Houston area architects, designers, engineers, and contractors will take their tools to Galveston’s East Beach in August for what is considered one of the world’s largest amateur sandcastle competitions. The Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects sponsors this annual contest in which the public is invited to watch more than 80 teams compete for the best sandcastle design.

You’ll be coming home where it all began as the island hosts several days of festivities to Juneteenth – a holiday that originated in this historic Texas beach town. This year’s festivities will include a variety of events, including festivals, picnics, African-American heritage exhibits, reenactments and concerts. The annual reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in front of the official Juneteenth monument will take place June 19 in Galveston to help commemorate June 19, 1865 – the date the last slaves were freed in the South.

Galveston is calling all backyard chefs, sportsmen and women, and outdoor enthusiasts to show off their culinary skills 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.

The juried arts festival, sponsored by The Grand 1894 Opera House, features over 125 artists from throughout the United States. Many of the artists will display their works inside The Grand – everything from oil and watercolor paintings to handmade jewelry, and much it Galveston-made.

Rich in history and standing as a testament to survival, the Galveston Historic Homes Tour will return f 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.

Texas Frog Festival is an annual event through which funds are raised to maintain the Lone Survivor Retreat and help offset the costs of conducting the retreats that are held there. Through the generosity of our volunteers and sponsors, the first annual Texas Frog Festival, held in March of 2014, was an event to remember. This two-day venue provided great musical entertainment, food and drinks, booths to learn more about the Lone Survivor Foundation and the Crystal Beach Facility and a family friendly atmosphere.

Saturdays June Through August

This free, family-friendly event series allows you to take sandcastle building lessons from the pros – and equipment is provided.

On the evening of July 4, Galveston Island will celebrate its annual Independence Day parade featuring a procession of floats, decorated military vehicles and performers. The parade  procession on Seawall Boulevard starts at 41st Street and continuing to 14th Street. After the parade, the island will host 20-minute fireworks show over the Gulf of Mexico.

Enjoy this popular summer concert series with fireworks on Friday and Saturday nights. Featuring local and regional bands ranging from R&B, rock, country and blues, families can rock out as they float in the lazy river or hang out on the Island’s only white sand beach.