After the Storm
Galveston hosts free beach weekend to support Harvey relief efforts
The Galveston tourism community is pitching in to support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts with a number of free events on the island this weekend. Galveston Cares, on September 30 and October 1, includes free admission to all beach parks, plus free parking along the Galveston 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.
Free events include a family challenge obstacle course at Stewart Beach, from 11 am to 4:30 pm Saturday, with a $2,000 prize (families can register here) and a fireworks show in honor of first responders at 9 pm on Saturday at 37th and Seawall. (The fireworks show was rescheduled from Labor Day weekend.)
Got a hankering to sing? Visit The Grand 1894 Opera House during a free “open mic” event on the stage of the historic performing arts center from 12-4 pm Saturday.
Discounted attractions also include a buy-one-get-one-free special on admission tickets to the 1895 Moody Mansion and The Bryan Museum.
Other great deals for a good cause include:
- Casa del Mar Beachfront Suites will donate 20 percent 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 September 29 through October 1 that mention #GalvestonCares. Not valid on prior reservations.
- Galvez Bar and Grill is donating $5 for every prime rib dinner sold Thursdays through Sundays through the end of October.
On Saturday, Yaga's will donate $2 of every Gumbo Stroll ticket at the Galveston Island Wild Texas Shrimp Festival to Harvey relief efforts. Gumbo Stroll tickets are $10 and allow attendees to sample offerings from 80 shrimp gumbo cook-off teams. The festival, which takes place September 29 and 30 in historic downtown Galveston, also includes an official 5K race, a boat show, the Lil’ Shrimps Children’s Parade, vendors, live music, and more.
“We were fortunate to fare well through Harvey, but we also know what it is like having gone through Hurricane Ike nine years ago,” Galveston Park Board executive director Kelly de Schaun said in a statement. “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.”
