Category: Events (Page 1 of 8)

Renowned CHEF BRYAN CASWELL joins culinary lineup for Galveston Island Wine Festival

June 12, 2024 / / 0 Comments
Chef Bryan Caswell added to the Galveston Island Wine Festival at Moody Gardens

Galveston Island Wine Festival proudly announces the addition of renowned Chef Bryan Caswell to its esteemed culinary team for this year’s event, set to take place over Labor Day weekend at the breathtaking resort Moody Gardens on Galveston Island.

This addition to the line-up comes as two weeks remain for an early-bird discount of up to 25 percent on tickets and hotel packages through June 30.

Chef Bryan Caswell, a proud Southerner hailing from Lafayette, LA, brings with him a wealth of culinary expertise and a deep-rooted passion for Gulf Coast flavors. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Caswell honed his skills under the mentorship of Jean Georges Vongerichten, refining his craft in culinary capitals such as New York, Hong Kong, Barcelona, and the Bahamas.

Famed for his innovative approach to seafood, Caswell’s culinary journey has been marked by his commitment to showcasing the freshest catches and locally-sourced produce. His Houston-based restaurant, Reef, has garnered widespread acclaim since its inception in 2007, boasting a rotating menu that highlights over 87 species of Gulf Coast fish. Reef has been lauded by critics and diners alike, earning Caswell numerous culinary accolades, including recognition from Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, and the James Beard Foundation.

In addition to Reef, Caswell has expanded his culinary empire with ventures like Little Bigs and El Real Tex-Mex Café, further solidifying his status as a culinary luminary in the Houston dining scene. His partnership with the Houston Astros has also yielded successful ventures, including Jackson Street BBQ near Minute Maid Park.

Beyond the kitchen, Caswell is an avid outdoorsman, often found indulging his passion for fishing along the Gulf Coast. His love for the sea and its bounty serves as a guiding force in his culinary creations, infusing each dish with a sense of adventure and reverence for nature.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Bryan Caswell to the Galveston Island Wine Festival. His reputation as a visionary chef and advocate for Gulf Coast cuisine precedes him, and we are eager to see how his culinary artistry enhances this year’s event.”

John Zendt, ceo of moody gardens

Caswell joins a roster of esteemed culinary talents, including David Cordúa, Paul Miller, Chef James Lundy, Executive Chefs Chris Lopez and Bobby Ross, Executive Pastry Chef Bethany Boedicker, among others. The festival promises an array of exciting events, including the Seven-on-Seven Seafood Extravaganza, Penguins & Pinot: Grand Tasting, Regular Guy Wine Seminar, Brunch and Bubbles, a Bourbon Dinner and more offering attendees a unique opportunity to savor exquisite wines amidst the enchanting ambiance of Moody Gardens.

Families Will Discover the Wonder of the Holiday Season at Moody Gardens

May 14, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Giant Ice Sculptures, Festival of Lights, Ice Skating, Dinner Shows and More!

Festival of Lights Display across the water at Moody Gardens during the Holiday in the Gardens event.
Festival of Lights display across the water at Moody Gardens.

The countdown to the holiday season has begun as preparation for one of the largest holiday events on the Gulf Coast is underway. Moody Gardens, one of the largest tourist venues in Texas will transform into a festive wonderland with Holiday in the Gardens featuring 40 days of holiday activities for visitors to enjoy on Galveston Island Nov. 23 to Jan 1.

This season, ICE LAND: Pole-to-Pole, a towering ice sculpture attraction takes guests on a journey from the North to South poles. A team of master ice carvers from China will arrive in early October to hand carve two million pounds to create an amazing presentation and immersive experience with a giant ice slide being the centerpiece that will take guests on a glacial journey. 

Guests will encounter polar bears, penguins, humpback whales, snowy owls, walruses, and of course, reindeer ice sculptures – individually crafted by this world-renowned team of artists. This breathtaking spectacle is created inside an enormous, insulated tent structure chilled and maintained at nine degrees. Shiver’s Ice Bar also returns to ICE LAND this year as guests enjoy ultra-cool holiday spirits as they enter this bar made completely of ice in the form of an igloo this year to fit the Pole-to-Pole theme.

Father and son sledding at Holiday in Gardens ICE LAND.
Father and son sledding at ICE LAND.

Visitors can explore a variety of other holiday attractions as the Festival of Lights features a mile-long trail illuminated by two million lights themed to holiday music, outdoor ice skating, the Arctic Slide, train rides, 3D holiday films, and Rudolph 4D Experience. Nightly holiday buffets as well as Breakfast with Santa, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner provide guests with seemingly endless dining options that range from funnel cakes to fine dining.

The New Year’s Palooza Family Celebration at the spectacularly decorated Moody Gardens Hotel is one of several special holiday hotel packages that feature offer guest perks, savings and Kid’s Crew activities as the ideal venue to create those special memories.

This year introduces Holiday Fantasy: A Live Show Spectacular, a Mirage Entertainment collaboration, blending Broadway-style performances with acrobatics, illusions, stunning visuals and electrifying performances into a heartwarming spectacle that will ignite the holiday spirit for audiences to enjoy.

Tickets start at $21.00, with various discounted and bundled options available for those eager to partake in the holiday celebrations. Additional information, ticket options, and hotel packages coming soon!

Train ride through the Festival of Lights attraction.
Train ride through the Festival of Lights attraction.

Race to Glory: IRONMAN 70.3 Texas Descends Upon Moody Gardens!

April 6, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Get in on the Action with this Race Day Spectator’s Guide

GALVESTON, TEXAS – APRIL 02: Deborah Eckhouse celebrates as she crosses the finish line as the first female age group athelete at IRONMAN 70.3 Texas on April 02, 2023 in Galveston, Texas. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images for IRONMAN)

Attention IRONMAN fans, on Sunday, April 7 the IRONMAN 70.3 Texas triathlon race kicks off at Moody Gardens starting at 6:45am. The race is split into three portions: swimming, biking, and running. Spectators are welcome to witness the event and cheer on the participants from the sidelines as they make their way to the finish. To see the race route you can click here or view the maps provided below.

IRONMAN 70.3 Swim Phase

At 6:45am, the action kicks off with swimmers diving into the waters near Palm Beach for a thrilling 1.2-mile race before coming ashore near the Colonel Paddlewheel dock.

Map provided by IRONMAN Group

IRONMAN 70.3 Biking Phase

Next up is a 56-mile bike race, weaving through the scenic southwest corner of Galveston and crossing the San Luis Pass, before circling back towards Moody Gardens.

Map provided by IRONMAN Group

IRONMAN 70.3 Run Phase

The adrenaline-fueled event concludes with a 13.1-mile run, beginning and ending at the West Lot, winding through the lush grounds of Moody Gardens with a brief stretch off the property before returning to the finish line.

Map provided by IRONMAN Group

The race is expected to last several hours, ending around 2pm Sunday, April 7. For visitors to Moody Gardens, please be aware that there may be considerable traffic in the area and some routes may not be accessible while the race is taking place.

Be sure to visit https://www.ironman.com/im703-texas for detailed race information including routes and times if you want to find the best spot to watch the action.

Good Luck to all the participants at IRONMAN 70.3 Texas!

“So Long, and Thanks for All The Fish!”

March 29, 2024 / / 1 Comment

Fish Fry Fridays at the Moody Gardens Golf course ends Friday, March 29

Fish Fry Fridays at the Pelican Grill on the Moody Gardens Golf Course flyer
Final day of Fish Fry Fridays during the month of March, 2024

Now is your last chance to check out #FishFryFridays at the Pelican Grill on the Moody Gardens Golf Course happening Friday, March 29. This event will run from 5pm to 7pm.

Enjoy a delightful buffet dinner with fried fish, mac and cheese supreme, hush puppies, desserts, beverages, and more! Check out what’s on the menu here. Reservations can be made here or call (409) 683-GOLF (4653) to confirm. Reserve early to ensure access due to high demand and a limited amount of availability.

Whet your appetite before indulging in the dinner buffet by booking a tee time on our picturesque golf course. Golf tee times can be confirmed by visiting www.moodygardensgolf.com

But don’t worry if you can’t make it because the dinner buffet will return in the few short months for Summer 2024.

See you soon at Pelican Grill!

Indulge in Easter Delights: Brunch, Buffet, and a Spectacular 3D Journey Through Jerusalem!

March 25, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Happening March 29th to March 31st in The Gardens Restaurant and the Frances Anne Moody Ballroom

Easter Bunny standing in front of the Aquarium Pyramid announcing Easter brunch and buffet at Moody Gardens on March 29th through March 31st.
“Hare Ye, Hare Ye!! Easter Brunch and Buffet at Moody Gardens.”

Moody Gardens is excited to announce a lineup of festive activities for the upcoming Easter weekend. Planned events include Breakfast with a Bunny, an Easter Buffet, an expansive Easter Brunch, and a themed Hotel Package fun for the family.  

Lasting memories can be made at Moody Gardens Hotel with a family-friendly, Easter-themed Hotel Package that includes a one-night stay, two Easter baskets, and a fun family Easter scavenger hunt.

To See Brunch and Buffet Packages & Reservations: Click Here

French Toast dusted with sugar along with cranberries and strawberries. Specially prepared for Easter brunch in the Gardens Restaurant
French Toast dusted with sugar available in The Gardens Restaurant

Moody Gardens Visitor Center

Guests are invited to begin their Easter celebration by having Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, available beginning Friday, March 29 at 10:00 a.m. or Saturday, March 30. Seating options on Saturday are 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Guests can indulge in a delectable breakfast buffet at The Garden Restaurant inside the Visitors Center, featuring a variety of mouthwatering dishes such as eggs, bacon, fruit, yogurt, and a sweet affair of French toast dusted with sugar, croissants, Belgian waffles, and more. The event also includes a souvenir photo, an Easter Bunny meet and greet, a Moody Gardens animal presentation, and a train ride. Tickets are priced at $42 for adults and $28 for children aged 2-12.

The Easter Bunny and Scarlet the Moody Gardens McCaw Mascot during the Easter Brunch in the Gardens Restaurant
Easter Buffet in The Gardens Restaurant

On Easter Sunday, March 31st, visitors can don their best Easter attire and head to Moody Gardens for brunch. Guests will have two delicious dining options. The Garden Restaurant located in the Moody Gardens Visitor Center, will offer a delicious Easter Buffet from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Buffet options include a selection of cold salads, chef-carved Smoked Ham and Texas Rope Sausage, a Pasta Station, Seafood options, and variety of delectable desserts. Prices for the Easter Buffet are $50 for adults, $40 for seniors, and $30 for children aged 4-12.

The Frances Anne Moody Ballroom

Guests may also enjoy an elevated and expansive Easter Brunch in the Frances Anne Moody Ballroom at the Moody Gardens Hotel. A menu crafted by Chef Bobby Ross includes an assortment of indulgent breakfast selections which include homemade baked croissants and pastries, made-to-order omelets, and other breakfast favorites. Additionally, guests may feast on a variety of savory salads, seafood, and entrée options. Menu offerings that include Braised Leg of Lamb with Mint Jus, Roasted Prime Rib, or Seared Red Fish in Citrus Butter, will please any foodies’ pallet.

Easter Brunch in the Frances Anne Moody Ballroom

Seating times for the Easter Brunch will be between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets for the Easter Brunch are $90 for adults, $80 for seniors, and $40 for children aged 4-12. A full menu for the Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Easter Buffet, and Easter Brunch can be found at www.moodygardens.com/easter when purchasing event tickets.

Moody Gardens 3D Theater

Guests are also invited to watch the movie, Jerusalem 3D which will be available during the Easter Weekend as a special showing in the Moody Gardens 3D theater. Check out the trailer below for details.

Embark on a journey through one of the most cherished cities globally, understanding its sanctity to three predominant religions through the tales of diverse families residing in Jerusalem. Accompanied by eminent archaeologist Dr. Jodi Magness, delve into the city’s profound mysteries, gaining unparalleled access to the sacred sites and witnessing the rarely seen aerial vistas of the Old City. Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch

Save Big and Make Unforgettable Memories This Holiday Season at Moody Gardens!

November 21, 2023 / / 0 Comments

The holiday season is upon us, and here at Moody Gardens, we’re excited to offer you fantastic ways to save while creating lasting memories with your loved ones. From early Black Friday hotel deals to special themed nights and exclusive packages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, let’s dive into the festive fun and explore how you can make the most of this holiday season without breaking the bank.

  1. Early Black Friday Hotel Sale – Save 30% on Stays!

Start your holiday adventure early with our exclusive Black Friday Sale on hotel stays. Book your room now through November 27th and enjoy a fabulous 30% off your stay. It’s the perfect opportunity to plan a relaxing getaway or a family vacation without the hefty price tag.

  1. Value Days – Buy One Get One Free Admission and Discounts!

Join us on select nights for our Value Days, where you can enjoy incredible savings on admission. Take advantage of buy one get one free admission on select nights or enjoy discounted rates on other evenings. Check out our themed nights:

– Groovy Night 🕺

– Super Hero Night 🦸

– Ugly Sweater Night 🎅

– Pajama Night 🌙

– Dickens Night 📖

– Bring Your Dog Nights 🐶

– Food Drive Thursdays 🥫

  1. Explore Exclusive Package Deals

Make your visit to Moody Gardens even more special by booking one of our exclusive package deals:

– Holiday in the Gardens Package: Bundle admission to all our attractions for a truly immersive experience. You’ll save while giving your family the opportunity to explore all that Moody Gardens has to offer. It’s a one stop shop for all things Holidays.

– Breakfast with Santa Family Package: Share a meal with Santa himself and create cherished memories with your family. The package includes breakfast for two adults (ages 13+) and two children (ages 4-12), a luxurious guest room, a souvenir photo, costumed character meet and greet.

– Polar Express Package Experience: Embark on an enchanting journey inspired by the classic holiday tale. The Polar Experience package includes your luxurious guest room, four tickets to Ice Land: Ice Sculptures Rainforest Holiday, the Festival of Lights trail at Moody Gardens, and transportation to and from the Galveston Railroad Museum for The Polar Express Train Ride!

– Holiday Dinner Cruise and New Year’s Packages: Celebrate in style on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat. This package includes a guest room for one night, tickets for two for the Holiday sunset dinner buffet.

 

  1. Try It and Buy It – Your Gateway to Membership

Discover an exclusive opportunity with some of our “explorer” package deals- featuring a unique “Try It and Buy It” offer! When you book “explorer” packages, your stay becomes more than just a memorable experience; it becomes a pathway to membership. Apply the cost of your stay towards a membership within 30 days after your visit. To claim the offer, visit Member Services in person at the Visitors Center, call us at 409-683-4200, or send an email to memberships@moodygardens.org. Don’t miss out on turning your stay into a lasting membership with Moody Gardens.

This holiday season, come and celebrate with us at Moody Gardens, where you can save big, have a blast, and make unforgettable memories with your friends and family. We can’t wait to share the spirit of the season with you! 🎄🌟

Book your stay and explore our amazing offers today. Visit our website or contact us for more information and reservations. Happy holidays from all of us at Moody Gardens! 🎁❄️

Harmonizing Mind, Body, and Cosmos: 2nd Annual Yoga Retreat Aligned with a Spectacular Solar Eclipse on October 14

October 6, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Take a transformative journey towards self-discovery and growth at the 2nd annual Yoga Retreat with renowned yoga guru, Doug Keller, located in the breathtaking scenery of Moody Gardens. This retreat promises to bring new life and energy to your soul from October 13th to 15th, coinciding with an annular solar eclipse, signifying a new season of change and growth.

Awe-Inspiring Annular Solar Eclipse

Have you ever experienced the sheer magic of an annular solar eclipse? This natural spectacle occurs when the moon partially obscures the sun, creating a “ring of fire” along a narrow line on our planet. The upcoming eclipse on October 14th is classified as annular, where the moon appears smaller and creates a dazzling ring around the sun. To fully appreciate this wonder, it’s essential to understand its scale – the moon’s diameter is 2,159 miles (3,476 km) while the sun’s is a colossal 865,000 miles (1.4 million km)!

Stay Safe While Observing the Eclipse

Though this celestial event is awe-inspiring, remember to prioritize safety while observing it. Gazing directly at the sun without proper eye protection can cause severe eye damage. For the annular solar eclipse, certified solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers are recommended.

Eclipse Season and Personal Growth

In astrology, eclipse seasons signify transformational moments, bringing significant changes in our personal lives and the energy of the zodiac. The solar eclipse occurring during the new Moon in Libra on October 14, 2023, marks the beginning of eclipse season 2023, creating an opportunity for unique perspectives and shifts in consciousness.

Meditation and Reflection During the Eclipse and Retreat

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our Yoga Retreat and contemplate the importance of partnerships in your life. Find inner peace and stillness by reflecting on your deepest desires concerning relationships and consider how you can bring about positive changes in your life. Witness this celestial event from any of our ideal vantage points, and connect with yourself and the universe.

Why You Should Stay

Our packages offer a full-on immersion into the world of yoga and exclusive access to the relaxing sights and sounds of the Aquarium Pyramid. Get ready to dive deep into the magic of marine life from all corners of the globe. All yoga sessions are included in your stay so you can fully absorb the transformative practices throughout your retreat. But, what’s a yoga retreat without some R&R? We’re offering an 25% discount on our spa services, so you can pamper yourself and find inner peace in the tranquil sanctuary of Moody Gardens. Our goal is to make your stay unforgettable by blending wellness with luxury, ensuring you find the balance and peace you crave. Plus, you’re not just staying at a hotel – you’re contributing to a non-profit, educational destination that uses nature to promote conservation, recreation, research, and rehabilitation. Book your rooms here:  https://www.moodygardens.com/events/yoga-retreat/ 

Eclipse Safety Guidelines

Remember to protect your eyes during the eclipse. For comprehensive eclipse safety guidelines, please refer to NASA’s official resource here: [NASA Eclipse Safety](https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/).

Join us for a life-changing retreat where yoga and the cosmos come together to inspire personal growth and self-discovery. Experience this extraordinary event with us and embrace change and growth!

Value Days for Festival of Lights and Holiday in the Gardens: New Theme Nights to Get You Into the Groove of the Holiday’s!

October 5, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Moody Gardens is excited to announce its much-anticipated Holiday in the Gardens, a premier Gulf Coast destination happening from November 18th to January 6th. Select nights have been designated as Value Nights, offering discounted admission on Monday through Thursday, November 27th through December 14th, as well as January 3rd and 4th. Attendees who attend on these evenings can enjoy savings on their entrance to Festival of Lights AND those who participate in the themed nights for these evenings can take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) ticket offer to the Festival of Lights trail or Holiday Pass which includes: Ice Land, Festival of Lights, four slides on the Arctic slide, train ride, ice rink, Aquarium Pyramid, 3D And 4D theaters starting at 4 p.m. 

  • Food Drive Thursdays is a great way to celebrate the season while helping those in need. Every Thursday from November 30th to December 28th, bring a non-perishable food item and get BOGO admission. All proceeds will be donated to the Galveston County and Houston Food Banks.
  • If you are a fan of the 70s fashion, you will love Groovy Night on November 27th. Bell bottoms, tie-dye, peace signs, and polyester… wear the 70s fashion ensemble that suits you and get BOGO admission.
  • Superhero Night on November 28th is a perfect way to unleash your inner superhero. Dress up as your favorite superhero and get BOGO admission.
  • For those who love Dickens on the Strand, come to Moody Gardens on November 29th and wear a Victorian costume to get BOGO admission and you may even see some familiar faces from the festival caroling on the trail.
  • Angel Tree Night on December 4th is a great way to celebrate the season while helping others. Bring an unwrapped children’s gift for the Salvation Army Angel Tree Project and get BOGO admission.
  • Ugly Sweater Night on December 5th is another fun way to enjoy the Festival of Lights. The uglier the sweater, the better! Wear your ugly sweater and get BOGO admission.
  • If you are a dog lover, bring your furry friend and a pre-packaged donation for the Galveston Island Humane Society on December 6th and January 3rd to get BOGO admission.
  • On December 11th, wear your favorite PJs for Pajama Night and get BOGO admission to the Festival of Lights.
  • Let It Glow on December 12th is a perfect opportunity to get creative. Wear anything that glows, such as glow paint, glow sticks, neon colors, and more, and get a discount with BOGO admission.
  • Lastly, Sensory Night on December 13th is a special evening for those with sensory sensitivities to enjoy the Festival of Lights. Modifications will be made from opening at dusk until 7 p.m. to provide straight lights with no blinking and no music or sound effects along the trail.

Our goal at Moody Gardens® is to provide a unique and memorable experience for you and your family this holiday season. As a non-profit, educational destination, our mission is to utilize the beauty of nature to advance research, rehabilitation, conservation, and recreation. Come and embrace the holiday spirit with your loved ones under the twinkling lights of Moody Gardens®. For more information, please visit our website www.moodygardens.org or call us at 409-744-4673.

 

Moody Gardens Says Thank You to Galveston Island on Oct. 20th

October 9, 2019 / / 3 Comments

MOODY GARDENS SAYS THANK YOU TO GALVESTON ISLAND ON OCT. 20

Journey beneath the waves inside the Aquarium Pyramid, trek through the rainforests of the world. And learn all about the bones of the body – plus so much more – at this year’s Galveston Appreciation Day.

 

Galveston residents and workers will be treated to a one-of-a-kind experience at one of the top tourist destinations in the region when Moody Gardens hosts this annual event on Oct. 20 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Guests who live or work on Galveston Island – along with their immediate family – will receive free admission to the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, Discovery Museum, MG 3D Theater, 4D Special FX Theater and the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat.

 

“Galveston Island has a great community spirit, and it is our residents and employees who work here who make it so special,” said Moody Gardens President and CEO John Zendt. “Being able to give the Galveston community a day to enjoy Moody Gardens on us allows us to truly express our gratitude.”

 

Guests must show proof of island residency or employment with a driver’s license or state identification card, utility bill, paycheck stub or work identification badge to be eligible for the Galveston Appreciation Day offer.

 

Moody Gardens will give away more than 2,000 Oleanders and Palm Trees to island residents as part of a beautification project. Click here to receive a voucher for the Oleander or Palm Tree. It can be redeemed at the front of the Visitor Center on Galveston Appreciation Day 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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