Entrepreneur Johnny Steverson Brings Galveston’s Festivals to Life — and Gives Back to the Island
Johnny Steverson’s festivals have not only redefined Galveston’s tourism scene, but also fostered community growth, local business support, and historical preservation.
By
Oct 22, 2025
NATIONWIDE - OCTOBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) — When Johnny Steverson moved to Galveston, Texas, he didn’t just bring a passion for themed festivals, he brought a vision that would transform the island’s cultural and tourism landscape. Today, through his company WebTek Promotions, Steverson is credited with launching three major festivals that have become integral to the fabric of Galveston: the Galveston Steampunk Festival, the Galveston Pirate Festival, and the Galveston Ghost Coast Festival. These events not only draw thousands of visitors each year but also give back to the island, supporting local businesses, historic venues, and community-driven initiatives.
The Entrepreneurial Spark
A native of Alvin, Texas, Steverson had already built a successful career organizing conventions and events. When he moved to Galveston, he recognized a unique opportunity: the island’s Victorian architecture and rich maritime history offered the perfect canvas for immersive, themed events. Steverson described Galveston as a “perfect backdrop” for bringing historical and fantastical stories to life. His first event, the Galveston Steampunk Festival, debuted in 2022 at the Galveston Railroad Museum, capitalizing on its industrial-era vibe and setting the tone for future events that would merge storytelling with immersive, interactive experiences.
“I knew that Galveston was a place that could amplify the power of themed events,” Steverson said. “It was about more than just fun, it was about creating connections with the community.”
Three Festivals, One Island-Wide Impact
Galveston Steampunk Festival
Held annually in April, the Galveston Steampunk Festival has quickly become one of the island’s most unique events. This three-day festival celebrates all things Victorian-inspired, from steampunk fashion and live entertainment to immersive experiences like teapot races and high tea. Initially launched at the Galveston Railroad Museum, the event has grown, expanding to include venues such as Moody Gardens and the League-Kempner House, reflecting its growing popularity and reach.
Galveston Pirate Festival
Debuting in September 2025, the Galveston Pirate Festival draws on the island’s rich maritime lore. Activities at this festival include pub crawls through the historic Strand District, treasure hunts, live bands, and tours of the WWII submarine and destroyer at Seawolf Park. The city even declared September 15-21 as “Galveston Pirate Festival Week,” further solidifying its place in the island’s cultural calendar.
Galveston Ghost Coast Festival
A highlight of the fall, the Galveston Ghost Coast Festival takes place in October at the historic League-Kempner Mansion. This festival blends paranormal tours, ghost walks, pub crawls, and family-friendly activities, offering a unique opportunity to explore the island’s eerie history. A portion of proceeds from the event also goes toward the preservation of the League-Kempner Mansion, demonstrating Steverson’s commitment to historical conservation alongside cultural celebration.
Economic and Community Benefits
Steverson’s festivals are more than just themed entertainment, they are significant economic drivers for Galveston. Each festival plays a role in drawing visitors during the “shoulder seasons” (April, September, October), when traditional summer tourism starts to wane. In 2023, Galveston saw 8.9 million visitors, contributing $1.3 billion in direct spending and an overall economic impact of $1.7 billion.
Steverson’s events contribute to this economic boom by:
Driving tourism: Each festival draws visitors from across Texas and beyond, increasing overnight stays and spending.
Supporting local vendors: Festivals feature local merchants and vendors, offering small businesses a platform to showcase their products to large regional audiences.
Preserving historic venues: A portion of proceeds from events like the Ghost Coast Festival go toward the upkeep of historic sites like the League Kempner Mansion, ensuring these treasures remain for future generations.
Activating neighborhoods: Events like the Steampunk Festival’s pub crawl and the Pirate Festival’s downtown activities foster foot traffic in local business districts, benefiting Galveston’s small business community.
Festivals with Purpose: A Commitment to Community
Beyond entertainment, Steverson’s festivals are also designed with a strong community focus. For example, the Ghost Coast Festival includes educational tours of Galveston’s historic architecture and cemetery walks, blending tourism with local heritage. Similarly, the Steampunk Festival features interactive experiences like the "Tea on a Train" and "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" adventure, at Moody Gardens which combine fun with education, offering both entertainment and learning opportunities.
Steverson’s festivals are about connections between the community, its history, and its future. “It’s not just about costumes and fun,” he explained. “It’s about creating connections and keeping the story alive in a way that benefits everyone.”
A Bright Future for Galveston Festivals
As Steverson’s festivals continue to grow, he’s focused on sustainable growth that benefits both the community and the local economy. By spreading out events throughout the year, he helps smooth tourism flows, offering recurring benefits to local stakeholders and ensuring that Galveston’s economy remains vibrant year-round.
Steverson’s success has been made possible by his ability to blend high-quality production with deep local involvement. WebTek Promotions, the company he founded to manage his festivals, has quickly become one of Galveston’s fastest-growing creative event brands. Known for its focus on community reinvestment and sustainable tourism, WebTek has produced three major festivals that consistently sell out each year.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Giving Back
Steverson’s broader vision extends beyond entertainment and tourism; it is about giving back. Through WebTek Promotions, he has created hundreds of local vendor opportunities, generated national media coverage for Galveston’s event scene, and partnered with key local organizations like the Galveston Railroad Museum and the League-Kempner Mansion to support preservation and tourism. Recently, WebTek Promotions was awarded “Best Marketing Firm” by Galveston.com in the Best of the Island Awards, solidifying its place as a driving force in the island’s cultural landscape.
“Every event should leave a place better than it found it,” Steverson says. “WebTek exists to make sure our creativity supports real people and real history.”
Join the Celebration
If you’re looking for an unforgettable weekend on Galveston Island, the upcoming Steampunk Festival in April 2026 promises high energy and fun for all ages. But the real story lies in how Johnny Steverson’s visionary festivals are helping to shape the future of Galveston, celebrating the island’s rich history while providing opportunities for local businesses, tourism, and cultural preservation.
For more information on upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit Johnny Steverson's Facebook, Galveston Pirate Festival, Galveston Steampunk, Ghost Coast Festival, and Ghost Coast Festival Website.
