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This spring, Galveston is offering a range of events where families can play, eat, explore and socialize. From festivals to competitions, tours to celebrations, the city is welcoming back social events with safety measures in place to bring a sense of normalcy and tradition — and a lot of fun — back to the island.
“Galveston welcomes and supports new special events in the community, but many of the special events that happen here have become tradition. Residents look forward to attending and volunteering for many of these events, and they help to make this tight-knit community even closer,” said Michael Woody, Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau’s chief tourism officer. “For Houstonians, we know they look forward to getting some island time, too. Many plan their trips — where they’ll eat, where they’ll stay — around some of these special events. These visits help to foster great family memories.”
Galveston Family Beach Challenge
Giant battleships, huge bean bags and limbo showdowns are coming to Stewart Beach for the return of the Galveston Family Beach Challenge. The challenge, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will transform a portion of Stewart Beach into a gigantic obstacle course, allowing families to compete in life-size versions of classic favorites like giant Jenga and dominoes, sack race sand sand castle building. Set for May 9, June 13, July 11 and Sept. 5 at Stewart Beach. Registration is free, but participants must be 8 and older. For more information, visit galvestonchallenge.com.
Memorial Hermann 70.3 Ironman Triathlon
The Memorial Hermann 70.3 Ironman Triathlon brings some of the nation’s finest athletes to the island as they compete in 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. April 11, beginning at Moody Gardens’ Palm Beach, 8928, 1 Hope Boulevard in Galveston. Spectating is free. For more information, visit ironman.com/im703-texas.
FeatherFest
As one of the nation’s top locations for birding, Galveston Island will host the annual FeatherFest birding and nature photography festival.
“FeatherFest representatives let us know that they have reworked the event. Attendees will meet at the site — there will be no buses or festival headquarters, no in-person workshops, no on-site registration and no social events,” Woody said of the event’s safety measures. “Field trips are limited to no more than eight registrants. Everyone will be masked from start to finish, even outside, and safe distancing will be observed. All registrants agreed to these safety protocols and checked a box acknowledging them during the registration process.”
It will be on April 15-18 at various locations around Galveston Island. Registration is $25 for non-Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council members. For more information, visit galvestonfeatherfest.com.
25th Annual Grand Kids Festival
Celebrating its 25th year, the Grand Kids Festival will finally take place after having to be cancelled last year due to the pandemic. The event is hosted by The Grand 1894 Opera House and is designed to introduce children and families to the arts. The free event features three blocks of activity booths showcasing a variety of unique, hands-on activities for families. Slated for May 1 along Postoffice Street, between 20th and 23rd Streets. Admission is free. For more information, visit grandkidsfestival.com.
47th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour
The 47th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour returns the first two week
ends in May, celebrating Galveston’s architectural history through tours of privately owned homes. The annual tour gives guests the opportunity to walk through history as they learn about the people and stories behind iconic Galveston architecture and residences. May 1-2 and 8-9.
Ticket prices will be announced mid-March. For additional information, visit galvestonhistory.org.
13th Annual Galveston Island Beach Revue
The 13th annual Galveston Island Beach Revue is the island’s official kick-off to summer.
“The Beach Revue will feature ticketed admission with guests reserving vintage-themed ‘pods,’” Woody said.
Set for May 14-15. Ticket prices will be announced mid-March. For more information, visit galvestonhistory.org.