Unveil the mysteries of Galveston’s haunted legacy this October at the Ghost Coast Festival, a spine-chilling yet family-friendly event.
Galveston, Texas, is known for its historic architecture, beautiful beaches, and, for those who dare to seek it, its haunted history. For anyone intrigued by the supernatural or curious about the dark tales that have haunted this coastal city for centuries, the Ghost Coast Festival offers the perfect escape. From October 17–19, 2025, this immersive festival invites guests to explore the paranormal while celebrating Galveston’s unique legacy in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere.
A City Steeped in Mystery and Legend
Galveston’s haunted past is as rich and compelling as its historical landmarks. The city, established in the early 19th century, is home to ghost stories that span generations. Visitors often speak of encountering spirits in its Victorian mansions, eerie cemeteries, and on the streets of the historic district. It’s no surprise, then, that the Ghost Coast Festival has become a beloved event for those looking to explore these chilling tales.
The festival’s founder, Johnny Steverson, has long been captivated by the island’s stories. As a passionate historian and preservationist, Steverson recognized the opportunity to celebrate Galveston’s ghostly past in a way that’s accessible, engaging, and family-friendly.
“Our goal is to bring people into the fold of Galveston’s haunted legacy in a way that is both educational and thrilling,” Steverson said. “The Ghost Coast Festival lets visitors of all ages experience the city’s rich history and spooky stories in a fun, interactive way.”
A Unique Blend of Paranormal Exploration and Family Fun
Unlike many paranormal festivals that focus exclusively on the supernatural, Ghost Coast offers a mix of activities that cater to all ages. For thrill-seekers, the festival delivers plenty of spine-tingling events, including paranormal investigations at the League-Kempner House, guided haunted mansion tours, and ghostly boat rides through the Galveston Harbor.
But Ghost Coast isn’t just for adults. Families can enjoy a witches’ vendor market, a costume contest for all ages, games for children, and live performances from fire dancers and contortionists. Whether you’re here for a spooky adventure or a day of family fun, the festival has something for everyone.
“We want Ghost Coast Festival to be a place where people can have fun together,” said Steverson. “Whether you’re coming to experience the thrill of a ghost hunt or simply enjoy a spooky-themed activity, there’s something for every member of the family.”
Behind the Scenes: A Festival with a Purpose
What makes Ghost Coast truly unique is its dedication to preserving the history and heritage of Galveston. A key partnership with the League-Kempner House nonprofit ensures that a portion of the festival’s proceeds support the restoration and preservation of this historic mansion. The house, which is believed to be haunted, serves as the heart of the festival, with many of the event’s most popular tours and paranormal activities taking place within its walls.
Steverson’s goal has always been to make the festival about more than just a good time, it’s about contributing to the community. “Galveston’s history is so intertwined with the stories we share at the festival. Supporting the preservation of places like the League-Kempner House is essential to keeping those stories alive,” Steverson explained.
Through these efforts, Ghost Coast Festival helps raise awareness about the importance of maintaining Galveston’s historic buildings, ensuring that future generations can continue to explore the city’s rich cultural and paranormal legacy.
Celebrity Guests and Paranormal Experts
A highlight of the Ghost Coast Festival is the lineup of celebrity paranormal investigators and historical experts who share their insights with attendees. This year, Ghost Coast welcomes notable figures such as Kathleen Maca, an author and historian specializing in Galveston’s haunted past, and Dan Braverman, a renowned Television and Film Celebrity. Their talks, panels, and personal experiences provide guests with a deeper understanding of the city’s supernatural history.
“Having experts on hand to answer questions and share their knowledge really adds a new dimension to the festival,” said Steverson. “It’s a great opportunity for visitors to learn from the people who’ve spent years studying and investigating Galveston’s most famous ghost stories.”
More Than Just Ghosts: The Rich Culture of Galveston
Though the festival celebrates Galveston’s supernatural side, it also provides a chance to learn about the island’s history and culture. The event’s tours take guests beyond just the haunted locations, offering glimpses into the city’s diverse past. From the historic Strand District to the beautiful mansions along Broadway, visitors can explore the architectural beauty that gives Galveston its distinctive charm.
The festival’s family-friendly activities also showcase local artists, artisans, and performers, giving visitors a true taste of the island’s creative spirit. The witches’ vendor market features handmade crafts, unique souvenirs, and spooky-themed merchandise, while local musicians and performers provide entertainment throughout the weekend.
Planning Your Ghostly Adventure
As the Ghost Coast Festival continues to grow, it remains committed to providing an immersive, educational, and entertaining experience for all attendees. With more activities and events being added each year, the festival promises to be an even bigger and better event in 2025.
Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal investigator or simply looking for a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate the season, Ghost Coast Festival is the perfect place to explore Galveston’s haunted past. With tickets for paranormal experiences like overnight investigations and haunted boat tours filling up fast, it’s recommended to secure your tickets early to avoid missing out.
For more information about the festival, including ticket purchasing and event schedules, visit the official website at www.GhostCoastFestival.com.
Stay connected with the festival on social media for the latest updates and news:
Experience Galveston like never before at the Ghost Coast Festival, where the past comes alive in the most thrilling way possible.
