Make your way down island for a Texas winter escape filled with excitement, attractions, events, and more happening around Galveston Island in January 2024.
The new year begins with the return of some annual island favorites, including Galveston Restaurant Week, Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest, and Galveston Museum Day. Along with last month’s return of the Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea traveling exhibit and slew of headlining concerts, it’s a perfect month to spend on the coast.
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 10 Events & Activities on Galveston Island in January 2024
- 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.
- Galveston Symphony Orchestra presents New Year’s Pops Concert at the Grand 1894 Opera House | Sunday, January 7 – Cap off the first week of the new year with the premiere of the GSO’s newest chamber ensemble, Fossekall, who provides a high-energy Latin music and dance–inspired program. $10 and up. 4pm.
- Galveston Restaurant Week Around Galveston | Monday, January 8 to Sunday, January 28 – Happening throughout most of January, the annual Galveston Restaurant Week offers diners a chance to try top dishes from dozens of the Island’s best eateries on prix-fixe breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus at very pocketbook-friendly prices. Two- or three-course dinners range from $20 to $60; two-course lunches from $10 to $30; and brunches from $10 to $40. Prices, times and locations vary.
- Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest on the Strand | Saturday, January 13 – The 15th Annual Chili Quest & Beer Fest returns to Galveston’s Historic Downtown Strand District for a day full of chili and beer. Eat your weight in chili samples from the best cookoff teams around, then sip and stroll through 70+ brews and spirits beginning at 1pm. $13 for chili tasting tickets; $35 for beer tasting tickets, including 24 2-oz. samples and 4 spirit samples. 10am to 6pm.
- Galveston Island Country Music Fest at Galveston Island Convention Center | Saturday, January 13 – Bask in an upscale concert and celebration of Texas country music, and seated dinner, headlined by Randall King of Fredericksburg and joined by Catie Offerman of New Braunfels and Hayden Haddock of Dallas. $225; $200 for Galveston Chamber of Commerce members. 6pm to 11pm.
- Winter Bridal Show 2024 at the Bryan Museum | Sunday, January 14 – Meet with dozens of wedding vendors— —and explore the Bryan museum’s gardens, conservatory, bridal suite and groom’s lounge, gazebo and more while planning your most important event of the year. $10. 11am to 2pm.
- The Oak Ridge Boys in Concert at the Grand 1894 Opera House | Saturday, January 20 & Sunday, January 21 – Giddy up for a live performance for the smooth four-part gospel harmonies or upbeat country songs of the Oak Ridge Boys, best known for their 1981 chart-topper “Elvira”, along with other hits “Bobbie Sue,” “Dream On,” “Thank God for Kids” and more. $37 and up. 7:30pm.
- An Evening with Lyle Lovett & His Large Band at the Grand 1894 Opera House | Monday, January 22 & Tuesday, January 23 – Houston’s own country singer-songwriter, composer, actor, and all-around renaissance man is bringing his Large Band to the iconic Grand for a two-night engagement showcasing his storytelling prowess. $48 and up. 7:30pm.
- A Tribute to Whitney Houston Starring Belinda Davids at the Grand 1894 Opera House | Saturday, January 27 – Witness a stunning tribute to the one and only Whitney Houston when powerhouse vocalist Belinda Davids breathes new life into the icon’s legendary body of work alongside a live band, backing vocalists and choreographed dancers. $36 and up. 8pm.
- Galveston Museum Day Around Galveston Island | Saturday, January 27 & Sunday, January 28 | Some FREE – Explore the island’s deep history, arts, and industry with special rates—including free admission and BOGO (Buy One, Get One free)—at 11 of Galveston’s signature museums and destinations over the course of the 2-day event. Participating museums, prices, and hours vary.
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