Embrace Summer Fun on Historic Galveston Island
GALVESTON ISLAND, Texas (July 9, 2026) –Now that the Fourth of July celebrations are behind us, it’s time to make the most of the summer days before school’s back in session with a visit to Galveston Island. Hit the beach, experience historic sites, take in some live music, see a comedy show or watch dogs surf!
Whatever you choose, head to www.visitgalveston.com to plan your adventure.
Beats on the Beach & Fireworks at Moody Gardens
Dates: Saturdays through Labor Day Weekend
Time: Music 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Moody Gardens Palm Beach, One Hope Blvd.
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 event ends with fireworks lighting up the sky over Offats Bayou.
Shows at The Grand 1894 Opera House
Dates: July 11 and Aug. 8
Times: 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where: The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.
Admission: Prices vary
Description: Hear new stories and old from master Texas storyteller Jaston Williams who stars in Beware of Short Texans July 11 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. On Aug. 8 at 8 p.m., join Galveston native Bill Engvall in Here’s Your Sign: It Wasn’t My Time. Best known for the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Engvall returns with sharp wit, relatable charm and laugh-out-loud stories that made him a household name.
FREE!
Ohana Dog Surfing Competition
Date: July 18
Time: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: 28th and Seawall Blvd.
Description: The Galveston Island Humane Society (GIHS) presents the 13th Annual Ohana Surf Dog Competition. Non-surfers are invited to come out to enjoy the beach, visit vendors, and support the GIHS. If you’d like your furry friend to participate, visit https://ohanasurfandskate.com/... for more information.
FREE!
Sandcastle Lessons
Dates: Saturdays through Labor Day Weekend
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 Weekend
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
Dates: 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: July 11, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12
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. Aaron Lee Tasjan will perform on July 11, The Derailers on Aug. 8, and the Old 97s on Sept. 12.
FREE!
Strand Summer Series - Movie Night at Hendley Green
Date: July 18, Aug. 1 and Sept. 5
Time: Dusk
Where: Hendley Green, Strand at 21st St.
Description: Catch the movies Pirates of the Caribbean on July 18, The Princess Bride on Aug. 1 and The Empire Strikes Back on Sept. 5. The movie nights are part of the Galveston Historical Foundation’s Strand Summer Series.
FREE!
Sunset & Sounds
Dates: Fridays and Saturdays through Labor Day Weekend
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Rooftop at Hotel Lucine, 1002 Seawall Blvd.
Description: The rooftop bar at Hotel Lucine comes alive at sunset with cocktails and a lineup of musicians from near and far.
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.
