Join the Ghost Coast Festival in Galveston from October 17–19, 2025, for a unique, family-friendly paranormal experience.
The cool October air in Galveston carries with it whispers of the past, stories of spirits that still linger in the shadows of its centuries-old buildings. The Ghost Coast Festival, a signature celebration of the island’s eerie and mysterious past, invites both paranormal enthusiasts and families alike to immerse themselves in the rich history of Galveston. The 2025 edition, taking place from October 17–19, promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, blending ghost tours, celebrity guests, paranormal investigations, and family-friendly entertainment.
The Origins of Ghost Coast Festival
The idea for the Ghost Coast Festival began with Johnny Steverson, an avid history enthusiast and a strong advocate for preserving Galveston’s cultural heritage. Fascinated by the island’s folklore, Victorian architecture, and longstanding ghost stories, Steverson set out to create an event that would not only entertain but also educate attendees on the city’s paranormal legacy.
“The festival is about celebrating Galveston’s haunted history while also fostering an appreciation for its architectural preservation,” Steverson said. “It’s a chance for people to experience Galveston’s haunted past in a meaningful way.”
Steverson’s vision soon became a reality. After years of planning and building connections with local historians and paranormal experts, the Ghost Coast Festival launched as a celebration of the supernatural. The goal was clear: to offer both a thrilling and educational experience that deepened participants’ connection to Galveston’s ghostly history.
The League-Kempner House Partnership
A turning point in the festival’s development came with the partnership between Ghost Coast Festival and the League-Kempner House, a historic mansion located at the heart of Galveston. The League-Kempner House serves as the central venue for many of the festival’s events, including paranormal investigations, haunted mansion tours, and talks on local history. This collaboration ensures that the festival highlights the city’s supernatural legacy while also contributing to the preservation of Galveston’s historic buildings.
Through the partnership, a portion of the festival’s proceeds is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the League-Kempner House. This commitment to historical preservation adds depth to the experience for festivalgoers, blending entertainment with cultural stewardship.
Festival Highlights and Activities
Ghost Coast Festival offers something for everyone. For families, the event features a variety of child-friendly activities, including a witches’ vendor market, a costume contest, craft areas, and musical performances. Fire performers and contortionists provide exciting live entertainment, while children can participate in games and other activities throughout the festival.
For those looking for a spine-tingling experience, the festival offers a range of paranormal activities. The League-Kempner House becomes the focal point for ghost tours and paranormal investigations, where attendees can explore the mansion’s eerie corners. In addition, guests can enjoy haunted boat tours in the Galveston Harbor, cemetery walking tours, and even a historic Strand pub crawl that dives into the city’s haunted past.
Ghost Coast Festival also attracts well-known figures from the world of paranormal investigations. Celebrity guests such as Kathleen Maca, a local historian and author specializing in haunted Galveston, and Dan Braverman, a Celebrity in TV and Film, are among the guests who participate in the festival, sharing their knowledge and experiences with festivalgoers.
What Makes Ghost Coast Festival Unique
Ghost Coast Festival stands out because of its combination of thrilling ghost hunts, historical education, and family-friendly activities. Unlike other paranormal festivals, the event is designed to appeal to a wide range of attendees, from those seeking an adrenaline-pumping paranormal experience to families looking for fun and spooky activities.
The festival’s location in Galveston adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience. Known for its rich historical architecture and reputation as one of Texas’s most haunted cities, Galveston offers the perfect backdrop for exploring the supernatural. The Ghost Coast Festival immerses attendees in the city’s eerie past, giving them the opportunity to walk the same streets and visit the same buildings that have inspired local legends and ghost stories for generations.
A Focus on Preservation
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Ghost Coast Festival is its commitment to supporting local preservation efforts. By working closely with the League-Kempner House nonprofit, the festival ensures that a portion of the proceeds directly contribute to restoring and maintaining the historic mansion, which is a vital part of Galveston’s architectural heritage.
“The League-Kempner House is an iconic piece of Galveston’s history, and we are honored to help preserve it,” said Steverson. “By hosting the festival at this site, we are helping ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from it.”
The festival not only raises awareness about the mansion’s historical significance but also provides a tangible way for attendees to contribute to its preservation, allowing them to engage in both entertainment and community enrichment.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Ghost Coast Festival
As Ghost Coast Festival continues to grow, Steverson remains focused on expanding the event’s reach while deepening its connection to Galveston’s heritage. The festival’s increasing popularity suggests a bright future for this unique blend of paranormal exploration, historical education, and community engagement.
“Galveston is full of untold stories, and our goal is to bring those stories to life,” said Steverson. “We hope that as the festival grows, more people will come to experience what makes this city and its haunted history so special.”
Plan Your Visit to Ghost Coast Festival
The Ghost Coast Festival offers a unique opportunity to explore Galveston’s haunted legacy while enjoying a wide range of activities for all ages. With tickets for experiences like paranormal investigations and haunted boat tours filling up quickly, it’s recommended to secure your tickets in advance.
For more information about the festival, including ticket purchasing, event schedules, and special experiences, visit the official website at www.GhostCoastFestival.com.
Stay updated on the latest festival news and behind-the-scenes content by following the festival on social media:
Don’t miss your chance to experience the haunted charm of Galveston at the Ghost Coast Festival, an unforgettable celebration of history, folklore, and the supernatural.
