Galveston’s vintage past meets present-day fun for the Eleventh Annual Galveston Island Beach Revue. The 2019 Revue takes place Saturday, May 18th, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Beach Central, located at 2102 Seawall Boulevard. The Revue is free and offers family fun in the sun and includes the Bathing Beauties Contest, the Bands and Bombshells Concerts, and the Hot Rod and Classic Car Show.
The annual Revue showcases vintage-inspired fun, headlined by the Bathing Beauties Contest. The Revue takes place from 5:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Contestants are chosen based on the quality of their vintage or vintage-inspired swimsuit. 2019 contestants are from Texas, Oklahoma, California, New Jersey, Arizona, Louisiana, and Colorado.
This is the first year the Galveston Historic Foundation is involved with the Beach Revue. Dwayne Jones, Galveston Historical Foundation’s Executive Director, said “This event is a fun and inspirational time to revisit an old island tradition. It celebrates the beach and our tourism industry all with a nod to our fascinating history.”
History of Galveston’s Bathing Beauties Contest
Galveston’s Bathing Beauties Contest began in the summer of 1920 and marked the kick-off for tourist season each year. By 1928, the event had become so popular, the Island’s population was said to have tripled during the event weekend. The famed Galveston Bathing Beauties Contest ended in 1932 due in part to the Great Depression. It was resurrected and renamed The Galveston Island Beach Revue in 2009, in direct response to Hurricane Ike.
Bands & Bombshell Concerts
The 11th Annual Galveston Island Beach Revue isn’t just great competitors and vintage cars. It’s also a stage for great vintage and vintage-inspired music. The music is a crowd pleasure and family fun should be had by all.
- Swimwear Department 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
- The Broken Spokes 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Dandy Wellington & His Band 3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Hot Rod & Classic Car Show
Hot rods, rat rods, vintage trailers and more line up to take part in the Galveston Island Beach Hot Rod & Classic Car show on Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m. at Beach Central, 2102 Seawall Blvd. Admission is free for the general public to view the cars and is part of a full day of vintage-inspired programming.
Food & Vintage Vendors
Beach Revue 2019 expands this year with food trucks, novelty options, and the return of our vintage vendor area. Featuring can’t-miss vintage and vintage-inspired items, this specially curated vendor market will be available for shopping from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. or until the end of the Bathing Beauties Contest.
Traffic and parking will be a challenge, therefore we recommend using the Galveston Island Trolley Bus. Seazatt View Condo and Useazatt View Condo are a short .2 mile walk to the bus stop located at 69th street and Seawall Boulevard.
