Haunted Galveston 2026: Every Ghost Tour, Halloween Event and Spooky Thing to Do This October

October 4, 2026 Jake Syreini 325 Views 0 Comments

GALVESTON, Texas — Few places in Texas wear October as naturally as Galveston. The island survived the 1900 Storm, the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, and more than a century later its Victorian mansions, old cemeteries and working harbor still carry the stories. If you’re looking for Galveston Halloween events 2026, this guide has every ghost tour, parade, trick-or-treat and after-dark stroll on the island this month, all in one place.

Last updated: Oct. 4, 2026. We update this guide weekly. Bookmark it.

Quick Look: Galveston Halloween Calendar 2026

Date	Event	Time	Location	Price
Thu., Oct. 8	Haunted Headscratchers – Smarty Pints Trivia Night	6–8 p.m.	Galveston Historic Seaport, 2200 Harborside Drive	Free
Sat., Oct. 10	Haunted Harbor Tours aboard SEAGULL II	4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.	Galveston Historic Seaport	$35
Sat., Oct. 17	Haunted Harbor Tours aboard SEAGULL II	4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.	Galveston Historic Seaport	$35
Sat., Oct. 17	Hocus Pocus Movie Night at Menard	7:30 p.m.	1838 Menard House	Free
Tue., Oct. 20	Spirits of The Strand Sip and Stroll	7 p.m.	Historic downtown Galveston	$35
Thu., Oct. 22	Broadway Cemetery Soul Stroll	7 p.m.	Broadway Cemetery Historic District	$30
Fri., Oct. 23	Galveston Ghost Stories at Ashton Villa	6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.	Ashton Villa	$45
Sat., Oct. 24	Haunted Harbor Tours aboard SEAGULL II	4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.	Galveston Historic Seaport	$35
Sat., Oct. 24	3rd Annual Mystical Parade of Boo	6:30–8 p.m.	Starts at Market and 28th streets	Check organizer
Tue., Oct. 27	Spirits of The Strand Sip and Stroll	7 p.m.	Historic downtown Galveston	$35
Thu., Oct. 29	Broadway Cemetery Soul Stroll	7 p.m.	Broadway Cemetery Historic District	$30
Fri., Oct. 30	Headstone Cleaning Workshop	11 a.m.	Calvary Catholic Cemetery	$20
Fri., Oct. 30	Galveston Ghost Stories at Ashton Villa	6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.	Ashton Villa	$45
Sat., Oct. 31	Haunted Harbor Tours aboard SEAGULL II	4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.	Galveston Historic Seaport	$35
Sat., Oct. 31	5th Annual Island Boo Fest	4–6 p.m.	Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand	Check organizer
Sat., Oct. 31	Trick or Treat at the 1838 Menard House	5–6:30 p.m.	1838 Menard House	Free
Sat., Oct. 31	Galveston Ghost Stories at Ashton Villa	6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.	Ashton Villa	$45

Most of these events belong to the Galveston Historical Foundation’s Haunted History series. Several have limited space, so book early.

Ghost Tours and Haunted History

Haunted Harbor Tours aboard SEAGULL II

Some of Galveston’s best ghost stories happened on the water, not on land. The Galveston Historical Foundation takes guests out on Galveston Bay aboard SEAGULL II, where its guides tell historically accurate stories of the island’s haunted waters, researched by foundation staff. It’s a good choice if you want real history with your chills, and the 4 p.m. departure gets you back in time for dinner downtown.

When: Saturdays, Oct. 10, 17, 24 and 31, at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. | Where: Galveston Historic Seaport, 2200 Harborside Drive | Cost: $35 | Good for: History lovers, couples, visitors who want to be out on the water

Galveston Ghost Stories at Ashton Villa

Ashton Villa is one of Broadway’s most famous mansions, and in late October it hosts Galveston Ghost Stories. Hearing the island’s legends inside a historic house is a different experience from hearing them on a sidewalk. Shows run on the three nights leading up to and including Halloween, which makes this one of the most popular tickets of the season.

When: Oct. 23, 30 and 31, at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. | Where: Ashton Villa | Cost: $45 | Good for: Adults and older kids, first-time visitors

Broadway Cemetery Soul Stroll

The Broadway Cemetery Historic District holds generations of Galvestonians, and the Soul Stroll introduces you to some of them. This evening walk is a quieter, more reflective way to spend a Halloween-season night, and a good fit for anyone who prefers history to jump scares. For more background before you go, read about historic Galveston sites to see before your cruise.

When: Thursdays, Oct. 22 and 29, at 7 p.m. | Where: Broadway Cemetery Historic District | Cost: $30 | Good for: History buffs, photographers, small groups

Year-Round Ghost Tours

The foundation isn’t the only one telling ghost stories. Visit Galveston notes that ghost tours run throughout October and all year, covering a 115-year-old “haunted” hotel, the harbor, cemeteries and Victorian mansions. It names local guides including author Kathleen Maca, the Grand Galvez Ghostess and Melissa Hall. Check each operator’s website for schedules and prices.

When: Throughout October and year-round | Where: Varies by tour | Cost: Check the organizer’s website for details | Good for: Anyone who can’t make the foundation’s dates

Family-Friendly Halloween Events

Hocus Pocus Movie Night at Menard

Bring a blanket and the kids. The Galveston Historical Foundation is screening Hocus Pocus in the backyard of the 1838 Menard House, Galveston’s oldest residence. A free outdoor movie at a historic home is about as easy as family Halloween plans get, and it lands on the same weekend as ARToberFEST downtown.

When: Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m. | Where: 1838 Menard House | Cost: Free | Good for: Families, date nights, locals

Haunted Headscratchers – Smarty Pints Trivia Night

Think you know Galveston’s ghost stories? This trivia night at the Historic Seaport tests your knowledge of haunted history, pop culture, creepy curiosities, local lore and Halloween-themed questions. It’s free and early in the month, which makes it a good first stop on your Halloween calendar.

When: Thursday, Oct. 8, 6–8 p.m. | Where: Galveston Historic Seaport, 2200 Harborside Drive | Cost: Free | Good for: Friend groups, locals, trivia teams

Halloween Parade and Night of Oct. 31

3rd Annual Mystical Parade of Boo

Downtown Galveston knows how to throw a parade, and the Mystical Parade of Boo brings that Mardi Gras energy to Halloween. Expect costumed characters, colorful floats, music and Galveston’s Mardi Gras krewes. The route starts at Market Street and 28th Street, heads east to 20th Street, turns toward The Strand, loops through downtown and ends at Strand and 25th Street.

When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 6:30–8 p.m. | Where: Historic downtown Galveston | Cost: Check the organizer’s website for details | Info: (409) 797-5000 | Good for: Families, groups, anyone in costume

5th Annual Island Boo Fest

Only on Galveston does Halloween come with decorated golf carts. Island Boo Fest, hosted by the Galveston Golf Cart Society, fills Saengerfest Park with costumes, candy and carts dressed up for the season. It’s a great place for the kids to start Halloween before trick-or-treating.

When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 4–6 p.m. | Where: Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand | Cost: Check the organizer’s website for details | Good for: Families with young kids, golf cart owners

Trick or Treat at the 1838 Menard House

Go straight from Boo Fest to one of Galveston’s oldest homes. The Galveston Historical Foundation is hosting free trick-or-treating at the 1838 Menard House, a memorable stop for kids who’ve done the neighborhood rounds before.

When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 5–6:30 p.m. | Where: 1838 Menard House | Cost: Free | Good for: Families with kids

How to plan Halloween night: Start at Boo Fest at 4 p.m., trick-or-treat at the Menard House at 5, then end at Ashton Villa for Ghost Stories at 6:30 or 8 p.m. (adults and older kids).

Spooky Experiences for Adults

Spirits of The Strand Sip and Stroll

The Strand has some of the best-preserved Victorian commercial architecture in Texas, and plenty of stories to go with it. Spirits of The Strand pairs a downtown walk with the darker side of the district’s past. It’s a great way to spend a Tuesday night, and you can grab dinner nearby first. For background on downtown’s buildings, read the incredible history of Galveston’s Tremont House.

When: Tuesdays, Oct. 20 and 27, at 7 p.m. | Where: Historic downtown Galveston | Cost: $35 | Good for: Couples, friend groups, adults

Headstone Cleaning Workshop

This is the most unusual event on the calendar. The Galveston Historical Foundation’s Headstone Cleaning Workshop at Calvary Catholic Cemetery is a hands-on way to help preserve the island’s history while learning how old grave markers are cared for. It’s both meaningful and a little eerie.

When: Friday, Oct. 30, at 11 a.m. | Where: Calvary Catholic Cemetery | Cost: $20 | Good for: History volunteers, genealogy fans, curious locals

Also Happening in Galveston This October

Not everything this month is spooky. These events are also worth a trip, according to Visit Galveston:

42nd Galveston Island Greek Festival: Oct. 10–11, with free admission. Greek food, wine, music and dancing. (Galveston Greek Festival)
ARToberFEST: Oct. 17–18 on Postoffice Street. Admission is $5 for adults, and proceeds benefit The Grand’s education and outreach programs.
Island Oktoberfest: Oct. 23–24 at First Lutheran Church, 2415 Winnie St. Free.

For a full weekly rundown, see our weekly list of things to do in Galveston.

Tips for Visiting Galveston in October

Book limited-capacity events early. Harbor tours, Ashton Villa shows and walking tours can sell out, especially on the last weekend of the month.
Plan downtown parking. Parade night and Halloween weekend bring big crowds downtown. Arrive early, and expect to walk a few blocks.
Bring a layer. Evenings on the harbor and along The Strand can get breezy off the water, even when the afternoon was warm.
Plan around your cruise day. Arriving a day early? An evening harbor tour or ghost walk makes a great first night on the island. Read what first-time visitors should know before coming to Galveston.
Make a full day of it. Pair an evening tour with daytime plans. See how to spend a day in Galveston without hitting the sand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Halloween events are in Galveston in 2026?

Galveston’s 2026 Halloween events include the Galveston Historical Foundation’s Haunted Harbor Tours (Saturdays in October), Ghost Stories at Ashton Villa (Oct. 23, 30 and 31), the Broadway Cemetery Soul Stroll, Spirits of The Strand, the Mystical Parade of Boo (Oct. 24) and Island Boo Fest (Oct. 31).

Are there free Halloween events in Galveston?

Yes. Free events include Haunted Headscratchers trivia night (Oct. 8), Hocus Pocus Movie Night at the 1838 Menard House (Oct. 17) and Trick or Treat at the Menard House (Oct. 31, 5–6:30 p.m.).

When is the Galveston Halloween parade?

The 3rd Annual Mystical Parade of Boo is Saturday, Oct. 24, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It starts at Market Street and 28th Street and ends at Strand and 25th Street.

Where can you take a ghost tour in Galveston?

The Galveston Historical Foundation offers harbor ghost tours from the Historic Seaport, a cemetery stroll in the Broadway Cemetery Historic District, a downtown Strand stroll and ghost stories at Ashton Villa. Independent guides also run ghost tours year-round.

Is Galveston good for families on Halloween?

Yes. Families can visit Island Boo Fest at Saengerfest Park from 4 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 31, then trick-or-treat at the 1838 Menard House from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The Oct. 24 Parade of Boo and the Oct. 17 outdoor Hocus Pocus screening are also family-friendly.

Hosting a Halloween event on Galveston Island? Email jake@galvestoncitynews.com to have it added to this guide. Follow @GalvestonIsland on TikTok, and subscribe to Galveston City News for weekly island updates.