Galveston Island is doing its part to help support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts with “Galveston Cares” weekend. According to the Galveston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Galveston will host a free beach weekend Sept. 30 – Oct. 1 with special promotions to benefit organizations offering relief to those impacted by the storm.
Throughout “Galveston Cares” weekend admission to all beach parks, parking along the seawall, trolley fares throughout the island, a family challenge event at Stewart Beach, and a fireworks show in honor of first responders will be free. There will be discounted prices offered at participating attractions.
“We want to show our support and hope that Galveston can be a place where our neighbors can experience some normalcy, take a break, and enjoy time with their families” said Galveston Park Board’s Executive Director Kelly de Schaun.
On Sept. 30th, the Galveston Island Wild Texas Shrimp Festival will donate $2 of every Gumbo Stroll ticket to Harvey relief efforts and participating hotel partners will also offer special promotions. Here’s a breakdown of everything going on September 30th –October 1st from the Galveston Island Convention and Visitors Bureau/
Free Beach Weekend
During “Galveston Cares” weekend September 30th –October 1st. Galveston will provide free admission to all of its beach parks plus free parking along the seawall and free trolley service throughout the island. Voluntary donations will be taken at the beach park gates to support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts on the mainland. Stewart Beach will host a free family challenge beach obstacle course event from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. The free beach weekend will also include a fireworks show in honor of first responders at 9 p.m. on Saturday at 37th and Seawall.
*Fireworks show rescheduled from Labor Day weekend
Galveston Island Wild Texas Shrimp Festival
At this year’s Galveston Island Wild Texas Shrimp Festival, taking place Sept. 29-30 in historic downtown Galveston, $2 of every Gumbo Stroll ticket will be donated to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Gumbo Stroll tickets are $10 each and allow attendees to sample gumbo from more than 80 shrimp gumbo cook-off teams. In addition, the festival includes an official 5K race, a boat show, the Lil’ Shrimps Children’s Parade, vendors, live music and more. www.galvestonislandshrimpfestival.com
Discounted Attractions & Hotels
During “Galveston Cares” weekend, the Moody Mansion museum and The Bryan Museum will be offering a buy-one-get-one free special on admission tickets. The Grand 1894 Opera House will host a free “open mic” event from 12-4 p.m. Saturday, allowing members of the public to perform on its historic stage. In addition, Casa del Mar Beachfront Suites will donate 20% of revenues from September reservations that book with the #GalvestonCares promotion to Harvey relief efforts. Hotel Galvez and Spa will provide complimentary breakfast for two for reservations made on Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 that mention #GalvestonCares. Not valid on prior reservations. Additionally, Galvez Bar and Grill is donating $5 for every prime rib dinner sold Thursdays through Sundays through the end of October. For more information, visit www.galveston.com/cares.