
Things to do in Galveston This Weekend of October 20 Include ARToberFest, Clean Galveston’s 31st Annual Walkabout!, and more!
Our top things to do in Galveston this weekend of October 20 include the ARToberFest, Clean Galveston’s 31st Annual Walkabout!, Genteel Junque, The Barricade Boys, and lots more!
The Galveston Calendar of Events 2023 is full of exciting activities, and this month is no different!
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 heading out!
Galveston is one of the most popular places for experiencing the paranormal! Check out our recent article on Galveston Ghost Tours. It includes 20 great options for enjoying the spooky season!
Best Things to do in Galveston this Weekend of October 20, 2023 – Friday
The Barricade Boys
What: Go on a musical journey like no other with The Barricade Boys this weekend! The show features the greatest hits in pop, rock, swing, and Motown hits.
The four artists will also be sharing hilarious and inspiring stories from their time touring with some of the biggest shows in London’s West End.
When: Friday, October 20, 2023, 10 am
Where: The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: $28 – $88
Halloween Stories at the Sealy Pavilion!
What: Enjoy the spooky season with some spooky stories with the family at the Sealy Pavilion! Excellent storytellers will be reading a “scary” story every hour in the afternoon.
When: Friday, October 20, 2023, 11 am – 4 pm
Where: Sealy Pavilion, Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy Ave, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: Free
Genteel Junque

Image credit: Galveston Historical Foundation
What: Get ready to do some fall shopping at the Galveston Historical Foundation’s annual market. There will be high-quality antiques, furniture, and all kinds of art.
When: Friday – Sunday, October 20 – 22, 2023, 6 pm – 9 pm
Where: The Depot on Market, 3304 Market St, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: No cover
Deal Alert: Get the lowest price on the Historic Galveston Ghost Tour!
Discover the darker side of Galveston on a ghost tour. Pass by mansions and other historical sights where spooky and mysterious things are said to have happened, and hear about the island’s secrets, paranormal events, and haunted history that dates back 150 years. This tour is a fun way to learn a bit about Galveston’s history.
Book your Historic Galveston Ghost Tour TODAY!!!
Things to do in Galveston this weekend of October 20, 2023 – Events in Galveston on Saturday
Sunrise Yoga on the Beach
What: Unwind after a long work week by stretching your muscles and working your body into relaxation and meditation mode with yoga in the morning for free at the East Beach.
When: Saturday, October 21, 2023, 7 am – 8 am
Where: 2900 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: Free
ARToberFest

Image credit: Galveston Island’s ARToberFEST
What: Celebrate the beauty of fine arts at Galveston’s historic downtown cultural arts district at the Grand 1894 Opera House’s ARToberFest.
In this two-day celebration, you can view and appreciate the works of more than 120 of the finest artists in the US. You can also meet the artists themselves, see artist demos, and enjoy food, entertainment, and live music.
When: Saturday – Sunday, October 21 – 22, 2023, 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Historic Strand District in Galveston, 2100 The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: $5
ELISSA’s Seaport Social – Celebrating 146 Years of the Tall Ship of Texas
What: The official tall ship of Texas, the 1877 ELISSA, is turning 146 this year! Join the celebrations on the docks this weekend. Expect celebratory cake, complimentary drinks, other snacks, music, and more. Ticket sales will proceed to the National Historic Landmark.
When: Saturday, October 21, 2023, 6 pm – 9 pm
Where: Galveston Historic Seaport, Pier 22 Suite, 8, Galveston, TX 77550
Get the lowest price on the Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Galveston with a Guide!
The island of Galveston, Texas sits right on the Gulf of Mexico, a body of water teeming with dolphins. Set sail from the harbor and spend time searching for these playful creatures with a tour guide. Board a covered vessel, perfect for keeping you cool under the Texan sun, and learn about the ecology of the area while you sail.
Book your Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Galveston TODAY!!!
Shykatz Cafe Halloween Block Party

Image credit: ShyKatZ
What: Put on your best costume and enjoy the spooky season with your friends or family at the Shykatz Cafe Halloween Block Party! There will be spooky treats, drinks, and games for everyone to enjoy.
When: Saturday, October 21, 2023, 5 pm – 9 pm
Where: Shykatz Cafe and Bakery, 1528 Avenue L, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: Not stated
Fall Dinner at EATCetera
What: Invite your friends and indulge in a 5-course fine-dining menu prepared by Chef Alena Pyles this weekend at EATcetera.
The dinner includes chicken tortilla soup with avocado, chile, and lime, spicy shrimp potstickers with spicy ponzu, seared Gulf Coast snapper with poblano-corn Ragout and Jasmine Rice Cakes, and more.
When: Saturday, October 21, 2023, 7 pm
Where: EATcetera, 408 25th St, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: $90 per person
Clean Galveston’s 31st Annual Walkabout!

Image credit: Clean Galveston, Inc.
What: Grab your friends and join Galveston’s 31st annual Walkabout! You’ll be walking in all kinds of directions while collecting lucky envelopes from small businesses all throughout Galveston’s downtown district.
Prizes will be awarded for the best “treasures. Proceeds will also benefit the Clean Galveston’s grant program.
When: Saturday, October 21, 2023, 11 am – 6 pm
Where: Sound Bar, 2411 Mechanic St, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: $50 per person
Kick off the Halloween season with the highly-rated Shadows of Revelry Ghost Tour in Galveston!
Discover the ghostly history of Galveston, Texas on a nighttime walking tour around town. This adults–only tour takes a look at the city’s red–light district and its history as a place for gambling and drinking. Walk past old brothels, learn about outlaws and pirates, and hunt for ghosts as you explore.
Check out more details and book the Shadows of Revelry Walking Ghost Tour TODAY!!!
Things to do in Galveston this Weekend of October 20, 2023 – Sunday
Thunder and Blood Walking Tour: History of Crime and Death on The Strand
What: This tour recounts the many famous and infamous crimes and murders from the island’s past on The Strand. It will last approximately an hour and a half and will be limited to 24 people.
When: Sunday, October 22, 2023, 7 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Saengerfest Park, 2302 The Strand #000, Galveston, TX 77550
How much: $14 – $25
Do you know of any other fun things to do in Galveston this weekend October 20? Share them with us in the comments!
There are always lots of fun events going on in Houston. Check out our weekly updates to Things to Do in Houston this Week, Things to Do in Houston this Weekend, and Things to Do in Houston this Weekend with Kids to stay up to date!
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