Make your way down island for a month filled with Mardi Gras excitement, plus attractions, events, concerts, date nights and more to do around Galveston Island in February 2024.
In Galveston, February parades onto the calendar this year with Mardi Gras festivities, specials and good times happening around the island. But there’s also space for special Valentine’s and sweetheart dinners, the return of an old NPR favorite.
And of course, with big beaches, deep history, charming shopping, great dining, the big outdoors and more, there’s always plenty do on Galveston every day of the year—even if there’s not a special event that catches your fancy. Check out the 10 reasons to visit Galveston in 2024.
Top Events & Activities on Galveston Island in February 2024
- 113th Annual Mardi Gras! Galveston in Downtown Galveston | Friday, February 2 through Fat Tuesday, February 13 – The third largest Mardi Gras in the United States, the Island’s big bash returns for its 113th year with two weekends of festive parades, balcony parties, family events, and live performers—including headliners Gin Blossoms, Duelo and the Eli Young Band—bringing the grooves deep into the night. Single day general admission starts at $14, with weekend passes available for $24 and 5-day passes for $53; free for ages 12 and under. Multi-day packages and VIP Balcony Party options available. Times vary.
- 3rd Annual Ties & Tennis Shoes 5K at Moody Gardens | Saturday, February 3 – Lace up for the Josh Paul Foundation’s annual 5K fundraiser to support scholarship funds for graduating high school seniors whom have faced adversity. $35. 8am to 10am.
- Jolly Jester Jaunt 5K in Downtown Galveston | Saturday, February 3 – The official 5K of Mardi Gras! Galveston send runners and walkers on a route through the historic Strand District, which is also Mardi Gras central for the first half of the month. $110.
- Mardi Gras Lagniappe Jazz Brunch at Hotel Lucine | Saturday, February 3 & Saturday, February 10 – Enjoy a jazzy brunch before the parades with a special New Orleans-inspired food and cocktail menu, accompanied with jazz piano by Jahrel Pickens, in Galveston’s new boutique hotel on Seawall. 11am to 3pm.
- Sweetheart Cruise on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat at Moody Gardens | Saturday, February 10 – Embark on a two-hour cruise on Offatts Bayou, complete with music, dancing, cocktails, and more aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat. $280 per couple. 6:30pm to 10pm.
- Fat Tuesday Celebration at Galveston Arts Center | Fat Tuesday, February 13 – Enjoy a great spot for watching the big Mardi Gras parade while enjoying light bites, drinks, and good company at the Galveston Arts Center. Free for GAC members; annual membership is $55.
- Sea of Love: A Romantic Dinner Under the Sea with Your Valentine at Moody Gardens | Saturday, February 17 – Dine amid the tropical exhibits inside Moody Gardens’ Aquarium Pyramid at a special, post Valentine’s date night opportunity. $279 per couple. 6pm to 9pm.
- A Prairie Home Companion 50th Anniversary at The 1894 Grand Opera House | Saturday, February 24 – Five decades in the making, A Prairie Home Companion 50th Anniversary hosted by Garrison Keillor brings a celebration of the classic NPR live radio show to the Galveston stage. Tickets are sold out, but you may find hard-to-get seats on the online ticket resale market, or find tickets for shows in other cities.
- Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea Traveling Exhibit Around Galveston Island | Daily | FREE – Featuring larger-than-life awe-inspiring sculptures made entirely of plastic debris that washed up on America’s beaches, the popular Washed Ashore exhibit returns to the island for an encore season. The 5 striking sculptures are located outside of different island destinations and include Rosa the Bald Eagle, Greta the Great White Shark, Brody the Adélie Penguin, and more. Washed Ashore will remain on view through Sunday, March 31, 2024. Locations vary.
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