Kemah’s event calendar is jam-packed with fun for the whole family. Throughout the year, you’ll find Tuesday Trivia and free live music, including rock, country, and Tejano. As you can imagine, just about every holiday is a reason for this lively coastal town to pull out all the stops and throw a party! From Mardi Gras to Cinco de Mayo, the Fourth of July to Halloween, and Christmas to the ringing in of a New Year, Kemah buzzes with excitement. You’ll enjoy a vibrant live entertainment scene, summertime fireworks that will have you oohing and ahhing, and sunset dinner and music cruises of Galveston Bay. Boat races and fishing tournaments kick the excitement up a notch or two!
Here are just a few of the events on tap. Be sure to look at Kemah’s event calendar for the most up-to-date information.
February/March
Mardi Gras
Kemah celebration of Mardi Gras takes on a nautical twist and a coastal vibe. Come see how Kemah captures the spirit of Fat Tuesday with city wide events including the following:
It’s said to be the largest floating Mardi Gras parade in the nation. Since 1999, lavishly decorated boats float alongside the Kemah Boardwalk on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday. Grab a spot along the Boardwalk and catch some beads or trinkets that the costumed members of the “krewe” toss ashore.
Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipp Avenue
Kemah, TX 77565
Krewes Into Kemah Mardi Gras Parade
Colorful and clever floats, including a pirate ship float, wind their way through the Lighthouse District in the Krewes Into Kemah Mardi Gras Parade. Get ready to catch the beads and trinkets members of the Krewe toss.
Kemah Lighthouse District
604 Bradford Avenue
Kemah, TX 77565
Celtic Festival
Put on your finest kilt and get ready to savor a cold beer and the soulful sound of bagpipes. Your little ones will enjoy Little Celt’s Crafts and Highland Games.
Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipp Avenue
Kemah, TX 77565
May
May the Fourth Be With You Star War’s Party
Grab your lightsaber or braid your hair like Princess Leia and head to the Palapas Bar in the Lighthouse District on May 4th.
608 6th Street
Kemah, TX 77565
Cinco de Mayo
Join the Cinco de Mayo fiesta at the Kemah Boardwalk with live Tejano music, dance performances, and crafts and activities for kids.
Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipp Avenue
Kemah, TX 77565
Summertime
Rock the Dock Thursday Concert Series
From mid-May through mid-August Kemah Boardwalk rocks out with a free outdoor concert on Thursday nights on the plaza.
403 Bradford Avenue
Kemah, TX 77565
Friday night fireworks light up the sky in June and July at 9:30 p.m. Come early to enjoy live music on the plaza from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. For a whole different perspective, watch the fireworks aboard the Fantasea Fireworks Dinner Cruise or Boardwalk Beast Fireworks Cruise.
Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipp Avenue
Kemah, TX 77565
June
Texas Outlaw Challenge
Rev your engines for this one! The Texas Outlaw Challenge is a multi-day event surrounding the annual high-performance boat race in Kemah, Clear Lake, and Galveston Bay. The Stampede Street Party in the Kemah Lighthouse District kicks off the annual race. The party spotlights the extreme racing boats while entertaining spectators with live bands, bar fare, and vendors.
Kemah Lighthouse District
604 Bradford Avenue
Kemah, TX 77565
July
4th of July Celebration
As the nation celebrates Independence Day, Kemah throws a huge birthday bash! Begin your day at the patriotic parade in the Lighthouse District and cap off the evening with live music and fireworks over Galveston Bay. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities in store throughout the day.
Kemah Boardwalk and Lighthouse District
Kemah, TX 77565
August
Kemah Klash
Kemah hosts the Discovery Channel’s popular Tidewater Boats Elite Fishing Series for redfish tournaments. The three-day event includes a pro-am tournament, kayaking tournament, and Elite Fishing Series qualifying rounds. The championship round kicks off on Saturday.
Kemah, TX 77565
September
Labor Day Weekend Fireworks
Kemah marks the end of summer with a live music on the plaza. Ooh and ahh at the season’s grand finale fireworks on Sunday.
Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipp Avenue
Kemah, TX 77565
October
During the entire month, get ready for Halloween at Kemah Boardwalk with Freaky Friday fright night movies, Scary Saturday kid activities and costume contests, and Spooky Sunday creepy food eating contests. The Little Boo Haunted Fun House, trick or treating, and live music make this a family-friendly outing.
Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipp Avenue
Kemah, TX 77565
Nothing says Oktoberfest like beer and bratwurst. Sip suds from a souvenir beer stein, wear your best lederhosen and dirndl for the costume contest, and test your corn-hole skills in the Oktoberfest tournament!
Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipp Avenue
Kemah, TX 77565
November
The City of Kemah hosts wine tasting and appetizer sampling from local restaurants at the annual Sonoma County Wine Fest. Live music accompanies the event.
Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipp Avenue
Kemah, TX 77565
December
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Begin the holiday season with the community of Kemah. Browse the Christmas market, sip on hot chocolate, listen to carolers, and witness the tree lighting at the Bay Area Houston Visitor Center.
604 Bradford Avenue
Kemah, TX 77565
On weekends in December, join Santa at Kemah Boardwalk and get in the Christmas spirit with holiday music, dance performances, kid’s crafts, and a toy drive benefitting Houston’s Ronald McDonald House. By the way, Santa’s available for photos from Thanksgiving weekend through the weekend before Christmas.
Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipp Avenue
Kemah, TX 77565
Christmas Boat Parade
Hundreds of decorated boats parade through the Clear Creek Channel each year in the annual Christmas Boat Parade. Grab a front row seat at the Kemah Boardwalk for this spectacular holiday flotilla. Live music and tasty food add to the festivities of the evening event.
Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipp Avenue
Kemah, TX 77565
Pancakes with Santa
Join Santa for breakfast in the Kemah Community Center. Enjoy pancakes, face painting, and free pictures with Santa Claus at this jolly event.
Kemah Community Center
800 Harris Avenue
Kemah, TX 77565
Kemah Lighthouse District Christmas Market
Support local artisans, craftspeople, and vendors while shopping for unique and thoughtful gifts for everyone on your holiday list.
Kemah Community Center
800 Harris Avenue
Kemah, TX 77565
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Ring in the New Year at Kemah Boardwalk with live music and fireworks. Bring your kiddos along and keep them up past their bedtimes for a special kids’ countdown celebration.
Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipp Avenue
Kemah, TX 77565
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