May has arrived, and with it comes the vibrant energy of Galveston Island gearing up for another spectacular summer season. There is never a dull moment on the island, but May is especially exciting as sunshine, mild temperatures, and a lineup of incredible events set the stage for an unforgettable month.
From sun-drenched afternoons to breezy evenings, May in Galveston is nothing short of perfection. With average temperatures hovering in the low 80s, visitors and locals alike can enjoy the best of both worlds - warm enough for beach days, yet cool enough for leisurely strolls through downtown, historic neighborhoods, and lively waterfront attractions.
May kicks off with a bang as the first weekend brings the La Izquierda Surf & Music Festival, Flamingo Fest Golf Cart Parade & Pub Crawl, and the first of two weekends of the beloved Galveston Historic Homes Tour hosted by Galveston Historical Foundation.
The energy continues the second weekend with more historic homes to explore, along with the highly anticipated 29th Annual Yaga's Wild Game BBQ Cook-off, the fiery flavors of the 2nd Annual Galveston Island Hot Sauce Fest, and the artistry of the new monthly ArtWalk events.
The third weekend introduces even more unique festivities - from the rhythmic beats of the Island Vybz Reggae Fest to the serene charm of the 2025 Back Garden Tour. Visitors can also browse the Galveston Island Market – Downtown, now held at both Saengerfest Park and Hendley Green, offering a diverse selection of local goods, art, and entertainment.
With so much happening across the island, our comprehensive calendar is the perfect resource for keeping up with the exciting tours, concerts, and celebrations that make May in Galveston truly special.
In this issue, we’re sinking our teeth into something delicious - burgers! We embarked on a journey across the island to uncover the best bites, and the results are in. Thanks to recommendations from our readers, we’ve compiled The Galveston Burger Bucket List, featuring 10 standout burgers that showcase the island’s culinary creativity.
From indulgent smashburgers to expertly crafted patty melts, this list is sure to satisfy every craving. And with May being National Hamburger Month, there’s no better time to savor the flavors of Galveston’s burger scene.
On the cover this month is a picture by Toby Dawson titled Stunning Sunrise on Galveston Island. Dawson is a talented photographer who regularly submits some of his best photos for use in our Your Shots section. You can find more of his works on his website and his Facebook page under Toby Dawson Photography.
As always, we’re honored to bring you the best of Galveston, whether it’s through exploring local traditions, celebrating community events, or uncovering hidden gems.
Here’s to another memorable May on the island!