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Celebrate Galveston's maritime history at the Port of Galveston Bicentennial Celebration. This event honors the fascinating history of the oldest port in Texas with music, entertainment, food and performances against the backdrop of the Port of Galveston.
The Port of Galveston has a 200-year history full of swashbuckling tales of pirates, treasures and naval battles. The history begins with Jean Lafitte, a buccaneer who built a fort and operated a fleet of ships from 1817 to 1821. However, the port was not officially founded until October 17, 1825, when the Mexican government designated it a customs entry point and provisional port. As the home of the Texas Navy, the Port of Galveston was the site of naval battles when the Texas Republic fought for independence from Mexico.
As the port became more prominent in the region, the city of Galveston grew in size and population. Many companies chose the port for their waterfront operations — by the 1870s, the Port of Galveston was one of America's major commercial centers. Today, the port is a thoroughfare for cruises, cargo and commercial businesses.
The Port of Galveston Bicentennial Celebration takes place at the Port on October 17-18, 2025. The weekend kicks off with a Party on the Pier on October 17, the 200th birthday of the Port of Galveston. This free party is open to the public and will include a Jean Lafitte Look-Alike Contest, drone show, live music and food trucks for family fun all night long.
On October 18, the festivities continue with the Bicentennial Gala, an elegant event featuring gourmet dining, dancing and live performances. The event also celebrates the Port of Galveston's history and highlights the gala partners. The gala will take place at the Galveston Island Convention Center. You can purchase individual tickets or tables to attend.
Galveston Island KOA Holiday is the perfect place to stay during the Port of Galveston Bicentennial Celebration. The campground is located on Galveston Island, a short drive away from the heart of the maritime celebration. You can set up your motorhome at an RV Site or enjoy a comfortable stay in one of the cabins. Check out the many ways to stay, and reserve a site at the campground today!
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.