Salt air, live music, a longboard surf contest, food trucks, art vendors, VIP cabanas, and two full days of Third Coast celebration — La Izquierda Fest returns to Beach Central on May 1 and 2.
There is a version of Galveston that only shows up a few times a year — when the music is loud, the salt air is thick, the waves have surfers on them, and the whole island feels alive in a way that reminds you why people have been coming here for over a century. La Izquierda Fest is that version. And it’s back May 1 and 2.
La Izquierda Fest brings together live music, surf, art, and community to the heart of Galveston Island. Set against the backdrop of the Gulf, the festival kicks off Friday afternoon and carries the vibe through Saturday night. From the soulful sway of live performances to the sun-soaked surf contest at 21st and Seawall, Izzy Fest is a tribute to what makes the Texas coast so special — its creativity, its energy, and its deep love for the water.
Seven Years in the Making
La Izquierda Fest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the communities of Galveston and the Gulf Coast through surf, the arts, and fostering local culture. For the past seven years, through Save the Locals and La Izquierda Fest, the organization has brought local and regional artists to help the community celebrate and connect over art, music, surf culture, and the preservation of natural waters and beach habitat.
This is not a corporate festival. It’s a community-built celebration that gives back to the island it loves — and every ticket sold supports that mission.
The Music
Catch an eclectic mix of artists from across Texas and beyond — featuring funk, soul, surf rock, indie, and genre-bending performances that capture the spirit of the Gulf. The main stage runs all weekend with a Friday night reggae takeover hosted by DEM Roots, plus sets from Galveston’s own soulful Tanya Nolan, The Nude Party, Kam Franklin of the Suffers, Galvezton, The Ghost Wolves, and more. The beach stage runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. alongside the surf contest — live music with the Gulf as your backdrop.
The Surf Contest
Start your Saturday on the beach with tunes and a style-focused longboard surf contest. Men’s, women’s, and groms divisions all compete at 21st and Seawall — and surf registration includes general admission weekend tickets to the festival. A signed photograph of Galveston taken from space by local legend and Artemis II astronaut Christina Koch will be on display at the contest. Yes, really.
What Else Is on the Grounds
Vendors, a beer tent, VIP cabanas, artist booths, merchandise, and more fill the festival grounds. A curated vendor village features original artists, designers, and small brands offering handcrafted goods. Food trucks handle the hunger. The Galveston Island Brewing beer garden handles everything else. A costume contest, live art performances, and a yoga session round out the weekend for those who want more than just music and surf.
VIP packages include a 15×30-foot private cabana area with an 11×11 tent, beach mat, cooler with ice and water, four VIP tickets, four general admission tickets, access to the VIP lounge, a private bar, air-conditioned restrooms, and panoramic views of both the festival and the beach.
Getting There
Galveston is an easy hour from Houston, just across the scenic causeway bridge. Beach Central, the festival location, is at 2102 Seawall Blvd. Hotel Lucine is the recommended stay for the ultimate Izzy Fest weekend. Houston Hobby Airport is just 45 minutes away. Paid parking is available on Seawall Blvd. and in the Beach Central parking garage connected to the venue — download the PayByPhone app to expedite parking. Dogs are not allowed on festival grounds but are welcome on the beach.
Children 10 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a ticket-holding parent or guardian. Rain or shine event. Re-entry is allowed with an untampered wristband.
Event Details
Event: La Izquierda Surf and Music Festival — Izzy Fest 2026 Dates: Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2, 2026 Hours: Friday, May 1 starting at 2 p.m. / Saturday, May 2 through 11 p.m. Beach Stage: Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 21st and Seawall Location: Beach Central, 2102 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77550 Children 10 and under: Free with ticket-holding adult Website: laizquierdafest.org Instagram: @laizquierdafest Facebook: La Izquierda Surf and Music Festival
