Island Happenings

Hello, summer – the perfect time to enjoy a sea breeze and take a road trip to Galveston. Here are some upcoming events on the island.

Galveston’s Own Farmers Market – The Bryan Museum, 1315 21st St., Sun., July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 9 a.m.-noon; Thurs., July 5, 12, 19, 26, 3-6 p.m. Locally grown produce, prepared foods and edible farm products for sale to support farmers and producers. 

The Curt Miller Magic & Comedy Show – Moody Gardens Hotel, 7 Hope Blvd., July 2-8 , 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This performance returns to Galveston for a 10th year. Magic, music, dance and clean comedy. Admission: kids 3-12: $18; adults: $23.

Bands on the Sand – Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Friday and Saturday nights through Aug. 11, 6-10 p.m. Summer concert series (with fireworks) featuring regional band performances. Admission: $15. 

Sunset Tour of Galveston Harbor – Pier 21, 2100 Harborside Dr., every day through Aug. 31, 7-9 p.m. Guests 18 years and older are invited to enjoy a sunset tour through Galveston Harbor. Bring your own snacks, beer and wine (no glass). Admission: $30.

4th of July Parade and Fireworks – 37th St. and Seawall Blvd., Wed., July 4, 7:30 p.m. The 179th City of Galveston Independence Celebration has floats, decorated military vehicles and performers making their way down Seawall Boulevard from 59th Street to 25th Street, with a 20-minute fireworks display to follow.

After Hours in the Museum – The Bryan Museum, 1315 21st St., Thurs., July 5, Aug. 2, 5-7 p.m. Get the inside scoop on the staff’s favorite collection pieces and exclusive access into select galleries. Wine and beer available for purchase. Admission: free. 

Movie Night on the Strand – Saengerfest Park, 2300 Strand, 7:45 p.m. Sat., July 7, 7:45 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 1, 7 p.m. Family-friendly movies under the stars. Admission: free.

Red White n Volleyball Tournament – East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Drive, Sat., July 7, 9 a.m. Hosted by the Gulf Coast Volleyball Association, this tournament will feature men’s, women’s, junior’s and coed games. The first 100 players to check in by 8:30 a.m. will receive a free shirt. Admission: $25 per person, $50 per team.

Sandcastle Building Lessons – Stewart Beach, 201 Seawall Blvd., Sat., July 7, 14, 21, 28, Aug. 4, 11, 18, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Family-friendly series to help beachgoers perfect their sandcastles, with tips from the pros. Admission: free.

Music Night on the Strand – Saengerfest Park, 2300 Strand, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, 6-9 p.m. Live music, including blues, rock, soul and Irish folk. Admission: free.

Family Day at The Ocean Star – Ocean Star, 1900 Harborside Dr., Sat., July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy activities and experiments. Each family day focuses on a different theme related to the offshore industry. Admission: 6 and under: free; 7-18: $6; over 55 and military: $8; adults: $10.

Artwalk – The Strand, Sat., July 14, Aug. 25, 6-9 p.m. This event has been taking place for over 25 years and is hosted by the Galveston Arts Center. Guests can stroll through art galleries and exhibits across the island. Admission: free.

Galveston Family Beach Challenge – Stewart Beach, 201 Seawall Blvd., July 22, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Families compete in life-size versions of classic games. Register online; 888-991-3776.

Sandcrab 5k/10k Night Run – R.A. Apffel East Beach Park, 1923 Boddeker Rd., Sat., Aug. 11, 8:30 p.m. A night run on the beach under the stars, with refreshments and music. Kid’s Mile option. Fee includes a shirt and post-race food. Admission: $20-65.