What is The Grand Kids Festival?

Held in the heart of Galveston's Historic Downtown Cultural Arts District, the festival stretches for three blocks along Postoffice Street in downtown Galveston Island, Texas. Celebrating its 29th Anniversary on April 26, 2025, The Grand Kids Festival offers three outdoor stages, over forty activity booths, professional and student performers, and food and beverage booths.

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Designed to develop an arena for participation in the arts, the festival offers something for children of all ages and cultures.  During this one-day event, approximately 8500 festival attendees engage in this celebration of the arts each year.

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When is the festival?

10 am - 5 pm, Saturday, April 26, 2025

 

Where is the festival located?

The Festival is located on Galveston Island in the downtown cultural arts district on Postoffice Street from 23rd to 20th street and on 21st Street and 22nd street from Church Street to Market Street.

 

Who may attend?

Everyone, The Grand Kids Festival is a FREE Festival.  The Festival provides fun and activities for children and their families.

 

What is the price of Admission?

FREE!  Thanks to our generous sponsors and underwriters, The Grand 1894 Opera House presents The Grand Kids Festival as a FREE event.

 

How do I get to the Festival and where can I park?

There is plenty of parking in lots or on the streets surrounding the festival: street level, privately owned surface lots, parking garages surrounding the venue.  Click here for Map/Directions

 

Are there places to eat?  

Yes, the festival includes many food vendors and within the festival venue there are additional permanent restaurants.

 
Are there activities for children?

Definitely – The Grand Kids Festival presents over 40 hands-on activity booths each year.  From blowing bubbles in the wind, clay creations, to a variety of take-home crafts, there are plenty of family-friendly activities at the festival.

  

What can I use my credit or debit card to purchase at the festival?

While admission to the festival is FREE, there may be some fee-based activities.  Most fee-based activities within the festival require cash, but credit or debit cards may be used to purchase items from select merchandise vendors as well as at area shops and restaurants.

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Where can I find more information about the festival activities and entertainment?

Click here for our Entertainment page.

This page will be continually updated prior to the festival, as vendors and performers are secured.

 

What is allowed on site?

You may bring strollers, wagons and definitely your cameras! Sunscreen, mosquito spray, hats, sunglasses, and shades are advised for April in Galveston.

 

Are there restrooms available?

Yes, portable facilities are located in the alley on 22nd and Church. We also have wheelchair-accessible portable restrooms.  Restrooms are also located in The Grand 1894 Opera House and Edna’s Room at The Grand for use by our festival patrons.

 

What should I wear to the festival?

Please wear weather appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes. Sunscreen, mosquito spray, hats, and sunglasses are advised for April in Galveston.

 

Can I bring strollers, wagons or wheelchairs?

Yes, all areas of the festival are accessible for strollers, wagon and wheelchairs.

 

Where is First Aid located at the festival?

First Aid is provided by the UTMB School of Nursing and will be located within the festival site.  The exact location will be marked on the festival map closer to the event.

 

How can I contact the festival’s organizers?

Please contact us at 409-770-5066 or spiel@thegrand.com with questions or inquiries.

  

What is prohibited on site?

No unauthorized vending, sales, no smoking, solicitations or promotions. No weapons. Please see additional prohibited items list below.

 

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PROHIBITED ITEMS & FESTIVAL POLICIES

In order for everyone to have a fun and worry-free day, please refrain from bringing these prohibited items into the festival.

·         Alcohol and other beverages including bottled water

·         Skateboards, hoverboards, bikes, scooters and rollerblades 

·         Laser pointers

·         Silly (or spray) string

·         Boom Boxes or any type of noise-making devices.

·         Pocket knives

·         Drones or any flying toys or flying cameras/smartphones

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What happens if it rains?

 The festival is rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, we will post updates on our website and social media.

 

Will there be shade or seating?

 Yes, there will be shaded areas and seating throughout the festival grounds.

 

Can I bring my pet?

Service animals are always welcome. Leashed pets are also allowed, as long as they are friendly and well-behaved. We kindly ask that you clean up after your pet.

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Please note the following festival policies:

·         No Smoking

·         Please remember that The Grand Kids Festival is a family-friendly event.​

·         The Grand Kids Festival reserves the right to video and photograph patrons at the festival and use for promotional                 purposes.

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Lost Children

If you and your child become separated during the festival, a police officer will escort your child to our designated event space, Edna’s Room, located at The Grand (see map for location). You may reunite with your child there. Please be prepared to show your ID when claiming your child.

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