Find Upcoming Events Around Crystal Beach, Texas
No matter the time of the year, the Bolivar Peninsula always offers a wide variety of fun activities. From Go Topless Weekend to several delicious cook-offs, Crystal Beach events remain unmatched! Plan your Gulf Coast getaway around these lively events to make your annual trip something to look forward to year after year.
Whether you plan to attend an event or not, you can always find things to do in Crystal Beach, TX, like indulging in incredible local grub, going on awesome outdoor adventures, or relaxing on the beach. For more fun activities to do on Crystal Beach, dive into our free Vacation Guide. It includes local insight so that you can plan your vacation like a pro!
Annual Crystal Beach Events
Summer Events on Crystal Beach
Golf Cart Poker Run
The Golf Cart Poker Run is a unique event that you don’t want to miss out on. More than 200 golf carts gather for the ultimate parade that meanders from HardHeads Icehouse and Grill to the beach. Come prepared with the best decorated cart for a full day of fun that benefits local schools and firefighters. For more info about golf cart rentals, click here.
Port Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department Annual BBQ Cook-off
Taste the smoky flavors of Texas and attend the Port Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department Annual BBQ Cook-off. If indulging in the most mouthwatering brisket, ribs, chicken, and beans wasn’t enough, the delicious event also raises money to support the Port Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department! You can buy a dinner plate or participate in a live auction and raffle.
4th of July Fireworks
Celebrate friends, family, and the USA with 27 miles of fantastic 4th of July firework displays. Our drivable beachfront lights up with breathtaking fireworks as you enjoy an amazing Independence Day on Crystal Beach.
Bolivar Rig Run
Each year, catamarans converge on the Bolivar Peninsula for the Bolivar Rig Run. The Bolivar Yacht Club hosts this annual race and draws novice and expert sailors, visitors from around the country, and a lineup of colorful boats.
Crystal Beach Events During Fall
Jane Long Festival
How would you like to enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston Ferry, Port Bolivar Lighthouse, and Galveston Bay all while discovering local artists and vendors? Head to Fort Travis Seaside Park in Port Bolivar this October to see the memorial dedicated to Texas pioneer, Jane Long, and enjoy live music, food trucks, historical re-enactments, and more.
Brad & Big Rich’s Cajun Chef’s Cookoff
It’s getting hot on the Texas Coast, and we’re not talking about the temperature! In October, you can experience the best Cajun food at Brad and Rich’s Cajun Chef’s Cookoff! This family-friendly event is always a great time as you can indulge in delicious food, Cajun music, and a craft show!
Winter Events on Crystal Beach
Holiday In the Gardens
Between the end of November and the beginning of January, you can experience a magical winter wonderland at Moody Gardens in Galveston. When you attend Holidays at Moody Gardens, you can explore the sparkling Festival of Lights, 3D holiday movies, an arctic slide, pictures with Santa, and even a New Year’s Palooza!
Dickens on the Strand
Combine Galveston’s rich Victorian-era history and the holiday season and you have the annual Dickens on the Strand Festival! For three days in December, you can see entertainers including bagpipers, jugglers, carolers, and other musicians. Then, treat yourself to some holiday favorites when it comes to food and drink, crafts, decorations, and gifts!
Crystaland Christmas Parade
Get in the holiday spirit and attend the Crystaland Parade on the Bolivar Peninsula. On the second Saturday of December, you can see extravagantly decorated golf carts as they make their way from the fire station, down Crystal Beach Road, and to the beach.
Mardi Gras Parade
Put your beads on and celebrate Fat Tuesday on Crystal Beach at the Mardi Gras Parade! Enjoy beautiful parade floats, but also delicious BBQ from local restaurants, candy, live music, and boiled crawfish. It’s best to book your vacation rental far in advance because this is a big Bolivar Peninsula event that you don’t want to miss!
Spring on the Bolivar Peninsula
Whether you’re on spring break or celebrating Mom for Mother’s Day, you should check out the Texas Crab Festival in May! More than 8,000 people flock from all over for the three-day event. This fun-filled annual festival features awesome live music, carnival rides, wiener dog races, shopping, and you can’t forget the star of the show, crabs!
Bolivar Build A Dream Sandcastle Building Contest
Are you ready for a day of creativity, fun, and friendly competition? The Annual Bolivar Build A Dream Sandcastle Building Contest is held each year during Spring Break near Barrel 66 (just east of Mr. G Street). This family-friendly event is perfect for experienced or novice sculptors.
Texas Crab Festival
This three-day festival takes place in May and offers everything from food, vendors, entertainment, and community. Of course, the main attraction of the Texas Crab Festival are the crabs!
Peninsula Sports Park Watermelon Crawl
Decorate your golf cart or Jeep and be ready to join in the Watermelon Crawl. Proceeds from the event benefit Peninsula Sports Park, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of local youth through sports and recreation. If you can’t participate, you can always join the fun as a spectator.
Go Topless Jeep Weekend
Jeep Weekend is one of the most anticipated annual events on Crystal Beach and offers a weekend of fun with many visitors’ most prized possession- their jeep! Roll up on the beach in your beautiful Jeep, UTV, or 4-wheeler to mingle with Jeep-lovers from all over the Gulf Coast. It can’t get any better than driving with the sea breeze and your closest friends and family on the beach!
The Best Vacation Rentals on Crystal Beach and Bolivar Peninsula
You can stay close to all the action and return to the best Crystal Beach vacation rentals after a day of events and activities. Our vacation rentals at Swedes Real Estate offer top-notch comfort and amenities, including a fantastic location near events and on the beach, private pools, hot tubs, wet bars, entertainment rooms, and more. Check our availability and start planning your Gulf Coast vacation today!