by Galveston, Texas — Halloween 2026 is bringing spooky history, costume celebrations, family activities and ghost tours to Galveston Island. With its historic waterfront, Victorian-era buildings and long-standing ghost stories, the coastal city offers plenty of ways to celebrate the season.
From free candy giveaways to Halloween movie screenings and after-dark adventures, families and visitors can find activities throughout late October. Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026, making it a convenient weekend for costume events and seasonal outings.
Halloween Events to Explore in Galveston in 2026
1. Island Boo Fest 2026
Families looking for a free Halloween celebration can consider the 5th Annual Island Boo Fest in downtown Galveston. Hosted by the Galveston Golf Cart Society, the event is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand Street.
The celebration features decorated golf carts, trunk-or-treat activities, Halloween candy, costumes, music and family-friendly entertainment. Children and adults are encouraged to dress up, and prizes will be awarded for selected costumes.
Admission is free for visitors. Those interested in entering a decorated golf cart can register for the event for a listed fee of $35.
2. Lights Out! Ghost Stories and Blacklight Puzzle Hunt
The Galveston County Museum is offering a Halloween experience that combines local history, ghost stories and an interactive mystery. Lights Out! Ghost Stories and Blacklight Puzzle Hunt is scheduled for October 27–30, 2026.
Visitors begin with a flashlight-guided tour featuring eerie stories about Galveston’s past. They then search the museum’s exhibits for hidden clues using blacklight equipment, assembling puzzle pieces to reveal a mystery photograph.
The experience is designed for adults and children who enjoy mysteries and spooky storytelling without traditional haunted-house jump scares. Listed tickets cost $25 for adults and $13 for children. The museum is located at 722 Moody Avenue.
3. Hocus Pocus at Moody Gardens
Families can celebrate Halloween with a screening of the classic film Hocus Pocus at Moody Gardens on Saturday, October 31.
The movie will be shown at the MG3D Theater at 12 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. A costume contest is scheduled for 2 p.m., giving children an opportunity to show off their Halloween outfits.
Tickets for the screenings are listed at $15 per person, with a reduced $5 price for Moody Gardens members. The movie screenings require separate admission and are not included with standard Value Pass admission.
Moody Gardens is located at 1 Hope Boulevard in Galveston. Families should check ticket availability and screening details before visiting.
4. Haunted Harbor Tours
Visitors interested in Galveston’s maritime history can consider a Haunted Harbor Tour aboard the SEAGULL II. The experience combines an evening on the water with stories about the island’s haunted reputation, harbor history and maritime legends.
The Galveston Historical Foundation lists October Saturday departures at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., with tickets priced at $35. The departure point is the Galveston Historic Seaport at Pier 21, 2100 Harborside Drive.
These tours are particularly suited to adults and older children who enjoy historical storytelling. Because the Halloween season is already underway, visitors should confirm whether October 31 tickets remain available.
5. Galveston Ghost Stories at Ashton Villa
Ashton Villa offers another option for people who enjoy historic buildings and supernatural tales. The Galveston Historical Foundation has scheduled its Galveston Ghost Stories experience for October 30 and 31, with sessions at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
The experience focuses on spooky stories associated with the historic property and Galveston’s past. Tickets are listed at $45, although availability may vary by session.
Visitors planning to attend should confirm the remaining dates, admission requirements and age recommendations before making arrangements.
6. Red Light on the Blvd at Hotel Lucine
Adults looking for Halloween nightlife can consider Red Light on the Blvd at Hotel Lucine. The three-night celebration is scheduled for October 29–31, with entertainment, music, costumes and seasonal food and drink specials.
Thursday’s programme includes karaoke from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday features a DJ set followed by live music, while Halloween night includes another DJ performance and a spooky live music session.
The event takes place at Hotel Lucine, 1002 Seawall Boulevard. Guests can check the hotel’s current programme for performance times, age restrictions and any reservations required.
7. Trick-or-Treat at the 1838 Menard House
Families can add a historic setting to their Halloween plans with trick-or-treating at the 1838 Menard House. The Galveston Historical Foundation lists the event for October 31 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The free event gives children an opportunity to collect Halloween treats at one of the island’s historic homes. It can also fit into an evening itinerary for families attending Island Boo Fest earlier in the afternoon.
Which Halloween event in Galveston would you choose for October 31? Share your favourite seasonal activity or your plans for the holiday.
