Downtown Galveston offers a calendar packed with exciting events and family-friendly fun. There’s always something going on in the Strand National Historic Landmark District. Throughout the year, locals and visitors alike come together in the heart of Galveston to enjoy food, community, culture, and more. You can always find something new to experience, as well as the following annual events that have become Galveston tradition on The Strand:
For two full weeks, take a flavorful tour of Galveston’s vibrant dining scene during Galveston Restaurant Week. Enjoy specially-priced menus at participating restaurants, with donations from the event dedicated to a different local charity each year.
https://www.galveston.com/whattodo/festivals/restaurant-week/#restaurants
This foodie-friendly event features a 5K Fun Run/Walk, live music, a washer pitching tournament, a margarita contest, the ever-popular Downtown Walkabout among the downtown merchants, and craft beer, but the real highlight of the weekend is the chili cook-off competition, where numerous teams will earn serious bragging rights with the best chili in town.
Mardi Gras! Galveston, the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, offers the unique chance to experience sand between your toes and gorgeous beach sunsets while taking in the revelry and lavish parades known to dominate Galveston Island during carnival season.
Every year, hundreds of unique bird species pass through Galveston on their migration along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Featherfest is a celebration of the city’s feathered friends, offering visitors a chance to experience nature adventures, photography field trips, a photo contest, exciting presentations, and more.
The Galveston Island Beach Revue began in 1920 to kick off the summer season each year. As a nod to the golden years of Galveston, this event is held at Beach Central on the Seawall features contestants from across the country modeling vintage swimwear. The event also features live music and a vintage car show.
https://www.galvestonhistory.org/events/galveston-island-beach-revue
Revel in one of Galveston’s most famous staples at the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival, a celebration of the island’s seafood of choice. Enjoy sampling the best gumbo during the Gumbo Stroll, with cook-offs that include both professional chefs and talented at-home cooks. The entire family can take part in the event, including the Lil’ Shrimps Parade, Merchant Walkabout, and 5K Fun Run.
Cruise down for the Lone Star Rally and experience the largest motorcycle rally in North America. The weekend includes custom bike, trike, and slingshot contests, live music, a sound-off competition, and a unique motorcycle rodeo featuring exciting trick riding and impressive shows of skill.
Founded in 1979, the Galveston Symphony Orchestra performs quality classical music with a strong commitment to artistic excellence and community involvement. Dedicated musicians from all parts of Galveston County bring unforgettable live concert experiences to The Grand 1894 Opera House. With a repertoire of compositions ranging from the baroque to the contemporary, most concerts include internationally famous soloists.
All aboard! Galveston will welcome the POLAR EXPRESS ™️ Train Ride to its lineup of holiday attractions in 2023. Set to the soundtrack of the motion picture, The Polar Express will be theatrically recreated to immerse passengers in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale while they are whisked away for a magical one-hour trip to meet Santa. The POLAR EXPRESS ™️ Train Ride in Galveston consists of six separate cars pulled by vintage locomotives from the Galveston Railroad Museum’s collection. November 10 – December 23, 2024. Tickets go on sale August 23, 2024.
Holiday shopping in Galveston’s Historic Downtown District will be especially festive this year. From November through January, the area will be illuminated by an extensive lighting and décor overhaul that will encompass the main corridors of the charming historic downtown district from Strand to Postoffice Streets, making it the perfect backdrop for a holiday shopping spree.
Dickens on The Strand celebrates downtown Galveston's Victorian architecture with family-friendly events and entertainers. Step back in time to the 19th century as you enjoy parades, musicians, jugglers, costumed vendors, and more!
For a unique holiday experience, spend a wonderful, winter weekend in Galveston celebrating the return of the island’s wintering Sandhill Cranes at Holiday with the Cranes. The weekend will be chock-full of indoor and outdoor nature activities combined with the ambiance of historic Galveston Island!
https://www.galvestonnaturetourism.org/holiday-with-the-cranes/
Looking for a space to rent for that special event? Consider something unique and historic.
From small art events and exhibits to full-blown festivals, Downtown Galveston offers events year-round.
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