Calendar

Events in April 2023

  • Spring in Galveston to Bring Outdoor Festivals Galore

    Spring in Galveston to Bring Outdoor Festivals Galore


    Apr 1, 2023

    This spring, pleasant weather in Galveston Island will usher in a plethora of outdoor festivals. History buffs, nature enthusiasts, foodies and families will find their niche at one of the many events taking place in April and May. Here’s what’s in store for spring:

    Galveston Steampunk Festival

    Date: April 1-2

    Time: Times vary

    Where: Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Place, Galveston, TX

    Admission: Day passes for children are $15 and $35 for adults

    Info: www.galvestonsteampunk.com

    Description: Take a step back in time at the inaugural Galveston Steampunk Festival. Here, visitors can experience machines, performances, music, costumes, lectures and more. Held at the Galveston Railroad Museum, the event will hearken back to a time inspired by 19th century industrial steam-powered machinery. The extensive history of mechanical innovation displayed at the Galveston Railroad Museum embodies the steampunk spirit and is the ideal setting for this event.

    About Galveston Island

    Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, including several National Historic Landmarks. Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth and home to popular amusements such as Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, as well as a variety of museums and recreational activities from surfing to birding. For more information on Galveston Island go to www.visitgalveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.

  • Spring in Galveston to Bring Outdoor Festivals Galore

    Spring in Galveston to Bring Outdoor Festivals Galore


    Apr 2, 2023

    This spring, pleasant weather in Galveston Island will usher in a plethora of outdoor festivals. History buffs, nature enthusiasts, foodies and families will find their niche at one of the many events taking place in April and May. Here’s what’s in store for spring:

    Galveston Steampunk Festival

    Date: April 1-2

    Time: Times vary

    Where: Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Place, Galveston, TX

    Admission: Day passes for children are $15 and $35 for adults

    Info: www.galvestonsteampunk.com

    Description: Take a step back in time at the inaugural Galveston Steampunk Festival. Here, visitors can experience machines, performances, music, costumes, lectures and more. Held at the Galveston Railroad Museum, the event will hearken back to a time inspired by 19th century industrial steam-powered machinery. The extensive history of mechanical innovation displayed at the Galveston Railroad Museum embodies the steampunk spirit and is the ideal setting for this event.

    About Galveston Island

    Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, including several National Historic Landmarks. Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth and home to popular amusements such as Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, as well as a variety of museums and recreational activities from surfing to birding. For more information on Galveston Island go to www.visitgalveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.

    Spring in Galveston to Bring Outdoor Festivals Galore

    Spring in Galveston to Bring Outdoor Festivals Galore


    Apr 2, 2023

    Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3

    Date: April 2

    Time: Times vary

    Where: Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston, TX

    Admission: Free for spectators

    Info: www.ironman.com

    Description: Galveston will host some of the nation’s finest athletes April 2 as they compete in the annual Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas triathlon. The race will begin with a 1.2-mile saltwater swim in Offats Bayou followed by a 56-mile bike course along the Gulf Coast and a 13.1-mile run that will lead athletes to the finish line at Moody Gardens’ Discovery Pyramid. The Memorial Hermann IRONMAN 70.3 Texas is also a regional IRONMAN TriClub Championship race.

    About Galveston Island

    Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, including several National Historic Landmarks. Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth and home to popular amusements such as Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, as well as a variety of museums and recreational activities from surfing to birding. For more information on Galveston Island go to www.visitgalveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.

  • Tall Ships Challenge

    Tall Ships Challenge


    Apr 13, 2023

    April 13-16

    Time Varies

    Galveston Harborside

    Admission: Adult tickets start at $15

    Info: www.galvestonhistory.org

    Description: Tall Ships America will bring its TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® series of races and port festivals to the Gulf of Mexico with Tall Ships® Galveston, April 13-16. The event marks the second time this impressive fleet of visiting tall ships will anchor at the island’s historic waterfront. The 2023 series also includes stops in St. Petersburg and Pensacola, Florida. The event, produced in cooperation with Galveston Historical Foundation, will include ship tours, sail-away excursions, music, food, and other special events in a family-friendly environment at Galveston’s Pier 21 and the surrounding area. The festival will feature five visiting ships along with Galveston’s own 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, the Official Tall Ship of Texas, with an exciting Parade of Sail in the Gulf along Seawall Boulevard on the afternoon of Thursday, April 13. While in port, the ships will be open to the public for viewing, and many will feature dockside exhibits and lively interactions with crew.

    About Galveston Island

    Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, including several National Historic Landmarks. Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth and home to popular amusements such as Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, as well as a variety of museums and recreational activities from surfing to birding. For more information on Galveston Island go to www.visitgalveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.

  • Tall Ships Challenge

    Tall Ships Challenge


    Apr 14, 2023

    April 13-16

    Time Varies

    Galveston Harborside

    Admission: Adult tickets start at $15

    Info: www.galvestonhistory.org

    Description: Tall Ships America will bring its TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® series of races and port festivals to the Gulf of Mexico with Tall Ships® Galveston, April 13-16. The event marks the second time this impressive fleet of visiting tall ships will anchor at the island’s historic waterfront. The 2023 series also includes stops in St. Petersburg and Pensacola, Florida. The event, produced in cooperation with Galveston Historical Foundation, will include ship tours, sail-away excursions, music, food, and other special events in a family-friendly environment at Galveston’s Pier 21 and the surrounding area. The festival will feature five visiting ships along with Galveston’s own 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, the Official Tall Ship of Texas, with an exciting Parade of Sail in the Gulf along Seawall Boulevard on the afternoon of Thursday, April 13. While in port, the ships will be open to the public for viewing, and many will feature dockside exhibits and lively interactions with crew.

    About Galveston Island

    Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, including several National Historic Landmarks. Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth and home to popular amusements such as Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, as well as a variety of museums and recreational activities from surfing to birding. For more information on Galveston Island go to www.visitgalveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.

  • Tall Ships Challenge

    Tall Ships Challenge


    Apr 15, 2023

    April 13-16

    Time Varies

    Galveston Harborside

    Admission: Adult tickets start at $15

    Info: www.galvestonhistory.org

    Description: Tall Ships America will bring its TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® series of races and port festivals to the Gulf of Mexico with Tall Ships® Galveston, April 13-16. The event marks the second time this impressive fleet of visiting tall ships will anchor at the island’s historic waterfront. The 2023 series also includes stops in St. Petersburg and Pensacola, Florida. The event, produced in cooperation with Galveston Historical Foundation, will include ship tours, sail-away excursions, music, food, and other special events in a family-friendly environment at Galveston’s Pier 21 and the surrounding area. The festival will feature five visiting ships along with Galveston’s own 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, the Official Tall Ship of Texas, with an exciting Parade of Sail in the Gulf along Seawall Boulevard on the afternoon of Thursday, April 13. While in port, the ships will be open to the public for viewing, and many will feature dockside exhibits and lively interactions with crew.

    About Galveston Island

    Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, including several National Historic Landmarks. Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth and home to popular amusements such as Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, as well as a variety of museums and recreational activities from surfing to birding. For more information on Galveston Island go to www.visitgalveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.

  • Tall Ships Challenge

    Tall Ships Challenge


    Apr 16, 2023

    April 13-16

    Time Varies

    Galveston Harborside

    Admission: Adult tickets start at $15

    Info: www.galvestonhistory.org

    Description: Tall Ships America will bring its TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® series of races and port festivals to the Gulf of Mexico with Tall Ships® Galveston, April 13-16. The event marks the second time this impressive fleet of visiting tall ships will anchor at the island’s historic waterfront. The 2023 series also includes stops in St. Petersburg and Pensacola, Florida. The event, produced in cooperation with Galveston Historical Foundation, will include ship tours, sail-away excursions, music, food, and other special events in a family-friendly environment at Galveston’s Pier 21 and the surrounding area. The festival will feature five visiting ships along with Galveston’s own 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, the Official Tall Ship of Texas, with an exciting Parade of Sail in the Gulf along Seawall Boulevard on the afternoon of Thursday, April 13. While in port, the ships will be open to the public for viewing, and many will feature dockside exhibits and lively interactions with crew.

    About Galveston Island

    Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, including several National Historic Landmarks. Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth and home to popular amusements such as Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, as well as a variety of museums and recreational activities from surfing to birding. For more information on Galveston Island go to www.visitgalveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.

  • FeatherFest & Nature Photo Festival

    FeatherFest & Nature Photo Festival


    Apr 20, 2023

    April 20-23

    Time Varies

    Where: Locations vary

    Admission: Prices vary

    Info: www.galvestonfeatherfest.com

    Description: As one of the nation’s top locations for birding, Galveston Island will host the 21st  annual FeatherFest birding and nature photography festival April 20-23. FeatherFest is one of the largest birding festivals in Texas, and the only one with a dedicated nature photography track. The event features unique outdoor field trips, workshops and social events for nature enthusiasts of all skill levels. FeatherFest is held during the spring bird migration – the best time to visit world-renowned Galveston area birding hot spots, such as Bolivar Flats and High Island.

    About Galveston Island

    Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, including several National Historic Landmarks. Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth and home to popular amusements such as Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, as well as a variety of museums and recreational activities from surfing to birding. For more information on Galveston Island go to www.visitgalveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.

  • FeatherFest & Nature Photo Festival

    FeatherFest & Nature Photo Festival


    Apr 21, 2023

    April 20-23

    Time Varies

    Where: Locations vary

    Admission: Prices vary

    Info: www.galvestonfeatherfest.com

    Description: As one of the nation’s top locations for birding, Galveston Island will host the 21st  annual FeatherFest birding and nature photography festival April 20-23. FeatherFest is one of the largest birding festivals in Texas, and the only one with a dedicated nature photography track. The event features unique outdoor field trips, workshops and social events for nature enthusiasts of all skill levels. FeatherFest is held during the spring bird migration – the best time to visit world-renowned Galveston area birding hot spots, such as Bolivar Flats and High Island.

    About Galveston Island

    Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, including several National Historic Landmarks. Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth and home to popular amusements such as Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, as well as a variety of museums and recreational activities from surfing to birding. For more information on Galveston Island go to www.visitgalveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.

  • FeatherFest & Nature Photo Festival

    FeatherFest & Nature Photo Festival


    Apr 22, 2023

    April 20-23

    Time Varies

    Where: Locations vary

    Admission: Prices vary

    Info: www.galvestonfeatherfest.com

    Description: As one of the nation’s top locations for birding, Galveston Island will host the 21st  annual FeatherFest birding and nature photography festival April 20-23. FeatherFest is one of the largest birding festivals in Texas, and the only one with a dedicated nature photography track. The event features unique outdoor field trips, workshops and social events for nature enthusiasts of all skill levels. FeatherFest is held during the spring bird migration – the best time to visit world-renowned Galveston area birding hot spots, such as Bolivar Flats and High Island.

    About Galveston Island

    Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, including several National Historic Landmarks. Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth and home to popular amusements such as Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, as well as a variety of museums and recreational activities from surfing to birding. For more information on Galveston Island go to www.visitgalveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.

  • FeatherFest & Nature Photo Festival

    FeatherFest & Nature Photo Festival


    Apr 23, 2023

    April 20-23

    Time Varies

    Where: Locations vary

    Admission: Prices vary

    Info: www.galvestonfeatherfest.com

    Description: As one of the nation’s top locations for birding, Galveston Island will host the 21st  annual FeatherFest birding and nature photography festival April 20-23. FeatherFest is one of the largest birding festivals in Texas, and the only one with a dedicated nature photography track. The event features unique outdoor field trips, workshops and social events for nature enthusiasts of all skill levels. FeatherFest is held during the spring bird migration – the best time to visit world-renowned Galveston area birding hot spots, such as Bolivar Flats and High Island.

    About Galveston Island

    Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, including several National Historic Landmarks. Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth and home to popular amusements such as Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, as well as a variety of museums and recreational activities from surfing to birding. For more information on Galveston Island go to www.visitgalveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.

  • Galveston Island Rail Fest

    Galveston Island Rail Fest


    Apr 29, 2023

    Date: April 29-30

    Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    Where: Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Place, Galveston, TX

    Admission: Adults $20, Students 16 and under $15, 4 & Under Free. Strollers welcome. Harborside Express Train Rides $8 per person.

    Info: www.galvestonrrmuseum.org

    Description: Plan to be at the Galveston Railroad Museum as model train collectors and enthusiasts display their train sets. Larger than you can imagine, these spectacular displays come with all the bells and whistles! The two- day event brings train clubs and individuals from across the state who set up and run their large-scale train sets in the historic museum's depot. Train rides on the Harborside Express will run each day of Rail Fest.

    About Galveston Island

    Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, including several National Historic Landmarks. Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth and home to popular amusements such as Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, as well as a variety of museums and recreational activities from surfing to birding. For more information on Galveston Island go to www.visitgalveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.

    The Grand Kids Festival

    The Grand Kids Festival


    Apr 29, 2023

    Date: April 29

    Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    Where: Postoffice Street from 20th – 23rd streets, Galveston, TX

    Admission: Free

    Info: www.thegrand.com

    Description: Galveston can always rekindle the kid in you, but no event will be more exciting for kids of all ages than The Grand Kids Festival hosted by The Grand 1894 Opera House. Designed to introduce children and families to the arts, this year’s festival marks its 27th anniversary and will take place April 29. The event features three blocks of activities, entertainment areas and vendor booths. Attendees will be able to enjoy live performances, storytellers, arts and crafts, face painting and more.

    About Galveston Island

    Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, including several National Historic Landmarks. Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth and home to popular amusements such as Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, as well as a variety of museums and recreational activities from surfing to birding. For more information on Galveston Island go to www.visitgalveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.

  • Galveston Island Rail Fest

    Galveston Island Rail Fest


    Apr 30, 2023

    Date: April 29-30

    Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    Where: Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Place, Galveston, TX

    Admission: Adults $20, Students 16 and under $15, 4 & Under Free. Strollers welcome. Harborside Express Train Rides $8 per person.

    Info: www.galvestonrrmuseum.org

    Description: Plan to be at the Galveston Railroad Museum as model train collectors and enthusiasts display their train sets. Larger than you can imagine, these spectacular displays come with all the bells and whistles! The two- day event brings train clubs and individuals from across the state who set up and run their large-scale train sets in the historic museum's depot. Train rides on the Harborside Express will run each day of Rail Fest.

    About Galveston Island

    Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, including several National Historic Landmarks. Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth and home to popular amusements such as Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, as well as a variety of museums and recreational activities from surfing to birding. For more information on Galveston Island go to www.visitgalveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.