Mardi Gras, Lone Star Rally and Dickens on The Strand fill the island fast. How to plan around them.
This guide covers events that happen most years. It is not a calendar. Check each event's official website for this year's dates before you book.
The big three
Mardi Gras! Galveston: parades and parties in the weeks before Lent, usually February or early March.
Lone Star Rally: a large motorcycle rally in the fall, usually early November.
Dickens on The Strand: a Victorian holiday festival downtown, usually in early December.
How to plan
Book early. Rentals near the Seawall and The Strand go first.
Expect minimum stays. Event weekends usually need a 3-night booking, often Thursday to Sunday.
Plan for traffic and parking downtown, and check the official event sites for dates. They change every year.
Written by the Envizia team in Galveston. Last reviewed November 2026. Hours, prices and dates change, so confirm with each business before you go.
