Free Family Fun at Saengerfest Park:
30i in Concert & “Goosebumps” in Downtown Galveston
Saengerfest Park, located in the heart of Downtown Galveston, is a great place to find free family-friendly fun as the days (slowly) begin to cool off.
Saengerfest Park is a small, square park located on the corner of 23rd St. and The Strand in Galveston’s Historic Strand District. Saengerfest Park is known for having a large, playable chess set, a large compass that can be used as a seat, a colorful iconic Galveston wall mural, a huge beach chair offering photo opportunities, wooden benches, an old-fashioned London-style phone booth, and a stage used for festivals, movies, and concerts.
Visitors and residents are invited to enjoy free movies the first Saturday of each month beginning just after dusk. Moviegoers are encouraged to set up a blanket or chair. One free movie remains for the season:
- October 5th: “Goosebumps” (2015)
Music Nite on The Strand takes place on the second Saturday of each month, 6-9pm. These free concerts are a great family-fun event. Dancing is highly encouraged. One free concert remains for the season:
- October 12th: 30i (Rock)
Events are presented by Mitchell Historic Properties and The Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more info go to galveston.com/saengerfestpark.
- October: Halloween Movie Nights – Saturday nights in October, drop by for spooky fun and Halloween movies.
- October 5th: “Hotel Transylvania,” Shown at Dusk
- October 12th: “The House With A Clock In Its Walls,” Shown at Dusk
- October 19th: “Goosebumps 2,” Shown at Dusk
- October 26th: Halloween Party – Bring the kids out for a ghostly good time with trick or treating, movies and more!
- October 26th: “Coco,” Shown at Dusk
- October 10th, 10am-8pm, Galveston Appreciation Day will take place where all-day ride passes will be $15.99. This is in conjunction with the Harvest Moon Regatta at 2pm.
- October 3rd: HomeSchool Day – Homeschooled students are invited to come for a day of educational thrills.
- October 11th-14th: Scout Weekend – There will be discounts for scouts with $17.99 All Day Ride Passes ($2 donated back).
- October 26th: Halloween Party – Bring the kids out for a ghostly good time with discounted ride tickets, trick or treating, movies and more.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, located at 2501 Seawall Blvd., features family-oriented attractions including rides, midway games, food venues, and retail shops. All events and rides are weather permitting. For more info, tickets, and a full list of events go to pleasurepier.com.
For decades, the historic Pleasure Pier served as a tourism catalyst for Galveston’s Seawall Boulevard and the Texas Gulf Coast. More than 40 years after the original Pleasure Pier was destroyed by Hurricane Carla, Landry’s has transformed the Pleasure Pier into a world-class amusement park for all ages.
Tickets are available for Walk-On only (no rides), Single Rides, All Day Ride Passes, and Weekend Pass for three parks at tickets.pleasurepier.com.
October: Halloween Movie Nights – Saturday nights in October, drop by for spooky fun and Halloween movies. Movies schedule are:
- October 5th: “Hotel Transylvania,” shown at dusk
- October 12th: “The House With A Clock In Its Walls,” shown at dusk
- October 19th: “Goosebumps 2,” shown at dusk
- October 26th: “Coca” and Halloween Party
October 10th (10am-8pm): Galveston Appreciation Day will take place where all-day ride passes will be $15.99. This is in conjunction with the Harvest Moon Regatta at 2pm.
October 11th-14th: Scout Weekend – There will be discounts for scouts with $17.99 All Day Ride Passes ($2 donated back).
October 26th (3-9pm): Halloween Party – Bring the kids out for a ghostly good time with discounted ride tickets, trick or treating, costume contest, activity corner, movies and more.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, located at 2501 Seawall Blvd., features family-oriented attractions including rides, midway games, food venues, and retail shops. All events and rides are weather permitting. For more info, tickets, and a full list of events go to pleasurepier.com.
For decades, the historic Pleasure Pier served as a tourism catalyst for Galveston’s Seawall Boulevard and the Texas Gulf Coast. More than 40 years after the original Pleasure Pier was destroyed by Hurricane Carla, Landry’s has transformed the Pleasure Pier into a world-class amusement park for all ages.
Tickets are available for Walk-On only (no rides), Single Rides, All Day Ride Passes, and Weekend Pass for three parks at tickets.pleasurepier.com.
The Island goes Greek for the 37th Annual Galveston Greek Festival, October 12 and 13, when the Greek Community hosts their annual party at 1824 Ball St.
What sets this event apart is that the food made on-site by parishioners, mostly who are professional chefs, or incredible cooks in their own right. Fresh ingredients are used in the centuries-old recipes much to the delight of all visitors. The Greek plate consists of pastitsio, meatballs, dolmades, olives, salad, cheese, and bread for $16. All other items sold ala carte include souvlaki, gyros, dolmades, meat and vegetarian, salad, olives and cheese, tyropita and spanakopita. Prices range from $4 to $8. A meal is not complete without a pastry or two and selections include baklava, kourambiedes, paximadia, koulourakia, and a few new pastries that will debut at the event. All foods and pastries are available to go.
A featured beverage is FIX beer, the Bud of Greece for generations, as well as Mythos Beer, that has won numerous awards for its flavor and remains a favorite of the European market. Served ice cold, both are sure to win the favor of those attending the Greek Festival. Greek wines have been paired to compliment the dishes being served.
Returning by popular demand is King of Bouzouki, Alex Kalos who will perform with his band throughout festival hours, and the Greek Dancers who will perform every two hours. Church tours will be led by Father Stelios Sitaras. Imported merchandise and food products from Greece will be available for purchase at the community gift shop and at vendor booths. An inside-outside event, the festival is rain or shine.
There is no admission to attend the festival, however, a small donation is appreciated and proceeds benefit the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church. Food and drink tickets sold in $2 increments. cash and credit cards are accepted, and an ATM is available.
Come for a visit and stay awhile. Greek Festival hours are Saturday, 11 am – 8 pm and Sunday, 12 noon – 6 pm. There’s no party like a Greek party. Rain or Shine. Don’t miss it. www.galvestongreekfestival.com.
Moody Gardens is located at 1 Hope Blvd. in Galveston. For more info or tickets go to moodygardens.com.
Ghostly Gardens will be held October 12th, 19th and 26th at Moody Gardens and will embrace the Halloween spirit with lots of spooky fun. Get the fright night combo ticket for $19.95 per person which includes one movie at the Fright Night Film Fest, one showing of “Happy Family 4D” in the 4D Special FX Theater, admission into the Reef Rescue VR Experience, and admission into the Rainforest of Terror. Individual tickets for specific events are also available.
Fright Night Film Fest is guaranteed to get horror fans in the fright frame of mind on the largest screen in Texas and some tamer options for the youngsters as well.
Each night features three horror-movie titles that get progressively scarier as the evening goes on, from chilling to fearful to downright frightening. Concessions will be available along with special Halloween themed drinks for the ghoulish occasion. For the rated R movies those under 18 will not be admitted without accompanying parent or adult guardian. Individual movie tickets are $9.95. The Ghostly Gardens Film Fest is:
October 12th:
- 4:30pm: “Gremlins” (1984) – (PG) Chilling
- 6:30pm: “The Lost Boys” (1987) – (R) Fearful
- 8:30pm: “Creepshow” (1982) – (R) Downright Frightening
October 19th:
- 4:30pm: “Beetlejuice” (1988) – (PG) Chilling
- 6:30pm: “Twilight Zone: The Movie” (1983) – (PG) Fearful
- 8:30pm: “Friday the 13th (2009) – (R) Downright Frightening
October 26th:
- 4:30pm: “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986) – (PG-13) Chilling
- 6:30pm: “Poltergeist” (1982) – (PG) Fearful
- 8:30pm: “A Nightmare on Elm Street 2” (1985) – (R) Downright Frightening
In the 4D theater, “Happy Family 4D will show 4-9m. Individual movie tickets are $11.95.
Also as part of the Ghostly Gardens will be The Rainforest of Terror 4-9pm! Learn the Scary Truths Animals Face in the Wild at Rainforest of Terror. Explore the plights the animals there face from poaching to deforestation. Stay tuned for more details to come! Individual event tickets are $25.95.
Spooktacular Halloween October 26th will be held 2-4pm. Come to this free event that includes trick-or-treating at various locations throughout the property, crafts and more. There’s even a costume contest for guests in the Garden Lobby with prizes for the best costume. Registration for the costume contest is from 2-2:45pm. Contestants will be separated by age group.
For more info go to moodygardens.com/halloween.
Jessica Wilson is the fiber artist behind Jessica Weaves. She is a native Houstonian who is inspired by nature, architecture and the beauty of Texas sunsets. Her work focuses on minimalist design and maximum texture. What started as a hobby to unwind after a long day of work has turned into a passion for creating beautiful home decor. Jessica is passionate about using local Texas yarn and fiber to create works that reflect the beauty of her home state. www.etsy.com/shop/jessicaweaves www.instagram.com/jessica_weaves
Our 3rd annual Sugar Skull ArtWalk Party is coming up! So Excited!!! The night of we will have your requested project as well as complimentary snacks ( like the chocolate fountain ;) and beverages. You can choose a project below. Project & Price Below : Walk in Project – Price varies depending on project you choose the night of. You can choose any project in the studio. Sugar Skull Figurine – $15 Sugar Skull Plate – $18 Sugar Skull Mug – $18 Sugar Skull Bank – $19 Sugar Skull Light with Light Fixture – $29 Small Self Guided Canvas – $20 Large Self Guided Canvas – $25 The $10 paid now is your studio & RSVP fee for the night. The event is from 6pm to 9pm. Remember to show up a few minutes early to pay and grab yourself a table. Although we will have lots of snacks, sangria and other yummies, you are more than welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages the night of. The $10 will be held if you cancel as we are preordering projects. If you have any questions regarding this, just send us an email :)
It’s beginning to feel like summer, so why not spend a few hours at the park? Saengerfest Park, located in the heart of Downtown Galveston, is a great place to find free family-friendly fun.
Saengerfest Park is a small, square park located on the corner of 23rd St. and The Strand in Galveston’s Historic Strand District. Saengerfest Park is known for having a large, playable chess set, a large compass that can be used as a seat, a colorful iconic Galveston wall mural, a huge beach chair offering photo opportunities, wooden benches, an old-fashioned London-style phone booth, and a stage used for festivals, movies, and concerts.
Visitors and residents are invited to enjoy free movies the first Saturday of each month beginning just after dusk. Moviegoers are encouraged to set up a blanket or chair. Scheduled movies are:
- May 4th: “A Wrinkle in Time” (2018)
- June 1st: “Willie Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” (1971)
- July 6th: “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle”
- August 3rd: “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (2018)
- September 7th: “Tommy Boy” (1995)
- October 5th: “Goosebumps” (2015)
Music Nite on The Strand takes place on the second Saturday of each month, 6-9pm. These free concerts are a great family-fun event. Dancing is highly encouraged. Concerts scheduled are:
- May 11th: Sonic Seduction (Radio hits)
- June 8th: John Evans Band (Rock, Country, Blues)
- July 13th: Sarah Grace and the Soul (Blues, R&B)
- August 10th: Donovan Keith (Soul)
- September 14th: Fab Five (Beatles Tribute)
- October 12th: 30i (Rock)
These events are presented by Mitchell Historic Properties and The Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more info go to galveston.com/saengerfestpark.
Every Thursday 3-6pm and Sunday 9am-12 noon (note new summer hours), Galveston’s Own Farmers Market is held at The Bryan Museum Gardens, located at 1315 21st St. Come to the beautiful Conservatory and botanical gardens to relax and enjoy time and conversation with friends, family, and museum staff while shopping for locally grown produce, prepared foods, and edible farm products, plus live music, yoga, massage, crafting and Kids Corner!
The Thursday market features all of the perks that you’ve come to expect at the market plus the added charms of the Bryan Museum’s “Wine at the Bryan” weekly event. The Sunday market also features wonderful goods and the charm of Bryan’s courtyard. It is always free to browse and most events are FREE to participate.
At every market, there will be:
- Live music
- A chance to learn more about The Bryan Museum
- FREE recycling with Keepin’ It Green: Every week, they accept your clean, rinsed recyclable plastics, glass, aluminum and paper/cardboard. KIG comes to pick it up every week aftermarket.
- Family-friendly activities sponsored by partners like Rosenberg Library, Galveston Island State Park, Galveston Island Humane Society, etc.
GOFM is always “BYOC” – bring your own cup. They have eliminated single-use cups for the free Sunday morning coffee station and Thursday water station. Support the initiative by cleaning out your cupboards and donating unwanted mugs to market for others to use.
Every Sunday (10am): Yoga Classes – These classes are led by local yoga teachers. All classes are free to attend.
October 13th: Drag Queen Story Hour – Enjoy stories read by Drag Queens Kymber Devine and Athena Sapphire plus enter for book giveaways every hour!
Every Thursday 3-6pm and Sunday 9am-1pm, Galveston’s Own Farmers Market is held at The Bryan Museum Gardens, located at 1315 21st St. Come to the beautiful Conservatory and botanical gardens to relax and enjoy time and conversation with friends, family, and museum staff. It is always free to browse and most events are FREE to participate. At the market, there will be:
- Live music
- A chance to learn more about The Bryan Museum
- FREE recycling with Keepin’ It Green: Every week, they accept your clean, rinsed recyclable plastics, glass, aluminum, and paper/cardboard. KIG comes to pick it up every week aftermarket.
- FREE family-friendly activities sponsored by partners like Rosenberg Library, Galveston Island State Park, Galveston Island Humane Society, etc.
- “BYOC” – bring your own cup. They have eliminated single-use cups for the free Sunday morning coffee station and Thursday water station. Support the initiative by cleaning out your cupboards and donating unwanted mugs to market for others to use.
- The Thursday market features the Bryan Museum’s “Wine at the Bryan” weekly.
- Every Sunday (10am): Yoga Classes – These classes are led by local yoga teachers. All classes are free to attend.
Every Third Thursday (3-6pm): Thirsty Thursdays is held every 3rd Thursday wherein Galveston Island Brewing donates beers first-come, first-serve to market customers! You can shop, sip and stroll the market while exploring the museum grounds and buying local foods.
