Late summer on the island is bringing three new events to Galveston along with some can’t miss mainstays to finish the season. Moody Gardens will be hosting three straight weekends of new experiences to include an air, car and boat show; island ride out and bicycle expo and scuba diving exposition. The 35th annual AIA sandcastle competition and Galveston Island Wild Shrimp Festival are back by popular demand.
Moody Gardens Air, Car and Boat Show
Date: Aug. 12-14, 2022
Time: Varies
Where: Moody Gardens marina, convention center and expo hall
Admission: Prices vary
Info: https://www.moodygardens.com/events/
Description: The Air, Car, and Boat show is a big weekend that will thrill visitors by land, and air. Daytime and evening performances will loop, roll and scream through the air with this unique air show that offers that will range from the glory from the P-63 King Cobra and DH-115 Vampire to the Ghostwriter pyrotechnics show planes with daredevil pilots sending off fireworks trails to light up the night sky. A splashy and spectacular Boat Show will showcase an array of yachts for boat aficionados to appreciate and perhaps find their dream boat at the Moody Gardens Marina. The Car Show is the third focus for this three-day event and a car lover’s dream at the Moody Gardens Convention Center. The Expo Hall will be filled with rows of classic vehicles, muscle cars and more with the stories that accompany them.
Dive into the Gulf
Date: Aug. 19-21, 2022
Time: Varies
Where: Moody Gardens
Admission: Prices vary
Info: https://www.moodygardens.com/events/
Description: An Exposition provides an opportunity for the SCUBA, science, conservation, art, and education communities to come together for special weekend. In addition to booths and vendors, guests can meet experts and presentations from variety of organizations including the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, Texas A&M University Galveston, the Divers Alert Network that focuses on improving the safety of divers and more. Participants can even pre-register, bring their swimsuits and take the plunge to try SCUBA and dive opportunities. Tickets are also available for a community dinner and more diver camaraderie.
35th Annual AIA Sandcastle Competition and Viewing Party
Date: Aug. 20-21, 2022
Time: Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday- all day
Where: East Beach
Admission: Free
Info: https://www.visitgalveston.com/events/35th-annual-aia-sandcastle-competition/
Description: For the 35th year, members of the Houston Chapter of the AIA will hit the sand and build for five intense hours as they fight to maintain the structural integrity of their sculptures. The competition is considered one of the world’s largest amateur sandcastle competitions and draws thousands of spectators to watch teams vie for the coveted Golden Bucket Award. Due to the late afternoon finish, Visit Galveston is working to help teams maintain their sandcastles overnight. This way beachgoers can take-in these architectural marvels throughout the day on Sunday. The organization is also offering free sandcastle building lessons in conjunction with the sandcastle viewing.
Island Ride Out and Bike Expo
Date: Aug. 26-28, 2022
Time: Varies
Where: Moody Gardens
Admission: Prices vary
Info: https://www.moodygardens.com/events/
Description: Moody Gardens transforms into bicycle central for the Island Ride Out and Bike Expo. An 18-mile ride out on beautiful Galveston Island is the main event paired up a Bike Expo and featuring the latest gear and presentations by celebrity pros. Cyclists can choose from several of the Explore on Your Own tours, check out the Bike Pub Crawl, Reserved Back Alley Bicycler Zone and a Saturday Night Palm Beach Party with fireworks for Rideout participants and hotel guests, and a Breakfast with the Pros event on Sunday morning. Hotel packages include this VIP breakfast, party and a variety of other special perks available through the Moody Gardens Hotel.
Galveston Island Wild Texas Shrimp Festival
Date: Sept. 23-24, 2022
Time: Varies
Where: Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand St., Galveston
Admission: Prices vary
Info: www.galvestonislandshrimpfestival.com
Description: Galveston Island is a seafood lover’s paradise all year round, but this September Yaga’s Entertainment Inc. will bring foodies a little taste of heaven at the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival to be held September 23-24. Featuring some of the best shrimp gumbo the Gulf Coast has to offer, this year’s festival features seafood cook-off, gumbo tasting, L’il Shrimps Parade, live music, a children’s area and a Strand merchant walkabout.