Let the spirits roam free this October. From spirited taverns, to haunted houses, and actually haunted places in Houston, there’s plenty of ghoulishly good times to go around this spooky season. Halloween fans can be among likeminded weirdos later this October for the 3rd Annual Mystical Parade of Boo in Galveston’s Historic Strand District.
Back for its third year, the Mystical Parade of Boo is a festive parade in Galveston celebrating the most terrific time of the year. Taking place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, the parade will take place at the Historic Strand District, where organizers will set the tone with flickering lanterns, dancing shadows, and eerie music hanging over the cobblestone streets. The parade will step off at 6:30 p.m. and roll through downtown until approximately 8 p.m.
The parade itself will be comprised of over 30 groups — ranging from bewitching bands to a cast of costumed characters and other wayward marchers including the likes of witches, vampires, pirates, and more — in a procession of elaborate, costumed floats that traverses through Downtown Galveston in high, festive spirits. The event is hosted by the Tutu Live Krewe, Galveston’s original all-female, all-adult marching krewe and the force behind some of the island’s most spirited celebrations.
Some of the featured groups in the procession include the U.S. Navy, the Ball High Color Guard, and the Sea Aggie Band, with several Galveston Mardi Gras krewes rolling by with their own decorated floats and lively tunes. Rest assured, the kiddos in attendance will be rewarded with scattered showers of sweet candies and beads tossed from the floats.
The parade route will begin on Market Street at 28th Street, heading east to 20th Street, then turning toward The Strand, making one loop through downtown before ending near Strand and 25th Street.
Visitor Tips for the Historic Strand District
- Arrive early. Downtown street parking fills up fast, and the parade route will be closed temporarily with barricades, with parade units escorted by Galveston Police. Plan to claim your viewing spot along Market Street or The Strand well before the 6:30 p.m. step-off.
- Wear a costume. Visitors are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween best and become part of the spectacle rather than simply watching from the sidewalk. Whether you come cute, creepy, glamorous, or completely over the top, the parade is one of those rare events where the crowd is half the fun.
- Bring a bag for candy and beads. Float riders toss beads and treats to the crowd throughout the route — especially along The Strand, where the procession slows and the energy peaks.
- Make a night of it. The parade runs roughly 90 minutes, leaving plenty of time to explore the Strand’s shops, restaurants, and bars afterward. Galveston is one of the most haunted cities in Texas, and a post-parade ghost walk or a stop at a seasonal pop-up bar like the Black Lagoon at DTO Galveston is the perfect way to keep the spooky vibes going.
- Check before you go. Organizers recommend checking the Tutu Live Krewe’s official website or social media pages before heading out for the latest parade information, route updates, and additional details.
The Mystical Parade of Boo in Galveston takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. The event is free to attend and great for families — costumes encouraged.
If you’re a spooky season fan visiting Galveston, recall that the coastal town is one of the most haunted in Texas. For those that dare, take a look at our list here of the most haunted places in Galveston. For more spirits, check out DTO Galveston, hosting the Black Lagoon festive pop-up bar this October.
