Mardi Gras 2020

Texas' biggest Mardi Gras party krewes up exciting 2020 concert lineup

A lawsuit between squabbling islanders recently threatened what’s considered one of the largest and oldest Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States, but in the end, the party will go on.

Mardi Gras Galveston returns for its 109th celebration February 14-25, with parades, beads, booze, and a stacked lineup of musical performers.

Texas rock bands Blue October and Bowling for Soup are among this year's headliners. Other entertainment highlights include La Leyenda and Bidi Bidi Banda, set to head a Latin-flavored Fiesta Gras celebration on February 16 that will feature two parades, a balcony party, and shopping and dining options.

Blue October will perform live at 6 pm on Saturday, February 15, in downtown Galveston’s Saengerfest Park on the Corona Stage during the kickoff weekend of Mardi Gras Galveston. Bowling for Soup will play at 10:30 pm on Friday, February 21, on the Corona Stage during the final weekend.

Serving as the grand marshal of the new Bumpin’ Bus Parade is Houston hip-hop legend and Galveston Island spokesperson Bun B on February 22. He'll make an appearance just before the biggest parade of them all, the Knights of Momus parade.

“This is by far our best band lineup of the last 10 years,” said Yaga’s Entertainment president Mike Dean, who is in his 10th year organizing the festival for the city of Galveston. “Concerts are part of what make the Mardi Gras experience different in Texas, and we are excited to bring in these great local bands and homegrown Texas talent.”

More than 25 concerts will take place during Galveston’s two-week event, alongside 23 parades, 20 official balcony parties (and many more unofficial ones), and several elegant balls. Daily admission to the Mardi Gras entertainment district includes access to all concerts, as well as entrance into the Electric Mardi Gras event on Friday and Saturday of both weekends, with numerous DJs and laser light shows.

According to a statement, Mardi Gras, the traditional festival of feasting and merrymaking that precedes the season of Lent, was first publicly observed on Galveston Island in 1867. Following a sabbatical imposed in 1941 by war and challenging times, Mardi Gras Galveston was revived in 1985 by Galveston-born preservationist and developer George P. Mitchell. The 11-day event is expected to draw more than 300,000 attendees; it's the largest celebration of its kind in Texas and the third largest in the nation.

Admission for all music-related events is $22 at the gate, with discounted prices available in advance online at www.mardigrasgalveston.com.

North Texas rock act Bowling for Soup will perform as a headliner on February 21.

Courtesy Mardi Gras! Galveston

North Texas rock act Bowling for Soup will perform as a headliner on February 21.

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an architect's dream

This stunning steel house is the No. 1 most 'wishlisted' Airbnb in Texas

Robert Bruno Steel House Airbnb in Ransom Canyon, Texas

Photo courtesy of Airbnb

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A stunning architectural paradise just minutes outside of Lubbock is drawing attention as the most sought-after Airbnb property in Texas.

The vacation rental platform's 2026 list of the most "wishlisted" listings in the U.S. surveyed over 2,000 people to find which properties "offer a unique experience for every type of adventurer across all 50 states." More than half of all respondents said uniquely designed listings would attract them to previously overlooked destinations.

The Lone Star State's most desirable — and most fascinating — Airbnb listing is Architectural Marvel: Robert Bruno Steel House, a futuristic 2,200-square-foot three-story piece of art. Last year, the most wishlisted property was a shipping container treehouse in North Texas.

The structure was built and designed by sculptor and Texas Tech University professor Robert Bruno in 1973, but it wasn't quite finished by the time Bruno died in 2008 at the age of 63. The famous building and its history was extensively documented by Texas Monthly in 2022.

"The Robert Bruno Steel House is a one of a kind house and you will never see anything like it," the listing says. "Enjoy the beautiful sunrise on the balcony and the stunning sunset from the large windows."

Robert Bruno Steel House living room Experience the views from the comfort of the living room.Photo courtesy of Airbnb

The Steel House is a 20-minute drive east from Lubbock and about five hours from Dallas, located near Lake Ransom Canyon and offering beautiful views of the water.

The listing says it can accommodate up to eight guests across three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and a spacious living room, and it offers in-unit washer and dryers for extended stays. Guests might become awestruck at the home's organic and unconventional design, the flood of natural light coming through stained glass windows, the sweeping staircases, and more.

"I first discovered this house in the mid[-]90s from an old 80s art magazine," one reviewer said. "This is truly a very rare sculptural an[d] architecture marvel to be able to stay in. The new interiors artfully compliment the design and are comfy. The view in the canyon is splendid through the windows. It was a true treasure and I’m glad it’s open to the public to be shared."

Robert Bruno Steel House bedroom Two of the Steel House bedrooms have queen size beds, while the third bedroom has a king.Photo courtesy of Airbnb

The property also boasts an abundance of local wildlife, such as deer and two great horned owls — which also means drones are prohibited on the premises for their protection.

Two-night minimum stays at the Robert Bruno Steel House in May 2026 start at about $585 per night, according to the listing.

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