Family Friendly Attractions & Events

Nestled amidst breathtaking natural surroundings, Moody Gardens offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for guests of all ages for work or play. From tropical rainforests to the oceans of the world, a wide range of attractions, educational activities, kid's events, dining options, and exciting entertainment await. This island resort uniquely accommodates large conferences, weddings and social events as well as being the romantic escape and family destination where special memories are created.

Galveston Island Wine Festival header showing the tunnel inside the Aquarium Pyramid while a large stingray swims above.
Galveston Island Wine Festival logo with fork-shaped wine bottle outline, colorful wine bottles and glasses, and dates September 4-6, 2026.
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Labor Day Weekend

3 days, 12 events, 100+ wines, celebrity chefs

Early Bird Special. Book Now and Save 15%

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Galveston Island Wine Festival

September 4–6, 2026

2027 Dates Coming Soon!

Sip, savor, and celebrate at the Galveston Island Wine Festival, one the region’s largest food and wine events Labor Day Weekend featuring three days of celebrity chefs and fantastic opportunities to explore pairings and activities in a breathtaking venue as Moody Gardens offers the convenience, accommodations and surroundings for a memorable getaway on beautiful Galveston Island.

Signature Events

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Friday – White Linen Seafood Extravaganza

Friday, Sept 4, 2026 | 6–8pm

An evening of refined indulgence. Delight in a stand-and-taste culinary experience featuring top tier chefs as they present sensational seafood dishes. Each creation is expertly paired with select varietals from the world’s premier wine regions.

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Saturday – Penguins & Pinot: Grand Tasting

Saturday, Sept 5, 2026 | 5–8pm

A delightful evening awaits as guests tour the Oceans of the World with wine and spirit tastings, food bites from Gulf Coast restaurants, and marine animal encounters. This stand and taste experience takes place in the Moody Gardens Aquarium.

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Sunday – Grand Finale:
Wine Dinner

Sunday, Sept 6, 2026 | 5–7pm

A food and wine lover’s dream. The chefs have created a spectacular menu paired with the perfect wines at this memorable event to wrap up your wonderful Wine Festival Weekend.

Book Hotel Now: Save 15% (Limited Time Offer)

Exclusive Event Access for the first 150 to Book a Package that includes Saturday!
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3 Day 'On Cloud Wine' Hotel Package

Enjoy all events, Friday – Sunday

Friday, September 4th

  • Welcome Reception - featuring complimentary beverages
  • White Linen Seafood Extravaganza - featuring celebrity chefs!
  • Wine'd Down - featuring a complimentary beverage

Saturday, September 5th

  • Morning Restorative Yoga Class
  • Beck Bubbles & Brunch - featuring a complimentary beverage! Brunch not included.
  • Added Value: Exclusive Event for First 150 Hotel Package Purchasers
  • Penguins & Pinot: Grand Tasting in the Aquarium
  • Tini's & Bikini Pool Party
  • Wine'd Down After Hours - featuring live entertainment

Sunday, September 6th

  • Morning Restorative Yoga Class
  • Beck Bubbles & Brunch - featuring a complimentary beverage! Brunch not included.
  • McPherson Cellars Wine Dinner
  • Hotel Stay with Complimentary Parking + Palm Beach + Aquarium Pyramid Access
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2 Day Premium Hotel Package

Friday, September 4

  • Welcome Reception – featuring complimentary beverages
  • White Linen Seafood Extravaganza – featuring celebrity chefs!
  • Wine’d Down – featuring a complimentary beverage

Saturday, September 5

  • Morning Restorative Yoga Class
  • Beck Bubbles & Brunch featuring a complimentary beverage! Brunch not included.
  • Added Value: Exclusive Event for First 150 Hotel Package Purchasers
  • Penguins & Pinot: Grand Tasting in the Aquarium
  • Tini's & Bikini Pool Party
  • Wine’d Down After Hours – featuring live entertainment

Sunday, September 6

  • Morning Restorative Yoga Class
  • Beck Bubbles & Brunch featuring a complimentary mimosa! Brunch not included.
  • Hotel Stay with Complimentary Parking + Palm Beach + Aquarium Pyramid Access
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One Night Grand Hotel Package – 1 Day

Saturday, September 5

  • Morning Restorative Yoga Class
  • Beck Bubbles & Brunch featuring a complimentary beverage! Brunch not included.
  • Added Value: Exclusive Event for First 150 Hotel Package Purchasers
  • Penguins & Pinot: Grand Tasting in the Aquarium
  • Tini's & Bikini Pool Party
  • Wine’d Down After Hours – featuring live entertainment

Sunday, September 6:

  • Morning Restorative Yoga Class
  • Beck Bubbles & Brunch
  • Hotel Stay with Complimentary Parking + Palm Beach + Aquarium Pyramid Access
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Sunday Funday – 1 Day

Sunday, September 6

  • Morning Restorative Yoga Class
  • Beck Bubbles & Brunch
  • Wine Dinner
  • Hotel Stay with Complimentary Parking + Palm Beach + Aquarium Pyramid Access

Schedule & Agenda

Talent

Celebrity chefs and sommeliers joining us Labor Day Weekend.

Concetta Maceo-Sims, owner of Maceo Spice and Import Co.

Concetta Maceo-Sims

Owner, Maceo Spice & Import Co.

Chef David Cordua, chef and owner of The Lymbar

Chef David Cordúa

Chef/Owner, The Lymbar

Paul Miller, founder of Gr8 Plate Hospitality

Paul Miller

Founder, Gr8 Plate Hospitality · Level 2 Sommelier

Executive Chef Chris Lopez of BLVD. Seafood

Chef Chris Lopez

Executive Chef, BLVD. Seafood

Chef William Pickavance of Yaga's Cafe

Chef William Pickavance

Yaga's Cafe

Executive Chef Bobby Lee Ross of Shearn's Seafood and Prime Steaks at Moody Gardens

Chef Bobby Lee Ross

Executive Chef, Shearn's Seafood & Prime Steaks at Moody Gardens

Andres Castaneda of Moody Gardens

Andres Castañeda

Moody Gardens

Executive Sous Chef Aaron Sekula of Moody Gardens

Chef Aaron Sekula

Executive Sous Chef, Moody Gardens

Executive Pastry Chef Kristy Riley of Moody Gardens

Chef Kristy Riley

Executive Pastry Chef, Moody Gardens

Vubang Nguyen of Moody Gardens

Vubang Nguyen

Moody Gardens

More 2026 talent coming soon

Frequently Asked Questions

Make Plans for Labor Day Weekend

Grab your tickets and start planning your weekend.

Book hotel today & Save 15%

The 2026 Galveston Island Wine Festival is sponsored by:

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