Spring in Galveston to Bring Outdoor Festivals Galore

 

GALVESTON ISLAND, TEXAS (Jan. 3, 2024) – 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:

 

Galveson Steampunk Festival

Date: April 5-7

Time: Times vary

Where: Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602, Santa Fe Place

Admission: Adult day passes start at $35

Info: www.galvestonsteampunk.com

 

Description: Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates retrofuturistic technology and aesthetics inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. The extensive history of mechanical innovation displayed at the Galveston Railroad Museum embodies the steampunk spirit. The festival celebrates this era and brings family fun, live music and entertainment – including fire dancing, ax throwing and teapot racing.

 

Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3

Date: April 7

Time: 5 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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

Admission: Free for spectators. Race registration varies

Info: www.ironman.com

 

Description: Galveston will host some of the nation's finest athletes April 4 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.

 

FeatherFest & Nature Photo Festival

Date: April 18-21

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 annual FeatherFest birding and nature photography festival April 18-21. 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.

 

The Grand Kids Festival

Date: April 20

Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: Postoffice Street from 20th to 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, the festival will feature 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.

 

Galveston Rail Fest

Date: April 27-28

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.

 

50th Annual Historic Homes Tour

Date: May 4-5 & 11-12

Time: Varies

Where: Locations vary

Admission: $35-$40

Info: www.galvestonhistory.org

 

Description: Rich in history and standing as a testament to survival, the Galveston Historic Homes Tour will return the first two weekends in May. The tour features numerous historical and architecturally significant homes located throughout the island's vibrant historic neighborhoods. 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.

 

Yaga's Wild Game & BBQ Cook-off

Date: May 11-12

Time: Varies

Where: Pier 21, Galveston, TX

Admission: Free

Info: www.ycfund.org

 

Description: Galveston is calling all backyard chefs, sportsmen and women, and outdoor enthusiasts to show off their culinary skills May 11-12 at the 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.

 

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.

 

 

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