed by a 56-mile bike course along the Gulf Coast and a 13.1-mile run that will lead athletes to the finish line at Moody Gardens’ Discovery Pyramid. The Memorial Hermann IRONMAN 70.3 Texas is also a regional IRONMAN TriClub Championship race.

Galveston Steampunk Festival
Date: April 11-13
Time: Times vary
Where: Downtown Galveston, Moody Gardens, Island Mansions
Admission: Adult day passes start at $35
Info: www.galvestonsteampunk.com

Description: The Galveston Steampunk Festival celebrates the 19th Century Victorian aesthetic with activities that include games and train rides, plus a host of vendors, presenters and live demonstrations. Take a step back in time through machines, performances and costumes and immerse yourself in the world of Steampunk. As a city built by Victorian industrialists, Galveston is the perfect backdrop to explore this curious history.

Galveston Mustang Week
Date: April 24-27
Time: Varies
Where: Moody Gardens Convention Center, Seven Hope Blvd., Galveston, TX
Admission: Varies
Info: www.mustangweek.com

Description: Galveston Island hosts the World’s Biggest Mustang Party! This epic event will showcase more than 1,500 of the baddest Mustangs—from timeless classics to modern muscle—along with industry experts, pro drivers, and celebrities. This high-energy, family friendly event features a drifting exhibition, burnout contest, meetups and fireworks and offers the opportunity to explore the latest products and grab exclusive show specials. From heart-pounding autocross and thrilling dyno run challenges to carnival games and exciting giveaways, there’s nonstop entertainment and fun for all ages.

FeatherFest & Nature Photo Festival
Date: April 24-27
Time: Varies
Where: Locations vary
Admission: Prices vary
Info: www.galvestonfeatherfest.com

Description: As one of the nation’s top locations for birding, Galveston Island will host the 23rd annual FeatherFest birding and nature photography festival April 24-27. FeatherFest is one of the largest birding festivals in Texas, and the only one with a dedicated nature photography track. The event features unique outdoor field trips, workshops and social events for nature enthusiasts of all skill levels. FeatherFest is held during the spring bird migration – the best time to visit world-renowned Galveston area birding hot spots.

The Grand Kids Festival
Date: April 26
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Postoffice Street from 20th – 23rd streets, Galveston, TX
Admission: Free
Info: www.grandkidsfestival.com

Description: Galveston can always rekindle the kid in you, but no event will be more exciting for kids of all ages than The Grand Kids Festival hosted by The Grand 1894 Opera House. Designed to introduce children and families to the arts, the festival features three blocks of activities, entertainment areas and vendor booths. Attendees will be able to enjoy live performances, storytellers, arts and crafts, face painting and more.

Galveston Rail Fest
Date: April 25-26
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Place, Galveston, TX
Admission: Adults $20, Students 16 and under $15, 4 & Under Free
Harborside Express Train Rides $8 per person.
Info: www.galvestonrrmuseum.org

Description: Plan to be at the Galveston Railroad Museum as model train collectors and enthusiasts display their train sets. Larger than you can imagine, these spectacular displays come with all the bells and whistles! The two-day event brings train clubs and individuals from across the state who set up and run their large-scale train sets in the historic museum's depot. Train rides on the Harborside Express will run each day of Rail Fest.

Annual Historic Homes Tour
Date: May 2-4, 9-11
Time: Varies
Where: Locations vary
Admission: $35-$40
Info: www.galvestonhistory.org

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 tour the insides of private residences and homes that are not open to the public during the year.

Yaga’s Wild Game & BBQ Cook-off
Date: May 10-11
Time: Varies
Where: Moody Gardens, One Hope Blvd., Galveston, TX
Admission: Free
Info: www.ycfund.org

Description: Galveston is calling all backyard chefs, sportsmen and women, and outdoor enthusiasts to show off their culinary skills May 10-11 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.

About Galveston Island
Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, including several National Historic Landmarks. Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth and home to popular amusements such as Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, as well as a variety of museums and recreational activities from surfing to birding. For more information on Galveston Island go to www.visitgalveston.com.