Galveston Island, East End
A festival most months of the year.
Galveston runs a festival most months of the year, and the resort sits a few minutes from nearly all of them. Dates are as published by Visit Galveston and the organizers on October 23, 2026. Holidays and major events carry special nightly rates and a 3-night minimum; see Rates.
Fall
October is the island's driest and least humid month.
- Oct 17 to 18, 2026ARToberFEST
Postoffice Street, downtown
Juried art festival, small admission - Oct 17 to 18, 2026Bike Around the Bay
Two-day ride around Galveston Bay
Galveston Bay Foundation - Oct 23 to 24, 2026Island Oktoberfest
First Lutheran Church grounds, 2415 Winnie St
Free admission, 44th year - Oct 31, 2026Dia de los Muertos
Downtown
Free - Nov 5 to 8, 2026Lone Star Rally3-night minimum
Strand and Seawall
The biggest biker event on the Texas coast. Resort rate from $150 a night, 3-night minimum. Book early. - Nov 12 to 14, 2026Old Quarter Songwriter Festival
Downtown venues
Ticketed - Nov 13 to Dec 23, 2026The Polar Express Train Ride
Galveston Railroad Museum
Ticketed, sells out - Nov 21, 2026 to Jan 2, 2027Holiday in the Gardens
Moody Gardens
Mile-long lights trail and ICE LAND - Nov 26, 2026Thanksgiving3-night minimum
Resort rate from $65 a night, 3-night minimum
Winter
Winter Texan season, December through March. Highs in the 60s and low 70s, Gulf water in the 60s.
- Dec 4 to 6, 2026Dickens on The Strand3-night minimum
Strand Historic District
53rd annual. Adults $25, youth $18, costume discounts. Resort rate from $65, 3-night minimum. - Dec 12 to 13, 2026Holiday with the Cranes
Island-wide birding - Dec 20, 2026Santa Hustle Race Series
Seawall
Registration - Dec 25, 2026 and Jan 1, 2027Christmas and New Years3-night minimum
Resort rate from $65 a night, 3-night minimum - Jan 9 to 16, 2027Art Week Galveston
Downtown galleries
Mostly free - Jan 15 to 16, 2027Yaga's Chili Quest, Beers and Cheers
Strand, Saengerfest Park
18th annual - Jan 22 to 24, 2027Galveston Museum Weekend
Island museums
Discounted or free admission - Jan 29 to Feb 9, 2027Mardi Gras! Galveston3-night minimum
Downtown Entertainment District and Seawall parades
Seawall parades are free. Resort rate from $75 a night, 3-night minimum. 2028: Feb 18 to 29. - Mar 4 to 7, 2027The Race of Gentlemen
Beach near the Seawall
Vintage beach drag racing - Mid-March 2027Spring Break3-night minimum
Resort rate from $75 a night, 3-night minimum - Mar 28, 2027Easter3-night minimum
Resort rate from $75 a night, 3-night minimum
Spring
Gulf water is warm enough to swim by late March. Peak bird migration in mid-April.
- April 2027, dates from the Historic SeaportELISSA Daysails
Galveston Historic Seaport, Pier 21
Watch the 1877 barque go out under tow from the shore - Apr 13 to 17, 2027Mustang Week
Seawall and venues
Car show - Apr 15 to 18, 2027Galveston FeatherFest
Moody Gardens Hotel headquarters, field trips island-wide
25th annual birding and nature photography festival - Apr 24, 2027The Grand Kids Festival
Grand 1894 Opera House
Free - Apr 24 to 25, 2027RailFest Model Train Rally
Galveston Railroad Museum
Museum admission - May 1 to 2 and 8 to 9, 2027Galveston Historic Homes Tour
East End and Silk Stocking districts
53rd annual, Galveston Historical Foundation - May 1 to 2, 2027La Izquierda Surf and Music Festival
Beach
Ticketed - May 8, 2027Cinco de Mayo Parade
Downtown
Free - May 31, 2027Memorial Day3-night minimum
Resort rate from $90 a night, 3-night minimum
Summer
Water about 84 F. Sea breeze every afternoon. Peak ferry waits on weekends.
- Jun 4 to 5, 2027Galveston Island Beach Revue
Beach and Seawall
Splash Day and the Pageant of Pulchritude bathing beauties, free to watch - Jun 8, 2027World Ocean Day
Island-wide
Free - June 2027, main events around June 19Juneteenth3-night minimum
Ashton Villa, Reedy Chapel, the Strand
Galveston is the birthplace of Juneteenth. Resort rate from $90 a night, 3-night minimum. - Jul 2 to 5, 2027Fourth of July3-night minimum
Seawall
Parade 6 pm from 23rd and Seawall, fireworks 9:15 pm from the jetty near 37th. Resort rate from $100 a night, 3-night minimum. - Sep 3 to 5, 2027Galveston Island Wine Festival
Moody Gardens
Ticketed tastings - Sep 6, 2027Labor Day3-night minimum
Resort rate from $90 a night, 3-night minimum - September 2027, date to be announcedGalveston Sandcastle Festival3-night minimum
East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Rd
The AIA Houston Sandcastle Competition, two miles from the resort. Resort rate from $65 a night, 3-night minimum. - Sep 24 to 25, 2027Galveston Island Shrimp Festival
Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand
Gumbo cook-off and the Shrimp Scamper 5K
