Galveston Summer Events Unite Community for Fun in the Sun

With its island location off Texas’s Gulf coast, it’s not hard to enjoy summer in Galveston. Thrill rides, scenic beaches, warm weather, tasty food and friendly faces – this city has it all. But don’t just take our word for it. Get in on the action and check out these Galveston summer events.

Top Galveston Summer Events for Culture, Food and Fun

galveston summer events music festival

Third Coast Music Festival (late April)

Held on the last weekend of April, Third Coast Music Festival provides the perfect way to get ready for summer. The festival features over 40 bands from different genres playing at nine venues throughout the island. Festival-goers hear blues, country, folk, soul, Latin and more sounds.

Purchase a general admission wristband, and gain access to all festival performances or benefit from perks with a VIP pass. Due to a limited number of tickets, buy wristbands in advance. Participating venues include Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston Island Beach Revue and 1859 St. Joseph’s Church.

Yaga’s Wild Game BBQ Cookoff (May)

Love cooking? Enter Yaga’s Wild Game BBQ Cookoff to win prizes and enjoy old-fashioned fun. The events welcomes everyone from backyard chefs to outdoor enthusiasts to compete with their best rubs and sauces. While tasting barbecue, let kids play in the free children’s area or attend the VIP sponsor party.

Pier 21 in historic harbor village hosts the event, ensuring everyone has plenty of room to roam. All proceeds from Wild Game BBQ Cookoff benefit local charities.

galveston cajun fest summer

Galveston Cajun Festival (June)

Celebrate Texas- and Louisiana-inspired foods at Galveston Cajun Festival in June. This event invites the family to enjoy local flavor, live music, kiddie rides and other fun activities. Visit vendors to sample cuisine, or try to win crawfish eating contests and crawfish races.

Galveston Cajun Festival takes place rain or shine at Beach Central Park located at Hotel Galvez. Tickets cost around $6 for adults, and children get in free. In addition, a portion of the proceeds benefit local charities, helping bring the community together for a good cause.

Independence Day and Fireworks (July)

If visiting during Fourth of July, don’t miss the festivities on Galveston Island. On July 4, visitors enjoy a parade featuring floats, military vehicles and live performers. After the parade, see a 20-minute fireworks show over the Gulf.

galveston july fourth events

Annual AIA Sandcastle Competition (August)

Head to East Beach for the annual AIA Sandcastle Competition in August. During the event, over 60 teams create sandy masterpieces to compete for the Golden Bucket Award. Attendees are welcome to watch artists work.

Other prize categories include bests in traditional castle, architectural icon, science fiction, best sports and more categories. East Beach admission costs about $15, and guests also receive access to a playground, live entertainment, a bird sanctuary and refreshments.

Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival (August/September)

Join thousands of beer lovers and over 400 craft brewers for a weekend food and drink. The three-day Galveston summer festival has been voted among the best beer festivals by USA Today and features special events throughout the weekend.

Examples include Nach-yo Ordinary Tequila Tasting, BrewHaHa Grand Tasting and Brew-B-Que. All festivities occur at Moody Gardens, one of the top attractions in Galveston. Visitors can buy tickets to individual events, however only guests 21 and older are permitted. No children or strollers allowed.

Need more things to do aside from these Galveston summer events? Check out the city’s top water activities.

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