SPOTLIGHT
On the second Saturday of each month, Galveston ArtWalk transforms the island into a living gallery, one where creativity spills onto sidewalks, into storefronts, and through the historic streets downtown. What begins as an evening stroll quickly becomes an immersive experience, blending visual art, live music, local fashion, and community connection.
From The Strand to Postoffice Street, galleries open their doors late, welcoming residents and visitors alike to explore rotating exhibitions, meet artists, and witness the city’s creative pulse in real time. Painters, photographers, sculptors, and mixed-media artists share space with musicians and performers, creating an atmosphere that feels both curated and organic.
Galveston ArtWalk is more than an arts event, it’s a reflection of the island itself. Rooted in history yet constantly evolving, it celebrates diverse voices and artistic expression while supporting local creatives and small businesses. Each ArtWalk tells a different story, shaped by the artists, the energy of the crowd, and the unmistakable charm of Galveston’s historic downtown.
Whether you come to discover new art, support local talent, or simply soak in the culture, ArtWalk offers a reminder that creativity thrives when a community shows up and Galveston always does.
Let's Eat OPHELIA'S with
“If you’re craving soulful, straight-from-the-kitchen goodness, Ophelia’s Soul Food is the spot you need.”
Owner Edward Benjamin Jr. is serving up flavors that hit every note. His fish and shrimp are always fresh and cooked to order, crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside. The mac and cheese is impossibly creamy, and the yams are perfectly sweet, the kind that make you pause and savor every bite. Get the best bite, scoop up the candied yams and swirl them right into the mac and cheese. If you know, you know.
“Every bite feels like a warm hug from the inside.”
And don’t sleep on the chicken wings. Well-seasoned, packed with flavor, and cooked to crispy perfection, they’re a must-have that keeps people coming back. From the amazing seafood to the perfectly balanced sides, Edward knows how to bring classic soul food done right to Galveston.
“Ophelia’s isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience you’ll want to share with everyone you know.”
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HIDDEN GEM
A true hidden gem in Galveston, The Oleander Hotel, located at 520 20th St, offers a cozy boutique stay with historic charm and a relaxed, local vibe. Just minutes from The Strand, dining, and the beach, it’s perfect for travelers who want comfort without the crowds.
CREATIVE
MIND
Fallon Dupard is the visionary behind It’s Bourbon Baby, a mobile bourbon tasting experience born from culture, curiosity, and representation. Inspired by her love for bourbon’s history and storytelling, Fallon set out to create an elevated yet approachable space where education meets celebration, bringing inclusive, confidence-building tastings directly to the people, wherever the moment calls for it.
Q. What inspired you to create It’s Bourbon Baby, and how did your love for bourbon turn into a mobile tasting experience?
A. It’s Bourbon Baby was born at the intersection of culture, curiosity, and representation. I fell in love with bourbon not just for the flavor, but for the history, the craftsmanship, and the storytelling behind every bottle. But when I started attending tastings, I noticed something was missing, the spaces didn’t always feel welcoming, relatable, or reflective of the people who are actually drinking and buying bourbon today.
I wanted to create an experience that felt elevated but approachable, educational but fun, where you don’t have to feel intimidated to ask questions or swirl your glass with confidence. The mobile tasting experience came from the idea of meeting people where they are and transforming any space into a moment. Whether it’s a yacht, a rooftop, or a private event, Bourbon Baby brings the culture, the education, and the vibe directly to the people.
Q. As a mobile bourbon tasting business, what makes your experience unique compared to a traditional bar or tasting room?
A. What makes Bourbon Baby Collective different is that we don’t just pour bourbon, we curate experiences. Traditional tastings can feel rigid or overly technical. We balance education with celebration. Every tasting is intentionally designed around storytelling, sensory engagement, and cultural connection.
We also center inclusivity. Our guests range from bourbon newbies to seasoned whiskey lovers, and everyone feels seen and welcome. We talk about mash bills and aging, but we also talk about memory, mood, and how bourbon fits into real life. It’s less “sit and sip quietly” and more “swirl, connect, and own the moment.”
Q. What has been one of the most rewarding moments since launching your business?
A. One of the most rewarding moments is watching someone who walked in saying, “I don’t even know if I like bourbon,” leave saying, “Okay… I get it now.” Seeing that confidence shift, especially with women and firsttime bourbon drinkers, reminds me why I started this. Another powerful moment has been being invited into spaces that historically didn’t reflect me and seeing Bourbon Baby welcomed. It’s affirmation that the industry is evolving and that there’s room for new voices, new energy, and new ways to experience bourbon.
Q. What advice would you give to someone looking to turn a passion into a business, especially in a niche industry like bourbon?
A. First, fall in love with the learning, not just the aesthetic. Passion will get you started, but education, consistency, and humility will keep you going. Second, don’t try to copy what already exists. Your lived experience is your differentiator. And finally, treat your passion like a business from day one. Know your numbers, understand your audience, and don’t be afraid to charge for the value you bring. There’s space for you, even in niche industries, especially when you show up prepared and authentic.
Q. If you had to name a bourbon after yourself or your business, what would it be called, and what kind of flavor notes would it have?
A. It would be called “Golden Hour, Baby.” It’s that perfect moment, warm, confident, and unforgettable.
Flavor-wise, it would open with smooth caramel and vanilla, layered with toasted oak and baking spice, and finish with a soft hint of honey and orange peel. Bold but balanced. Approachable, yet memorable. Just like the Bourbon Baby experience.
ISLAND BLACK HISTORY
Long before Juneteenth became a national symbol of freedom, Black Galvestonians were already shaping what freedom looked like in their daily lives. In a city defined by segregation and inequality, they built spaces rooted in ownership, entrepreneurship, culture, and community.
“ Freedomdidnotbeginorendwithemancipation—itwasbuilt throughownership,community,andresilience.”
Two of the most important of these spaces were Galveston’s Black business district, centered around 25th Street and north of Broadway, and the African American beachfront near 28th and 29th Street along Seawall Boulevard.
Following emancipation, formerly enslaved people in Galveston moved quickly to establish economic independence. Restricted by Jim Crow laws and denied access to white-owned businesses, Black residents created their own commercial ecosystem.
“TheBlackbusinessdistrictwasnotjustaplacetoshop—itwas thebackboneofBlacklifeinGalveston.”
By the late 1800s and early 1900s, a concentrated Black business district emerged around 25th Street, north of Broadway, largely within the Fourth Ward. Grocery stores, cafes, boarding houses, barbershops, beauty salons, and service businesses lined the streets.
Galveston’s Historic Black Business District and African American Beachfront
One notable figure tied to Black economic life in Galveston was Thomas Deboy Armstrong, a respected Black entrepreneur whose businesses served as community hubs and symbols of self-determination.
“Blackownershipmeantsafety,dignity,andopportunityinasegregatedcity.”
While 25th Street served as the center of Black commerce, the African American beachfront near 28th and 29th Street along Seawall Boulevard offered leisure and cultural expression.
Gus Allen’s Villa, owned by Gus Allen, along with The Jambalaya Restaurant and The Manhattan Club, became well-known gathering spaces where Black residents could enjoy music, food, and community along the Seawall.
“Inasegregatedcity,Blackjoyalongthebeachfrontwasan actofresistance.”
Though these districts may no longer look the same today, their legacy remains an essential part of Galveston’s history, one that deserves to be remembered, honored, and preserved.
Galveston’s beaches are not naturally brown. Human activity has altered the color and composition of the sand over time through river sediment, dredging, and port development. Historically, the island’s beaches were lighter in color.
Constant ship traffic and maintenance dredging stir up fine sediment carried from the Mississippi River system and nearby waterways. This suspended sediment mixes with the coastal sand, giving Galveston’s beaches their darker appearance today.
There are sealed underground passages beneath parts of downtown Galveston. These tunnels were originally used to move goods between buildings during storms and for practical access between adjacent structures. During Prohibition, some of these passages were also used to discreetly move alcohol and people connected to gambling and brothel operations.
After the 1900 hurricane and during later law-enforcement crackdowns, many tunnel entrances were sealed or bricked up. Some downtown buildings still have basements with closed-off passageways hidden behind walls.
February
EVENTS
Bingo Nights at Galveston Island Brewing
Monday, February 16th | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | 8423 Stewart Rd.
Join every Monday for Bingo Night at Galveston Island Brewing! Games run from 5:30–7:30 PM in the brewhouse. Enjoy prizes every round and fun for the whole family. It’s come-and-go style, so arrive when you can and stay as long as you’d like.
The kitchen is open daily until 8 PM, so grab a bite while you play!
Fat Tuesday Parade
Tuesday, February 17th | 6:30 PM | 28th and Market St.
The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius will host its annual “Fat Tuesday” Mardi Gras Parade, beginning at 28th and Market Street in downtown Galveston. The parade will travel through Postoffice Street and the historic Strand District, featuring marching bands, dance teams, and participating Krewes as it closes out Mardi Gras Galveston 2026.
African American Read-In
Saturday, February 28th | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Nia Cultural Center
Join an inspiring afternoon at 3 PM African American Read-In Series featuring Ashley Gooden-Stewart — philanthropist, grief coach, author, and founder of The Baby Stewart Foundation. A La Marque, Texas native and Lamar University graduate, Ashley has transformed personal loss into a mission of supporting and advocating for bereaved families.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear her share powerful reflections from her book Growing Through Grief.
Melissa Villalobos
This event is all about showing up con carino, with intention, love, and solidarity!
Want to be a vendor, food vendor, share community resources, or support in any way? We’d love to connect! Reach out to Melissa Villalobos on facebook.
Pre-order your Island Vibe shirt today!
Sizes S to XL are available for immediate purchase. Extended sizes are available upon request. Contact us now to secure yours!
“A Wave From It All” where you can get that much needed rest and relax. What’s that one thing we all look for in a hotel, condo, or vacation rental? Excellent customer service is what we can provide to you and your family. Where we aim to please and know you’ll have the time of your life! Feel free to send a message with any and all questions so we can reach back out to fulfill that escape!
Registration number - GVR-05405
