Things to Do in Galveston This Week: August 30 Through September 6, 2026

Galveston has a packed week ahead as the island heads into Labor Day weekend.

From live music and outdoor movies to wine tastings, beach runs, nature programs, farmers markets, sandcastle lessons, kayaking, museum events and a Sunday night drone show, there is plenty happening across the island between Sunday, August 30 and Sunday, September 6.

Whether you’re looking for something free to do with the family, a night out, a beach activity or a full Labor Day weekend experience, here is your guide to what’s happening in Galveston this week.

Note: Event schedules, ticket prices and availability can change. Check with the venue or organizer before heading out.

Major Events and Festivals

Galveston Island Wine Festival

Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6
Moody Gardens
Admission: Paid

The Galveston Island Wine Festival returns to Moody Gardens for Labor Day weekend with three days of wine, food, entertainment and special experiences.

The weekend schedule includes the Welcome Reception, White Linen Seafood Extravaganza and Wine’d Down on Friday.

Saturday’s lineup includes Restorative Yoga, Brunch & Bubbles, Penguins & Pinot, the ‘Tinis & Bikinis Pool Party and another Wine’d Down event.

The festival continues Sunday with additional wellness and brunch events before wrapping up with a McPherson Cellars wine-paired dinner at Shearn’s.

Tickets and festival packages are sold separately, with pricing depending on the individual event or package selected.

GulfStock 2026

Saturday, September 5
Saengerfest Park, Downtown Galveston
Beginning around 10 a.m.
Admission: Free general admission

GulfStock 2026 brings a full day of live music to Saengerfest Park in downtown Galveston.

The event benefits Combined Arms and the veteran community and is scheduled to continue throughout much of the day and into the evening.

General admission is free, with optional VIP experiences available separately.

Galveston Sand Crab Nighttime Beach Run

Saturday, September 5
East Beach
Kids K: 8 p.m.
5K and 10K: 8:30 p.m.
Admission: Paid

Runners will take over East Beach after dark Saturday night for the Galveston Island Sand Crab Nighttime Beach Run.

Participants can choose between a Kids K, 5K and 10K, with runners encouraged to light themselves up for the nighttime beach course.

Current registration prices are approximately:

Kids K: $25 early registration, $35 on race day

5K: $75

10K: $80

Beach, Nature and Outdoor Activities

Bucket Brigade Interpretive Beach Tours

Sunday, August 30
Saturday, September 5
Sunday, September 6
East Beach
Admission: Free

Visitors can learn more about Galveston’s beaches, wildlife, marine life and coastal environment during free Bucket Brigade Interpretive Beach Tours.

Tours are scheduled throughout the morning at:

9 a.m.

10 a.m.

11 a.m.

Noon

Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.

The tours are free, although East Beach currently charges approximately $15 per vehicle for parking.

Free Sandcastle Building Lessons

Saturday, September 5
East Beach
11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Admission: Free

Want to learn how to build a better sandcastle?

Professional sandcastle builders will be at East Beach Saturday teaching visitors techniques for creating elaborate sand sculptures.

Lessons are free and open to all ages.

East Beach parking is approximately $15 per vehicle.

East End Lagoon Nature Outing

Saturday, September 5
East End Lagoon
Morning
Admission: Free, registration required

Explore one of Galveston’s most important natural areas during a guided nature outing at East End Lagoon.

The program focuses on Galveston’s coastal habitat, wildlife and ecosystem.

Registration is required.

Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve Kayak Adventure

Saturday, September 5
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission: Approximately $75

Artist Boat will lead a guided four-hour kayak adventure through Galveston’s Coastal Heritage Preserve.

Participants will paddle through the island’s coastal ecosystem while learning more about wetlands, wildlife and conservation.

The experience is ideal for visitors and locals who want to see a side of Galveston that many people never experience from land.

Galveston Island State Park Programs

Galveston Island State Park has several ranger-led activities scheduled throughout the week.

Basic Fishing

Sunday, August 30
9 a.m. to noon
Admission: $5 for adults, children 12 and under free

Learn the basics of fishing during this beginner-friendly state park program.

Limited loaner fishing equipment may be available.

Sunset Watercolors

Thursday, September 3
7:30 to 8:45 p.m.
Admission: Standard park entry, approximately $5 for adults

Visitors can paint a Galveston sunset during this evening watercolor program.

Art supplies are provided by the park.

Children 12 and under receive free park admission.

Survival Night Hike

Friday, September 4
9 to 10 p.m.
Admission: Standard park entry, approximately $5 for adults

Explore Galveston Island State Park after dark during a guided night hike focused on outdoor survival skills and the island’s nighttime environment.

Star Party

Saturday, September 5
9 to 10:30 p.m.
Admission: Included with standard park admission

Look beyond the beach and into the night sky during Galveston Island State Park’s Star Party.

Telescopes and binoculars will be used to help visitors explore stars, planets and other nighttime objects.

Standard park admission is approximately $5 for adults, with children 12 and under free.

Magical Morning Paddle

Sunday, September 6
8:45 to 11:30 a.m.
Ages 13 and older
Registration required

Start Sunday morning on the water with a guided paddle through Galveston Island State Park.

Kayaks, paddles and life jackets are provided.

There is no separate paddle fee currently listed, although standard park admission may apply.

Live Music and Nightlife

Sunset & Sounds at Hotel Lucine

Hotel Lucine continues its free Sunset & Sounds live music series throughout Labor Day weekend.

This week’s lineup includes:

Thursday, September 3: Coleton Wilcox

Friday, September 4: Tyson Webb & The Outlaw Boogie

Saturday, September 5: Aaron Stephens Band

Sunday, September 6: La Izquierda All Stars

Music takes place around sunset.

Admission is free.

Food and drinks are available for purchase, and optional reserved seating or premium experiences may also be available.

Singer-Songwriter Night at ShyKatZ

Monday, August 31
5 p.m.
ShyKatZ Deli & Bakery

Local musicians and songwriters gather Monday evening for Singer-Songwriter Night at ShyKatZ.

The event is presented with Tone Salinas Music.

No separate cover charge is currently listed. Food and drinks are available for purchase.

Bare Necessity Band at Waterman’s Restaurant

Saturday, September 5
6 to 10 p.m.

Enjoy live waterfront music Saturday evening at Waterman’s Restaurant.

The Bare Necessity Band is scheduled to perform from 6 to 10 p.m.

No separate admission price is currently listed. Food and drinks are available for purchase.

Briean Day Live at Naked Iguana Brewery

Sunday, September 6
2 to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free

Briean Day performs live Sunday afternoon at Naked Iguana Brewery.

The show is free to attend, with drinks and food available for purchase.

Sunday Jam Session at Anne Lane Gallery

Sunday, September 6
2 to 7 p.m.

Local musicians gather for a Sunday afternoon jam session at Anne Lane Gallery.

No admission charge is currently listed.

Saturday Night Live Music at MOD Coffeehouse

Saturday, September 5

MOD Coffeehouse continues its Saturday night live music programming downtown.

No separate cover charge is currently listed.

Movies and Family Entertainment

The Empire Strikes Back Outdoor Movie

Saturday, September 5
Hendley Green, Downtown Galveston
7 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free

A galaxy far, far away is coming to downtown Galveston Saturday night.

The Strand Summer Series will feature an outdoor screening of The Empire Strikes Back at Hendley Green.

Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

The event begins around 7 p.m., with the movie starting around dusk.

Food and drinks will be available from nearby vendors, and the event is BYOB.

Museums, History and Community Events

After Hours at The Bryan Museum

Wednesday, September 2
4 to 7 p.m.
Admission: Free

The Bryan Museum hosts its weekly After Hours gathering Wednesday evening.

Visitors can spend an evening at one of Galveston’s most interesting museums while enjoying special programming and social activities.

General After Hours admission is free, although some individual programs or special experiences may require separate registration.

Seaport Sunset Happy Hour

Thursday, September 3
Galveston Historic Seaport
6 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free pier admission

Spend Thursday evening along Galveston’s harbor during Seaport Sunset Happy Hour.

The evening includes dockside games, music and activities overlooking the waterfront.

Pier admission is free. Drinks and other purchases are available separately.

Austin Gaston Live at the Seaport

Friday, September 4
Galveston Historic Seaport
6 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free

Austin Gaston performs live Friday evening at the Galveston Historic Seaport as part of the Summer at the Seaport series.

Admission to the live music event is free.

Food, Drink and Wellness Events

Summer Reset Immersion

Sunday, August 30 through Monday, August 31
The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center
Admission: Paid, reservations required

The San Luis Resort continues its Summer Reset Immersion wellness experience through Monday.

The program is part of the resort’s celebration of August Wellness Month and features spa and wellness-focused experiences.

Reservations are required, and prices vary depending on the experience selected.

Pour Decisions: Wine vs. Whiskey Experience

Friday, September 4
The San Luis Resort
7 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Approximately $175 per person plus tax

Wine or whiskey?

Guests can compare both during Pour Decisions, a special tasting experience at The San Luis Resort.

The evening includes wine, whiskey and food pairings.

First Thursday Fitness at Naked Iguana Brewery

Thursday, September 3
6 to 7 p.m.
Admission: Approximately $15

Naked Iguana Brewery hosts its First Thursday Fitness event Thursday evening.

Participants can get in a workout before enjoying the brewery afterward.

Shepherd Mix Food Bar

Sunday, August 30
Naked Iguana Brewery
Noon to 6 p.m.

Shepherd Mix Food Bar will be serving food at Naked Iguana Brewery Sunday afternoon.

There is no separate event admission fee. Food is available for purchase while supplies last.

Slab & Spice

Sunday, September 6
Naked Iguana Brewery
Noon to 6 p.m.

Slab & Spice will be serving food Sunday afternoon at Naked Iguana Brewery.

There is no separate admission charge. Food is available for purchase.

Farmers Market and Local Shopping

Galveston’s Own Farmers Market

Sunday, August 30
Sunday, September 6
9 a.m. to noon
3304 Market Street
Admission: Free

Galveston’s Own Farmers Market returns both Sundays during this week’s calendar.

Visitors can shop from local farmers, food vendors, makers and community organizations.

Entry is free. Purchases from vendors are separate.

Moody Gardens Car Show

Sunday, August 30
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Moody Gardens
Admission: Approximately $25

The Moody Gardens Car Show continues Sunday with a collection of unique and recognizable vehicles.

Among the featured attractions is a replica of the 1989 Batmobile.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dolphin and Harbor Tours

Baywatch Dolphin Tours

Available throughout the week, weather permitting
Pier 21
Admission: Paid

Baywatch Dolphin Tours offers approximately 45-minute dolphin cruises through Galveston’s harbor.

Boats typically depart regularly throughout the day, depending on weather and demand.

Current booking prices are approximately $36 per adult, although visitors should confirm pricing directly before booking.

Dolly Parton Sunset Tribute Cruises

Baywatch Dolphin Tours is also offering special Dolly Parton Sunset Tribute Cruises through Labor Day weekend.

The cruises combine a Galveston sunset harbor ride with music inspired by Dolly Parton and a charitable component.

Reservations are recommended.

Labor Day Weekend Drone Show at Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens Drone Show

Sunday, September 6
9 p.m.
Moody Gardens

Labor Day weekend will end with a nighttime drone show over Moody Gardens Sunday evening.

Hundreds of illuminated drones will take to the sky during a themed show lasting more than 10 minutes.

The display is expected to be visible from several areas around the Moody Gardens property.

No separate drone show admission fee is currently listed, although paid attractions and Wine Festival events will also be taking place at Moody Gardens that weekend.

Free Things to Do in Galveston This Week

Looking to enjoy Galveston without spending much money? Several events this week have free admission.

Sunday, August 30

Galveston’s Own Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to noon

Bucket Brigade Interpretive Beach Tours, 9 a.m. through early afternoon

Wednesday, September 2

After Hours at The Bryan Museum, 4 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, September 3

Seaport Sunset Happy Hour, 6 to 8 p.m.

Sunset & Sounds at Hotel Lucine featuring Coleton Wilcox

Friday, September 4

Austin Gaston Live at the Galveston Historic Seaport, 6 to 8 p.m.

Sunset & Sounds at Hotel Lucine featuring Tyson Webb & The Outlaw Boogie

Saturday, September 5

East End Lagoon Nature Outing

Bucket Brigade Interpretive Beach Tours

GulfStock 2026 at Saengerfest Park

Free Sandcastle Building Lessons at East Beach

Sunset & Sounds at Hotel Lucine featuring Aaron Stephens Band

The Empire Strikes Back outdoor movie at Hendley Green

Sunday, September 6

Galveston’s Own Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to noon

Bucket Brigade Interpretive Beach Tours

Briean Day Live at Naked Iguana Brewery

Sunset & Sounds at Hotel Lucine featuring La Izquierda All Stars

Keep in mind that while the Bucket Brigade tours and sandcastle lessons are free, East Beach charges approximately $15 per vehicle for parking.

A Busy Labor Day Week on Galveston Island

The final week of August and beginning of September offer a little bit of everything on Galveston Island.

Locals and visitors can catch free live music, explore the island’s natural areas, attend museum and harbor events, watch an outdoor movie downtown, learn how to build sandcastles, run a nighttime beach race, attend the Galveston Island Wine Festival or end Labor Day weekend watching hundreds of drones light up the sky.

Galveston City News will continue covering events, entertainment, restaurants, businesses and things to do across the island throughout Labor Day week.

Check back later this week for our complete guide to things to do in Galveston over Labor Day weekend.