Galveston Monthly - Exploring Your Island Paradise

This Month

Supporting Sustainability

Galveston’s connection to the Gulf runs deep. Anglers flock to the island daily, casting lines from their private boats, piers, charter boats, and guided excursions in search of the region’s abundant sea fare. Beyond recreational fishing, fleets of working vessels call Galveston home, supplying local restaurants with freshly caught seafood from nearby waters.

House That Trapp Built

The double-galleried Greek Revival home at 1622 Ball Street stands as a testament to both ambition and resilience in nineteenth-century Galveston. It was built for George W. Trapp (1825-1896), a Bavarian immigrant who rose from clerk to prominent merchant and civic leader. On Christmas Day 1860, Trapp married Austrian-born Babette Somerherr (1835-1910), just two months after becoming a ...

When Art Imitates Life

On a table draped in sea-green fabric, oyster shells gleam like small treasures. Some are painted with whimsical cocktails, and others are framed like shadowbox jewels. One unforgettable set depicts the Mona Lisa - her famous face split across three curved shell fragments. This is the world of Sea Spell Apothecary, the creation of Galveston County artisan Shannon Hammons, who transforms simple ...

Creepy Beach Finds

October might just be the best month for beachcombing. The air is cooler, the crowds have thinned, and with Halloween on the horizon, the shoreline seems to take on a mood of its own. It’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the creepiest finds I’ve come across over the years. There’s no shortage of eerie discoveries on Galveston’s beaches.

Fall Gardening

Fall in Galveston comes with a quiet sigh of relief. After a summer marked by unrelenting heat and the ever-present watch for tropical storms, the island greets autumn with a subtle shift to lighter and cooler evenings. This cooler weather allows us to bring color back into the garden. Yet, even as the weather softens, hurricane season continues through November 30, with its most intense months from August through October.

The Stone Trumpet

At the corner of 23rd Street and The Strand, beside the Old Galveston Square building, stands one of the city’s most distinctive public art pieces - a massive, stylized brass instrument known as The Stone Trumpet. Musicians might recognize it as a cornet rather than a true trumpet. The sculpture was created by renowned Texas artist David Adickes, whose large-scale works include the ...

New shops, fresh flavors, and local favorites return with a twist

Autumn has arrived on Galveston Island, bringing cooler breezes - and a fresh wave of new businesses. A coastal-inspired furniture store is now open, offering luxury pieces designed to transform outdoor spaces into cozy retreats. Two new food trucks have rolled onto the scene, one on each end of the island, both serving up fresh, locally sourced fare.

On Postoffice Street, a seasoned Galveston baker has launched a pastry haven, reimagining classic treats with inventive flair. Meanwhile, a beloved boutique has reopened in a beautifully restored building on The Strand, and an award-winning nail salon has unveiled its new location with expanded services and a sleek new look.

Read More

ARToberFEST Returns to Downtown Galveston October 18-19

One of the Gulf Coast’s most celebrated art festivals returns this fall as ARToberFEST Galveston marks its 28th year in the heart of the Historic Downtown Cultural Arts District. Presented by The Grand 1894 Opera House, the juried festival will take place October 18-19, transforming Postoffice Street between 21st and 23rd Streets into a vibrant showcase of fine art, live music, and community spirit.

Ranked #16 in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine, ARToberFEST draws more than 100 artists from across the country, representing 14 media categories - from painting and sculpture to jewelry, photography, and mixed media. The festival has become a cornerstone of Galveston’s cultural calendar, offering visitors a chance to explore exceptional work in an open-air setting.

This year’s event carries special significance with a tribute to Patricia Hagstrom, a beloved regional artist and longtime participant who passed away earlier this year. Known for her creativity and warmth, Hagstrom left a lasting impression on the festival community, and ARToberFEST 2025 will honor her legacy throughout the weekend.

Also recognized this year is Blue Ribbon Artist Craig McMillian, who earned a perfect jury score for his outstanding work. His pieces, along with those of his fellow exhibitors, promise to inspire and engage festivalgoers.

Live performances will add rhythm to the weekend, with sets by Songs for Lila, John Acevedo, Robert Greaney, and Claudia Font Milano. Visitors can enjoy food truck fare, sip refreshments, and explore interactive zones including the Emerging Student-Artist Tent and the Children’s Creative Zone, where young artists can create their own masterpieces.

Festival hours are 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, with children under 12 admitted free. Proceeds benefit the Educational Outreach Programs of The Grand 1894 Opera House, supporting arts education for future generations.

For tickets, sponsorships, or more information, contact Festival Director Sarah Piel at 409.770.5066 or spiel@thegrand.com, and visit artoberfest.com.

The Polar Express™ Train Ride Returns to Galveston November 14-December 23

Tickets are now on sale for the much-anticipated holiday experience, The Polar Express™ Train Ride, presented by the Galveston Railroad Museum at 2602 Santa Fe Place. This immersive, family-friendly event has become a cherished tradition for kids of all ages.

Departures run November 14 through December 23, and tickets for each date are limited - selling out quickly each year. Guests are encouraged to purchase their Golden Ticket early to secure passage to the North Pole.

The journey begins in the museum’s historic 1932 Train Depot, where passengers gather one hour before departure for live holiday performances and a festive one-act play presented by the cast of ETC (East End Theater Company).

Once aboard, the conductor makes his way through the coach to punch golden tickets, followed by dancing chefs serving hot chocolate and cookies.

Passengers are invited to read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, as Santa and his helpers board the train to greet guests and present the first gift of Christmas.

Characters on each car lead onboard entertainment, echoing scenes from the beloved film. Every guest receives a keepsake sleigh bell and souvenir golden ticket to remember the magical ride.

Families are encouraged to wear pajamas, just like the children in the story. Commemorative merchandise is available in the museum store.

For dates, schedule, and fares, visit GalvestonRRMuseum.org. To inquire about sensory-friendly cars for autistic individuals and to reserve seats for them, call the museum directly.

Lone Star Rally Roars Back to Galveston November 6-9

The 26th Annual Lone Star Rally returns to Galveston November 6-9, bringing four days of motorcycles, music, and coastal energy to the island. As the largest 4-day motorcycle event in the country, the rally draws as many as 400,000 riders and visitors from across the U.S. and beyond.

Centered in downtown Galveston and along Seawall Boulevard, the rally spans from 17th to 25th Streets and includes Harborside to Mechanic and 21st to 25th on the Seawall.

The event is free and packed with attractions: custom bike exhibitions, classic motorcycle displays, a two-day hot rod and car show, retail and food vendors, open-air bars, and live music from noon to midnight.

This year’s concert lineup features Kevin Fowler opening the rally on November 6 at the Miller Lite Stage downtown. Headliners include Jackyl, Montgomery Gentry, and Creed Fisher, with special tributes for Veterans Day week. Tribute acts Lone Star Skynyrd and Hairball (celebrating their 25th anniversary tour) join local favorites Tilluride and Zach Tate on stages throughout the weekend.

Festival highlights include the Miss Lone Star Rally contest, tattoo competitions, custom bike builds, and the Outlaw Dave Ranch Ride and Parade through Galveston’s streets. The rally’s two main stages are located at Saengerfest Park (Miller Lite Stage) and 21st & Seawall (Progressive Beach Central Stage).

For full schedules, maps, and event details, visit LoneStarRally.com.

Home & Garden
Enjoy inspirational interiors, decorating and gardens from those that help shape Galveston Island style.

Food & Drink

Where to find lunch, brunch, dinner covering casual to fine dining. These places are not afraid to try new things. Hope you're hungry.

Arts & Culture

Beaches aren't all Galveston has to offer. Local theater productions, contemporary art exhibits and other family events that always inspires.