Watch as five stunning tall ships join Galveston’s own 1877 Tall Ship Elissa for a seaside Parade of Sail on Thursday, April 13, 2023, followed by a three-day dockside festival and celebration at the Tall Ships Galveston Festival from Friday, April 14 through Sunday, April 16, 2023.
The Tall Ships Galveston Festival brings a fleet of tall ships that have traveled across the Gulf of Mexico, offering modern day adventures a chance to see the six historic vessels and enjoy numerous events, including sail away excursions, music, food, and family-friendly fun.
While in port, the ships will be open to the public for viewing and sail away opportunities, and many will feature dockside exhibits and lively interactions with the crew. Each ship has its own educational program and mission, providing the public with a wide array of ways to participate and sail.
Attendees can also opt for tickets to simply visit only the seaport’s festival grounds or to upgrade to a boarding pass in order to climb aboard and explore select ships.
Free Parade of Sail on Thursday, April 13, 2023
The event kicks off with a free-to-watch Parade of Sail on Thursday, April 13, 2023, mustering off of East Beach, then proceeding down to 35th Street and Seawall, turning around at 3pm and heading back down Seawall to set up for the festival. Learn more.
Daily Sail Aways & Salute to Sunset Parties
During the festival, many of the visiting ships will offer special sail away experiences during their stay, allowing guests to set sail into the Gulf of Mexico, interacting with the crew and seeing first-hand how the incredible ships operate in the water. Learn more.
In addition, tickets are available to special Salute to Sunset parties, granting guests access to tour select tall ships after daytime tours conclude and offering up complimentary craft beer, light hor d’oeuvres, music, and more in an unmatched portside setting. $75. Learn more.
Free Movie Nights on the Pier
During the three official festival nights, the day’s festivities will be capped off by a free movie screening on the Pier. No tickets for the festival will be required.
- Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World (2013, PG-13) | Friday, April 16, 2023 | FREE – In 1805, aboard the H.M.S. Surprise, a brash captain and his trusted friend, the ship’s scholarly surgeon, are ordered to hunt down and capture a powerful French vessel off the South American coast. 7:30pm
- Muppet Treasure Island (1996, G) | Saturday, April 17, 2023 | FREE – The Muppets take to the high seas in search of buried treasure in a reworking of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale. 7:30pm
- Captains Courageous (1996, PG) | Sunday, April 16, 2023 | FREE – A spoiled brat who falls overboard from a steamship in the 1920s gets picked up by a New England fishing boat, where he’s made to earn his keep by joining the crew in their work. 7:30pm
Tall Ships Galveston Festival 2023 at Galveston Historic Seaport
- Dates: Parade of Sail on Thursday, April 13, 2023. Festival Friday, April 14 through Sunday, April 16, 2023
- Times: Thursday Parade of Sail 12:30pm to 5pm. 10am to 6pm daily; there are also special, separately ticketed VIP events and sunset parties scheduled throughout the weekend. Learn more.
- Location: Galveston Historic Seaport, Pier 22, Suite 8, Galveston, TX 77550
- Parking: Paid parking lots are located around downtown Galveston. Explore parking options.
- Admission: Thursday’s Parade of Sail is free to watch from the shore. Festival admission is $20; $15 for ages 7 to 12; free for ages 6 and under. Admission that includes boarding of boats is $30; $15 for ages 7 to 12; free for ages 6 and under. Order tickets or learn more.
This article was sponsored by Visit Galveston. Per our advertising and sponsorship policy, we only accept sponsored content from organizations that meet our editorial standards and truly present a valuable activity, event, resource or destination for residents and visitors across the greater Houston area. Advertising revenue helps support 365 Things to Do in Houston, and our contributors, allowing us to expand our coverage of activities and events around the Houston area. Learn more about promoting your event or business.