Published August 29, 2024

Find fun, history, lights & more at Labor Day Weekend on Galveston Island By 365thingsinhouston

Written by Eli Torres

Find your way to Galveston island this weekend lights in the sky, culinary indulgences, family fun, history, events and more stuff to do over the long Labor Day Weekend.

And of course, with big beaches, deep history, charming shopping, great dining, family fun, arts and culture, the big outdoors, and more—there’s always plenty do on Galveston every day of the year.

Check out the 10 best reasons to visit Galveston in 2024.

Labor Day Weekend Events on Galveston Island

Events Happening All Weekend Long

Galveston Island Wine Festival at Moody Gardens | Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 1 – Held at the Moody Gardens pyramids, this event features three nights of food and drink highlighted by an extravagant seafood dinner from seven top-tier chefs, a wine tasting in the Aquarium Pyramid, and a seated Bourbon dinner inside the hotel. All events included with a hotel stay; individual events start at $150. Times vary.
Bucket Brigade Interpretive Beach Tours at East Beach | Saturday, August 31 & Sunday, September 1 | FREE – Artist Boat leads free 45-minute all-ages tours exploring the unique creatures and features of Galveston beaches. 9am, 10am, 11am and noon.

Saturday, September 2, 2024

Professional Sandcastle Building Lessons at East Beach | FREE – Learn how to create spectacular sandcastles from a pro at walk up Saturday lessons. No registration required. 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
Basement to Attic Tours of 1892 Bishop’s Palace – Take a rare look into parts of the National Historic Landmark that are typically off-limits, including an exclusive third-floor view to a one-of-a-kind panoramic of the Gulf of Mexico. $35. 11am.
Sunset & Sounds: Summer Concert Series with The Bright Light Social Hour at Hotel Lucine | No Cover – The beachside boutique hotel’s rooftop concert series wraps up for the season with a live show by Bright Light Social Hour from Austin. 6pm to 9pm.
Labor Day Weekend Dinner Cruise on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat – Embark on a sunset dinner cruise, complete with a barbecue dinner buffet and cash bar, on Offatts Bayou. $95; $85 for ages 4 to 12 and 65+. 6:30pm.
Labor Day Fireworks on Galveston Island | Saturday, August 31 | FREE – Look to the skies of the Gulf of Mexico for a spectacular firework show marking the end of the summer as the show is synched with music from the Pyro App. 8:30pm.

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Galveston’s Own Farmers Market at the 1904 GH&H Depot | FREE – Known for happening rain or shine, Galveston’s warm and friendly farmers market lives up to the hype and returns with fresh local produce, croissants, coffee, spices, meat, eggs, and more. The market also accepts SNAP. 9am to noon.
Galveston Symphony Orchestra: Opening Night at the Movies at The Grand 1894 Opera House – Galveston Symphony Orchestra launches its season with a rousing pops concert celebrating the great movie soundtracks from John Williams, including Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, and more.
Labor Day Drone Show Over Downtown Galveston | FREE – See 300 dancing drones ascend to the sky over downtown Galveston, with a viewing party kicking off at Saengerfest Park. The watch party runs from 7:30pm to 9:30pm; drone show around 8:30pm.