What better place to spend a holiday weekend than on the beach with your loved ones? You won't want to miss the exciting parades and dazzling fireworks displays that are part of Galveston's 4th of July celebration.
With easy access from Dallas and the Houston area, Galveston is the perfect pick for a weekend escape to the beach — and with a stellar lineup of events to boot!
From light shows to an epic Fourth of July parade, head here to create new holiday memories with your friends and family at one of several amazing events in Galveston, Texas.
Here’s what you can expect from your 4th of July getaway to Galveston Island this year.
Events Leading up the 4th
Summer Movies on the Lawn
Address: 1315 21st St, Galveston, TX 77550
Phone: 409-220-3020
Visit the Bryan Museum for Summer Movies on the Lawn! This annual event features a family-friendly film under the stars. The screenings usually start at around 8 pm but be sure to get there early to secure your spot as spaces are limited and the event is extremely popular.
The event is FREE to all visitors. Concessions are available for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs, beach towels, or blankets, and enjoy a movie night with the whole family. Check Bryan Museum’s website for details on their upcoming events.
Galveston Beach Band Concert
Address: 900-944 24th St, Galveston, TX 77550
The Galveston Beach Band Concert series begins in June each year and runs weekly throughout the summer months at the Eugenia and George Sealy Pavilion. These free, family-friendly concerts are as important to a Galveston summer as sandcastles, ice cream cones, and beach days are!
The annual Independence Day concerts are particularly special and celebrate everything great about the USA. The date changes each year to coincide with the Fourth of July weekend, so check the website for details.
4th of July Events
Pirates Beach 4th of July Parade
Website: https://www.ppoamembersonly.com
Address: 13719 Pirates Beach Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
This is one of our favorite of Galveston's 4th of July celebration activities! We are longtime sponsors of this family-friendly parade starting in Sand `N Sea's parking lot at 10 am. This year we’re sponsoring the water bottles for the staging area.
Bring your beach chairs and watch the festively decorated wagons, bicycles, golf carts, walkers, and more pass by in the Pirates Beach July 4th parade. If you stick around after night falls, you also find a fabulous Fourth of July fireworks display here, too!
4th of July Trading Post, The Bryan Museum
Address: 1315 21st St, Galveston, TX 77550
Phone: 409-220-3020
The Bryan Museum’s stunning glass conservatory is transformed into a modern-day flea market on the first Sunday of every month. At this popular event, it’s possible to pick up a wide array of eclectic items and one-of-a-kind collectibles. Whether you’re looking for homeware to remind you of your time in Galveston or a gift for loved ones back home, you’ll be able to find it here.
The Trading Post market is particularly special on its Fourth of July event and includes live music, free snacks (with paid admission to the museum itself), and a free children’s book with every purchase.
City of Galveston 4th of July Parade
Website: https://www.galvestonparades.com/
If you’re going to catch one event in Galveston this Independence Day, make sure it’s the official City of Galveston 4th of July Parade. The whole family will love this Marine Corps League event filled with floats, military vehicles, and performances. Every vehicle is decorated with patriotic themes and has candy and beads to throw, so be sure to head down early to get a good spot to catch a treat or two.
The parade begins at 19th Street and Seawall Blvd and runs from 22nd Street to 45th Street. The event begins mid-afternoon with the parade starting its route at 6 pm. Following the conclusion of the parade, a 20-minute Galveston firework show will begin at 9.15 pm over the Gulf of Mexico near 37th Street and Seawall Boulevard! Nothing says a holiday vacation at the beach like this does!
Moody Mansion 4th July Community Concert
Website: https://www.moodymansion.org/events/
Address: 2618 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550
This annual concert by the Galveston Community Band is a firm favorite among locals and is completely free of charge. Held on the front steps of this beautiful 19th-century home, you’ll want to get there early to make sure you get a good spot for this atmospheric event.
Fireworks Over the Gulf
Website: https://www.visitgalveston.com
Address: 2618 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550
This is the big bang of the night so to speak. There’s no better combination of 4th of July and fireworks and this is Galveston’s big show that you won’t want to miss.
Squeeze in close to the attraction or wander further down the seawall for an incredible experience as bright lights and plenty of entertainment lights up the night.
The show is completely free and lasts from 9:15 until 9:45 in the evening.
Visit Galveston for Our Legendary Fourth of July Celebrations
There are few things that send us straight back to the glorious summers of childhood faster than fireworks, popsicles, and the beach. We hope to see you out and about enjoying all that Galveston Island has to offer this weekend — maybe with a popsicle or two and a bucket full of sand!
Owner Login
Guest Login