Have a look at the weapons that served famed frontiersman James Bowie in the Texas Revolution or the intricate mechanism of a 19th-century Smith & Wesson. Spend time browsing thousands of rare books in English, French, German, and Spanish, or peruse the letters of notorious historical figures like Mexican General Santa Anna. You’ll see artwork spanning several genres and you can immerse yourself in all the trappings of the Wild West. The Bryan Museum also makes a stunning venue for special occasions, including weddings and corporate events.

Address: 1315 21st St, Galveston, TX 77550

Destination Moon

Showing through April 30, 2020, this exhibit at the Bryan offers a look via art and artifacts at the mysterious orb so integral to ancient cultures, Victorian fiction, global pop culture, and the space race.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Showing March 13-14 at The Grand 1894 Opera House, this inspirational musical is based on the true story of Carole King’s rise from songwriting teen to pop star/singer/songwriter. Showcasing a plethora of King’s pop classics, the show includes such fan favorites as Natural Woman, One Fine Day, and You’ve Got a Friend.

Basement to AtticTour

Get a rare look inside one of Galveston’s most popular tourist attractions that are usually off-limits to the public during this tour on March 14. The tour includes Mrs. Gresham’s Studio, providing a panoramic and stunning third-floor view of the Gulf.

“Harborside Express” Train Rides

Bring the entire family to the Galveston Railroad Museum and climb aboard the Harborside Express. Each Saturday, this open-air caboose takes riders on a one-mile trip up Harborside drive.

From February 14-25, Mardi Gras! Galveston will be welcomed and celebrated here by thousands of locals, visitors, and guests. As Texas’ largest Mardi Gras celebration, Galveston is proud to host this epic party, island style. Gala, glamorous, and extravagant, you’ll find a variety of entertainment almost anywhere you turn.

You’ll see all your favorite Krewes in the parade lineup, including the beloved Krewe of Barkus and Meoux. Also participating this year are the ever-popular folks in the Golf Cart Parade, the Umbrella Brigade, the Jeep Parade, and the Bumpin’ Bus Parade. Headliner performers this year will include such musical luminaries as Bowling for Soup, Sick Duck, Drew Womack, OGRE, the Mambo Jazz Kings, the Brandon McDermott Band, and many more. And, don’t forget that the balcony parties are one of the best places to be, but tickets to these events do sell out quickly, so snag yours soon.

Head over to the Historic Strand District during January 17−18 for a cook-off, tasting, and an indoor craft brew fest. You’ll also find a myriad of fantastic additional activities, including a 5K Fun Run and Walk, a Jackpot Margarita Contest, a washer-pitching tournament, the Strand Merchant Walkabout, and vendors galore!

Next, hang out with the sea turtles when the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council (GINTC) presents Sea Turtle Saturday on January 25. Hosted by Moody Gardens, this event provides an ideal, family-friendly way to learn about and become involved with celebrating and saving the endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles during their nesting season. You can tour the exhibits and hear from the Turtle Island Restoration Network’s experts while enjoying hot coffee, fresh juice, and a light breakfast. This annual event always sells out quickly, so be sure to register soon.

Holiday with the Cranes

Every year, the magnificent Sandhill Cranes’ return to their winter habitat and it's one of nature’s most glorious sights. Additionally, informative and entertaining programs will be held on December 14-15.

The Grand 1894 Opera House

Through January 12, 2020, the Grand will celebrate the season with a variety of traditional favorites. Beginning with a performance of The Nutcracker by the City Ballet of Houston on December 14-15, to a charming production of Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, on December 28, you’re sure to have a holly jolly Christmas with any of their holiday shows.

Moody Gardens Festival of Lights and Ice Land

With eight holiday attractions, Moody Gardens is the place to be for fabulous seasonal events. This year’s offerings include the Festival of Lights, Rudolph 4D, Ice Skating, Train Rides, the Arctic Slide, Holiday 3D films, Ice Land: Christmas Around the World, Photos with Santa, and loads of live entertainment.

Holiday with the Cranes

Number one on the holiday list is the mating dance of the magnificent Sandhill Cranes, a favorite Christmas tradition for avid birders and avian lovers. Need more than getting a gander at these stunning holiday visitors? A variety of informative programs and such entertaining activities as “Breakfast with the Cranes” are also offered.

Lights, Lanterns, and Shopping

A giant snow globe, an interactive photo frame, holiday-themed attractions, and dazzling holiday lights and lanterns will light up downtown and the Saengerfest Park area throughout the season. It’s a wonderful way to explore the unique shops, boutiques, and galleries, so snag that holiday gift list and join us for an enchanting experience.

The Grand 1894 Opera House

From performances by the City Ballet of Houston to the world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir, this historic architectural marvel offers a myriad of holiday-themed productions and a genuinely “grand” experience.

Expect themed Biergarten areas that offer both German and domestic beer, along with a variety of German-style wines, and special beer and wine tastings. Those anticipating savory and authentic German food can experience a delightful array of appetizers, along with smoked sausage, bratwurst, knockwurst, homemade strudel, and other desserts, pretzels, and a “Wurstabendessen,” which consists of a sausage dinner with German-and-Polish-style wurst and traditional German side dishes.

Two stages of continuous live entertainment will keep the Oktoberfest vibe going, featuring the TubaMeisters, Keine Kunst, Das Ist Lustig & Valina Polka, and more. For those in search of handmade arts, crafts, and gift items, the historic (circa 1860), splendidly-renovated Galveston Lyceum is the place to go for unique holiday shopping. Additional events include an auction and a Cake Wheel, where participants place their bets hoping to win a sweet reward.

For all you craft-beer aficionados, we are suggesting a few stops around the island where you can feed the family, relax, and enjoy your brew. First, don’t miss a visit to Galveston Island Brewing. This full-production craft brewery serves up a variety of brews along with snacks and live entertainment. The kids will have a blast playing games and drinking root beer.

Next, sip your brew while enjoying a fabulous view at the Seawall’s Beerfoot Brewery. They offer a selection of 200 brews in bottles, cans, and on tap, in addition to daily specials. Lastly, we suggest a trip to Stuttgarden Tavern on the Strand. Along with a full liquor bar and craft cocktails, their outstanding beer selection won them a slot on the list of “15 Best Places for Beer in Galveston.” Additionally, they are noted for their traditional German food, and kids will love their “build your own burger” menu.

After being forced to leave his home in Louisiana, Laffite made his home here until he was driven out in 1821 by the U.S. government. However, he refused to go quietly, burning the town to the ground before packing-up his booty and taking off. Many speculated that he buried much of his treasure on the Island, and/or along the rivers and streams surrounding Galveston Bay.

Treasure hunters dug up much of the land that was Maison Rouge, and the site is now protected by barbed wire and a chain-link fence. The ruins behind the fence are all that’s left now, so plan on combining a quick stop here with a visit to the Texas Seaport Museum at Pier 21’s Theater to watch the Pirate Island film. This short film (18 minutes long) chronicles Laffite’s numerous adventures and is shown on the half-hour.

We suggest the Grand 1894 Opera House, for the following reasons. First, the Grand is a beautifully restored historic and cultural monument to the city. Second, it’s located in the heart of Galveston on Postoffice Street and is mere steps away from shops, galleries, restaurants and additional live entertainment for those who want to make a day or a long evening of it.

Third, the Grand offers some of the finest entertainment around in a luxurious setting where there’s not a bad seat in the house. Upcoming productions this summer include the hilarious musical parody, “Menopause The Musical” on July 12-14 and the fabulous Gatlin Brothers for a one-time show on August 9. Lastly, for the opener of the 2019-2020 Performing Arts Season on September 14, the featured performer will be, drum roll please, “Paul Anka: Anka Sings Sinatra.” So, if you’re looking for a terrific evening out, check out what’s going on at the Grand.

Dad can unleash his inner seadog as he walks the decks, and afterward, can learn more about the rescue and restoration of the ELISSA in the museum and theater. Next, check out the Galveston Railroad Museum for of the largest restored railroad collections in the U.S., along with a myriad of exhibits that include an impressive display of locomotives and more.

Be sure to get there on Saturday, so that Dad can board the “Harborside Express” for a real train ride. Lastly, head over to nearby Houston for a visit to the Lone Star Flight Museum. This $38 million state-of-the-art aviation museum and STEM learning center is located at Houston’s Ellington Airport and features over 130,000 square feet of exciting hands-on exhibits, an Aviation Learning Center, and a famous flying collection of historic aircraft. Don’t leave without checking out the replica cockpits and hang glider simulators!

Join us on May 10-11 at Pier 21 for fun, games, friendly competition, fundraising, and a feast of epic proportions and portions, with the proceeds benefiting Yaga's Children’s Fund. Dozens of the region’s finest sportswomen and men and backyard chefs will be cooking up some of the most incredible edibles around. In addition to the fabulous food, this two-day event will provide loads of family-friendly fun, including a children’s area featuring arts and crafts, a petting zoo, and moonwalks. Additional highlights of the cook-off include fireworks, live music, and a VIP Sponsor Party. Now entering its 23^rd year, this cook-off has become Galveston’s go-to event each spring and has raised over $1,300,000 for the non-profit, children’s charities of Galveston County, who make ongoing, and invaluable contributions to the intellectual, physical, vocational, and psychological development of the region’s children.

Around 300 different species of birds reside here, either permanently or temporarily. This ideal environment for such a wide variety of avian species is celebrated every year with the largest birding festival on the upper Texas coast. The 17^th Annual FeatherFest will take place this year from April 11-19, along with a dedicated nature photography track known as Nature Photofest.

Featherfest focuses on such activities as birding and nature photography field trips and workshops. View the region’s birds in their native habitats, including the East Texas ecosystem known as Pineywoods, the Katy Prairie, the Armand Bayou Rookery, the Nature Conservancy’s Texas City Prairie Preserve, the southern end of the Bolivar Peninsula, Lafitte’s Cove Nature Preserve, known for migrating songbirds, and the “Galveston Complete Birding Sampler,” where you’ll scout for evidence of migrating peeps, Great Blue Herons, and foraging shorebirds. Be sure to catch “Raptors Revealed,” a series of raptor shows featuring live birds of prey in thrilling free-flight demonstrations. 

First, get everyone involved in The Amazing Race-inspired Fantastic Galveston Race. You and your team will have a blast, and learn more about downtown Galveston in the bargain, as you take off on this adventure described as “part scavenger hunt, part sight-seeing tour, and part adventure.” Also, don’t miss a visit to Pier 21 in the city’s historic harbor area.

Home to the Texas Seaport Museum, The 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, dolphin-watching tours, and more. Next, experience a thrilling behind-the-scenes animal encounter at Moody Gardens. Get up close and personal with seals, penguins, and giant river otters as you learn about their care and conservation with an on-site biologist. Lastly, check out our own Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston. Our thrilling collection of four slides and raft rides also includes a kid’s area, a swim-up bar for the adults, and picnic pavilions for the family.

From February 22 – March 5, hundreds of thousands of party people will be rocking it on balconies and lining the streets to catch strands of tossed beads and cheer on their favorite Krewes, along with the Jeep Parade, the Children’s Parade, the 8th Annual Zaniest Golf Cart Parade, and Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade and the Krewe of Barkus & Meoux pet parade.

2019’s entertainment headliners include Pat Green, Duelo, Jason Cassidy, Drew Womack, Buck Rodgers, Grey the Mute, the Mambo Jazz Kings, and more. Add to the fun by donning your most colorful tutu and joining in the Jolly Jester Fun Run on February 23. Perks include a free Bloody Mary, a free t-shirt, and admission to Mardi Gras on the 23^rd. 2019 will see a new addition to the festivities with the beginning of Fiesta Gras, on February 24. This day-long celebration of Hispanic culture will include two parades, vendors, and live headliner entertainment by Duelo.  

The fun begins with a kickoff party at Yaga’s on Friday evening, and continues all day on Saturday; starting at 6:00 a.m. Along with the chili and beer, you’ll find a variety of margaritas at Saengerfest Park, with live music and the Jackpot Margarita Contest.

Also, don’t miss the ever-popular and hilarious Beerfooter 5K Fun Run/Walk, with contestants sporting their most outrageous getups. Come out to cheer them on, or sign up to participate! The Strand Merchant Walkabout will kickoff at 11:00 a.m., along with the washer-pitching tournament. Vendors will be out in abundance, so stroll around and peruse the array of hand-crafted items, jewelry, and more. Want to see who gets the title for best chili? Head back to Saengerfest Park for the awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m. We’ll look forward to seeing you there!

Galveston Island is an important winter habitat for these cranes that are so famous for their beautiful dances and their trumpeting cries. So, be sure to join us in celebrating the annual holiday return of these majestic birds with special events.

Next, don’t miss the Santa Train at the Galveston Railroad Museum on December 15. Be on hand to greet the jolly old elf himself as the Museum’s Harborside Express Train pulls into the station. Lastly, treat yourself and the family with a holiday visit to Moody Gardens. Decked out in its finest holiday regalia, the Gardens offer a vast variety of events and activities just for the holiday season. For a truly special and memory-making occasion, check out their Cirque Joyeux Noel Dinner and Show, promising a spectacular combination of circus, music, and food. This event will be ongoing through January 4, 2019.