Tips for Planning Your February Visit in Galveston

While February may be a little cooler on the island, there’s still plenty of things to enjoy. And, if you’re wondering what to do and where to go on Galveston Island. Here are some tips for planning your February visit to Galveston.

February Events to Add to Your Calendar

Mardi Gras! Galveston. Well, first of all, it’s Mardi Gras season in Galveston. So book your favorite vacation rental early. The big weekends for Mardi Gras are Feb. 18 to Feb. 20 and Feb. 25 to Feb. 27. Fat Tuesday is Tuesday, March 1. Check out our blog for more tips. 

Shows at The Grand 1894 Opera House. If you’re a fan of musical harmonies, make sure you put The Doo Wop Project on your calendar for Saturday, Feb. 5. The show begins at 8 p.m., and you should purchase your tickets early. 

Galveston Mardi Gras Pageantry & Revelry Exhibition at The Bryan Museum

Are you interested in a bit of history about Mardi Gras in Galveston? Then you are in luck. The Bryan Museum, 1315 21st Street, is offering an exhibition focusing on the pageantry of the costumes from various Mardi Gras krewes over the years. The exhibit is open all month and continues thru March 13. 

Live Shows at Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe

Music lovers should make their way to one of Galveston’s best-kept secrets, Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe, 413 20th Street. Old Quarter is a listening venue so go for the music, not socializing. You’ll love this place. It’s off the beaten path but still in the Postoffice Street District. 

February shows:

Fri., Feb. 11, 8 p.m. – Kelly Mickwee with Colin Brooks

Sat., Feb. 12, 8 p.m. – Shake Russell 

Galveston Symphony Orchestra at The Grand 1894 Opera House

Now for the classical music lovers. The Galveston Symphony Orchestra performs on Sunday, Feb. 13, at The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice. This Valentine’s Concert features Jarnefelt: Berceuse, Gliere: Harp Concerto with Stephanie Gustafson on the harp, and Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 1 (“Winter Daydreams”). Galveston Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1979 and is under the musical direction of Trond Saeverud. 

Where to Shop and Where to Eat

Every trip to Galveston should include time for shopping and dining. Here are some shops that should be on your list.

Pier 21 Theater Gift Shop, 2100 Haroborside, offers a huge selection of books on Galveston and Texas including children’s books. If you want to learn more about the history of this island, make sure you make a stop to this gift shop. And, while you’re there purchase tickets for The Great Storm documentary. It shows every hour on the hour. 

Gracie’s Galveston, 2202 Strand, is now located in the building that formerly housed Colonel Bubbies. The owners of Gracie’s have restored the 1883 building which was originally four stories until the 1900 Storm destroyed the top floor. Gracie’s offers a wide variety of gifts, clothing and items for children. Put it on your list. 

Galveston Coffee Roasters, 532 23rd, is located in the Postoffice Street District just a few blocks from The Strand District. They roast a few times weekly so everything is fresh. And, they use Arabica beans from more than a dozen countries creating custom blends. Plus, they offer free samples. 

Since this is still Mardi Gras season, you should pick up a King’s Cake to celebrate your visit to Galveston. 

Maceo Spice and Import Company, 2706 Market, orders their King Cake from Louisiana in assorted flavors, including Blueberry Cream Cheese, Voodoo (Chocolate Coconut with Cream Cheese), and Cinnamon. We highly recommend you pre-order. 

The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe, 512 14th, offers housemade King Cake and a massive selection of sweets and fresh-made breads. We’re sure you’ll find something to satisfy that sweet tooth. 

And, since it’s Mardi Gras season, you might be in the mood for gumbo. So, you may want to make a stop at Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar, 2107 Postoffice. You’ll see traditional gumbo on the menu along with crawfish etoufee and swamp fried alligator. 

We hope you enjoy these tips for planning your February visit to Galveston. Remember, Ryson Vacation Rentals is ready to help you make the most of your vacation rental. The island is ideal for a weekend stay, weekly rental, or month-long getaway.

Ryson Vacation Rentals offers more than 250 properties across the island that provide plenty of reasons to visit Galveston this year. If you need help planning your visit, Gulf Coast Concierge is available to assist.

Book Your Galveston Vacation Now

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine Hopkins is a proud BOI, meaning she was “Born on the Island.” She is the co-author of the newly released “100 Things to Do in Galveston Before You Die,” published by Reedy Press. Before the book, she wrote more than 300 blogs on Galveston offering travel tips on what to see and do. Over the years, she’s given hundreds of tours for visiting travel writers showcasing the sites on the island. Currently, she’s a Galveston guide for ToursByLocals.com.