Galveston plans free beach weekend, fireworks and discounts on attractions

Galveston's Stewart Beach will offer free admission as part of Galveston Cares weekend, Sept. 30 - Oct. 1.

PHOTOS: Best places to party in Galveston Galveston's Stewart Beach will offer free admission as part of Galveston Cares weekend, Sept. 30 - Oct. 1.

PHOTOS: Best places to party in Galveston Photo: Tonya Torres, Staff Photo: Tonya Torres, Staff Image 1 of / 30 Caption Close Galveston plans free beach weekend, fireworks and discounts on attractions 1 / 30 Back to Gallery

Galveston Island, which was much less damaged by Harvey than other parts of the Houston area, is offering a weekend of free fun at Stewart Beach and East Beach, plus discounts on other island attractions.

The Galveston Cares weekend, Sept. 30 - Oct. 1, includes free parking at beach parks, including beaches that normally charge admission. There will also be free trolley rides around the island, and free parking along the entire Seawall.

Stewart Beach offers amenities such as a children's playground, volleyball courts, bathrooms and showers and concessions.

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A free Galveston Family Challenge obstacle course at Stewart Beach comes with a chance to win a $2,000 prize at noon.

East Beach will be open but that park's pavilion will be closed.

In the evening, the public is invited to a fireworks show at 37th Street and Seawall, in honor of first responders.

The Grand 1984 Opera will host an open mic afternoon from noon to 4 p.m., offering the opportunity to perform on the venue's historic stage.

Tickets to the 1895 Moody Mansion and the Bryan Museum will be buy one, get one free.

And, the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival, hosted at 23rd and Strand, will donate $2 from every ticket sold to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Tickets start at $12 to sample gumbo from more than 80 cooking teams.