Last Updated On – 1st October, 2025
Jump to: Haunted Spots | Ghost Tours | Ghostly Experiences
Beneath the charm of Victorian architecture and the salty Gulf breeze lies another side to Galveston, a place where history lingers in whispers, shadows, and spine-tingling encounters.
Known as one of the most haunted cities in America, Galveston’s past of devastating storms, pirate legends, and tragic tales has left behind more than just folklore. From eerie mansions where spirits are said to roam to historic streets where ghostly figures still wander, this island is a playground for the paranormal.
So, if you’re like me and ready for chills, thrills, and a walk with ghostly tales, you’re in for a haunting adventure. Check out our list of the best Ghostly Galveston Island events below.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer before making plans.
Haunted Hotels, Homes, and Mansions on Galveston Island
Tremont House
Step inside The Tremont House Galveston, if you dare, for a history lesson that comes with a few unexpected guests! Having witnessed devastating fires, the turmoil of the Civil War, and the cataclysmic Great Galveston Storm of 1900, which claimed over 6,000 lives, many believe some restless spirits never left the premises.
Listen closely and you might catch the rhythmic, heavy march of a spectral Confederate soldier traversing the hallways, or perhaps the unique, single-footed thump of “Lucky Man Sam,” a gambler reportedly murdered after a big win, who still haunts the fourth floor.
You might even have a subtle encounter with “Jimmy,” a playful poltergeist boy who met an unfortunate end nearby and enjoys a good prank!
For the full effect of a ghostly Galveston Island experience, I recommend staying during a storm. Guests frequently report lights flickering, electronics suddenly turning on, ceiling fans spinning wildly, eerie moaning sounds, and even sharp, inexplicable pains.
Where: 2300 Ship Mechanic Row St, Galveston, TX 7755
Grand Galvez
This stunning hotel has earned a reputation for being haunted, a distinction that stems directly from its long history of storms and sorrow.
The most famous of its spectral residents is Audra, the heart-wrenching “ghost bride” who, believing her mariner fiancé was lost at sea, tragically ended her life by hanging herself in Room 501. Today, guests who stay in that room often report unnerving paranormal phenomena, from lights flipping on and off to fleeting, ghostly images visible in the mirrors.
The spirit of Sister Catherine is also said to roam the halls, a poignant reminder of the 90 children who perished with her during the Great Storm when they tragically tied themselves together for survival.
Adding to the eerie atmosphere of this ghostly Galveston Island icon are rumors that the very foundation of the hotel might rest upon a mass grave of victims from that same devastating hurricane.
Where: 2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550
Ashton Villa
This magnificent mansion is a testament to Galveston’s resilience, having survived the brutal toll of the Civil War, the devastation of the 1900 hurricane, and even the threat of demolition. However, it is these very events that have now led to why Ashton Villa is considered one of the most haunted places in America.
The spirits of the Brown family daughters are often the most cited, particularly the free-spirited socialite Bettie Brown. Known for her extravagant taste in life, Bettie’s ghost is frequently sighted, often gracing the beautiful Gold Room or appearing dramatically at the top of the sweeping staircase.
You might hear hauntingly beautiful piano music attributed to her sister Matilda, a talented musician in her lifetime.
Adding to the eerie atmosphere of the place are reports of phantom Confederate soldiers (a legacy of the villa’s time as a Civil War hospital and headquarters) and a disembodied male voice fiercely arguing with a woman.
Where: 2328 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550
Ghost Tours, Walks, and Nighttime Experiences
Ghost City Tours
Image credit: Ghost City Tours
Ready to trade your beach chair for a bone-chilling history lesson? Then it’s time to book an unforgettable adventure with Ghost City Tours! They offer the ultimate way to dive deep into the island’s captivating, often tragic past, and explore exactly why it’s considered one of the most haunted cities in America.
For a great introduction, I recommend the main 90-minute Historic Galveston Ghost Tour is perfect for the whole family, taking you on a leisurely walk through the most popular ghost-sighting areas. If you’re looking for something a little darker, the Shadows of Revelry Ghost Tour (ages 16+) explores the seedy and haunted history of the Red Light District and is a bit more intense. You can even bring your own spirits!
For the 21+ crowd, the Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl mixes social fun with spooky tales of hurricane victims and Civil War soldiers haunting Oleander City’s bars and restaurants. Finally, the Galveston Haunted Cemetery Tour offers a 90-minute after-dark exploration among historic gravestones, sharing ghost stories about the former residents buried near the beach.
All the tours combine real local history with spine-tingling legends, making it the premier way to experience ghostly Galveston Island.
When: Daily, 7 pm onwards
Where: Locations include Tremont House, Juneteenth Historical Marker, haunted pubs and restaurants in Oleander City, haunted areas in the Red Light District, and more
How much: Varies
Spooky Strand Tour
Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich, haunting atmosphere of Galveston’s most iconic street with Spooky Strand Tours! With small group sizes, capped at 25 travelers, you’ll get an intimate experience as your guide provides vivid, colorful narrations, complete with spooky sounds and atmospheric lighting that truly bring the haunting history to life.
You’ll stop at famous locations like the Galveston Railroad Museum and the historic Tremont House, where you’ll hear incredible tales of ghostly encounters, tragic accidents, notorious pirate legends, and the lingering presence of Civil War soldiers.
I think this perfect mix of local legends, historical facts, and fantastic storytelling makes it a treat for history buffs and ghost hunters alike.
When: Daily, 2 pm onwards
Where: Locations include Galveston Railroad Museum, Tremont House, and The Sealy – Hutchings Building
How much: $20 – $30
Baywatch Haunted Harbour Tours
Trade the historic streets for a unique 1- to 1.5-hour evening boat cruise that blends spectacular harbor views with chilling local legends. Departing from Pier 21, you’ll glide past iconic landmarks like the Tall Ship Elissa, Pier 21, and the historic UTMB campus, all while the expert storytellers bring the city’s spectral maritime heritage to life.
You’ll hear eerie tales of lost sailors, infamous pirates, devastating shipwrecks, and the countless victims of the 1900 Storm, whose spirits are said to still linger in the area.
Guides will also share fascinating, well-known paranormal stories, including reports of spectral faces appearing on the UTMB walls, giving you a chance to spot unexplained activity yourself!
When: Daily, 7:45 pm onwards
Where: Locations include The Tall Ship Elissa, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) campus, and Pier 21
How much: $45
Spooky Galveston
Image credit: Spooky Galveston
Known as the Original Strand Ghost Tour and carrying on the legacy of Dash Beardsley, this 90-minute walking experience is your deep dive into the true paranormal lore of the Historic Strand District.
You’ll explore shadowed streets and iconic historical sites as expert storytellers, many from the Spooky Galveston Séance Society, share true ghost stories, unsettling local legends, and tales of tragic events that have left an indelible supernatural imprint on the city.
The chilling journey will have you venture into two of Galveston’s most hallowed and haunted resting places: Trinity Episcopal Cemetery and Old City Cemetery. While walking past crumbling tombs and ancient headstones, you’ll be immersed in stories of true crime, local vampire lore, and the captivating history of Victorian mourning practices and Spiritualism.
When: Daily, 7:30 pm onwards
Where: Locations include Trinity Episcopal Cemetery and Old City Cemetery
How much: $25 – $35
Kathleen Maca Tours: Ghost Walks, Historic Strand & Cemetery Tours
Guided tours of Galveston led by professional historian, genealogist, and Certified Tourism Ambassador, Kathleen Maca, the author of five books about the island’s history. These tours are based on years of research and are recommended by the Texas State Historical Commission. Offerings include the Official ‘Ghosts of Galveston’ Strand Tour (Haunted Strand & Railyard) and the Historic Trinity Cemetery Tour.
When: Upcoming scheduled dates include:
- Strand/Ghost Tours:
- Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 (8 p.m.);
- Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 (7:30 p.m.);
- Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 (9 p.m. After Art Walk);
- Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 (9:30 p.m.);
- Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 (9:00 p.m.);
- and Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025 (6:30 p.m.).
- Cemetery Tours: Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 (4:30 p.m.).
- For private group tours, presentations, or book signings, contact kathleen@kathleenmaca.com.
Where: Galveston locations, including the Historic Strand, Railyard, and Trinity Cemetery area. (Specific meeting locations are detailed upon booking.)
How much: Price information is not listed directly. (Check the Tours page and click on a date for details and registration.)
Ghostly Galveston Events
Restless Spirits of the Menard House
Mark your calendar for October 11, 2025, as the Restless Spirits of Menard House opens its doors for a night you won’t forget. The eerie evening features The Seance Sisters, The Austin Seance, GenX Paranormal Investigation, the Vampire Court of Greater Houston, and The Forgotten Dollhouse Museum, ensuring a spectacular blend of the strange and the supernatural.
Explore haunted tours, consult with mystifying psychics, browse unique vendor booths, and hear from engaging guest speakers, all while soaking up the atmosphere of ghostly Galveston Island.
When: October 11, 2025 | 2 pm – 3 am
Where: The Menard House, 1605 33rd St, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: Starts at $16.24
Galveston’s Ghost Coast Festival 2025
Image Credit: Visit Galveston
Embrace the mysterious, and my favorite, side of the island at the inaugural Galveston Ghost Coast Festival, a three-day celebration of history, mystery, and family-friendly fright!
The festival will kick off on Friday, October 17th, with a spirited Pub Crawl on Galveston’s Haunted Historic Strand, a perfect way to explore the island’s spooky legends with a drink in hand.
The main event will then take over the historic League Kempner Mansion grounds on Saturday, October 18th, featuring a massive Witches Vendor Market with over 50 vendors, celebrity guests, intriguing panels and speakers, and fascinating paranormal investigations.
You can also explore the grounds for psychic readings, a spooky Haunted House of Horrors Experience, a craft area, and mesmerizing live entertainment, including musical and artistic performances.
The paranormal adventure continues on Sunday, October 19th, with a deep dive into the island’s eerie past through dedicated Ghost Tours, Cemetery Tours, and Haunted Mansion Tours, including exclusive access to the special Basement to Attic Haunted Mansion Tour.
For a truly unique experience, don’t miss the Haunted Galveston Harbor Boat Tours to hear the chilling tales of the bay.
When: October 17 – 19, 2025
Where: Multiple locations across Galveston
How much: Starts at $10
Mystical Parade of Boo
The Mystical Parade of Boo returns to the Historic Strand District as a centerpiece of the annual Galveston fall events, bringing a magical, free, and family-friendly spectacle to the island.
Starting at 6:30 PM on Saturday, the parade will transform downtown Galveston as lanterns flicker and music floats through the air. Now in its second year, the parade will feature over 30 participating groups, including ghostly marchers, high-spirited bands like the Ball High Color Guard and the Sea Aggie Band, and representatives from the U.S. Navy.
Spectators are encouraged to join the fun by wearing their best costumes and preparing to catch beads and treats as the spectacular procession of costumed characters, lights, and sound passes by.
When: October 25, 2025
Where: Downtown Galveston
How much: Free
Halloween at the Haunted Rig
Celebrate the season with a unique blend of energy, education, and classic Halloween fun at the Ocean Star Museum!
Don’t forget to wear your most fantastic costume for a chance to win the Ocean Star Costume Contest! Once you’re here, follow a thrilling trick-or-treat trail through the exhibits where every stop reveals how energy powers the magic of Halloween.
Make sure you arrive on time, as the very last admission ticket will be sold promptly at 4 pm.
When: October 25, 2025 | 10 am – 5 pm
Where: Ocean Star Museum, 2002 Wharf Rd, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: Not stated
Island Boo Fest Trunk or Treat
Image credit: Island Boo Fest
Get ready for a full day and night of spooky, free fun with the 4th Annual Trunk-or-Treat, presented by the Galveston Golf Cart Society. Admission is absolutely free, and children will receive complimentary trick-or-treat bags!
The main attraction is the dazzling Halloween Golf Cart Decorating Contest, where more than 35 elaborately decorated carts will compete for prizes, showcasing incredible creativity and community spirit. (Owners can register their decorated carts for $35). Plus, kids can strut their stuff in the lively Kids’ Costume Contest to win prizes.
When: October 25, 2025
Where: Saengerfeest Park, 2302 The Strand #000, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: Free
The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Moody Gardens
Enjoy a special midnight screening of the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Moody Gardens!
Experience the infamous movie like never before in the massive MG3D Theater. Though the screening is not in 3D, Moody Gardens utilizes its giant format projection and state-of-the-art sound system to deliver an unforgettable, immersive, and outrageous show.
Audience participation is not just welcome—it’s highly encouraged! Come in costume and be ready to perform the famous “Time Warp.”
For the ultimate experience, premium ticket holders will receive a special prop goodie bag and premium seating. Please note that for the safety and enjoyment of all guests, outside props, food, and drinks are strictly prohibited. This event is for adults aged 18 and over.
When: October 25, 2025
Where: Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
How much: $25-$35
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