Discover Galveston's Vibrant Culture

Explore the Heartbeat of Galveston

Dive into the rich tapestry of Galveston’s cultural and entertainment scene, where history meets modern creativity.

Discover Galveston's Cultural Legacy

Galveston is a vibrant tapestry of cultural influences, where the arts, music, and history converge to create a unique entertainment landscape. From its storied past as a bustling port city to its present-day role as a cultural hub, Galveston offers a rich array of experiences that celebrate its diverse heritage. The island’s theaters, galleries, and music venues serve as the heartbeat of the community, hosting events that draw both locals and visitors alike. At The 1839, we are dedicated to highlighting these cultural gems, fostering an appreciation for the arts, and supporting the creative spirit that defines Galveston. 

Latest Stories

10 People Quietly Shaping Galveston’s Future

As The 1839 steps onto the scene, one of the most important questions we can ask is simple: who is already doing the work of building the Galveston we want to live in ten years from now? This feature is our first attempt to answer that honestly. From classrooms to...

Galveston’s Rainbow Crosswalk – Something That Lasts for Tom Schwenk.

“Removing the rainbow crosswalk should not be viewed as erasing or disrespecting the LGBTQ+ community. Quite the opposite—it offers a chance to replace a fading symbol with something truly lasting.” — Trey Click Anger found the rainbow first. Truth came later. The...

A Night for the Island: Honoring Mike Dean and Stepping Into a New Chapter

Galveston Community Enrichment Award An unforgettable evening in Galveston celebrated the legacy of local icon Mike Dean while welcoming a new wave of energy and commitment to the island’s future. Writer Victoria Saracco shares a personal reflection on community,...

Upcoming Community Events

Monday December 8 – Saturday January 10

Holiday Winter Wonderland at Galveston Children's Museum

10$ Per Person

Experience Winter Wonderland at the Galveston Children’s Museum — a magical, kid-friendly holiday adventure designed for children 10 and under. Enjoy cozy themed zones, hands-on STEAM activities, pretend play, and snowy-inspired creativity, all included with general admission. Shop affordable stocking stuffers and stay tuned for special events like Santa visits and pop-up holiday programs.

Winter Wonderland at Children's Museum The 1839

2618 Broadway St. | Galveston

Monday December 8 – Saturday January 3

Holiday in The Gardens

Attractions Hours 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Moody Gardens transforms into Holiday in the Gardens, where ICE LAND, sparkling light displays, and festive attractions create unforgettable holiday memories for all ages. Explore immersive themed experiences and seasonal traditions that blend Gulf Coast charm with magical winter wonder.

Holiday in The Gardens The 1839

Moody Gardens | 1 Hope Blvd

Monday January 12 – Friday January 30

Galveston Restaurant Week

Weeks of January 12 - January 30

Galveston Restaurant Week(s) invites diners to explore the island’s vibrant culinary scene with prix-fixe brunch, lunch, and dinner menus offered at unbeatable prices. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy signature dishes, discover new favorites, and savor the diverse flavors that make Galveston a true dining destination.

Galveston Restaurant Week The 1839

Located at Participating Restaurants

Thursday January 15

Once Upon A Time: The Spaghetti Western Lecture by Jordan Tucker

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Join film music historian Jordan Tucker for a live piano lecture exploring the unforgettable soundtracks of classic Spaghetti Western films, including works by legendary composer Ennio Morricone. This engaging session examines the music of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, and Once Upon a Time in the West, while highlighting Morricone’s lasting influence on modern film composers.

Once Upon A Time The Spaghetti Western Lecture The 1839

The Bryan Museum | 1315 21st Street

January 16 – January 17

Yaga's Chili Quest, Beers & Cheers

January 16 -17

Head to Historic Downtown Galveston for Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest, featuring chili and beer tasting, live music, a 5K fun run, contests, vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. This red-hot weekend event returns, offering two days of flavor-packed fun and festive activities.

Yagas Chili Quest Beers Cheers The 1839

Galveston’s Historic Strand District

Friday January 16

Cirque Kalabanté

8:00 pm

Afrique en Cirque, created by Yamoussa Bangoura, brings the beauty and vitality of Guinean culture to the stage through gravity-defying acrobatics, human pyramids, and live Afro-Jazz music. This colorful, high-energy performance by Kalabanté Productions offers audiences an unforgettable journey into the artistry and spirit of young Africans.

Cirque Kalabanté The 1839

The Grand 1894 Opera House | 2020 Postoffice St.

Saturday January 17

Art In Motion: Health & Wellness Expo

10:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join Fitness on the Go for a dynamic Fitness & Wellness Expo featuring classes every 30 minutes, hydration bars, a recovery lounge, free health screenings, and a dedicated Kids Zone. Whether you’re refreshing your routine or exploring new wellness tools, this event offers movement, motivation, and inspiration for all ages.

Art In Motion: Health & Wellness Expo The 1839<br />

MarMo Plaza | 2121 Market Street

Monday December 8 – Saturday January 3

Holiday in The Gardens

Attractions Hours 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Moody Gardens transforms into Holiday in the Gardens, where ICE LAND, sparkling light displays, and festive attractions create unforgettable holiday memories for all ages. Explore immersive themed experiences and seasonal traditions that blend Gulf Coast charm with magical winter wonder.

Holiday in The Gardens The 1839

Moody Gardens | 1 Hope Blvd

Monday January 12 – Friday January 30

Galveston Restaurant Week

Weeks of January 12 - January 30

Galveston Restaurant Week(s) invites diners to explore the island’s vibrant culinary scene with prix-fixe brunch, lunch, and dinner menus offered at unbeatable prices. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy signature dishes, discover new favorites, and savor the diverse flavors that make Galveston a true dining destination.

Galveston Restaurant Week The 1839

Located at Participating Restaurants

Thursday January 15

Once Upon A Time: The Spaghetti Western Lecture by Jordan Tucker

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Join film music historian Jordan Tucker for a live piano lecture exploring the unforgettable soundtracks of classic Spaghetti Western films, including works by legendary composer Ennio Morricone. This engaging session examines the music of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, and Once Upon a Time in the West, while highlighting Morricone’s lasting influence on modern film composers.

Once Upon A Time The Spaghetti Western Lecture The 1839

The Bryan Museum | 1315 21st Street

January 16 – January 17

Yaga's Chili Quest, Beers & Cheers

January 16 -17

Head to Historic Downtown Galveston for Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest, featuring chili and beer tasting, live music, a 5K fun run, contests, vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. This red-hot weekend event returns, offering two days of flavor-packed fun and festive activities.

Yagas Chili Quest Beers Cheers The 1839

Galveston’s Historic Strand District

Friday January 16

Cirque Kalabanté

8:00 pm

Afrique en Cirque, created by Yamoussa Bangoura, brings the beauty and vitality of Guinean culture to the stage through gravity-defying acrobatics, human pyramids, and live Afro-Jazz music. This colorful, high-energy performance by Kalabanté Productions offers audiences an unforgettable journey into the artistry and spirit of young Africans.

Cirque Kalabanté The 1839

The Grand 1894 Opera House | 2020 Postoffice St.

Saturday January 17

Art In Motion: Health & Wellness Expo

10:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join Fitness on the Go for a dynamic Fitness & Wellness Expo featuring classes every 30 minutes, hydration bars, a recovery lounge, free health screenings, and a dedicated Kids Zone. Whether you’re refreshing your routine or exploring new wellness tools, this event offers movement, motivation, and inspiration for all ages.

Art In Motion: Health & Wellness Expo The 1839<br />

MarMo Plaza | 2121 Market Street

Monday December 8 – Saturday January 10

Holiday Winter Wonderland at Galveston Children's Museum

10$ Per Person

Experience Winter Wonderland at the Galveston Children’s Museum — a magical, kid-friendly holiday adventure designed for children 10 and under. Enjoy cozy themed zones, hands-on STEAM activities, pretend play, and snowy-inspired creativity, all included with general admission. Shop affordable stocking stuffers and stay tuned for special events like Santa visits and pop-up holiday programs.

Winter Wonderland at Children's Museum The 1839

2618 Broadway St. | Galveston

Monday December 8 – Saturday January 3

Holiday in The Gardens

Attractions Hours 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Moody Gardens transforms into Holiday in the Gardens, where ICE LAND, sparkling light displays, and festive attractions create unforgettable holiday memories for all ages. Explore immersive themed experiences and seasonal traditions that blend Gulf Coast charm with magical winter wonder.

Holiday in The Gardens The 1839

Moody Gardens | 1 Hope Blvd

Monday January 12 – Friday January 30

Galveston Restaurant Week

Weeks of January 12 - January 30

Galveston Restaurant Week(s) invites diners to explore the island’s vibrant culinary scene with prix-fixe brunch, lunch, and dinner menus offered at unbeatable prices. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy signature dishes, discover new favorites, and savor the diverse flavors that make Galveston a true dining destination.

Galveston Restaurant Week The 1839

Located at Participating Restaurants

Thursday January 15

Once Upon A Time: The Spaghetti Western Lecture by Jordan Tucker

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Join film music historian Jordan Tucker for a live piano lecture exploring the unforgettable soundtracks of classic Spaghetti Western films, including works by legendary composer Ennio Morricone. This engaging session examines the music of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, and Once Upon a Time in the West, while highlighting Morricone’s lasting influence on modern film composers.

Once Upon A Time The Spaghetti Western Lecture The 1839

The Bryan Museum | 1315 21st Street

January 16 – January 17

Yaga's Chili Quest, Beers & Cheers

January 16 -17

Head to Historic Downtown Galveston for Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest, featuring chili and beer tasting, live music, a 5K fun run, contests, vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. This red-hot weekend event returns, offering two days of flavor-packed fun and festive activities.

Yagas Chili Quest Beers Cheers The 1839

Galveston’s Historic Strand District

Friday January 16

Cirque Kalabanté

8:00 pm

Afrique en Cirque, created by Yamoussa Bangoura, brings the beauty and vitality of Guinean culture to the stage through gravity-defying acrobatics, human pyramids, and live Afro-Jazz music. This colorful, high-energy performance by Kalabanté Productions offers audiences an unforgettable journey into the artistry and spirit of young Africans.

Cirque Kalabanté The 1839

The Grand 1894 Opera House | 2020 Postoffice St.

Saturday January 17

Art In Motion: Health & Wellness Expo

10:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join Fitness on the Go for a dynamic Fitness & Wellness Expo featuring classes every 30 minutes, hydration bars, a recovery lounge, free health screenings, and a dedicated Kids Zone. Whether you’re refreshing your routine or exploring new wellness tools, this event offers movement, motivation, and inspiration for all ages.

Art In Motion: Health & Wellness Expo The 1839<br />

MarMo Plaza | 2121 Market Street

Voices from the Community

“All of the areas that have made Galveston so attractive for people to live here and visit, I see all of those improving.” ~ Mayor Craig Brown

Craig Brown & His Amazing Wife Angela

Mayor of Galveston

“We fight like cats and dogs when things are good, but we show up for each other when we’re needed. Always have. Always will.” ~ David Landriault

David Landriault & His Much Better Half Christy

Co-Founder and Editor in Chief – The 1839

Exploring Galveston's Vibrant Culture — Coming Soon!

Help Us Discover Galveston!

Your voice helps tell the full story of Galveston’s culture. Thank you for helping The 1839 grow with deeper, more impactful stories that deserve the spotlight. Please let us know what topics we should cover.

Join the Cultural Conversation

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Galveston. From art exhibits to live performances, there’s always something happening on the island. Stay updated with the latest events and stories that shape our community’s cultural landscape.

Stay Connected with The 1839!
Follow us for behind-the-scenes sneak peeks and the latest updates—don’t miss out!
Stay Connected with The 1839!
Follow us for behind-the-scenes sneak peeks and the latest updates—don’t miss out!