The countdown to summer is on but the good times in Galveston don’t begin with Memorial Day weekend. With warm temperatures, sandy beaches and a full line-up of special events—there is plenty of ways to stay entertained this May. This includes a jam-packed Mother’s Day weekend that has something for everyone— historic homes tour, kid fish tournament, La Izquierda Surf and Music Festival and lavish Mother’s Day brunches.
48th Annual Historic Homes Tour
Dates: May 7-8 & 14-15, 2022
Info: www.galvestonhistory.org
Rich in history and standing as a testament to survival, the Galveston Historic Homes Tour will return for its 48th year the first two weekends in May. The tour features numerous historical and architecturally significant homes throughout the island. 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. For those planning on taking the tour on May 8.
KIDFISH Tournament at Seawolf Park
Date: May 7,2022, 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Info: www.visitgalveston.com/events/annual-kidfish-tournament
Calling all young aspiring anglers! This free event is limited to the first 75 entries and registration opens at 7:15 and fishing begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. Winners will be announced at noon
La Izquierda Surf and Music Festival
Date: May 7, 2022 8:00 a.m.-1o:00 p.m.
Info: www.laizquierdafest.com
Live like a local at this free public festival and longboard surf competition. La Izquierda is dedicated to enriching and uniting communities of Galveston, the Gulf Coast and beyond through a good old fashioned surf competition and fundraiser for the Save the Locals Summer Concert Series at Menard Park. Local and touring bands and artists come from near and far to celebrate surf culture and the preservation of our natural waters and beach habitat with groovy tunes. Galveston Island Brewery will be onsite selling their Brewed-on-Island (BOI) craft beer.
Mother’s Day Brunches
Garten Verein
Tickets: $75-$85
Info: www.visitgalveston.com/events/mothers-day-champagne-brunch-at-the-1880-garten-verein/
For an exclusive one-of-a-kind dining experience, visitors should look know further than the Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch at the 1800 Garten Verein. The event is hosted by the Galveston Historical Foundation and starts at $75. To make a day of it, guests can purchase brunch and a Galveston Historic Homes Tour for $85.
San Luis Resort
Tickets: $40-$86
Info: www.sanluisresort.com
Enjoy a beautiful buffet in the grand ballroom of the luxurious San Luis Resort. Reservations are hourly from 11am-2pm. There will be a butterfly release held at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on the promenade lawn.
Moody Gardens
Tickets: $46-$100
Info: https://www.moodygardens.com/dining/mothersday
Dine in the beautiful hotel ballroom and enjoy complimentary bloody Mary’s and mimosas. Seating is every 30 minutes from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Yaga’s Wild Game & BBQ Cook-off
Dates: May 13-14, 2022
Info: www.ycfund.org
Galveston is calling all backyard chefs, sportsmen and women, and outdoor enthusiasts to show off their culinary skills May 13-14 at the 26th 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 – a charitable organization that supports area families and children.
Motosurf Competition
Date: May 13-15 2022
Info: www.visitgalveston.com/events/2022-motosurf-texas-cup
JetSurf Houston is putting on the first ever MotoSurf Texas Cup! At Moody Gardens. This is the first event of its kind in the state of Texas. MotoSurf is an internationally recognized and regulated sport, rapidly growing throughout the world. JetSurf Houston is spearheading Motosurf racing growth throughout the state.
World Migratory Bird Day at East End Lagoon Nature Preserve
Date: May 14, 2022, 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Info: www.visitgalveston.com/events/world-migratory-bird-day-at-east-end-lagoon-nature-preserve
Celebrated in the United States and Canada on the second Saturday in May, World Migratory Bird Day brings awareness to the migratory patterns and nesting seasons of birds throughout the world. Free guided birding tours will be offered at East End Lagoon Nature Preserve. Tours will be led by two-expert birders who will teach you about shorebirds, migratory birds and why Galveston is among the country’s top birding destinations in the US.
Beach Revue
Date: May 21-22, 2022
Info: www.galvestonbeachrevue.com
Retro swimwear is chic and vintage is king at the Galveston Island Beach Revue, which will take place May 21-22. Contestants from across the country will catwalk across Galveston’s historic Seawall shoreline modeling vintage and vintage-inspired swimwear that echoes the “good ole days” of Galveston’s summertime history. Contestants will compete for cash prizes and top honors. It is free to attend and will take place at 2102 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX. Also part of the fanfare is the Hot Rod Classic Car Show held on May 21. Hot rods, rat rods, vintage trailers, and more from 1975 or older compete for Best in Show, Best Pain, Distance Travelled, Best Club Participation, Judge’s Choice, and Best Interior.
Free Monthly Offerings:
Movie Nite on The Strand: May 7 – Torn Curtain 8:00 p.m.
Put on monthly by Mitchell Historic Properties and Visit Galveston, this free Saengerfest Park event invites families to enjoy a series of beloved movies under the stars. For the full line-up: https://www.visitgalveston.com/events/music-nite-on-the-strand/
Music Nite on The Strand: May 14 – Sonic Seduction (Radio Hits)
Held once a month during the Summer months, get a taste of Galveston’s thriving local music scene with this free live concert series at Saengerfest Park, hosted by Mitchell Historic Properties and Stutt garden Tavern on the Strand. For the full line-up: www.visitgalveston.com/events/movie-nite-on-the-strand/
Family Beach Challenge: Giant battle ships, huge bean bags and limbo showdowns are coming to East Beach this summer for the return of the Galveston Family Beach Challenge. The challenge, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on second Sundays May through August as well as the Sunday of Labor Day weekend – will transform a portion of Stewart Beach into a gigantic obstacle course. Register ahead of time at www.galvestonchallenge.com/registration/
Movies on the Beach: May 14- Deepwater Horizon 8:30 p.m.
Movies on the Beach, sponsored by the Galveston Park Board of Trustees, makes its debut on May 14 and will run through the season with a variety of films ranging from action-packed to animated classics. The series kicks off with Deepwater Horizon at East Beach and will rotate locations throughout the summer. For the full line-up: www.visitgalveston.com/events/movies-on-the-beach