"Galveston Cares" Free Beach Weekend

In an effort to support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts on the mainland, the Galveston tourism community will host a free beach weekend Sept. 30 – Oct. 1 with special promotions to benefit relief organizations. 

In an effort to support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts on the mainland, the Galveston tourism community will host a free beach weekend Sept. 30 – Oct. 1 with special promotions to benefit relief organizations. “Galveston Cares” weekend will include free admission to all beach parks, free parking along the seawall, free trolley fares throughout the island, a free family challenge event at Stewart Beach, a fireworks show in honor of first responders and discounted rates at participating attractions.

On Sept. 30, the Galveston Island Wild Texas Shrimp Festival will donate $2 of every Gumbo Stroll ticket to Harvey relief efforts and participating hotel partners will also offer special promotions.

The free beach weekend will also include a fireworks show (rescheduled from Labor Day weekend) in honor of first responders at 9 p.m. on Saturday at 37th and Seawall.

At this year’s Galveston Island Wild Texas Shrimp Festival, taking place Sept. 29-30 in historic downtown Galveston, $2 of every Gumbo Stroll ticket will be donated to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Gumbo Stroll tickets are $10 each and allow attendees to sample gumbo from more than 80 shrimp gumbo cook-off teams. In addition, the festival includes an official 5K race, a boat show, the Lil’ Shrimps Children’s Parade, vendors, live music and more. 

During “Galveston Cares” weekend, the Moody Mansion museum and The Bryan Museum will be offering a buy-one-get-one free special on admission tickets. The Grand 1894 Opera House will host a free “open mic” event from 12-4 p.m. Saturday, allowing members of the public to perform on its historic stage.  In addition, Casa del Mar Beachfront Suites will donate 20 percent of revenues from September reservations that book with the #GalvestonCares promotion to Harvey relief efforts. Hotel Galvez and Spa will provide complimentary breakfast for two for reservations made on Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 that mention #GalvestonCares. Not valid on prior reservations. Additionally, Galvez Bar and Grill is donating $5 for every prime rib dinner sold Thursdays through Sundays through the end of October.