GALVESTON — Galveston Island is preparing for a weekend of Independence Day celebrations with parades, fireworks, live entertainment, and historic attractions as communities across the country commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

According to Visit Galveston, festivities are scheduled for Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, with events taking place across the island.

One of the featured events will be Independence Day programming aboard the historic Battleship Texas at Pier 21 on July 3. The free event is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and will include a drone show, gun turret salutes, and a fireworks display.

The Galveston Historical Foundation’s 1877 Tall Ship Elissa will also participate in the national Sail250 celebration in New York Harbor from July 3 through July 8, representing Texas during the nationwide observance.

On July 4, Galveston’s annual Independence Day Parade will begin at 6 p.m. along Seawall Boulevard, starting at 22nd Street and traveling west to 45th Street. The parade will feature floats, marching groups, military tributes, community organizations, and patriotic displays.

Following the parade, the City of Galveston and the Galveston Park Board of Trustees will present a 20-minute fireworks show beginning at approximately 9:15 p.m. near 37th Street and Seawall Boulevard.

Moody Gardens will also celebrate the holiday with its Beats on the Beach event at Palm Beach. The attraction will feature live music throughout the evening before concluding with a fireworks display scheduled to begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. on July 4.

Visit Galveston encourages visitors planning to spend the holiday weekend on the island to make lodging arrangements early as large crowds are expected.