Your Guide to the Galveston County Fall Festival
The Galveston County fall festival season brings magical moments to the Texas Gulf Coast, and there's no better way to experience these celebrations than from the comfort of a BeachBox vacation rental. As your home base for exploring all the amazing fall events, our properties put you right in the heart of the action while offering cozy spaces to return to after a day of festival fun.
From haunted tours and art festivals to family-friendly Oktoberfest celebrations, Galveston County offers something special for everyone during the autumn months. Whether you're staying in one of our beachfront homes or downtown lofts, you'll have easy access to all the seasonal celebrations that make this area so special.
Table of Contents
Top Galveston County Fall Festivals
1. ARToberFEST
This amazing art celebration brings creativity to Galveston's historic downtown every October. The festival features original artwork, live music, and fun activities for the whole family.
⭐ Rating: Perfect for art lovers
💵 Price Level: Free to attend
📍 Location: Historic Strand District
⏰ When: Mid-October (typically October 18-19)
The festival transforms the historic streets into an outdoor gallery where you can meet local artists and watch live demonstrations. It's a great way to experience Galveston's creative side while enjoying the cool fall weather.
2. Galveston Island Shrimp Festival
Celebrate coastal flavor and community spirit at this two-day tradition filled with delicious food and family fun. This festival is perfect for seafood lovers who want to taste the best of the Gulf Coast.
⭐ Rating: Must-try for seafood fans
💵 Price Level: Moderate (food and drinks sold separately)
📍 Location: Historic Strand District
⏰ When: Late September (typically September 26-27)
The Shrimp Festival features live music, children's activities, and of course, amazing shrimp prepared in every way you can imagine. From grilled to fried to in delicious gumbo, this festival celebrates our maritime heritage.
3. Island Oktoberfest
Every October, Galveston's historic district fills with music, food, and festivities during this family-friendly Oktoberfest celebration. This authentic German celebration brings European charm to the Texas coast.
⭐ Rating: Great for families
💵 Price Level: Budget-friendly
📍 Location: First Lutheran Church
📞 Phone: +1409-762-8477
📌 Address: 2415 Winnie St, Galveston, TX 77550
⏰ When: Late October (typically October 24-25)
🕒 Event Hours: Check with organizers for specific times
Enjoy authentic German food, continuous live entertainment on multiple stages, fine arts and crafts shopping in the historic 1860 Lyceum, and exciting children's activities. Don't forget to come dressed in your finest German attire!
4. Ghost Coast Festival
Step into the shadows at the Ghost Coast Festival, where Galveston's haunted history comes to life. This spooky celebration is perfect for those who love ghost stories and haunted mansions.
⭐ Rating: Thrilling for adults and older kids
💵 Price Level: Mid-range
📍 Location: Historic League Park area
⏰ When: Mid-October (typically October 17-19)
📞 Contact: Check official Ghost Coast Festival website
Experience haunted tours through Galveston's most mysterious locations, hear chilling ghost stories, and enjoy frightful fun for all ages. The festival brings together the island's spooky legends in one exciting event.
5. Galveston County Master Gardener Fall Festival & Plant Sale
Garden lovers won't want to miss this fun community event featuring plants, food, and discovery. It's a perfect way to enjoy the beautiful fall weather while learning about gardening.
⭐ Rating: Perfect for garden enthusiasts
💵 Price Level: Budget-friendly
📍 Location: Various locations
⏰ When: Mid-October (typically October 18)
🕒 Hours: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
📞 Contact: Galveston County Master Gardeners
This annual event offers fun activities, delicious food, and amazing plant sales. It's a great way to take home a piece of Texas to remember your trip.
6. Fall Fest at Texas A&M University Galveston Campus
Texas A&M University Galveston Campus welcomes families for a night of free, safe Halloween fun. This community event is perfect for families with children.
⭐ Rating: Excellent for families with kids
💵 Price Level: Free
📍 Location: Texas A&M University Galveston Campus
📞 Phone: +1409-740-4400
📌 Address: 200 Seawolf Pkwy, Galveston, TX 77554
⏰ When: October 31st
🕒 Hours: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Enjoy a trick-or-treat trail, haunted house, festival games, and the special Serene Treat Street area for families who need a calmer space. All events are held on campus with student volunteers and campus police providing support.
7. Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens
As fall turns to winter, Moody Gardens transforms into a holiday wonderland. This magical celebration includes ICE LAND, sparkling lights, and family traditions.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 (18733 reviews)
💵 Price Level: Mid to high range
📍 Location: Moody Gardens
📞 Phone: +1409-744-4673
📌 Address: 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
⏰ When: Late November through early January
🕒 Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM daily
This celebration features incredible ice sculptures, holiday lights, and seasonal celebrations that create magical holiday memories for the whole family.
8. Lone Star Rally
Every November, engines roar and the island rumbles as thousands roll into Galveston for the country's biggest four-day motorcycle rally. This exciting event brings raw energy to the Gulf Coast.
⭐ Rating: Thrilling for motorcycle enthusiasts
💵 Price Level: Various price points
📍 Location: Throughout Galveston Island
⏰ When: Early November (typically November 6-9)
📞 Contact: Check Lone Star Rally official website
The rally features custom rides, live music, vendor booths, and entertainment that transforms the island into a biker paradise. Even if you don't ride, it's an amazing spectacle to witness.
Tips for Enjoying Galveston County Fall Festivals
We've learned a lot about making the most of fall festival season. Here are our insider tips to help you have the best possible experience:
Plan Your Stay Strategically: Book one of our vacation rental homes early, especially for popular festival weekends. Our properties fill up quickly during fall festival season, and staying with us puts you within easy reach of all the events.
Pack for Texas Fall Weather: October and November in Galveston can be wonderfully mild, but evenings can get cool. Bring layers so you can enjoy outdoor festivals comfortably all day long.
Use Our Local Knowledge: Our Guest Services team, led by Eric and Katie, knows all the best festivals and can help you plan your festival weekend. Don't hesitate to contact us for personalized recommendations.
Consider Our Beach Gear Rentals: Many festivals happen near the beach, so why not combine your festival fun with some beach time? Our Rent BeachBox service can deliver everything you need right to your vacation rental.
Explore Multiple Festivals: With so many events happening throughout the fall, you can easily attend several festivals during one stay. Our homes provide the perfect base for festival hopping across Galveston County.
If You’re Traveling with Kids: This guide to family fun in Galveston can help you plan downtime between festivals.
Last Word
Galveston County fall festivals offer unforgettable experiences that celebrate everything we love about the Texas Gulf Coast - from our maritime heritage and creative spirit to our love of good food and community celebrations. These autumn events showcase the best of our coastal culture, whether you're interested in haunted tours, art festivals, live music, or family-friendly activities.
Our properties provide the perfect home base for exploring seasonal celebrations while offering comfortable spaces to relax and recharge between events. From our beachfront homes to our convenient downtown locations, we have the ideal rental for your fall festival adventure.
Ready to experience the magic of Galveston County's fall festival season? Book your BeachBox vacation rental today and start planning your autumn getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Galveston County for fall festivals?
October is the peak month for Galveston County fall festivals, with events happening almost every weekend. September and November also offer great festivals, but October gives you the most variety of seasonal celebrations, from art festivals to haunted tours and Oktoberfest celebrations.
Are Galveston County fall festivals family-friendly?
Yes! Most fall festivals in Galveston County welcome families and offer children's activities. Events like Fall Fest at Texas A&M Galveston Campus, Island Oktoberfest, and ARToberFEST are specifically designed with families in mind. Even the Ghost Coast Festival offers age-appropriate spooky fun for kids.
How far are the fall festivals from BeachBox vacation rentals?
Our properties are perfectly located for festival access. Our downtown rentals like the League Lofts are walking distance to Strand District events, while our beach homes provide easy drives to all festival locations. Most festivals are within 15-20 minutes of any BeachBox property.
Can I attend multiple festivals during one BeachBox stay?
Absolutely! Many guests plan extended stays to experience several festivals. Our vacation rental homes provide the perfect base for festival hopping, and our local team can help you plan the ideal itinerary to make the most of your fall festival adventure.
What should I pack for Galveston County fall festivals?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, light layers for changing weather, sunscreen for daytime outdoor events, and a light jacket for evening activities. October weather in Galveston is usually beautiful - warm days and cool evenings - perfect for outdoor festival fun.
